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Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	May 29, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000880807
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,994,311
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 149.2

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 46,279	$ 123,783
Marketable securities	5,304	116,126
Accounts receivable, net	18,999	15,259
Inventory	29,256	25,828
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	31,444	32,759
Restricted cash	12,086	5,566
Deferred tax assets	203	484
Total current assets	143,571	319,805
Property, plant and equipment, net	90,828	96,494
Intangibles, net	3,772	7,054
Restricted cash	2,540
Deferred tax assets	3,129	5,840
Other assets	11,216	12,016
Total assets	255,056	441,209
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	37,582	90,273
Adverse purchase commitments	25,894	38,763
Deferred revenue	19,718	10,304
Deferred tax liabilities	3,129	5,840
Total current liabilities	86,323	145,180
Deferred revenue	1,558	2,181
Deferred tax liabilities	203	484
Other liabilities	2,093	509
Total liabilities	90,177	148,354
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 51,962,141 and 50,719,827 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	520	507
Additional paid-in capital	896,603	885,704
Treasury stock, at cost, 23,861 shares at March 31, 2012	(271)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,027	3,817
Accumulated deficit	(734,000)	(597,173)
Total stockholders' equity	164,879	292,855
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 255,056	$ 441,209

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	51,962,141	50,719,827
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,962,141	50,719,827
Treasury Stock, shares	23,861

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 76,543	$ 286,603	$ 315,955
Cost and operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	82,882	308,183	200,977
Research and development	27,271	32,517	23,593
Selling, general and administrative	72,118	72,382	50,446
Restructuring and impairments	9,188	49,955	451
Write-off of advance payment	20,551
Amortization of acquisition related intangibles	972	1,549	1,827
Total operating expenses	212,982	464,586	277,294
Operating (loss) income	(136,439)	(177,983)	38,661
Interest income, net	243	830	788
Other income (expense), net	738	6,822	(2,693)
(Loss) income before income tax expense	(135,458)	(170,331)	36,756
Income tax expense	1,369	15,953	20,508
Net (loss) income	$ (136,827)	$ (186,284)	$ 16,248
Net (loss) income per common share
Basic	$ (2.69)	$ (3.95)	$ 0.37
Diluted	$ (2.69)	$ (3.95)	$ 0.36
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic	50,842	47,103	44,445
Diluted	50,842	47,103	45,290

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (136,827)	$ (186,284)	$ 16,248
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	(1,790)	10,918	(2,487)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges		1,170
Reclassification of ineffective hedge gains to net income		(1,170)
Unrealized losses on investments		(90)	(37)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,790)	10,828	(2,524)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (138,617)	$ (175,456)	$ 13,724

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax effect change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges after taxes. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. The change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase or decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

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+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

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- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period.

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+ Details

- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

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+ Details

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Deferred Contract Costs-Warrant [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Total
Balance at Mar. 31, 2009	$ 433	$ 653,054	$ (2)		$ (4,487)	$ (427,137)	$ 221,861
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2009	43,298,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 8	18,632					18,640
Exercise of stock options, shares	810,000
Issuance of common stock - ESPP		363					363
Issuance of common stock - ESPP, shares	14,000
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares	$ 2	(2)
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares, shares	233,000
Stock-based compensation expense		13,494					13,494
Non-employee stock-based compensation expense		138					138
Issuance of stock for 401(k) match	$ 1	857					858
Issuance of stock for 401(k) match, shares	33,000
Contingent consideration	$ 4	10,824					10,828
Contingent consideration, shares	426,000
Minority interest investment		1,057					1,057
Minority interest investment, shares	32,000
Amortization of deferred warrant costs			$ 2				2
Net unrealized losses on investments					(37)		(37)
Cumulative translation adjustment					(2,487)		(2,487)
Net (loss) income						16,248	16,248
Balance at Mar. 31, 2010	$ 448	698,417			(7,011)	(410,889)	280,965
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2010	44,846,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 6	7,198					7,204
Exercise of stock options, shares	567,000
Issuance of common stock - ESPP		614					614
Issuance of common stock - ESPP, shares	26,000
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares	$ 3	(3)
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares, shares	301,000
Stock-based compensation expense		13,412					13,412
Non-employee stock-based compensation expense		31					31
Issuance of stock for 401(k) match		841					841
Issuance of stock for 401(k) match, shares	29,000
Issuance of common stock- follow-on public offering, net of costs	$ 46	155,194					155,240
Issuance of common stock- follow-on public offering, net of costs, shares	4,600,000
Contingent consideration	$ 4	10,000					10,004
Contingent consideration, shares	350,000
Net unrealized losses on investments					(90)		(90)
Cumulative translation adjustment					10,918		10,918
Net (loss) income						(186,284)	(186,284)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2011	$ 507	885,704			3,817	(597,173)	$ 292,855
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2011	50,719,000						50,719,827
Exercise of stock options		24					$ 24
Exercise of stock options, shares	3,000						2,700
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	$ 1	303					$ 304
Issuance of common stock - ESPP, shares	89,000
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares	$ 7	(7)
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares, shares	698,000
Stock-based compensation expense		9,864					9,864
Issuance of stock for 401(k) match	$ 1	719					720
Issuance of stock for 401(k) match, shares	127,000
Contingent consideration	$ 4	(4)
Contingent consideration, shares	350,000
Cumulative translation adjustment					(1,790)		(1,790)
Net (loss) income						(136,827)	(136,827)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 520	$ 896,603		$ (271)	$ 2,027	$ (734,000)	$ 164,879
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2012	51,986,000						51,962,141
Treasury stock, at cost				$ (271)			$ (271)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (136,827)	$ (186,284)	$ 16,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	15,455	11,300	9,789
Stock-based compensation expense	9,864	13,443	13,632
Write-off of advanced payment to The Switch	20,551
Patent costs	4,917
Restructuring charges, net of payments	2,798
Impairment of goodwill		48,959
Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets	1,715	996
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	4,357	63,882
Adverse purchase commitment losses (recoveries), net	(1,299)	38,763
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable		25	(523)
Write-off of prepaid taxes		5,905
Loss on minority interest investments	2,407	1,396	156
Deferred income taxes		3,660	(2,717)
Other non-cash items	771	949	999
Changes in operating asset and liability accounts:
Accounts receivable	(4,820)	63,175	(16,993)
Inventory	(7,528)	(51,942)	(656)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,685	(15,428)	(10,051)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(64,148)	(222)	23,775
Deferred revenue	9,060	(21,398)	7,021
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(141,042)	(22,821)	40,680
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(10,895)	(40,862)	(16,541)
Purchase of marketable securities		(157,905)	(81,980)
Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities	110,117	104,830	59,387
Change in restricted cash	(9,093)	247	1,602
Purchase of intangible assets	(4,227)	(2,514)	(1,516)
Purchase of minority investments	(1,800)	(9,765)	(848)
Advanced payment for planned acquisition	(20,551)
Change in other assets	(214)	1,136	(100)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	63,337	(104,833)	(39,996)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Employee taxes paid related to net settlement of equity awards	(271)
Proceeds from debt	4,682
Repayment of debt	(4,682)
Proceeds from public equity offering, net		155,240
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and ESPP	328	7,818	19,003
Net cash provided by financing activities	57	163,058	19,003
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	144	785	(2,767)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(77,504)	36,189	16,920
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	123,783	87,594	70,674
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	46,279	123,783	87,594
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	13,357	16,434	12,387
Non-cash contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions		10,004	10,828
Non-cash issuance of common stock	$ 720	$ 842	$ 1,915

Nature Of The Business And Operations	12 Months Ended
Nature Of The Business And Operations	Mar. 31, 2012
Nature Of The Business And Operations [Abstract]
Nature Of The Business And Operations	1. Nature of the Business and Operations American Superconductor Corporation ("AMSC" or the "Company") was founded on April 9, 1987. The Company is a leading provider of megawatt-scale solutions that lower the cost of wind power and enhance the performance of the power grid. In the wind power market, the Company enables manufacturers to field wind turbines through its advanced engineering, support services and power electronics products. In the power grid market, the Company enables electric utilities and renewable energy project developers to connect, transmit and distribute power through its transmission planning services and power electronics and superconductor-based products. The Company's wind and power grid products and services provide exceptional reliability, security, efficiency and affordability to its customers. At March 31, 2012, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $51.6 million. The Company experienced a substantial decline in revenues, incurred a net loss of $136.8 million and used $141.0 million of cash for operations during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. As a result, the Company reduced its global workforce by approximately 50% and consolidated certain business operations in three locations to reduce facility costs. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had a global workforce of approximately 400 persons. The Company expects that its cost reduction efforts and anticipated revenue growth will result in a substantial reduction in cash used for operations during the year ending March 31, 2013. The Company plans to closely monitor its expenses and if required, expects to further reduce operating costs and capital spending to enhance liquidity. At March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued liabilities related to adverse purchase commitments for inventory totaling $25.9 million. The Company is working with its inventory suppliers to delay cash settlements and to reduce the gross liability associated with its adverse purchase commitments. During the quarter ending June 30, 2012, the Company agreed to provide certain vendors with letters of credit in the amount of approximately $9.0 million which resulted in additional restricted cash of approximately $8.5 million and a reduction of its adverse purchase commitments liability of $7.4 million. See Note 18, "Subsequent Events," for additional information. On April 4, 2012, the Company completed a private placement of $25.0 million of 7% senior convertible notes ("Notes"). See Note 18, "Subsequent Events," for further information regarding the Company's private placement of Notes. The Notes contain certain covenants and restrictions, including, among others, that for so long as the Notes are outstanding, the Company will not incur any indebtedness (other than permitted indebtedness under the Notes), permit liens on its properties (other than permitted liens under the Notes), make payments on junior securities or make dividends. The Notes also contain limitations on the transfer of certain assets. Events of default under the Notes include failure to pay principal or interest as due on the Notes, failure to deliver registered shares of common stock upon the holders request for conversion of part or all of the Notes, failure to maintain the Company's common stock eligible for trading on defined markets, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, receipt of uninsured judgments against the Company in excess of defined limits and other administrative covenants, as defined in the Notes and related documentation. Upon an event of default, the holders may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes in cash plus a penalty as specified in the agreement. In addition, if the Company fails to maintain an effective registration statement covering common stock to be used in settling obligations under the Notes, the Company will be required to pay a penalty as specified in the agreement. On June 5, 2012, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Hercules Technology Growth Capital, under which the Company borrowed $10.0 million. See Note 18, "Subsequent Events," for further information regarding the Company's Loan and Security Agreement. The loan contains certain covenants and restrictions including, among others, a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance in the U.S. of at least $10.0 million at the inception of the loan, which will decrease starting November 1, 2012 and monthly thereafter by the amount of principal paid. Although the Company believes that it has the ability to maintain compliance with the Notes and loan covenants and restrictions, there can no assurance that the Company will be in compliance. The Company believes that its available cash, together with additional reductions in operating costs and capital expenditures that it expects to make if necessary, will be sufficient to fund its operations, capital expenditures and any scheduled cash payments under its debt obligations for twelve months from the balance sheet date. The Company's liquidity is highly dependent on its ability to profitably grow revenues, successfully manage adverse purchase commitments, fund and maintain compliance with the covenants and restrictions on its debt obligations, and raise additional capital, as required. The Company may seek additional financing; however, there can be no assurance that financing will be available on commercially acceptable terms or at all.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications of prior years' amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, cash flows from operating activities or stockholders' equity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America, ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, collectability of receivables, realizability of inventory, goodwill and intangible assets, warranty provisions, stock-based compensation, tax reserves, and deferred tax assets. Provisions for depreciation are based on their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Some of these estimates can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. While for any given estimate or assumption made by the Company's management there may be other estimates or assumptions that are reasonable, the Company believes that, given the current facts and circumstances, it is unlikely that applying any such other reasonable estimate or assumption would materially impact the financial statements.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist principally of certificates of deposits and money market accounts.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist primarily of government-backed securities and commercial paper. The Company's marketable securities generally have maturities of greater than three months from original purchase date but less than twelve months from the date of the balance sheet. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such classification as of each balance sheet date. All marketable securities are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Fair values are based on quoted market prices. The unrealized gains and losses related to these securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). When securities are sold, the cost is determined based on the specific identification method and realized gains and losses are included in interest income, net. The Company periodically reviews the realizability of each short and long-term marketable security when impairment indicators exist with respect to the security. If an other-than-temporary impairment of value of the security exists, the carrying value of the security is written down to its estimated fair value.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of amounts owed by commercial companies and government agencies. Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. The Company's accounts receivable relate principally to a limited number of customers. Changes in the financial condition or operations of our customers may result in increased delayed payments or non-payments which would adversely impact its cash flows from operating activities and/or its results of operations. As such the Company may require collateral, advanced payment or other security based upon the customer history and/or creditworthiness. In determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based primarily on the probability of recoverability based on historical collection and write-off experience, the age of past due receivables, specific customer circumstances, and current economic trends. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payment, additional allowances may be required. Failure to accurately estimate the losses for doubtful accounts and ensure that payments are received on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

Inventory

Inventories include material, direct labor and related manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or market determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company records inventory when it takes delivery and title to the product.

Program costs may be deferred and recorded as inventory on contracts on which costs are incurred in excess of approved contractual amounts and/or funding, if future recovery of the costs is deemed probable.

At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. Inventories that management consider excess or obsolete are written down. Management considers forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles when determining excess and obsolescence and net realizable value adjustments. Once inventory is written down and a new cost basis is established, it is not written back up if demand increases.

For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $4.4 million based on evaluating its ending inventory on hand for excess quantities and obsolescence. The Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $63.9 million during the year ended March 31, 2011, based on its evaluation of forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand and market conditions surrounding its products as a result of the assumption that Sinovel and certain other customers in China will fail to meet their contractual obligations and demand that was previously forecasted will fail to materialize. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a benefit to cost of revenues of $0.8 million related to the sale or usage of inventories written down in a prior period.

Purchase commitments

The Company periodically enters into non-cancelable purchase contracts in order to ensure the availability of materials to support production of its products. The Company periodically assesses the need to provide for impairment on these purchase contracts and record a loss on purchase commitments when required. During the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded losses of $38.8 million to cost of revenues as a result of commitments to purchase materials that were in excess of its estimated future demand from certain of its customers in China. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued liabilities related to adverse purchase commitments totaling $25.9 million. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company adjusted its accrual for adverse purchase commitments by $1.3 million due to settlements with vendors. Recoveries are recorded in the period the settlements are executed.

