CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 24,712	$ 29,191	$ (72,148)
Currency translation adjustment	(2,802)	(1,546)	2,297
Defined benefit pension amounts reclassified to income, net of tax of $1,229 in 2013, $420 in 2012 and $26 in 2011	(13,717)	(15,324)	(2,789)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,519)	(16,870)	(492)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	8,193	12,321	(72,640)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	699	(260)	(615)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alliance One International, Inc.	$ 7,494	$ 12,581	$ (72,025)