Document And Entity Information Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Tables] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement Line Items CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS - balance sheet ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Marketable securities-current Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current, Total Short-term marketable securities Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Inventory - net Inventory Net inventory Net inventory Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total Restricted cash and cash equivalents at carrying value Restricted cash Restricted cash included in current assets Deferred Tax Assets Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets, net Total current assets Total current assets Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment Intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Intangible assets Restricted cash Restricted cash included in long-term assets Restricted cash included in long term assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets Other assets Other assets Assets Total assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Total Accounts payable and accrued expenses Notes Payable, Current Notes Payable, Current, Total Note payable, curent portion, net of discount of $647 as of September 30, 2012 Convertible Notes Payable, Current Current portion of convertible note, net of discount of $6,060 as of September 30, 2012 Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative liability Adverse Purchase Commitments Adverse purchase commitments Adverse purchase commitments Adverse purchase commitments for inventory Deferred rev. Deferred revenue Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Deferred tax liabilities Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Notes Payable, Noncurrent Notes Payable, Noncurrent, Total Note Payable, net of discount of $276 as of September 30, 2012 Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent Convertible note net of discount of $ 2,357 as of September 30, 2012 Deferred revenue, noncurrent Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Deferred tax liabilities, noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Other Other liabilities Other Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies1 Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) Stockholders' equity: Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Accumulated deficit Accumulated deficit Total stockholders' equity Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of the portions of long-term notes payable due within one year or the operating cycle if longer net of discounts. Notes Payable, Current, Net Note payable, current portion, net of discount Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the portion of long-term debt due within one year or the operating cycle if longer identified as Convertible Notes Payable net of discount. Convertible Notes Payable is a written promise to pay a note which can be exchanged for a specified amount of another, related security, at the option of the issuer and the holder. Convertible Notes Payable, Current, Net Current portion of convertible note, net of discount Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion, net of discount. Notes Payable, Noncurrent, Net Note Payable, net of current portion and discount Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of long-term debt (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer) identified as Convertible Notes Payable, excluding current portion, net of discount. Convertible Notes Payable is a written promise to pay a note which can be exchanged for a specified amount of another, related security, at the option of the issuer and the holder. Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent, Net Convertible note net of current portion and discount Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenue Total revenue Revenues Revenues Revenues Cost and operating expenses: Cost of revenues Cost of Revenue, Total Research and development Research and Development Expense, Total Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Restructuring Restructuring and impairments Restructuring and impairments Write-off of advance payment. Advance Payment Write Off Write-off of advance payment Amortization of acquisition related intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Intangible amortization expense Total cost and operating expenses Total cost and operating expenses Total cost and operating expenses Operating income Operating income (loss) Operating loss Operating (loss) income Increase (decrease) in fair value of derivative instruments and warrants. Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments And Warrants Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest income (expense), net Interest Income (Expense), Net, Total Interest (expense) income, net Other income (expense), net Other income (expense), net Other (expense) income, net Income (loss) before income tax expense Loss before income tax expense Income tax expense Income tax expense Income tax expense (benefit) Income tax expense Income tax (benefit) expense Net income Net loss Net (loss) income Net loss Net loss Net (loss) income Computation of Net (Loss) Income per Common Share [Abstract] Net loss per common share Basic Net (loss) income per share basic Net loss per share basic Basic Net income (loss) per common share-basic EPS - Diluted Net (loss) income per share diluted Diluted Diluted Net income (loss) per common share-diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic - shares outstanding Basic Shares used in per-share calculation basic Shares used in per-share calculation basic Diluted Shares used in per-share calculation diluted Shares used in per-share calculation diluted Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation adjustment Net foreign exchange rate impact Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Foreign currency translation (losses) gains Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Net unrealized losses on investments Unrealized losses on investments Unrealized gains on investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash (used in) operations: Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Depreciation and amortization expense Employee Benefits And Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation, Total Stock-based compensation expense Write-off of Advanced Payment Advanced Payment Write Off Write-off of advanced payment to The Switch Advanced payment write off Restructuring Costs Restructuring Costs, Total Restructuring charges, net of payments Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets Inventory Write-down Inventory write-down Provision for excess and obsolete inventory Inventory write-down Losses on purchase commitments Losses On Purchase Commitments Adverse purchase commitment losses (recoveries), net Gain (Loss) on Investments Gain (Loss) on Investments, Total Loss on minority interest