During the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2011, several vendors notified the Company that they had suffered losses as a result of procuring safety stock in anticipation of receiving future purchase orders or contracts from the Company. The Company has accrued outstanding adverse purchase commitments based on legally binding contracts and purchase orders that were placed with its vendors for parts with no future demand. The vendor claims for safety stock were not supported by valid purchase orders or executed contracts and not considered part of the adverse purchase commitment liability. The claims for safety stock have not been accrued as of March 31, 2012. The Company has determined that although it believes that there is no legally enforceable contract for safety stock and will continue to defend its legal position that it does not owe amounts for safety stock, that it is reasonably possible that a case may be made against the Company under certain situations. As the loss is reasonably possible but not probable, the Company has not accounted for the loss. The Company has determined that the range for this potential loss is between $0 and $4 million.

Derivatives

The Company's foreign currency risk management strategy is principally designed to mitigate the potential financial impact of changes in the value of transactions and balances denominated in foreign currency resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's foreign currency hedging program uses both forward contracts and currency options to manage the foreign currency exposures that exist as part of its ongoing business operations. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Cash Flow Hedges

From time to time, the Company hedges a portion of its intercompany sales of inventory over a maximum period of 15 months using forward foreign currency exchange contracts, accounted for as cash flow hedges, to mitigate the impact of volatility associated with foreign currency transactions.

For forward foreign exchange contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges, if they are effective in offsetting the variability of the hedged cash flows, and otherwise meet the hedge accounting criteria, changes in the derivatives value are not included in current earnings but are included in other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. The changes in fair value will subsequently be reclassified into earnings as a component of cost of revenues, as applicable, when the forecasted transaction occurs. Effectiveness is assessed at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis. To the extent that a previously forecasted transaction is no longer an effective hedge, any ineffectiveness measured in the hedging relationship is recorded in earnings in the period the ineffectiveness occurs. Realized gains and losses resulting from these cash flow hedges offset the foreign exchange gains and losses on the underlying transactions being hedged. Gains and losses on derivatives not designated for hedge accounting or representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in other income (expense), net. The assessments determine whether derivatives designated as qualifying hedges continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value is included in current period earnings. Cash flow hedge accounting is deemed ineffective when the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring on the originally forecasted date, or 60 days thereafter.

Balance Sheet Hedges

In addition to cash flow hedges, from time to time the Company also enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange risk related to certain non-functional currency receivable balances in its foreign entities. The Company typically does not elect hedge accounting treatment for these hedges and consequently, changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded within other income (expense), net, in the period which they occur.

All derivatives, whether designated in a hedging relationship or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. This guidance also requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, and that the Company formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. The effectiveness of the derivative as a hedging instrument is based on changes in its market value being highly correlated with changes in the market value of the underlying hedged item.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company accounts for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives as follows:


Asset classification	Estimated useful life in years
Building	40
Process upgrades to the building	10-40
Machinery and equipment	3-10
Furniture and fixtures	3-5
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement or other disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating expenses.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates its long-lived assets consisting principally of fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets for potential impairment. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for the treatment of long-lived assets, the Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets or asset group that is held and used, including intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Under the held and used approach, the asset or asset group to be tested for impairment should represent the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows.

In November 2011, the Company completed certain restructuring activities in order to reduce costs and to align its strategic priorities to capitalize on near and long-term opportunities in its Grid segment. As a result, the Company concluded that there were indicators of potential impairment of certain long-lived assets in its Grid segment and therefore conducted an assessment of the recoverability of these assets during the three months ended December 31, 2011 by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the pre-tax undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets over their remaining book useful lives. Based on the calculation performed by management, the sum of the undiscounted cash flows forecasted to be generated by certain assets within its Grid segment were less than the carrying value of those assets. Therefore, there was an indication that certain of the Company's Grid assets were impaired and, as a result, the Company performed additional analysis. An evaluation of the level of impairment was made by comparing the implied fair value of those definite long-lived tangible and intangible assets of its Grid segment against their carrying values.

The fair values of the impacted property and equipment were based on what the Company could reasonably expect to sell each asset from the perspective of a market participant. The determination of the fair value of its property and equipment includes estimates and judgments regarding the marketability and ultimate sales price of individual assets. The Company utilized market data and approximations from comparable analyses to arrive at the estimated fair values of the impacted property and equipment. The fair values of amortizable intangible assets related to completed technology were determined using the relief-from-royalty method over the estimated economic lives of those assets from the perspective of a market participant. During the three months ended December 31, 2011, the Company determined that certain of its Grid segment property, plant and equipment were impaired as their carrying value exceeded their fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.7 million.

In addition, for the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $2.2 million of facility exit costs as a result of its restructuring plan.

Equity Method Investments

The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities in which it has an ownership interest, but does not exercise a controlling interest in the operating and financial policies of an investee. Under this method, an investment is carried at the acquisition cost, plus the Company's equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue for product sales upon customer acceptance, which can occur at the time of delivery, installation or post-installation, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and the collectability is reasonably assured. Existing customers are subject to ongoing credit evaluations based on payment history and other factors. If it is determined during the arrangement that collectability is not reasonably assured, revenue is recognized on a cash basis of accounting. Certain of the Company's contracts involve retention amounts which are contingent upon meeting certain performance requirements through the expiration of the contract warranty periods. For contractual arrangements that involve retention, the Company recognizes revenue for these amounts when upon the expiration of the warranty period, meeting the performance requirements and when collection of the fee is reasonably assured.

During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company determined that revenues from certain of its customers in China could not be recorded for shipments made according to the delivery terms, as the fee was not fixed or determinable or collectability was not reasonably assured. For these customers, the Company is utilizing a cash basis of accounting with cash applied first against accounts receivable balances, then costs of shipments (inventory and value added taxes) before recognizing any gross margin. No shipments were made to these customers in the year ended March 31, 2012. Payments of $5.2 million were received from these customers during the year ended March 31, 2012, for past shipments and recorded as revenue.

For certain arrangements, such as contracts to perform research and development, prototype development contracts and certain product sales, the Company records revenues using the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. Percentage-of-completion revenue recognition accounting is predominantly used on long-term prototype development contracts with the U.S. government and certain commercial turnkey contracts. The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. However, the ability to reliably estimate total costs at completion is challenging, especially on long-term prototype development contracts, and could result in future changes in contract estimates. For contracts where reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs cannot be made, the Company follows the completed-contract method.

For sales that involve the delivery of multiple elements, we allocate revenue to each undelivered element based on the element's fair value as determined by vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), which is the price charged when that element is sold separately, or third-party evidence ("TPE"). When VSOE and TPE are unavailable, fair value is based on our best estimate of selling price utilizing a cost plus reasonable margin consistent with how the Company has set pricing historically for similar products and services. When our estimates are used to determine fair value, management makes its estimates using reasonable and objective evidence to determine the price. We review VSOE and TPE at least annually. If we conclude we are unable to establish fair values for one or more undelivered elements within a multiple-element arrangement using VSOE then we use TPE or our best estimate of the selling price for that unit of accounting, being the price at which the vendor would transact if the unit of accounting were sold by the vendor regularly on a standalone basis.

The Company occasionally enters into construction contracts that include a performance bond. As these contracts progress, the Company continually assesses the probability of a payout from the performance bond. Should the Company determine that such a payout is likely; the Company would record a liability. The Company would reduce revenue to the extent a liability is recorded.

The Company enters into certain arrangements to license its technologies and to provide training services. The Company has determined that the license has no standalone value to the customer and is not separable from the training. Accordingly, the Company accounts for these arrangements as a single unit of accounting, following the revenue recognition pattern of the last deliverable of these arrangements and recognizes revenue over the period of the Company's performance and milestones that have been achieved. Costs for these arrangements are expensed as incurred.

The Company has elected to record taxes collected from customers on a net basis and does not include tax amounts in revenue or costs of revenue.

Customer deposits received in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue until customer acceptance is received. Deferred revenue also represents the amount billed to and/or collected from commercial and government customers on contracts which permit billings to occur in advance of contract performance/revenue recognition.

Product Warranty

Warranty obligations are incurred in connection with the sale of the Company's products. The Company generally provides a one to three year warranty on its products, commencing upon installation. The costs incurred to provide for these warranty obligations are estimated and recorded as an accrued liability at the time of sale. Future warranty costs are estimated based on historical performance rates and related costs to repair given products. The accounting estimate related to product warranty involves judgment in determining future estimated warranty costs. Should actual performance rates or repair costs differ from estimates, revision to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company's provision for income taxes is composed of a current and a deferred portion. The current income tax provision is calculated as the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. The deferred income tax provision is calculated for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards using expected tax rates in effect in the years during which the differences are expected to reverse.

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each fiscal year end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against its U.S. and foreign deferred income tax assets since the Company believes that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets are not currently realizable due to uncertainty around profitability in the future.

Accounting for income taxes requires a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if, based on the technical merits, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Any changes in these factors could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. The Company includes interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based payment transactions using a fair value-based method and recognizes the related expense in the results of operations.

Stock-based compensation is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the award. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined by reference to the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of awards with service and performance conditions. For awards with service conditions only, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service/vesting period. The Company uses the lattice model to value market condition awards. For awards with market conditions with a single cliff vest feature, the Company recognizes compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For awards with performance condition, accruals of compensation cost are made based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions. The cumulative effect of changes in the probability outcomes are recorded in the period in which the changes occur.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and related assumptions requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatilities of the Company's common stock and expected terms. The expected volatility rates are estimated based on historical and implied volatilities of the Company's common stock. The expected term represents the average time that the options that vest are expected to be outstanding based on the vesting provisions and the Company's historical exercise, cancellation and expiration patterns.

The Company estimates pre-vesting forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense based on historical and forward-looking factors. Changes in estimated forfeiture rates and differences between estimated forfeiture rates and actual experience may result in significant, unanticipated increases or decreases in stock-based compensation expense from period to period. The termination of employment of certain employees who hold large numbers of stock-based awards may also have a significant, unanticipated impact on forfeiture experience and, therefore, on stock-based compensation expense. The Company will update these assumptions on at least an annual basis and on an interim basis if significant changes to the assumptions are warranted.

Computation of Net (Loss) Income per Common Share

Basic net (loss) income per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period, calculated using the treasury stock method. Common equivalent shares include the effect of restricted stock, exercise of stock options and warrants and contingently issuable shares. For the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, common equivalent shares of 2,290,416, 2,631,251, and 688,300, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as they were considered antidilutive. The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the EPS calculation for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 (in thousands except per share amounts):


		Year ended March 31,
		2012			2011			2010

Numerator:
Net (loss) income	$	(136,827	)	$	(186,284	)	$	16,248
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding		51,144			47,750			44,493
Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase		(302	)		(647	)		(48	)
Shares used in per-share calculation basic		50,842			47,103			44,445
Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans		-			-			845
Shares used in per-share calculation diluted		50,842			47,103			45,290
Net (loss) income per share basic	$	(2.69	)	$	(3.95	)	$	0.37
Net (loss) income per share diluted	$	(2.69	)	$	(3.95	)	$	0.36

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of all the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, except for AMSC Austria, for which the local currency (Euro) is the functional currency, and AMSC China, for which the local currency (Renminbi) is the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of AMSC Austria and AMSC China are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense items are translated at average rates for the period. Cumulative translation adjustments are excluded from net income (loss) and shown as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Net foreign currency transaction and hedging gains (losses), are included in net (loss) income and were $3.1 million, $8.0 million and ($2.5) million for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company has no restrictions on the foreign exchange activities of its foreign subsidiaries, including the payment of dividends and other distributions.

Risks and Uncertainties

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates and would impact future results of operations and cash flows.

The Company invests its available cash with high-credit, quality financial instruments and invests primarily in investment grade-marketable securities, including, but not limited to, government obligations, money market funds and corporate debt instruments.

Several of the Company's government contracts are being funded incrementally, and as such, are subject to the future authorization, appropriation, and availability of government funding. The Company has a history of successfully obtaining financing under incrementally-funded contracts with the U.S. government and it expects to continue to receive additional contract modifications in the year ending March 31, 2012 and beyond as incremental funding is authorized and appropriated by the government.

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types. The Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for these matters when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Management reviews these estimates in each accounting period as additional information is known and adjusts the loss provision when appropriate. If the loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. If, with respect to a matter, it is not both probable to result in liability and the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, an estimate of possible loss or range of loss is disclosed unless such an estimate cannot be made. The Company does not recognize gain contingencies until they are realized. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. See Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies," for further information regarding the Company's pending litigation.

Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company's financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value.

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures

3. Marketable Securities and Fair Value Disclosures

Marketable Securities

The Company's marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and, accordingly, are recorded at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value is included in stockholders' equity. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were investments with an immaterial gross unrealized loss.

The following is a summary of marketable securities at March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):


				Gross		Gross	Fair Market
		Cost at		Unrealized		Unrealized	Value at
		March 31, 2012		Gains		Losses	March 31, 2012

Short-term commercial paper	$	5,276	$	28	$	—	5,304


				Gross		Gross			Fair Market
		Cost at		Unrealized		Unrealized			Value at
		March 31, 2011		Gains		Losses			March 31, 2011

Short-term government-backed securities	$	76,368	$	21	$	(18	)	$	76,371

Short-term commercial paper		39,728		45		(18	)		39,755

Fair Value Hierarchy

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance related to disclosures of fair value measurements. The guidance requires gross presentation of activity within the Level 3 measurement roll-forward and details of transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements. It also clarifies two existing disclosure requirements on the level of disaggregation of fair value measurements and disclosures on inputs and valuation techniques. A change in the hierarchy of an investment from its current level will be reflected in the period during which the pricing methodology of such investment changes. Disclosure of the transfer of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 3 will be made in the event that the related security is significant to total cash and investments. The Company did not have any transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

A valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value has been established. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for

identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

A financial asset's or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table provides the assets and liabilities carried at fair value, measured as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):


		Total		Quoted Prices in		Using Significant Other		Using Significant
		Carrying		Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
March 31, 2012:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	23,485	$	23,485	$	—	$	—
Short-term commercial paper		5,304		—		5,304		—


		Total		Quoted Prices in		Using Significant Other		Using Significant
		Carrying		Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
March 31, 2011:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	49,837	$	49,837	$	—	$	—
Short-term government-backed securities		76,371		—		76,371		—
Short-term commercial paper		39,755		—		39,755		—
Derivatives		3,087		—		3,087		—

Valuation Techniques

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments with maturities of three months or less that are regarded as high quality, low risk investments and are measured using such inputs as quoted prices, and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Cash equivalents consist principally of certificate of deposits and money market accounts.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist primarily of government-backed securities and commercial paper and are measured using such inputs as quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means, and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Short-term marketable securities generally have maturities of greater than three months from original purchase date but less than twelve months from the date of the balance sheet. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such classification as of each balance sheet date. All marketable securities are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The Company periodically reviews the realizability of each short-term and long-term marketable security when impairment indicators exist with respect to the security. If an other-than-temporary impairment of value of the security exists, the carrying value of the security is written down to its estimated fair value.

