v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Aug. 03, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Registrant Name AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORP /DE/  
Trading Symbol AMSC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000880807  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --03-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   14,188,646