Investment in NEC TOKIN (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Adjustments:
Equity Loss from NEC TOKIN	$ (2,169)	$ (7,090)	$ (1,254)
NEC TOKIN
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
NEC TOKIN net loss	(24,091)	(42,937)	(2,216)
KEMET's equity ownership %	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Equity loss from NEC TOKIN before Adjustments	(8,191)	(14,599)	(753)
Adjustments:
Amortization and depreciation	(2,270)	(1,390)	(247)
Gain on sale of long-lived assets adjustment	0	(5,998)	0
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets adjustment	0	14,643	0
Inventory valuation adjustment	0	254	(254)
Loss Contingency Accrual	8,500	0	0
Equity Method investment, Purchase Price Adjustment, Inventory Profit Elimination	(208)	0	0
Equity Loss from NEC TOKIN	$ (2,169)	$ (7,090)	$ (1,254)