Derivatives

The derivatives entered into by the Company are valued using over-the-counter quoted market prices for similar instruments, and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

4. Derivative Financial Instruments

Cash Flow Hedges

At March 31, 2011, the Company had forward contracts outstanding to hedge cash flow exposure at the Company's wholly-owned Austrian subsidiary, AMSC Windtec GmbH ("AMSC Austria"), with aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent notional amounts of $40.9 million. These contracts expired at various dates through March 2012. At March 31, 2011, the Company determined, that these forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding were no longer effective hedges based on the Company's determination that the original forecasted transactions were not probable of occurring by the end of the originally specified time period. As a result, the Company reclassified accumulated gains of $1.6 million from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to other income (expense), net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. At March 31, 2012, the Company had no forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

The fair value amounts of asset derivatives included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and liability derivatives included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets related to forward foreign exchange contracts as of March 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):


	Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
		March 31,		March 31,
		2011		2011
Forward foreign exchange contract derivatives not designated as
cash flow hedges	$	2,008	$	—

The Company recognized the following pre-tax gains in other comprehensive income related to forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2011

Gains recognized in other comprehensive income	$	1,560
Gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to other		(1,560	)
income (expense), net due to ineffective hedges
Total	$	—

The Company recognized the following pre-tax gains (losses) related to forward foreign exchange contracts in the consolidated statements of income (in thousands):


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2011
Gains recognized in other income (expense), net	$	3,206
Gains recognized in cost of revenues		1,514
Gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to other income
(expense) on discontinued cash flow hedges		1,560
Total	$	6,280

Balance Sheet Hedges

At March 31, 2011, the Company had forward contracts outstanding with aggregate U.S. dollar equivalent notional amounts of $125.5 million. At March 31, 2012, the Company did not have any forward contracts outstanding.

The fair value amounts of asset derivatives included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and liability derivatives included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets related to forward foreign exchange contracts related to non-functional currency receivable balances as of March 31, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):


		Asset derivatives		Liability derivatives
		March 31,		March 31,
		2011		2011
Forward foreign exchange contracts related to non-
functional currency receivable balances	$	1,079	$	—

The Company recognized the following pre-tax gains (losses) related to forward foreign exchange contracts related to nonfunctional currency receivable balances in the consolidated statements of income (in thousands):


				For the years ended March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense), net	$	1,734	$	6,666	$	(3,345	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

+ Details

Accounts Receivable

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Accounts Receivable [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable

5. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable at March 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012			2011
Accounts receivable (billed)	$	16,240		$	10,938
Accounts receivable (unbilled)		2,811			5,004
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(52	)		(683	)
Accounts receivable, net	$	18,999		$	15,259

Inventory

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Inventory [Abstract]

Inventory

6. Inventory

Inventory at March 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Raw materials	$	9,962	$	17,100
Work-in-progress		2,390		2,881
Finished goods		14,438		3,466
Deferred program costs		2,466		2,381
Inventory	$	29,256	$	25,828

For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $4.4 million based on evaluating its ending inventory on hand for excess quantities and obsolescence. For the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $63.9 million based on its evaluation of forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand and market conditions surrounding its products as a result of the assumption that Sinovel and certain other customers in China will fail to meet their contractual obligations under existing supply agreements and demand that was previously forecasted will fail to materialize.

Deferred program costs as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 primarily represent costs incurred on D-VAR turnkey projects and programs accounted for under contract accounting where revenue and costs will be recognized when the Company completes the development programs.

Property, Plant And Equipment

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant And Equipment

7. Property, Plant and Equipment

The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment at March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012			2011
Land	$	4,022		$	4,022
Construction in progress—equipment		25,331			25,968
Buildings		36,808			36,852
Equipment and software		62,785			57,151
Furniture and fixtures		1,788			1,807
Leasehold improvements		6,125			5,024
Property, plant and equipment, gross		136,859			130,824
Less accumulated depreciation		(46,031	)		(34,330	)


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	90,828	$	96,494

Depreciation expense was $12.9 million, $8.4 million, and $7.1 million for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. See Note 15, "Restructuring and Impairments," for additional information regarding the effect the Company's restructuring plan had on property, plant and equipment.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company tested goodwill for impairment at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events, which may have indicated that impairment had occurred. The provisions of the accounting guidance for goodwill require that a two-step impairment test be performed on goodwill. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value, which is determined using a discounted cash flow technique, of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of that unit, then the Company must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting entity's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds it implied fair value, the Company records an impairment loss equal to the difference.

The Company performed its annual assessment of goodwill of the Windtec and PSNA reporting units on March 31, 2011. The Company's annual assessment date corresponded with a triggering event caused by the refusal by Sinovel to accept scheduled shipments from the Company on March 31, 2011. As a result of reductions in its revenue and operating forecasts related to Sinovel and certain of its other customers in China, the Company determined that the goodwill related to both the Windtec and PSNA reporting units was fully impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges of $42.1 million and $6.9 million for the Windtec and PSNA reporting units, respectively, during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2011. The Company had no goodwill as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011.

The following table presents goodwill for the year ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands):


Balance at April 1, 2009	$	26,233
Contingent consideration		10,828
Net foreign exchange rate impact		(365	)
Balance at March 31, 2010		36,696
Contingent consideration		10,004
Impairment of goodwill		(48,959	)
Net foreign exchange rate impact		2,259
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	–

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets at March 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands):


				2012							2011
		Gross		Accumulated			Net Book		Gross		Accumulated			Net Book	Estimated
		Amount		Amortization			Value		Amount		Amortization			Value	Useful Life
Licenses	$	5,360	$	(2,689	)	$	2,671	$	2,908	$	(2,100	)	$	808	7
Patents		-		-			-		9,038		(4,891	)		4,147	7
Trade names and trademarks		1,212		(909	)		303		1,281		(778	)		503	7
Core technology and know-how		5,611		(4,813	)		798		5,841		(4,245	)		1,596	5- 10
Intangible assets	$	12,183	$	(8,411	)	$	3,772	$	19,068	$	(12,014	)	$	7,054

The Company recorded intangible amortization expense of $2.6 million, $2.9 million, and $2.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. During the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company elected to change its accounting policy for legal costs to defend and maintain its patents. Historically, the Company capitalized these costs and amortized them over the useful lives of the patents. In the fourth quarter, the Company determined a change to expense these costs as incurred is preferable, and elected to make that change by expensing the remaining unamortized patent costs of $4.9 million.

Expected future amortization expense related to intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):


For the years ended March 31,		Total
2013	$	1,007
2014		770
2015		573
2016		568
2017		553
Thereafter		301
Total	$	3,772

The geographic composition of goodwill and intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Intangible assets by geography:
U.S	$	3,469	$	5,210
Europe		303		1,844
Total	$	3,772	$	7,054

The business segment composition of intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Intangible assets by business segments:
Wind	$	1,119	$	4,498
Grid		2,653		2,556
Total	$	3,772	$	7,054

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract]

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses

9. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Accounts payable	$	8,191	$	40,074
Accrued inventories in-transit		3,330		6,196
Accrued miscellaneous expenses		9,708		14,785
Accrued subcontractor program costs		1,885		1,190
Accrued compensation		8,380		8,174
Income taxes payable		192		11,947
Accrued warranty		5,896		7,907
Total	$	37,582	$	90,273

Product Warranty

The Company generally provides a one to three year warranty on its products, commencing upon installation. A provision is recorded upon revenue recognition to cost of revenues for estimated warranty expense based on historical experience. The following is a summary of accrued warranty activity (in thousands):


		For the years
		ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	7,907		$	6,431
Accruals for warranties during the period		(906	)		4,994
Settlements during the period		(1,105	)		(3,518	)
Ending balance	$	5,896		$	7,907

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

10. Income Taxes

Income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are provided in the table as follows (in thousands):


		For the years ended March 31,
		2012			2011			2010
Income (loss) before income tax expense:
U.S	$	(107,301	)	$	(61,436	)	$	(43,672	)
Foreign		(28,157	)		(108,895	)		80,428
Total	$	(135,458	)	$	(170,331	)	$	36,756

The components of income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations consist of the following (in thousands):


				For the years ended
				March 31,
		2012		2011			2010
Current
Federal	$	—	$	—		$	—
State		—		—			—
Foreign		1,369		12,438			23,215
Total current		1,369		12,438			23,215
Deferred
Federal		—		(221	)		30
State		—		(34	)		5
Foreign		—		3,770			(2,742	)
Total deferred		—		3,515			(2,707	)
Income tax expense	$	1,369	$	15,953		$	20,508

The reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company's effective income tax rate is shown below.


			For the years ended
			March 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Statutory federal income tax rate	(34	%)	(34	%)	34	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(2	)	(1	)	(6	)
Deemed dividend	3		—		—
Foreign income tax rate differential	3		4		(20	)
Stock options	1		1		3
Nondeductible expenses	—		—		1
Research and development tax credit	(1	)	(1	)	(2	)
Goodwill Impairment	—		7		—
Valuation allowance	31		33		46
Effective income tax rate	1	%	9	%	56	%

The following is a summary of the principal components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):


		For the year ended
		March 31,
		2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	225,640		$	194,216
Research and development and other tax credit carryforwards		9,251			9,324
Accruals and reserves		39,101			45,917
Fixed assets and intangible assets		2,316			3,042
Other		19,007			20,277
Gross deferred tax assets		295,315			272,776
Valuation allowance		(252,302	)		(220,596	)
Total deferred tax assets		43,013			52,180
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets from acquisitions		—			(378	)
Intercompany debt		(35,185	)		(33,872	)
Other		(7,828	)		(17,930	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(43,013	)		(52,180	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	—		$	—

The Company has provided a full valuation allowance against its net deferred income tax assets since it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets are not currently realizable due to the net operating losses incurred by the Company since its inception and net operating losses forecasted in the future. The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $14.9 million reflecting the benefit of deductions from the exercise of stock options. This deferred tax asset has been fully reserved since it is more likely than not that the tax benefit from the exercise of stock options will not be realized. The tax benefit will be recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital if realized.

At March 31, 2012, the Company has aggregate net operating loss carryforwards in the U.S. for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $620 million and $329 million, respectively, which expire in the years ending March 31, 2013 through 2032. Also included in the U.S. net operating losses is $3.7 million of acquired losses from Power Quality Systems, Inc. Of this amount, $52.3 million results from excess tax deductions from stock option exercised in 2006 through 2012. Pursuant to the guidance on accounting for stock-based compensation, the deferred tax asset relating to excess tax benefits from these exercises was not recognized for financial statement purposes. The future benefit from these deductions will be recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital when realized. Research and development and other tax credit carryforwards amounting to approximately $7.4 million and $2.8 million are available to offset federal and state income taxes, respectively, and will expire in the years ending March 31, 2013 through 2032.

At March 31, 2012, the Company has aggregate net operating loss carryforwards for its Austrian operation of approximately $67.0 million which can be carried forward indefinitely subject to certain annual limitations. AMSC China incurred a net operating loss of $13.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 which can be carried forward for five years. Also the Company had immaterial amounts of current and net operating loss carryforwards for its other foreign operations which can be carried forward indefinitely.

Section 382 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "IRC"), provides limits on the extent to which a corporation that has undergone an ownership change (as defined) can utilize any NOL and general business tax credit carryforwards it may have. The Company performed a study to determine whether Section 382 could limit the use of its carryforwards in this manner. After completing this study, the Company has concluded that the limitation will not have a material impact on its ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards.

The Company evaluates its permanent reinvestment assertions with respect to foreign earnings at each reporting period. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company changed its permanent reinvestment assertion with respect to only a portion of its unremitted earnings in its Austrian subsidiary. The repatriation was in the form of a loan in the amount of $13.2 million, plus accrued interest through March 31, 2012. No income taxes were due as a result of the repatriation because of substantial tax benefits available in the United States. The Company's subsidiary in Austria has accumulated approximately $147 million of the total $149 million of estimated undistributed earnings as of March 31, 2012, which continues to be permanently reinvested by the Company.

For all other foreign subsidiaries a provision has not been made for United States or additional foreign taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as the Company plans to utilize these undistributed earnings primarily to finance operating requirements of subsidiaries outside of the United States. In the event of distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes, subject to an adjustment, if any, for foreign tax credits. Determination of the amount of U.S. income tax liability that would be incurred is not practicable because of the complexities associated with this hypothetical calculation.

circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Any changes in these factors could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. The Company has gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.1 million and $0.3 million at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts represent the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company's effective tax rate.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the Company concluded a tax audit for the period January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2008 with its foreign subsidiary in Austria. The results of the audit concluded that previously deducted amounts for certain trademark and management fees related to corporate affairs charges would no longer be tax deductible.

A tabular roll-forward of the Company's uncertainties in income tax provision liability is presented below (in thousands):


Balance at March 31, 2010	$	195
Increase for tax positions		102
Balance at March 31, 2011		297
Increase for tax positions		764
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	1,061

The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for federal and state income taxes. The Company has not recognized any interest and penalties in the current statement of operations because of the Company's offsetting net operating losses and tax credits that are available to be carried forward. Any unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would favorably affect its effective tax rate in any future period. The Company does not expect that the amounts of unrecognized benefits will change significantly within the next 12 months. Interest and penalties were recorded beginning in the year ended March 31, 2011, but were immaterial amounts.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Major tax jurisdictions include the U.S., China and Austria. All U.S. income tax filings for years ending March 31, 1995 through 2012 remain open and subject to examination and all years from the year ended March 31, 2007 through 2013 remain open and subject to examination in Austria. Tax filings in China for calendar years 2008 through 2011 will remain open and subject to examination.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

11. Stockholders' Equity

Public Offering

In November 2010, the Company issued 4,600,000 shares of common stock at a price of $35.50 per share in a public equity offering, which resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $155.2 million, after deducting the underwriting costs and offering expenses of $8.1 million.

Stock-Based Compensation

The components of employee stock-based compensation for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows (in thousands):


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Stock options	$	6,177	$	6,374	$	5,895
Restricted stock and stock awards		3,633		6,919		7,535
Employee stock purchase plan		54		119		64
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	9,864	$	13,412	$	13,494

The estimated fair value of the Company's stock-based awards, less expected annual forfeitures, is amortized over the awards' service period. The total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested outstanding stock options was $6.1 million and $10.3 million for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average expense period of approximately 1.9 years. The total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested outstanding restricted stock was $5.0 million and $6.3 million for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average expense period of approximately 1.7 years.

The following table summarizes employee stock-based compensation expense by financial statement line item for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Cost of revenues	$	1,121	$	1,188	$	1,199
Research and development		2,562		1,977		2,023
Selling, general and administrative		6,181		10,247		10,272
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	9,864	$	13,412	$	13,494

The following table summarizes the information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable employee and non-employee options:


					Weighted-
				Weighted-	Average
				Average	Remaining		Aggregate
	Options/			Exercise	Contractual		Intrinsic Value
	Shares			Price	Term		(thousands)
Outstanding at March 31, 2011	2,004,725		$	22.29
Granted at fair value	835,450			9.76
Exercised	(2,700	)		8.91
Cancelled/forfeited	(547,059	)		22.15
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	2,290,416		$	17.77	6.9	$	13.9

Exercisable at March 31, 2012	1,122,320		$	18.05	5.2	$	8.4

Fully vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2012	2,198,771		$	17.76	6.8	$	13.2

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock option awards granted during the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $6.02 per share, $17.43 per share and $28.29 per share, respectively. Intrinsic value represents the amount by which the market price of the common stock exceeds the exercise price of the options. Given the decline in the Company's stock price, exercisable options as of March 31, 2012 had minimal intrinsic value. The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options at March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $8.7 million and $16.4 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised at March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $13.0 million and $11.4 million, respectively. Given the decline in the Company's stock price, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised at March 31, 2012 was minimal.

The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model for stock options granted during the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are as follows:


			For the years ended
			March 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Dividend yield	None		None		None
Expected volatility	70.0	%	64.2	%	68.9	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.8	%	2.2	%	2.6	%
Expected life (years)	5.9		5.8		5.6

The expected volatility rate was estimated based on an equal weighting of the historical volatility of the Company's common stock and the implied volatility of the Company's traded options. The expected term was estimated based on an analysis of the Company's historical experience of exercise, cancellation, and expiration patterns. The risk-free interest rate is based on the average of the five and seven year U.S. Treasury rates.

The following table summarizes the employee and non-employee restricted stock activity for the year ended March 31, 2012:


				Weighted		Intrinsic
				Average		Aggregate
				Grant Date		Value
	Shares			Fair Value		(thousands)
Outstanding at April 1, 2011	626,527		$	27.31
Granted	867,661			6.48
Vested	(406,773	)		23.86
Forfeited	(157,926	)		23.46
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	929,489		$	10.00	$	3,829

The total fair value of restricted stock that was granted during the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $5.6 million, $10.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $4.1 million, $5.5 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

The restricted stock granted during the year ended March 31, 2012 includes approximately 109,211 shares of performance-based restricted stock, which would vest upon achievement of certain financial performance measurements. At March 31, 2011, the Company determined that certain performance measures relating to prior restricted stock grants were not met. As a result, the Company reversed $1.8 million that had been recorded as stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based awards. Such shares were cancelled in May 2011. Included in the table above are 20,250 shares of restricted stock units.

The remaining shares granted vest upon the passage of time. For awards that vest upon the passage of time, expense is being recorded over the vesting period.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had two active stock plans: the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan") and the 2007 Director Stock Option Plan (the "2007 Director Plan"). The 2007 Plan replaced the Company's 2004 Stock Incentive Plan upon the approval by the Company's stockholders on August 3, 2007. The 2007 Director Plan replaced the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Director Stock Option Plan, which expired pursuant to its terms on May 2, 2007.

The Plans provide for the issuance of restricted stock, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to purchase the Company's common stock. In the case of incentive stock options, the exercise price shall be equal to at least the fair market value of the common stock, as determined by the Board of Directors, on the date of grant. The contractual life of options is generally 10 years. Options generally vest over a 3-5 year period while restricted stock generally vests over a 2-5 year period. The 2007 Director Plan is for members of the Board of Directors who are not also employees of the Company (outside directors). Under an amendment to the 2007 Director Plan effective April, 2009, outside directors are entitled to receive an annual award of 3,000 fully-vested shares of common stock.

As of March 31, 2012, the 2007 Plan had 1,608,057 shares and the 2007 Director Plan had 198,000 shares available for future issuance.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) which provides employees with the opportunity to purchase shares of common stock at a price equal to the market value of the common stock at the end of the offering period, less a 15% purchase discount. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.1 million for each of the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, related to the ESPP. The Company issued 88,553 shares of common stock related to the ESPP during the year ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the ESPP had 439,204 shares available for future issuance.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Purchase Commitments

The Company periodically enters into non-cancelable purchase contracts in order to ensure the availability of materials to support production of its products. Purchase commitments represent enforceable and legally binding agreements with suppliers to purchase goods or services. The Company periodically assesses the need to provide for impairment on these purchase contracts and record a loss on purchase commitments when required. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded a liability for adverse purchase commitments of $25.9 million and $38.8 million, respectively. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company adjusted its accrual for adverse purchase commitments by $1.3 million due to settlements with vendors.

Lease Commitments

Operating leases include minimum payments under leases for our facilities and certain equipment, see Item 2, "Properties." The Company's primary leased facilities are located in Middleton and New Berlin, Wisconsin; Suzhou and Beijing, China; and Klagenfurt, Austria with a combined total of approximately 299,000 square feet of space. These leases have varying expiration dates between April 2012 and February 2016 which can generally be terminated at our request after a six month advance notice. The Company leases other locations which focus primarily on applications engineering, sales and/or field service and do not have significant leases or physical presence.

Minimum future lease commitments at March 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):


For the years ended March 31,		Total
2013	$	1,201
2014		881
2015		708
2016		694
2017		270
Thereafter		-
Total	$	3,754

Rent expense under the operating leases mentioned above was as follows (in thousands):


				For the years ended
				March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Rent expense	$	3,336	$	2,947	$	2,153

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types. The Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for these matters when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews these estimates each accounting period as additional information is known and adjusts the loss provision when appropriate. If a matter is both probable to result in liability and the amounts of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company estimates and discloses the possible loss or range of loss. If the loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in its consolidated financial statements.

Between April 6, 2011 and May 12, 2011, seven putative securities class action complaints were filed against the Company and two of its officers in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts; one complaint additionally asserted claims against the underwriters who participated in our November 12, 2010 securities offering. On June 7, 2011, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts consolidated these actions under the caption Lenartz v. American Superconductor Corporation, et al., Docket No. 1:11-cv-10582-WGY. On August 31, 2011, Lead Plaintiff, the Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund, filed a consolidated amended complaint against the Company, its officers and directors, and the underwriters who participated in our November 12, 2010 securities offering, asserting claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), as well as under sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). The complaint alleges that during the relevant class period, the Company and its officers omitted to state material facts and made materially false and misleading statements relating to, among other things, its projected and recognized revenues and earnings, as well as its relationship with Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd. that artificially inflated the value of the Company's stock price. The complaint further alleges that the Company's November 12, 2010 securities offering

contained untrue statements of material facts and omitted to state material facts required to be stated therein. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, rescindment of the Company's November 12, 2010 securities offering, and an award of costs and expenses, including attorney's fees. All defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. On December 16, 2011, the district court issued a summary order declining to dismiss the Securities Act claims against the Company and its officers, and taking under advisement the motion to dismiss the Exchange Act claims against the Company and its officers and the motion to dismiss the Securities Act claims made against the underwriters. To date, district court has not issued an order regarding the Exchange Act claims against the Company and its officers or the Securities Act claims against the underwriters, so those matters remain under advisement.

Between May 4, 2011 and June 17, 2011, four putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed against the Company (as a nominal defendant) and certain of its directors in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On July 5, 2011, the District Court consolidated three of these actions, and that matter is now captioned In re American Superconductor Corporation Derivative Litigation, Docket No. 1:11-cv-10784-WGY. On June 1, 2011, the plaintiff in the fourth action, Marlborough Family Revocable Trust v. Yurek, et al., moved to voluntarily dismiss its complaint and refiled its complaint in Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex County. On September 7, 2011, the Marlborough action and another putative shareholder derivative complaint filed in Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were consolidated. That consolidated matter is captioned Marlborough Family Revocable Trust v. Yurek, et al., Docket No. 11-1961. On January 12, 2012, an additional shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware. That matter is captioned Krasnoff v. Budhraja, et al., Docket No. 7171. The allegations of the derivative complaints mirror the allegations made in the putative class action complaints described above. The plaintiffs purport to assert claims against the director defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment and corporate waste. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of the Company, as well as an award of costs and expenses, including attorney's fees.

With respect to the above referenced litigation matters, an estimate of loss or range of loss cannot be made. There are numerous factors that make it difficult to meaningfully estimate possible loss or range of loss at this stage of these litigation matters, including that: the proceedings are in relatively early stages, there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved, information obtained or rulings made during the lawsuits could affect the methodology for calculation of rescission and the related statutory interest rate. In addition, with respect to claims where damages are the requested relief, no amount of loss or damages has been specified. Therefore, the Company is unable at this time to estimate possible losses. The Company believes that these litigations are without merit, and it intends to defend these actions vigorously.

On September 13, 2011, the Company commenced a series of legal actions in China against Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd. ("Sinovel"). The Company's Chinese subsidiary, Suzhou AMSC Superconductor Co. Ltd., filed a claim for arbitration with the Beijing Arbitration Commission in accordance with the terms of the Company's supply contracts with Sinovel. The case is captioned (2011) Jin Zhong An Zi No. 0963. On March 31, 2011, Sinovel refused to accept contracted shipments of 1.5 megawatt (MW) and 3 MW wind turbine core electrical components and spare parts that the Company was prepared to deliver. The Company alleges that these actions constitute material breaches of its contracts because Sinovel did not give it notice that it intended to delay deliveries as required under the contracts. Moreover, the Company alleges that Sinovel has refused to pay past due amounts for prior shipments of core electrical components and spare parts. The Company is seeking compensation for past product shipments and retention (including interest) in the amount of approximately RMB 485 million ($76 million) due to Sinovel's breaches of its contracts. The Company is also seeking specific performance of our existing contracts as well as reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses with respect to the arbitration. The value of the undelivered components under the existing contracts, including the deliveries refused by Sinovel in March 2011, amounts to approximately RMB 4.6 billion ($720 million).

On October 8, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an application under the caption (2011) Jing Zhong An Zi No. 0963, for a counterclaim against the Company for breach of the same contracts under which the Company filed its original arbitration claim. Sinovel claimed, among other things, that the goods supplied by the Company do not conform to the standards specified in the contracts and claimed damages in the amount of approximately RMB 370 million ($58 million). On October 17, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission a request for change of counterclaim to increase its damage claim to approximately RMB 1 billion ($157 million). On December 22, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an additional request for change of counterclaim to increase its damages claim to approximately RMB 1.2 billion ($190 million). On February 27, 2012, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an application under the caption (2012) Jing Zhong An Zi No. 0157, against the Company for breach of the same contracts under which the Company filed its original arbitration claim. Sinovel claimed, among other things, that the goods supplied by the Company do not conform to the standards specified in the contracts and claimed damages in the amount of approximately RMB 105 million ($17 million). The Company believes that Sinovel's claims are without merit and it intends to defend these actions vigorously. Since the proceedings in this matter are in relatively early stages, the Company cannot reasonably estimate possible losses or range of losses at this time.

The Company also submitted a civil action application to the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court under the caption (2011)

Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No. 15524, against Sinovel for software copyright infringement on September 13, 2011. The application alleges Sinovel's unauthorized use of portions of the Company's wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel's 1.5MW wind turbines and the binary code, or upper layer, of the Company's software for the PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines. In July 2011, a former employee of the Company's Austrian subsidiary was arrested in Austria on charges of economic espionage and fraudulent manipulation of data. In September 2011, the former employee pled guilty to the charges, and was imprisoned. As a result of the Company's internal investigation and a criminal investigation conducted by Austrian authorities, the Company believes that this former employee was contracted by Sinovel through an intermediary while employed by the Company and improperly obtained and transferred to Sinovel portions of its wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel's 1.5MW wind turbines. Moreover, the Company believes the former employee illegally used source code to develop for Sinovel a software modification to circumvent the encryption and remove technical protection measures on the PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines in the field. The Company is seeking a cease and desist order with respect to the unauthorized copying, installation and use of its software, monetary damages of approximately RMB 38 million ($6 million) for our economic losses and reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The No. 1 Intermediate People's Court accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. In November 2011, Sinovel filed a motion to remove this case from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court and transfer the matter to the Beijing Arbitration Commission. On February 14, 2012, the court denied Sinovel's motion to remove the case. On February 21, 2012, Sinovel filed an appeal of the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court decision to the Beijing Higher People's Court.

The Company submitted a civil action application to the Beijing Higher People's Court against Sinovel and certain of its employees for trade secret infringement on September 13, 2011 under the caption (2011) Gao Min Chu Zi No. 4193. The application alleges the defendants' unauthorized use of portions of the Company's wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel's 1.5MW wind turbines as described above with respect to the Copyright Action. The Company is seeking monetary damages of RMB 2.9 billion ($453 million) for the trade secret infringement as well as reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The Beijing Higher People's Court accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. On December 22, 2011, the Beijing Higher People's Court transferred this case to the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court under the caption (2011) Gao Min Chu Zi No. 4193. The Company is currently awaiting notice from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court regarding the evidence submission deadline and the first hearing date.

On September 16, 2011, the Company filed a civil copyright infringement complaint in the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People's Court against Dalian Guotong Electric Co. Ltd. ("Guotong"), a supplier of power converter products to Sinovel, and Huaneng Hainan Power, Inc. ("Huaneng"), a wind farm operator that has purchased Sinovel wind turbines containing Guotong power converter products. The case is captioned (2011) Hainan Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No. 62. The application alleges that the Company's PM1000 converters in certain Sinovel wind turbines have been replaced by converters produced by Guotong. Because the Guotong converters are being used in wind turbines containing the Company's wind turbine control software, the Company believes that its copyrighted software is being infringed. The Company is seeking a cease and desist order with respect to the unauthorized use of its software, monetary damages of RMB 1.2 million ($0.2 million) for its economic losses (with respect to Guotong only) and reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The court has accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. In addition, upon the request of the defendant Huaneng, Sinovel has been added by the court to this case as a defendant and Huaneng has been released from this case. In December 2011, Sinovel filed a jurisdiction opposition motion requesting dismissal by the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People's Court, saying the case should be governed by the Beijing Arbitration Commission. On February 3, 2012, the Company received the Civil Ruling from the court, which granted Sinovel's motion, and dismissed the entire case. The Company appealed the court's ruling to the Hainan Higher Court, which on April 5, 2012 upheld the decision of the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People's Court. On April 9, 2012, the Company filed an appeal of the Hainan Higher Court's decision with China's Supreme People's Court. The Supreme Court accepted the appeal on May 23, 2012. The case is captioned, (2010) Min Shen Zi No. 630.

Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd ("Ghodawat"), a company registered in India carrying on the business of wind power development, lodged a Request for Arbitration with the Secretariat of the ICC International Court of Arbitration on May 12, 2011 and named AMSC Windtec GmbH ("AMSC Austria") as the Respondent. Under the Request for Arbitration, Ghodawat alleges that AMSC Austria breached an agreement dated March 19, 2008 pursuant to which AMSC Austria granted a license to Ghodawat to manufacture, use, sell, market, erect, commission and maintain certain wind turbines using its technical information and wind turbine design (the "License Agreement"). Under the Request for Arbitration, Ghodawat's claims in this arbitration amount to approximately €18 million ($24 million). AMSC Austria filed an Answer to Request for Arbitration and Counterclaim ("Answer and Counterclaim"), in which AMSC Austria denied Ghodawat's claims in their entirety. AMSC Austria has also submitted counterclaims under the License Agreement against Ghodawat in the amount of approximately €6 million ($9 million). Ghodawat has filed a Reply to Answer to Request for Arbitration and Counterclaim in which it denies AMSC Austria's counterclaims. The arbitration proceedings are

currently ongoing. The Company has recorded a loss contingency based on its assessment of probable losses on this claim; however this amount is immaterial to its consolidated financial statements.

Other

The Company enters into long-term construction contracts with customers that require the Company to obtain performance bonds. The Company is required to deposit an amount equivalent to some or all the face amount of the performance bonds into an escrow account until the termination of the bond. When the performance conditions are met, amounts deposited as collateral for the performance bonds are returned to the Company. In addition, the Company has various contractual arrangements in which minimum quantities of goods or services have been committed to be purchased on an annual basis.

At March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $12.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of restricted cash included in current assets, and as of March 31, 2012, $2.5 million of restricted cash included in long-term assets. These amounts included in restricted cash represent deposits to secure letters of credit for various supply contracts. These deposits are held in interest bearing accounts. The Company is working with its inventory suppliers to delay cash settlements and to reduce the gross liability associated with its adverse purchase commitments. During the quarter ending June 30, 2012, the Company agreed to settle adverse purchase commitments with certain of its vendors. In conjunction with these settlements, the Company agreed to provide letters of credit and bank guarantees in the amount of approximately $9.0 million with expirations through January 31, 2013. The letters of credit and bank guarantees were secured with cash collateral of $8.5 million and will result in a reduction of its adverse purchase commitments liability of $7.4 million. See Note 18, "Subsequent Events," for additional information.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had five performance bonds in support of customer contracts. The total value of the outstanding performance bonds is $0.8 million with expiration dates through March 2014. In the event that the payment is made in accordance with the requirements of any of these performance bonds, the Company would record the payment as an offset to revenue.

The Company had unused, unsecured lines of credit consisting of €2.3 million (approximately $3.1 million) in Austria as of March 31, 2012. During the year ended March 31, 2012, our unsecured credit line with the Bank of China expired and we repaid borrowings of $4.6 million. There were no borrowings with the Bank of China outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Mar. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	13. Employee Benefit Plans The Company has implemented a deferred compensation plan (the "Plan") under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Any contributions made by the Company to the Plan are discretionary. The Company has a stock match program under which the Company matched, in the form of Company common stock, 50% of the first 6% of eligible contributions. The Company recorded expense of $0.7 million, $0.8 million, and $0.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and recorded corresponding charges to additional paid-in capital related to this program.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
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-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Equity Investments

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Equity Investments [Abstract]

Equity Investments

14. Equity Investments

Investment in Tres Amigas

On October 9, 2009, the Company made an investment in Tres Amigas LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Tres Amigas"), focused on providing the first common interconnection of America's three power grids to help the country achieve its renewable energy goals and facilitate the smooth, reliable and efficient transfer of green power from region to region, for $1.8 million, consisting of $0.8 million in cash and $1.0 million in AMSC common stock. On January 6, 2011 and May 20, 2011, the Company increased its minority position in Tres Amigas by investing an additional $1.8 million in cash on each date. As of March 31, 2012, the Company holds a 26% ownership interest in Tres Amigas.

The Company's investment in Tres Amigas is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and the equity in undistributed losses of Tres Amigas is included in other income, net, on the consolidated statements of operations.

The net investment activity for the year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):


Balance at April 1, 2011	$	3,026
Purchase of minority investment		1,800
Minority interest in net losses		(967	)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	3,859

Investment in Blade Dynamics Ltd.

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired (through its Austrian subsidiary), a minority ownership position in Blade Dynamics Ltd. ("Blade Dynamics"), a designer and manufacturer of advanced wind turbine blades based on proprietary materials and structural technologies, for $8.0 million in cash. As of March 31, 2012, the Company holds a 25% ownership interest in Blade Dynamics.

The Company has determined that Blade Dynamics is a variable interest entity ("VIE") and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated Blade Dynamics as of March 31, 2012. The investment is carried at the acquisition cost, plus the Company's equity in undistributed earnings or losses. The Company's maximum exposure to loss is limited to the Company's recorded investment in this VIE. The Company's investment in Blade Dynamics is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and the equity in undistributed losses of Blade Dynamics is included in other income, net, on the consolidated statements of operations.

The net investment activity for the year ended March 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):


Balance at April 1, 2011	$	7,903
Minority interest in net losses		(1,448	)
Net foreign exchange rate impact		(372	)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	6,083

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity investment, or group of investments, for which combined disclosure is appropriate, including: (a) the name of each investee and percentage of ownership of common stock, (b) accounting policies for investments in common stock, (c) difference between the amount at which the investment is carried and the amount of underlying equity in net assets and the accounting treatment of the difference, (d) the total fair value of each identified investment for which a market value is available, (e) summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investees (for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, common stock of joint ventures, or other investments using the equity method), and (f) material effects of possible conversions, exercises, or contingent issuances of the investee. Other disclosures include (a) the names of any investee in which the investor owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock and investment is not accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why not, and (b) the names of any investee in which the investor owns less than 20 percent of the voting stock and the investment is accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why it is.

+ References + Details

Restructuring And Impairments

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring And Impairments [Abstract]

Restructuring And Impairments

15. Restructuring and Impairments

The Company accounts for charges resulting from operational restructuring actions in accordance with ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations ("ASC 420") and ASC Topic 712, Compensation—Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits ("ASC 712"). In accounting for these obligations, the Company is required to make assumptions related to the amounts of employee severance, benefits, and related costs and the time period over which leased facilities will remain vacant, sublease terms, sublease rates and discount rates. Estimates and assumptions are based on the best information available at the time the obligation arises. These estimates are reviewed and revised as facts and circumstances dictate; changes in these estimates could have a material effect on the amount accrued on the consolidated balance sheet.

During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company initiated restructuring activities, approved by the Board of Directors, in order to reorganize global operations, streamline various functions of the business, and reduce its global workforce to better reflect the demand for its products. From April 1, 2011 through the date of this filing, the Company has reduced its global workforce by approximately 50%, which is expected to generate significant annual cost savings. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company incurred costs associated with the workforce reduction consisting of severance pay, outplacement services, medical benefits, and other related benefits. As a result, for the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded employee severance and benefit costs of $5.3 million. These charges are expected to be paid through June 2014.

The following table presents restructuring charges and cash payments (in thousands):


		Severance pay			Facility
		and benefits			exit costs			Total

Accrued restructuring balance at April 1, 2011	$	-		$	-		$	-
Charges to operations		5,319			327			5,646
Cash payments		(4,639	)		(33	)		(4,672	)
Accrued restructuring balance at March 31, 2012	$	680		$	294		$	974

In addition, during the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company consolidated certain of its business operations to reduce overall facility costs. The consolidation plan entailed vacating approximately 8,937 square feet of occupied space in Klagenfurt, Austria, approximately 33,000 square feet of unoccupied space in Middleton, WI and approximately 3,300 square feet of occupied space in Nuremburg, Germany. The Klagenfurt and Middleton facility closures were accounted for in accordance with ASC 420.With respect to the Klagenfurt location, the Company recorded a liability equal to the fair value of the remaining lease payments as of the cease-use date. Fair value was determined based upon the discounted present value of remaining lease rentals (using a discount rate of 10.1%) for the space no longer occupied, considering future estimated potential sublease income. With respect to the Middleton location the Company settled with its landlord a final lease payment. As a result, the Company recorded facility exit costs of $0.3 million related to the remaining lease commitments on the leased space in Klagenfurt and Middleton locations. These charges

are expected to be paid through March 2013. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had not ceased using the Nuremburg facility and therefore recorded no liability for remaining lease payments. All restructuring charges discussed above are included within restructuring and impairments in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes accrued restructuring within accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets.

In addition, for the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded impairment charges of $3.6 million, primarily related to long-lived assets for which there is no remaining future economic benefit as a result of our restructuring plan and consolidation of our operations.

Business Segment And Geographic Information

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Business Segment And Geographic Information [Abstract]

Business Segment And Geographic Information

16. Business Segment and Geographic Information

The Company reported its financial results in two reportable business segments: Wind and Grid.

Wind produces a broad range of products to increase electrical grid capacity and reliability; supplies electrical systems used in wind turbines; sells power electronic products that regulate wind farm voltage to enable their interconnection to the power grid; licenses proprietary wind turbine designs to manufacturers of such systems; provides consulting services to the wind industry; and offers products that enhance power quality for industrial operations.

Grid focuses on manufacturing HTS wire and coils; designs and develops superconductor products, such as power cables, fault current limiters and motors; and manages large-scale superconductor projects.

The operating results for the two business segments are as follows (in thousands):


		For the years ended March 31,
Revenues		2012		2011		2010
Wind	$	44,642	$	231,761	$	251,487
Grid		31,901		54,842		64,468
Total	$	76,543	$	286,603	$	315,955


		For the years ended March 31,
Operating (loss) income		2012			2011			2010
Wind	$	(62,217	)	$	(100,546	)	$	91,000
Grid		(29,645	)		(63,855	)		(37,828	)
Unallocated corporate expenses		(44,577	)		(13,582	)		(14,511	)
Total	$	(136,439	)	$	(177,983	)	$	38,661

Total business segments assets are as follows (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Wind	$	70,054	$	78,700
Grid		89,091		85,607
Corporate assets		95,911		276,902
Total	$	255,056	$	441,209

The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. Certain corporate expenses which the Company does not believe are specifically attributable or allocable to either of the two business segments have been excluded from the segment operating income.

Unallocated corporate expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $9.9 million, $13.4 million and $13.5 million for the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2012, unallocated corporate expenses also included the write-off of advance payment to The Switch of $20.6 million, restructuring and impairment charges of $9.2 million, and an expense of patent costs of $4.9 million.

Geographic information about revenue, based on shipments to customers by region, is as follows (in thousands):


		For the years ended March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
U.S	$	21,347	$	18,642	$	40,750
North America and South America		1,219		6,670		4,441
Europe		2,868		10,289		14,758
China		16,929		219,194		241,462
Korea		12,486		10,281		8,245
India		14,212		3,835		1,787
Other Asia-Pacific		7,482		17,692		4,512
Total	$	76,543	$	286,603	$	315,955

In the year ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 72%, 93% and 87% of the Company's revenues, respectively, were recognized from sales outside the United States. The Company maintains operations in Austria, China and the United States and sales and service support centers around the world.

In the year ended March 31, 2012, two customers, Inox Wind and Doosan Heavy Industries, accounted for approximately 18% and 11%, respectively, of the Company's total revenues. For the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had one customer, Sinovel, which represented approximately 68% and 70% of total revenue, respectively.

Geographic information about property, plant and equipment associated with particular regions is as follows (in thousands):


		March 31,
		2012		2011
U.S and other North America	$	83,421	$	86,971
Europe		3,538		5,895
Asia-Pacific		3,869		3,628
Total	$	90,828	$	96,494

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 26
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data

17. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


		For the year ended March 31, 2012:
(In thousands, except per share amount)
		June 30,			September 30,		December 31,		March 31,
Three Months Ended		2011			2011		2011		2012
Total revenue	$	9,058		$	20,800	$	18,058	$	28,627
Operating loss		(38,327	)		(51,125	)	(26,569	)	(20,418	)
Net loss		(37,679	)		(51,709	)	(26,271	)	(21,168	)
Net loss per common share—basic		(0.74	)		(1.02	)	(0.52	)	(0.42	)
Net loss per common share—diluted		(0.74	)		(1.02	)	(0.52	)	(0.42	)

In the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded an expense of $4.9 million of patent costs previously capitalized in prior periods as intangible assets. The Company determined that the change in accounting had an immaterial impact to the year ended March 31, 2012 and has elected to expense these charges as incurred going forward.


		For the year ended March 31, 2011:
		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,			March 31,
Three Months Ended		2010		2010		2010			2011
Total revenue	$	97,209	$	98,073	$	31,570		$	59,751
Operating income		16,081		13,080		(22,960	)		(184,184	)
Net income		9,170		7,839		(18,158	)		(185,135	)
Net income per common share—basic		0.20		0.17		(0.38	)		(3.67	)
Net income per common share—diluted		0.20		0.17		(0.38	)		(3.67	)

The Company recorded the following material charges in its consolidated financial statements during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2011:


Impact on loss before income tax expense for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011:
Increase in provision for excess and obsolete inventory	$	61,216
Loss on purchase commitments		38,763
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment		49,955
Write-off of prepaid value added taxes		5,355
Total impact on loss before income tax expenses for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011	$	155,289

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	18. Subsequent Events *Private Placement of 7% Senior Convertible Notes* On April 4, 2012, The Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement and completed a private placement of $25 million in 7% senior convertible notes (the "Notes") with Capital Ventures International, an affiliate of Heights Capital Management. The Notes have a conversion price of $4.85 per share, representing a premium of approximately 20% over AMSC's closing price on April 3, 2012. In addition, the buyers received warrants to purchase approximately 3.1 million additional shares of common stock exercisable at a strike price of $5.45 per share until October 4, 2017, subject to adjustment. The notes will amortize in monthly installments beginning four months from issuance and ending on October 4, 2014. Amortization payments are payable in cash or common stock at the option of the Company, subject to certain conditions. In addition, subject to certain conditions contained in the definitive agreements, on October 4, 2012, the Company may issue an additional $15 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and warrants to the same investor. *Senior Secured Term Loan* On June 5, 2012, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Hercules Technology Growth Capital, under which the Company borrowed $10 million. The loan bears a floating rate of interest of 11% plus the percentage, if any, the prime rate exceeds 3.75%. The Company will make interest only payments beginning July 1, 2012 and continuing through November 1, 2012, after which the Company will repay the loan in equal monthly installments ending on December 1, 2014. The loan is secured by substantially all of the Company's existing and future assets. In addition, the lender received warrants to purchase approximately 139,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at a strike price of $3.59 per share until December 5, 2017. *Adverse Purchase Commitments* During the quarter ending June 30, 2012, the Company agreed to settle adverse purchase commitments with certain of its vendors. In conjunction with these settlements, the Company agreed to provide letters of credit and bank guarantees in the amount of approximately $9.0 million with expirations through January 31, 2013. The letters of credit and bank guarantees were secured with cash collateral of $8.5 million. As a result of these settlements, The Company will record a benefit of approximately $7.4 million in the quarter ending June 30, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Mar. 31, 2012
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Prounouncements	19. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Disclosure of Supplementary Pro forma Information for Business Combinations a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASC 2010-29). This amendment clarifies the periods for which pro forma financial information is presented. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. ASU 2010-29 is effective prospectively for business combinations that occur on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-29 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 requires entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company early adopted ASU 2011-05 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitatively whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test is required. An entity has the unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2013 but is eligible for early adoption. The Company does not believe adoption of this standard will have an impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210)-Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU 2011-11). The update requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements of financial instruments and derivative instruments. ASU 2011-11 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2011-11, but currently does not believe there will be a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. The Company does not believe that other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on its financial statements.

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts


American Superconductor Corporation
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)

		Balance,				Recoveries and			Balance,
		Beginning of				Other			End of
		Year	Additions	Write-offs		Adjustments			Year
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012	$	683	6	(631	)	(6	)	$	52
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011		766	28	(118	)	7			683
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010		1,343	286	(54	)	(809	)		766

		Balance,							Balance,
		Beginning of							End of
		Year	Additions	Expirations		Adjustments			Year
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance:
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2012	$	220,596	41,709	(10,003	)	–		$	252,302
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2011		187,358	43,308	(10,063	)	(7	)		220,596
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2010		174,695	16,189	(4,148	)	622			187,358

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation

Use Of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Inventory

Inventory

Purchase Commitments

Purchase commitments

Derivatives

Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges

Balance Sheet Hedges

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment


Asset classification	Estimated useful life in years
Building	40
Process upgrades to the building	10-40
Machinery and equipment	3-10
Furniture and fixtures	3-5
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term

Valuation Of Long-Lived Assets

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

In addition, for the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $2.2 million of facility exit costs as a result of its restructuring plan.

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company has elected to record taxes collected from customers on a net basis and does not include tax amounts in revenue or costs of revenue.

Product Warranty

Product Warranty

Research And Development Costs

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based payment transactions using a fair value-based method and recognizes the related expense in the results of operations.

Computation Of Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share

Computation of Net (Loss) Income per Common Share


		Year ended March 31,
		2012			2011			2010

Numerator:
Net (loss) income	$	(136,827	)	$	(186,284	)	$	16,248
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding		51,144			47,750			44,493
Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase		(302	)		(647	)		(48	)
Shares used in per-share calculation basic		50,842			47,103			44,445
Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans		-			-			845
Shares used in per-share calculation diluted		50,842			47,103			45,290
Net (loss) income per share basic	$	(2.69	)	$	(3.95	)	$	0.37
Net (loss) income per share diluted	$	(2.69	)	$	(3.95	)	$	0.36

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Risks And Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties

Contingencies

Contingencies

Disclosure Of Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Life Of Property, Plant And Equipment


Asset classification	Estimated useful life in years
Building	40
Process upgrades to the building	10-40
Machinery and equipment	3-10
Furniture and fixtures	3-5
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term

Reconciliation Of Numerators And Denominators Of EPS Calculation


		Year ended March 31,
		2012			2011			2010

Numerator:
Net (loss) income	$	(136,827	)	$	(186,284	)	$	16,248
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding		51,144			47,750			44,493
Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase		(302	)		(647	)		(48	)
Shares used in per-share calculation basic		50,842			47,103			44,445
Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans		-			-			845
Shares used in per-share calculation diluted		50,842			47,103			45,290
Net (loss) income per share basic	$	(2.69	)	$	(3.95	)	$	0.37
Net (loss) income per share diluted	$	(2.69	)	$	(3.95	)	$	0.36

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary Of Marketable Securities


				Gross		Gross	Fair Market
		Cost at		Unrealized		Unrealized	Value at
		March 31, 2012		Gains		Losses	March 31, 2012

Short-term commercial paper	$	5,276	$	28	$	—	5,304


				Gross		Gross			Fair Market
		Cost at		Unrealized		Unrealized			Value at
		March 31, 2011		Gains		Losses			March 31, 2011

Short-term government-backed securities	$	76,368	$	21	$	(18	)	$	76,371

Short-term commercial paper		39,728		45		(18	)		39,755

Assets And Liabilities Carried At Fair Value


		Total		Quoted Prices in		Using Significant Other		Using Significant
		Carrying		Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
March 31, 2012:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	23,485	$	23,485	$	—	$	—
Short-term commercial paper		5,304		—		5,304		—


		Total		Quoted Prices in		Using Significant Other		Using Significant
		Carrying		Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
March 31, 2011:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	49,837	$	49,837	$	—	$	—
Short-term government-backed securities		76,371		—		76,371		—
Short-term commercial paper		39,755		—		39,755		—
Derivatives		3,087		—		3,087		—

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule Of Recognized Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) In Consolidated Statement Of Income


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2011
Gains recognized in other income (expense), net	$	3,206
Gains recognized in cost of revenues		1,514
Gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to other income
(expense) on discontinued cash flow hedges		1,560
Total	$	6,280

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule Of Recognized Pre-Tax Gains In Other Comprehensive Income


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2011

Gains recognized in other comprehensive income	$	1,560
Gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to other		(1,560	)
income (expense), net due to ineffective hedges
Total	$	—

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Not Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule Of Fair Value Of Asset Derivatives And Liability Derivatives Included In The Consolidated Balance Sheets


	Asset derivatives			Liability derivatives
		March 31,		March 31,
		2011		2011
Forward foreign exchange contract derivatives not designated as
cash flow hedges	$	2,008	$	—

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts Related To Non- Functional Currency Receivable Balances [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule Of Fair Value Of Asset Derivatives And Liability Derivatives Included In The Consolidated Balance Sheets


		Asset derivatives		Liability derivatives
		March 31,		March 31,
		2011		2011
Forward foreign exchange contracts related to non-
functional currency receivable balances	$	1,079	$	—

Schedule Of Recognized Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) In Consolidated Statement Of Income


				For the years ended March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense), net	$	1,734	$	6,666	$	(3,345	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Accounts Receivable [Abstract]

Schedule Of Accounts Receivable


		March 31,
		2012			2011
Accounts receivable (billed)	$	16,240		$	10,938
Accounts receivable (unbilled)		2,811			5,004
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts		(52	)		(683	)
Accounts receivable, net	$	18,999		$	15,259

Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Inventory [Abstract]

Schedule Of Inventory


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Raw materials	$	9,962	$	17,100
Work-in-progress		2,390		2,881
Finished goods		14,438		3,466
Deferred program costs		2,466		2,381
Inventory	$	29,256	$	25,828

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule Of Cost And Accumulated Depreciation Of Property And Equipment


		March 31,
		2012			2011
Land	$	4,022		$	4,022
Construction in progress—equipment		25,331			25,968
Buildings		36,808			36,852
Equipment and software		62,785			57,151
Furniture and fixtures		1,788			1,807
Leasehold improvements		6,125			5,024
Property, plant and equipment, gross		136,859			130,824
Less accumulated depreciation		(46,031	)		(34,330	)


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	90,828	$	96,494

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule Of Goodwill


Balance at April 1, 2009	$	26,233
Contingent consideration		10,828
Net foreign exchange rate impact		(365	)
Balance at March 31, 2010		36,696
Contingent consideration		10,004
Impairment of goodwill		(48,959	)
Net foreign exchange rate impact		2,259
Balance at March 31, 2011	$	–

Schedule Of Intangible Assets


				2012							2011
		Gross		Accumulated			Net Book		Gross		Accumulated			Net Book	Estimated
		Amount		Amortization			Value		Amount		Amortization			Value	Useful Life
Licenses	$	5,360	$	(2,689	)	$	2,671	$	2,908	$	(2,100	)	$	808	7
Patents		-		-			-		9,038		(4,891	)		4,147	7
Trade names and trademarks		1,212		(909	)		303		1,281		(778	)		503	7
Core technology and know-how		5,611		(4,813	)		798		5,841		(4,245	)		1,596	5- 10
Intangible assets	$	12,183	$	(8,411	)	$	3,772	$	19,068	$	(12,014	)	$	7,054

Schedule Of Expected Future Amortization Expense


For the years ended March 31,		Total
2013	$	1,007
2014		770
2015		573
2016		568
2017		553
Thereafter		301
Total	$	3,772

Schedule Of Geographic Composition Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Intangible assets by geography:
U.S	$	3,469	$	5,210
Europe		303		1,844
Total	$	3,772	$	7,054

Schedule Of Business Segment Composition Of Intangible Assets


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Intangible assets by business segments:
Wind	$	1,119	$	4,498
Grid		2,653		2,556
Total	$	3,772	$	7,054

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Accounts payable	$	8,191	$	40,074
Accrued inventories in-transit		3,330		6,196
Accrued miscellaneous expenses		9,708		14,785
Accrued subcontractor program costs		1,885		1,190
Accrued compensation		8,380		8,174
Income taxes payable		192		11,947
Accrued warranty		5,896		7,907
Total	$	37,582	$	90,273

Summary Of Accrued Warranty Activity


		For the years
		ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	7,907		$	6,431
Accruals for warranties during the period		(906	)		4,994
Settlements during the period		(1,105	)		(3,518	)
Ending balance	$	5,896		$	7,907

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule Of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes


		For the years ended March 31,
		2012			2011			2010
Income (loss) before income tax expense:
U.S	$	(107,301	)	$	(61,436	)	$	(43,672	)
Foreign		(28,157	)		(108,895	)		80,428
Total	$	(135,458	)	$	(170,331	)	$	36,756

Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable To Continuing Operations


				For the years ended
				March 31,
		2012		2011			2010
Current
Federal	$	—	$	—		$	—
State		—		—			—
Foreign		1,369		12,438			23,215
Total current		1,369		12,438			23,215
Deferred
Federal		—		(221	)		30
State		—		(34	)		5
Foreign		—		3,770			(2,742	)
Total deferred		—		3,515			(2,707	)
Income tax expense	$	1,369	$	15,953		$	20,508

Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate To Effective Income Tax Rate


			For the years ended
			March 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Statutory federal income tax rate	(34	%)	(34	%)	34	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(2	)	(1	)	(6	)
Deemed dividend	3		—		—
Foreign income tax rate differential	3		4		(20	)
Stock options	1		1		3
Nondeductible expenses	—		—		1
Research and development tax credit	(1	)	(1	)	(2	)
Goodwill Impairment	—		7		—
Valuation allowance	31		33		46
Effective income tax rate	1	%	9	%	56	%

Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities


		For the year ended
		March 31,
		2012			2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	225,640		$	194,216
Research and development and other tax credit carryforwards		9,251			9,324
Accruals and reserves		39,101			45,917
Fixed assets and intangible assets		2,316			3,042
Other		19,007			20,277
Gross deferred tax assets		295,315			272,776
Valuation allowance		(252,302	)		(220,596	)
Total deferred tax assets		43,013			52,180
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets from acquisitions		—			(378	)
Intercompany debt		(35,185	)		(33,872	)
Other		(7,828	)		(17,930	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(43,013	)		(52,180	)
Net deferred tax assets	$	—		$	—

Schedule Of Uncertainties In Income Tax Provision Liability


Balance at March 31, 2010	$	195
Increase for tax positions		102
Balance at March 31, 2011		297
Increase for tax positions		764
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	1,061

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Components Of Employee Stock-Based Compensation Expense


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Stock options	$	6,177	$	6,374	$	5,895
Restricted stock and stock awards		3,633		6,919		7,535
Employee stock purchase plan		54		119		64
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	9,864	$	13,412	$	13,494

Summary Of Employee Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Financial Statement Line Item


		For the years ended
		March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Cost of revenues	$	1,121	$	1,188	$	1,199
Research and development		2,562		1,977		2,023
Selling, general and administrative		6,181		10,247		10,272
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	9,864	$	13,412	$	13,494

Summary Of Employee And Non-Employee Stock Options Activity


					Weighted-
				Weighted-	Average
				Average	Remaining		Aggregate
	Options/			Exercise	Contractual		Intrinsic Value
	Shares			Price	Term		(thousands)
Outstanding at March 31, 2011	2,004,725		$	22.29
Granted at fair value	835,450			9.76
Exercised	(2,700	)		8.91
Cancelled/forfeited	(547,059	)		22.15
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	2,290,416		$	17.77	6.9	$	13.9

Exercisable at March 31, 2012	1,122,320		$	18.05	5.2	$	8.4

Fully vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2012	2,198,771		$	17.76	6.8	$	13.2

Schedule Of Weighted Average Assumptions Used In The Black-Scholes Valuation Model For Stock Options Granted


			For the years ended
			March 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Dividend yield	None		None		None
Expected volatility	70.0	%	64.2	%	68.9	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.8	%	2.2	%	2.6	%
Expected life (years)	5.9		5.8		5.6

Summary Of The Employee And Non-Employee Restricted Stock Activity


				Weighted		Intrinsic
				Average		Aggregate
				Grant Date		Value
	Shares			Fair Value		(thousands)
Outstanding at April 1, 2011	626,527		$	27.31
Granted	867,661			6.48
Vested	(406,773	)		23.86
Forfeited	(157,926	)		23.46
Outstanding at March 31, 2012	929,489		$	10.00	$	3,829

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Schedule Of Minimum Future Lease Commitments


For the years ended March 31,		Total
2013	$	1,201
2014		881
2015		708
2016		694
2017		270
Thereafter		-
Total	$	3,754

Schedule Of Rent Expense Under Operating Leases


				For the years ended
				March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Rent expense	$	3,336	$	2,947	$	2,153

Equity Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Tres Amigas [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Schedule Of Net Investment Activity


Balance at April 1, 2011	$	3,026
Purchase of minority investment		1,800
Minority interest in net losses		(967	)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	3,859

Blade Dynamics Ltd. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Schedule Of Net Investment Activity


Balance at April 1, 2011	$	7,903
Minority interest in net losses		(1,448	)
Net foreign exchange rate impact		(372	)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	6,083

Restructuring And Impairments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring And Impairments [Abstract]

Schedule Of Restructuring Charges And Cash Payments


		Severance pay			Facility
		and benefits			exit costs			Total

Accrued restructuring balance at April 1, 2011	$	-		$	-		$	-
Charges to operations		5,319			327			5,646
Cash payments		(4,639	)		(33	)		(4,672	)
Accrued restructuring balance at March 31, 2012	$	680		$	294		$	974

Business Segment And Geographic Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Business Segment And Geographic Information [Abstract]

Operating Results For Two Business Segments


		For the years ended March 31,
Revenues		2012		2011		2010
Wind	$	44,642	$	231,761	$	251,487
Grid		31,901		54,842		64,468
Total	$	76,543	$	286,603	$	315,955


		For the years ended March 31,
Operating (loss) income		2012			2011			2010
Wind	$	(62,217	)	$	(100,546	)	$	91,000
Grid		(29,645	)		(63,855	)		(37,828	)
Unallocated corporate expenses		(44,577	)		(13,582	)		(14,511	)
Total	$	(136,439	)	$	(177,983	)	$	38,661

Total Business Segments Assets


		March 31,
		2012		2011
Wind	$	70,054	$	78,700
Grid		89,091		85,607
Corporate assets		95,911		276,902
Total	$	255,056	$	441,209

Geographic Information About Revenue, Based On Shipments To Customers By Region


		For the years ended March 31,
		2012		2011		2010
U.S	$	21,347	$	18,642	$	40,750
North America and South America		1,219		6,670		4,441
Europe		2,868		10,289		14,758
China		16,929		219,194		241,462
Korea		12,486		10,281		8,245
India		14,212		3,835		1,787
Other Asia-Pacific		7,482		17,692		4,512
Total	$	76,543	$	286,603	$	315,955

Geographic Information About Property, Plant And Equipment Associated With Particular Regions


		March 31,
		2012		2011
U.S and other North America	$	83,421	$	86,971
Europe		3,538		5,895
Asia-Pacific		3,869		3,628
Total	$	90,828	$	96,494

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data


		For the year ended March 31, 2012:
(In thousands, except per share amount)
		June 30,			September 30,		December 31,		March 31,
Three Months Ended		2011			2011		2011		2012
Total revenue	$	9,058		$	20,800	$	18,058	$	28,627
Operating loss		(38,327	)		(51,125	)	(26,569	)	(20,418	)
Net loss		(37,679	)		(51,709	)	(26,271	)	(21,168	)
Net loss per common share—basic		(0.74	)		(1.02	)	(0.52	)	(0.42	)
Net loss per common share—diluted		(0.74	)		(1.02	)	(0.52	)	(0.42	)


		For the year ended March 31, 2011:
		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,			March 31,
Three Months Ended		2010		2010		2010			2011
Total revenue	$	97,209	$	98,073	$	31,570		$	59,751
Operating income		16,081		13,080		(22,960	)		(184,184	)
Net income		9,170		7,839		(18,158	)		(185,135	)
Net income per common share—basic		0.20		0.17		(0.38	)		(3.67	)
Net income per common share—diluted		0.20		0.17		(0.38	)		(3.67	)

Schedule Of Material Charges Recorded In Consolidated Financial Statements


Impact on loss before income tax expense for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011:
Increase in provision for excess and obsolete inventory	$	61,216
Loss on purchase commitments		38,763
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment		49,955
Write-off of prepaid value added taxes		5,355
Total impact on loss before income tax expenses for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011	$	155,289

Nature Of The Business And Operations (Details) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Jun. 05, 2012 USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities				$ 51,600								$ 51,600
Net (loss) income				(21,168)	$ (26,271)	$ (51,709)	$ (37,679)	$ (185,135)	$ (18,158)	$ 7,839	$ 9,170	(136,827)	$ (186,284)	$ 16,248
Cash used for operations												$ (141,042)	(22,821)	40,680
Reduction in global workforce, percentage												50.00%
Number of workforce persons, minimum					400
Adverse purchase commitments for inventory				$ 25,894				$ 38,763				$ 25,894	38,763
Change in restricted cash			$ 8,500									$ 9,093	$ (247)	$ (1,602)
Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability			7,400
Borrowing capacity			9,000
Convertible debt, carrying value		$ 25,000
Convertible debt, effective interest rate		7.00%
Borrowed amount	$ 10,000
Unrestricted cash balance, minimum	$ 10,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Change in restricted cash			8,500
Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability			7,400
Borrowing capacity			$ 9,000

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr mo d shares	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Losses (recoveries) of commitments to purchase materials		$ 38,800
Inventory write-down			$ 4,357	$ 63,882
Benefit to cost of revenues			800
Losses On Purchase Commitments			(1,299)	38,763
Adverse purchase commitments			25,894	$ 38,763
Potential loss, minimum			0
Potential loss, maximum			$ 4,000
Maximum period for hedging intercompany sales of inventory, in months \| mo			15
Forecast period for cash flow hedge accounting to be deemed as ineffective, in days \| d			60
Impairment charge	$ 1,700
Business Exit Costs			$ 2,200
Payments received from customers			$ 5,200
Percentage of tax benefit likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement			50.00%
Common equivalent shares not included in the calculation of diluted EPS \| shares			2,290,416	2,631,251	688,300
Net foreign currency transaction and hedging gains (losses)			$ 3,100	$ 8,000	$ (2,500)
Minimum [Member]
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Warranty period, in years \| yr			1
Maximum [Member]
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Warranty period, in years \| yr			3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Estimated Useful Life Of Property, Plant And Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 yr
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, average	40
Process Upgrades To The Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, minimum	10
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, maximum	40
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, minimum	3
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, maximum	10
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, minimum	3
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years, maximum	5
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life in years	Shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Of Numerators And Denominators Of EPS Calculation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (21,168)	$ (26,271)	$ (51,709)	$ (37,679)	$ (185,135)	$ (18,158)	$ 7,839	$ 9,170	$ (136,827)	$ (186,284)	$ 16,248
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding									51,144	47,750	44,493
Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase									(302)	(647)	(48)
Shares used in per-share calculation basic									50,842	47,103	44,445
Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans											845
Shares used in per-share calculation diluted									50,842	47,103	45,290
Net (loss) income per share basic	$ (0.42)	$ (0.52)	$ (1.02)	$ (0.74)	$ (3.67)	$ (0.38)	$ 0.17	$ 0.20	$ (2.69)	$ (3.95)	$ 0.37
Net (loss) income per share diluted	$ (0.42)	$ (0.52)	$ (1.02)	$ (0.74)	$ (3.67)	$ (0.38)	$ 0.17	$ 0.20	$ (2.69)	$ (3.95)	$ 0.36

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures (Summary Of Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Short-Term Government-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost		$ 76,368
Gross Unrealized Gains		21
Gross Unrealized Losses		(18)
Fair Market Value		76,371
Short-Term Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	$ 5,276	39,728
Gross Unrealized Gains	28	45
Gross Unrealized Losses		(18)
Fair Market Value	$ 5,304	$ 39,755

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References + Details

Marketable Securities And Fair Value Disclosures (Assets And Liabilities Carried At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Total Carrying Value [Member] \| Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$ 23,485	$ 49,837
Total Carrying Value [Member] \| Short-Term Government-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		76,371
Total Carrying Value [Member] \| Short-Term Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	5,304	39,755
Total Carrying Value [Member] \| Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		3,087
Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] \| Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	23,485	49,837
Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Short-Term Government-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		76,371
Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Short-Term Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	5,304	39,755
Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets		3,087
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Short-Term Government-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Short-Term Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Reclassified accumulated gains from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to other income (expense), net	$ 1.6
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of contracts outstanding	40.9
Balance Sheet Hedges [Member] \| Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of contracts outstanding	$ 125.5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Asset Derivatives And Liability Derivatives Included In The Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] \| Not Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	$ 2,008
Liability derivatives
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts Related To Non- Functional Currency Receivable Balances [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset derivatives	1,079
Liability derivatives

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Recognized Pre-Tax Gains In Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] - Designated As Cash Flow Hedges [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains recognized in other comprehensive income	$ 1,560
Gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to other income (expense), net due to ineffective hedges	(1,560)
Total

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Recognized Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) In Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains recognized in other income (expense), net		$ 3,206
Gains recognized in cost of revenues		1,514
Gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to other income (expense) on discontinued cash flow hedges		1,560
Total		6,280
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts Related To Non- Functional Currency Receivable Balances [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains recognized in other income (expense), net	$ 1,734	$ 6,666	$ (3,345)

Accounts Receivable (Schedule Of Accounts Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts receivable (billed)	$ 16,240	$ 10,938
Accounts receivable (unbilled)	2,811	5,004
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(52)	(683)
Accounts receivable, net	$ 18,999	$ 15,259

Inventory (Schedule Of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Inventory [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 9,962	$ 17,100
Work-in-progress	2,390	2,881
Finished goods	14,438	3,466
Deferred program costs	2,466	2,381
Inventory	29,256	25,828
Inventory write-down	$ 4,357	$ 63,882

- Definition

Charge to cost of goods sold that represents the reduction of the carrying amount of inventory, generally attributable to obsolescence or market conditions.

+ References + Details

Property, Plant And Equipment (Schedule Of Cost And Accumulated Depreciation Of Property And Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 136,859	$ 130,824
Less accumulated depreciation	(46,031)	(34,330)
Property, plant and equipment, net	90,828	96,494
Depreciation and amortization expense	12,900	8,400	$ 7,100
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,022	4,022
Construction In Progress-Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	25,331	25,968
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	36,808	36,852
Equipment And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	62,785	57,151
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,788	1,807
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 6,125	$ 5,024

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charges			$ 48,959
Intangible amortization expense		$ 2,600	$ 2,900	$ 2,700
Patent costs		$ 4,917
Windtec [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 42,100
PSNA [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 6,900

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13854-109267

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 36,696	$ 26,233
Contingent consideration	10,004	10,828
Impairment of goodwill	(48,959)
Net foreign exchange rate impact	2,259	(365)
Ending Balance		$ 36,696

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 12,183	$ 19,068
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(8,411)	(12,014)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	3,772	7,054
Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	5,360	2,908
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,689)	(2,100)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 2,671	808
Intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life (in years)	7
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount		9,038
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization		(4,891)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value		4,147
Intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life (in years)	7
Trade Names And Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 1,212	1,281
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(909)	(778)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 303	503
Intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life (in years)	7
Core Technology And Know-How [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 5,611	5,841
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(4,813)	(4,245)
Intangible assets, Net Book Value	$ 798	$ 1,596
Minimum [Member] \| Core Technology And Know-How [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life (in years) \| yr	5
Maximum [Member] \| Core Technology And Know-How [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life (in years) \| yr	10

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Expected Future Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2013	$ 1,007
2014	770
2015	573
2016	568
2017	553
Thereafter	301
Total	$ 3,772

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Geographic Composition Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 3,772	$ 7,054
U.S [Member]
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	3,469	5,210
Europe [Member]
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 303	$ 1,844

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Business Segment Composition Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 3,772	$ 7,054
Wind [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	1,119	4,498
Grid [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 2,653	$ 2,556

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses (Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 8,191	$ 40,074
Accrued inventories in-transit	3,330	6,196
Accrued miscellaneous expenses	9,708	14,785
Accrued subcontractor program costs	1,885	1,190
Accrued compensation	8,380	8,174
Income taxes payable	192	11,947
Accrued warranty	5,896	7,907
Total	$ 37,582	$ 90,273

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the unpaid sum of the known and estimated amounts payable to satisfy all currently due domestic and foreign income tax obligations.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for estimated claims under standard and extended warranty protection rights granted to customers. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses (Summary Of Accrued Warranty Activity) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 7,907	$ 6,431
Accruals for warranties during the period	(906)	4,994
Settlements during the period	(1,105)	(3,518)
Ending balance	$ 5,896	$ 7,907
Minimum [Member]
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Warranty period, in years \| yr	1
Maximum [Member]
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Warranty period, in years \| yr	3

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset reflecting the benefit of deductions from the exercise of stock options	$ 14.9
Excess tax deductions from stock option exercised	52.3
Expiration of other tax credit carryforwards		March 31, 2013 through 2032
Repatriation amount in the form of a loan	13.2
Foreign subsidiaries undistributed earnings	$ 149.0
Stock options exercised	2006 through 2012
Minimum percentage of amount being realized upon ultimate settlement	50.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company's effective tax rate	$ 1.1	$ 0.3
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	620.0
Research and development and other tax credit carryforwards	7.4
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	329.0
Amount available to offset federal and state income taxes	2.8
Power Quality Systems, Inc. [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 3.7
U.S [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination years	March 31, 1995 through 2012
Austria [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 67.0
Foreign subsidiaries undistributed earnings	$ 147.0
Income tax examination years	2007 through 2013
China [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 13.8
Income tax examination years	2008 through 2011

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S	$ (107,301)	$ (61,436)	$ (43,672)
Foreign	(28,157)	(108,895)	80,428
(Loss) income before income tax expense	$ (135,458)	$ (170,331)	$ 36,756

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable To Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current, Federal
Current, State
Current, Foreign	$ 1,369	12,438	23,215
Total current	1,369	12,438	23,215
Deferred, Federal		(221)	30
Deferred, State		(34)	5
Deferred, Foreign		3,770	(2,742)
Total deferred		3,515	(2,707)
Income tax expense	$ 1,369	$ 15,953	$ 20,508

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate To Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	(34.00%)	(34.00%)	34.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(2.00%)	(1.00%)	(6.00%)
Deemed dividend	3.00%
Foreign income tax rate differential	3.00%	4.00%	(20.00%)
Stock options	1.00%	1.00%	3.00%
Nondeductible expenses			1.00%
Research and development tax credit	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(2.00%)
Goodwill Impairment		7.00%
Valuation allowance	31.00%	33.00%	46.00%
Effective income tax rate	1.00%	9.00%	56.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 225,640	$ 194,216
Research and development and other tax credit carryforwards	9,251	9,324
Accruals and reserves	39,101	45,917
Fixed assets and intangible assets	2,316	3,042
Other	19,007	20,277
Gross deferred tax assets	295,315	272,776
Valuation allowance	(252,302)	(220,596)
Total deferred tax assets	43,013	52,180
Intangible assets from acquisitions		(378)
Intercompany debt	(35,185)	(33,872)
Other	(7,828)	(17,930)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(43,013)	(52,180)
Net deferred tax assets

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Uncertainties In Income Tax Provision Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 297	$ 195
Increase for tax positions		102
Increase for tax positions	764
Ending Balance	$ 1,061	$ 297

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)	May 31, 2011 shares	Nov. 30, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Sale of common stock, price per share \| $ / shares		$ 35.50
Proceeds from issuance of shares in public equity offering		$ 155,200,000
Underwriting costs and offering expenses		$ 8,100,000
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock option awards granted \| $ / shares			$ 6.02	$ 17.43	$ 28.29
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options			$ 8,400	$ 8,700,000	$ 16,400,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised				13,000,000	11,400,000
Restricted stock granted \| shares			867,661
Number of shares cancelled \| shares			157,926
Contractual life of options, in years \| yr			10
Stock-based compensation plans expired terms			May 2, 2007
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 9,864,000	13,412,000	13,494,000
Stock Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost for unvested employee stock-based compensation awards outstanding, net of forfeitures			$ 6,100,000	10,300,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized (years)			1.9
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 6,177,000	6,374,000	5,895,000
Restricted Stock And Stock Awards [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost for unvested employee stock-based compensation awards outstanding, net of forfeitures			$ 5,000,000	6,300,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized (years)			1.7
Total fair value of restricted stock granted			$ 5,600,000	10,400,000	6,800,000
Total fair value of restricted stock vested			4,100,000	5,500,000	8,400,000
Number of shares cancelled \| shares	20,250
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 3,633,000	6,919,000	7,535,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan \| shares			439,204
Compensation expense recognized			$ 100,000	100,000	100,000
Percentage of purchase discount			15.00%
Common stock shares issued \| shares			88,553
Stock-based compensation expense			$ 54,000	$ 119,000	$ 64,000
Performance-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restricted stock granted \| shares			109,211
Stock-based compensation expense			$ (1,800,000)
2007 Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan \| shares			1,608,057
2007 Director Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Number of shares awarded annually \| shares			3,000
Number of shares authorized for issuance under the plan \| shares			198,000
Public Equity Offering [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Shares issued in public equity offering \| shares		4,600,000
Minimum [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years			3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Restricted Stock And Stock Awards [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years			2 years
Minimum [Member] \| U.S. Treasury Rates [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Average time period taken in calculating risk-free interest rate, years			5
Maximum [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years			5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Restricted Stock And Stock Awards [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Vesting period, in years			5 years
Maximum [Member] \| U.S. Treasury Rates [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Average time period taken in calculating risk-free interest rate, years			7

Stockholders' Equity (Components Of Employee Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 9,864	$ 13,412	$ 13,494
Stock Options [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	6,177	6,374	5,895
Restricted Stock And Stock Awards [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	3,633	6,919	7,535
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 54	$ 119	$ 64

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Financial Statement Line Item) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 9,864	$ 13,412	$ 13,494
Cost Of Revenues [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	1,121	1,188	1,199
Research And Development [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	2,562	1,977	2,023
Selling, General And Administrative [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 6,181	$ 10,247	$ 10,272

- Definition

+ References + Details

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Employee And Non-Employee Stock Options Activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Options/Shares, Outstanding at March 31, 2011 \| shares	2,004,725
Options/Shares, Granted at fair value \| shares	835,450
Options/Shares, Exercised \| shares	(2,700)
Options/Shares, Cancelled/Forfeited \| shares	(547,059)
Options/Shares, Outstanding at March 31, 2012 \| shares	2,290,416	2,004,725
Options/Shares, Exerciseable at March 31, 2012 \| shares	1,122,320
Options/Shares, Fully vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2012 \| shares	2,198,771
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at March 31, 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 22.29
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted at fair value \| $ / shares	9.76
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised \| $ / shares	8.91
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Cancelled/Forfeited \| $ / shares	22.15
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at March 31, 2012 \| $ / shares	17.77	$ 22.29
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exerciseable at March 31, 2012 \| $ / shares	18.05
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Fully vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2012 \| $ / shares	$ 17.76
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at March 31, 2012	6.9
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exerciseable at March 31, 2012	5.2
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Fully vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2012	6.8
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at March 31, 2012 \| $	$ 13,900
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exerciseable at March 31, 2012 \| $	8,400	$ 8,700,000	$ 16,400,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Fully vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2012 \| $	$ 13,200

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Weighted Average Assumptions Used In The Black-Scholes Valuation Model For Stock Options Granted) (Details) - yr	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividend yield	None	None	None
Expected volatility	70.00%	64.20%	68.90%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	2.20%	2.60%
Expected life (years)	5.9	5.8	5.6

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of The Employee And Non-Employee Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares, Outstanding at April 1, 2011 \| shares	626,527
Shares, Granted \| shares	867,661
Shares, Vested \| shares	(406,773)
Shares, Forfeited \| shares	(157,926)
Shares, Outstanding at March 31, 2012 \| shares	929,489
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at April 1, 2011 \| $ / shares	$ 27.31
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted \| $ / shares	6.48
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested \| $ / shares	23.86
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited \| $ / shares	23.46
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding at March 31, 2012 \| $ / shares	$ 10.00
Intrinsic Aggregate Value, Outstanding at March 31, 2012 \| $	$ 3,829

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, ¥ in Millions																	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 22, 2011 CNY (¥)	Dec. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2011 CNY (¥)	Dec. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 17, 2011 CNY (¥)	Oct. 17, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 08, 2011 CNY (¥)	Oct. 08, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 16, 2011 CNY (¥)	Sep. 16, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 13, 2011 CNY (¥)	Sep. 13, 2011 USD ($)	May 12, 2011 EUR (€)	May 12, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 CNY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 17, 2011	May 12, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) ft²	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Adverse purchase commitments																									$ 25,894	$ 38,763
Losses (recoveries) of commitments to purchase materials																				$ 38,800
Losses On Purchase Commitments																					$ (1,299)	$ 38,763
Potential loss, minimum																									0
Potential loss, maximum																									4,000
Total space leased, square feet \| ft²																					299,000
Number of putative securities complaints																	4	7
Number of officers putative securities filed against																		2
Number of complaints additionally asserted claims against the underwriters																		1
Number of outstanding performance bonds																					5
Total value of outstanding performance bonds																					$ 800
Restricted cash included in current assets																									12,086	5,566
Restricted cash included in long-term assets																									2,540
Borrowing capacity																			$ 9,000
Change in restricted cash																			8,500		9,093	$ (247)	$ (1,602)
Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability																			7,400
Lines of credit facility repaid																					$ 4,600
Chinese Yen Line Of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Unused, unsecured lines of credit \| €																								€ 2.3
Euro Line Of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Unused, unsecured lines of credit																									$ 3,100
Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd. [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Claim amount per request for arbitration			¥ 1,200.0	$ 190,000	¥ 1,000.0	$ 157,000	¥ 370.0	$ 58,000
Monetary damages due to breaches of contracts															¥ 485.0	$ 76,000
Value of the undelivered components															¥ 4,600.0											$ 720,000
Net amount of damages claimed	¥ 105.0	$ 17,000
Damages claimed for unauthorized use of software											¥ 38.0	$ 6,000
Monetary damages for trade secret infringement											¥ 2,900.0	$ 453,000
Dalian Guotong Electric Co. Ltd. [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages claimed for unauthorized use of software									¥ 1.2	$ 200
AMSC Windtec [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Claim amount per request for arbitration													€ 18.0	$ 24,000
Counterclaims under License Agreement													€ 6.0	$ 9,000
Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Leases expiration dates																					April 2012
Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Leases expiration dates																					February 2016
Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity																			9,000
Change in restricted cash																			8,500
Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability																			$ 7,400

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Minimum Future Lease Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2013	$ 1,201
2014	881
2015	708
2016	694
2017	270
Thereafter
Total	$ 3,754

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Rent Expense Under Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 3,336	$ 2,947	$ 2,153

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Percentage of common stock matched under deferred compensation plan	50.00%
First certain percentage of eligible contribution under deferred compensation plan	6.00%
Recorded expense under deferred compensation plan	$ 0.7	$ 0.8	$ 0.7

Equity Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	May 20, 2011	Jan. 06, 2011	Aug. 12, 2010	Oct. 09, 2009
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of commonly interconnected power grids	three
Tres Amigas [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Acquisition date	October 9, 2009
Equity method investment, aggregate cost					$ 1.8
Equity method investment in cash					0.8
Equity method investment in common stock					$ 1.0
Cash consideration for increase in minority position		$ 1.8	$ 1.8
Equity method investment ownership percentage	26.00%
Blade Dynamics Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Acquisition date	August 12, 2010
Equity method investment in cash				$ 8.0
Equity method investment ownership percentage	25.00%

Equity Investments (Schedule Of Net Investment Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net foreign exchange rate impact	$ (1,790)	$ 10,918	$ (2,487)
Tres Amigas [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance at April 1, 2011	3,026
Purchase of minority investment	1,800
Minority interest in net losses	(967)
Balance at March 31, 2012	3,859	3,026
Blade Dynamics Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance at April 1, 2011	7,903
Minority interest in net losses	(1,448)
Net foreign exchange rate impact	(372)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$ 6,083	$ 7,903

- Definition

The portion of net Income or Loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6922042&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6922042&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.

+ References

+ Details

Restructuring And Impairments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Reduction in global workforce, percentage		50.00%
Employee severance and benefit costs		$ 5.3
Lease rentals discount rate		10.10%
Facility exit costs		$ 2.2
Impairment charge	$ 1.7
Impairment charges of long-lived assets for which there is no remaining future economic benefit		3.6
Klagenfurt And Middleton [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Facility exit costs		$ 0.3
Klagenfurt, Austria [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Space to be vacated, square feet		8,937
Middleton, WI [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Space to be vacated, square feet		33,000
Nuremburg, Germany [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Space to be vacated, square feet		3,300

Restructuring And Impairments (Schedule Of Restructuring Charges And Cash Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Accrued restructuring beginning balance at April 1, 2011
Charges to operations	5,646
Cash payments	(4,672)
Accrued restructuring ending balance at March 31, 2012	974
Severance Pay And Benefits [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Accrued restructuring beginning balance at April 1, 2011
Charges to operations	5,319
Cash payments	(4,639)
Accrued restructuring ending balance at March 31, 2012	680
Facility Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Accrued restructuring beginning balance at April 1, 2011
Charges to operations	327
Cash payments	(33)
Accrued restructuring ending balance at March 31, 2012	$ 294

Business Segment And Geographic Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments	2
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 9,864	$ 13,412	$ 13,494
Write-off of Advanced Payment to The Switch	20,551
Restructuring and impairment charges	9,200
Patent costs	$ 4,917
Customer One [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue	18.00%
Cutomer Two [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue	11.00%
Sinovel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue		68.00%	70.00%
Foreign Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue	72.00%	93.00%	87.00%

Business Segment And Geographic Information (Operating Results For Two Business Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 28,627	$ 18,058	$ 20,800	$ 9,058	$ 59,751	$ 31,570	$ 98,073	$ 97,209	$ 76,543	$ 286,603	$ 315,955
Operating (loss) income	$ (20,418)	$ (26,569)	$ (51,125)	$ (38,327)	$ (184,184)	$ (22,960)	$ 13,080	$ 16,081	(136,439)	(177,983)	38,661
Wind [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									44,642	231,761	251,487
Operating (loss) income									(62,217)	(100,546)	91,000
Grid [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									31,901	54,842	64,468
Operating (loss) income									(29,645)	(63,855)	(37,828)
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating (loss) income									$ (44,577)	$ (13,582)	$ (14,511)

Business Segment And Geographic Information (Total Business Segments Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 255,056	$ 441,209
Wind [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	70,054	78,700
Grid [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	89,091	85,607
Corporate Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 95,911	$ 276,902

Business Segment And Geographic Information (Geographic Information About Revenue, Based On Shipments To Customers By Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 28,627	$ 18,058	$ 20,800	$ 9,058	$ 59,751	$ 31,570	$ 98,073	$ 97,209	$ 76,543	$ 286,603	$ 315,955
U.S [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									21,347	18,642	40,750
North America And South America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,219	6,670	4,441
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,868	10,289	14,758
China [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									16,929	219,194	241,462
Korea [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									12,486	10,281	8,245
India [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									14,212	3,835	1,787
Other Asia-Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 7,482	$ 17,692	$ 4,512

Business Segment And Geographic Information (Geographic Information About Property, Plant And Equipment Associated With Particular Regions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 90,828	$ 96,494
U.S. And Other North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	83,421	86,971
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,538	5,895
Other Asia-Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 3,869	$ 3,628

Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 28,627	$ 18,058	$ 20,800	$ 9,058	$ 59,751	$ 31,570	$ 98,073	$ 97,209	$ 76,543	$ 286,603	$ 315,955
Operating income (loss)	(20,418)	(26,569)	(51,125)	(38,327)	(184,184)	(22,960)	13,080	16,081	(136,439)	(177,983)	38,661
Net income (loss)	$ (21,168)	$ (26,271)	$ (51,709)	$ (37,679)	$ (185,135)	$ (18,158)	$ 7,839	$ 9,170	$ (136,827)	$ (186,284)	$ 16,248
Net income (loss) per common share-basic	$ (0.42)	$ (0.52)	$ (1.02)	$ (0.74)	$ (3.67)	$ (0.38)	$ 0.17	$ 0.20	$ (2.69)	$ (3.95)	$ 0.37
Net income (loss) per common share-diluted	$ (0.42)	$ (0.52)	$ (1.02)	$ (0.74)	$ (3.67)	$ (0.38)	$ 0.17	$ 0.20	$ (2.69)	$ (3.95)	$ 0.36
Patent costs									$ 4,917

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

Quarterly Financial Data (Schedule Of Material Charges Recorded In Consolidated Financial Statements) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Increase in provision for excess and obsolete inventory	$ 61,216
Loss on purchase commitments	38,763
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment	49,955
Write-off of prepaid value added taxes	5,355
Total impact on loss before income tax expenses for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011	$ 155,289

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 05, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Apr. 04, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2012
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Convertible debt, carrying value		$ 25,000
Convertible debt, effective interest rate		7.00%
Convertible notes, conversion price per share \| $ / shares		$ 4.85
Convertible debt, premium as a percent over closing price							20.00%
Warrants, number of shares available to purchase \| shares	139,000	3,100,000
Warrants, exercise price per share \| $ / shares	3.59	5.45
Convertible notes and warrants, aggregate principal amount issuable				$ 15,000
Borrowed Funds	$ 10,000
Floating rate of interest	11.00%
Prime rate, maximum	3.75%
Borrowing capacity			$ 9,000
Change in restricted cash			8,500	$ 9,093	$ (247)	$ (1,602)
Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability			7,400
Letter of Credit [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity			9,000
Change in restricted cash			8,500
Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability			$ 7,400

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	$ 683	$ 766	$ 1,343
Additions	6	28	286
Write-offs	(631)	(118)	(54)
Recoveries and Other Adjustments	(6)	7	(809)
Balance End of Year	52	683	766
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	220,596	187,358	174,695
Additions	41,709	43,308	16,189
Expirations	(10,003)	(10,063)	(4,148)
Adjustments		(7)	622
Balance End of Year	$ 252,302	$ 220,596	$ 187,358