investments Noncash interest expenses or losses included in net income that result in no cash outflows or inflows in the period and are not separately disclosed. Noncash Interest Expense Non-cash interest expense Other non-cash items Other non-cash items Changes in operating asset and liability accounts: Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventory Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Accounts payable and accrued expenses-changes Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Deferred revenue Deferred revenue Net cash used in operating activities Net cash (used in) operating activities Cash used for operations Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment Purchase of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities, Total Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities Change in restricted cash Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Purchase of intangible assets Purchase of intangible assets Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Purchase of minority investments Purchase of minority investment Advanced payment for planned acquisition Advanced Payment For Planned Acquisition Advanced payment for planned acquisition Change in other assets Change in other assets Change in other assets Change in other assets Net cash used in investing activities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Payments in lieu of issuance of common stock for payroll taxes. Payments In Lieu Of Issuance Of Common Stock For Payroll Taxes Employee taxes paid related to net settlement of equity awards Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of expenses Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and ESPP Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental schedule of cash flow information: Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds Non-cash issuance of common stock Non Cash Issuance Of Common Stock Issuance of common stock to settle liabilities Interest Paid Cash paid for interest expense Interest Paid, Total Description Of The Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation Description Of The Business And Basis Of Presentation Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Computation of Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Inventory [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure Text Block Inventory Prepaid And Other Current Assets [Abstract] Prepaid And Other Current Assets Prepaid And Other Current Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Prepaid And Other Current Assets Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure Text Block Income Taxes Restructuring [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block Commitments And Contingencies Equity Investments [Abstract] Equity Investments [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Business Segments [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Business Segment And Geographic Information Business Segments Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Weighted Average Assumptions Used In The Black-Scholes Valuation Model For Stock Options Granted Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Numerators And Denominators Of EPS Calculation Reconciliation Of Numerators And Denominators Of EPS Calculation Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Assets Carried At Fair Value Schedule of liabilities measured at fair value. Schedule Of Liabilities Measured At Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule Of The Major Classes Of Liabilities Measured At Fair Value Accounts Receivable Text Block Schedule Of Accounts Receivable Schedule Of Inventory Current Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Components Of Inventory Schedule Of Inventory Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Prepaid And Other Assets Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Text Block] Schedule Of Restructuring Charges And Cash Payments Schedule Of Restructuring Charges And Cash Payments Warrants And Other Derivatives [Abstract] Securities agreement. Securities Agreement [Axis] Securities Agreement, By Name. Securities Agreement By Name [Domain] Securities Agreement, By Name [Domain] Securities purchase agreement. Securities Purchase Agreement [Member] Securities Purchase Agreement [Member] Loan And Security Agreement. Loan And Security Agreement [Member] Loan And Security Agreement [Member] Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule Of The Fair Value Of The Warrants Using The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Assumptions Used To Calculate The Value Of The Convertible Note Derivative Feature Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Tres Amigas [Member] Tres Amigas [Member] Tres Amigas [Member] Blade Dynamics Ltd. [Member] Blade Dynamics Ltd [Member] Blade Dynamics Ltd. [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investments [TextBlock] Schedule Of Net Investment Activity Equity Method Investments Text Block Schedule Of Business Segment Operating Results [Text Block] Schedule Of Business Segment Operating Results [Text Block] Operating Results For Two Business Segments Schedule Of Business Segment Assets [Text Block] Schedule Of Business Segment Assets [Text Block] Total Business Segments Assets Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Revenues By Major Customers Description Of Business [Table] Description Of Business [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Hercules Technology Growth Capital member. Hercules Technology Growth Capital [Member] Hercules Technology Growth Capital [Member] Capital Ventures International member. Capital Ventures International [Member] Capital Ventures International [Member] Description Of Business [Line Items] Description Of Business [Line Items] Cash, restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash, Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities Cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash Restructuring And Related Cost Number Of Positions Eliminated Period Percent Reduction in global workforce, percentage Entity Number of Employees Number of workforce persons Restructuring And Related Cost Number Of Facility Closures Restructuring And Related Cost Number Of Facility Closures Debt Instrument, Face Amount Convertible notes Private placement Debt Instrument, Convertible, Effective Interest Rate Percent of senior convertible notes Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Borrowed amount Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock And Stock Awards [Member] RSUs [Member] U S Treasury Securities [Member] U.S. Treasury Rates [Member] Two Thousand And Seven Plan [Member] Two Thousand And Seven Plan [Member] 2007 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Stock options granted in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Options/Shares, Granted at fair value Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock awards granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period, in years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized (years) Period the equity-based award expires. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Stock-based compensation plans expired terms Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Unrecognized compensation cost for unvested employee stock-based compensation awards outstanding, net of forfeitures Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Total Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost Of Revenues [Member] Research And Development Expense [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense Total stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Term Expected life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected annual dividend yield Dividend yield Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Unvested options member. Unvested Options [Member] Unvested Options [Member] Warrant [Member] Warrants [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of diluted EPS Common equivalent shares not included in the calculation of diluted EPS Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding. Weighted Average Shares Of Common Stock Outstanding Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares, Common Stock Subject to Repurchase or Cancellation Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash Equivalents [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Short-Term Commercial Paper [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash equivalents Commercial Paper, at Carrying Value Short-term commercial paper Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liabilities, Total Derivative liability Warrant liabilities. Warrant Liabilities Warrants Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Derivative Financial Instruments Liabilities [Member] Derivative Liability [Member] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Balance at September 30, 2012 April 1, 2012 Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Fair value disclosure, valuation of derivative liability. Fair Value Disclosure, Valuation Of Derivative Liability Valuation of derivative liability Fair value disclosure, issuance of warrants with convertible notes. Fair Value Disclosure, Issuance Of Warrants With Convertible Notes Warrant issuance with Senior Convertible Notes Fair value disclosure, issuance of warrants with secured term loan. Fair Value Disclosure, Issuance Of Warrants With Secured Term Loan Warrant issuance with Senior Secured Term Loan Fair value disclosure, mark to market adjustment. Fair Value Disclosure, Mark To Market Adjustment Mark to market adjustment Billed Contracts Receivable Accounts receivable (billed) Unbilled Contracts Receivable Accounts receivable (unbilled) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts Inventory, Raw Materials Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Total Inventory, Work in Process Work-in-process Inventory, Finished Goods Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Inventory for Long-term Contracts or Programs Deferred program costs Nontrade Receivables, Current Nontrade Receivables, Current, Total Non-Trade Receivables Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current, Total Prepaid Indirect And Other Taxes Prepaid Indirect And Other Taxes Prepaid VAT and Other Taxes Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Notes Receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current, Total Other Assets, Current Other Current Assets Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Table] Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Table] Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Line Items] Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Line Items] Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued investories in-transit Accrued investories in-transit Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued miscellaneous expenses Accrued Professional Fees, Current Accrued subcontractor program costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Product Warranty Accrual, Current Accrued warranty Warranty period. Warranty period Warranty period, in years Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense Restructuring costs Restructuring Charges, Total Charges to operations Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and Related Cost, by Type of Restructuring [Axis] Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Severance Pay And Benefits [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Exit Costs [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve Accrued restructuring balance at September 30, 2012 Accrued restructuring balance at April 1, 2012 Restructuring Reserve, Total Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Cash payments Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash, Total Cash payments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Net proceeds after fees and expenses of purchase agreement. Net Proceeds Of Contract Net proceeds after fees and expenses of purchase agreement Common stock available for use as payment for principal registered for resale under the Securities Act. Common Stock, Resale, Shares Shares registered for resale Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Convertible notes, conversion price per share Conversion price Fair value of conversion feature. Fair Value Of Conversion Feature Fair value of conversion feature Legal Fees Legal and origination costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total debt discount being amortized into interest expense Debt instrument, end of term fee. Debt Instrument, End Of Term Fee End of term fee Purchase commitment, premium of closing price, percent. Purchase Commitment, Premium Of Closing Price, Percent Premium over closing price Purchase commitment, issuance of warrants, value of shares of common stock. Purchase Commitment, Issuance Of Warrants, Value Of Shares Of Common Stock Value of warrants received to purchase common stock Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate on loan Prime rate, minimum. Prime Rate, Minimum Prime rate, minimum Purchase commitment issuance of warrants shares of common stock. Purchase Commitment Issuance Of Warrants Shares Of Common Stock Number of shares received from warrants received to purchase common stock Purchase commitment, issuance of warrants, fair value of shares of common stock. Purchase Commitment, Issuance Of Warrants, Fair Value Of Shares Of Common Stock Fair value of warrants at issuance Purchase commitment, common stock exercisable, strike price. Purchase Commitment, Common Stock Exercisable, Strike Price Strike price per share Derivative liability additional aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and warrants. Derivative Liability Additional Aggregate Principal Amount Of Convertible Notes And Warrants Aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and warrants Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from the issueance of debt, net of expenses Proceeds from debt Debt Instrument Covenant Unrestricted Cash Balance Requirement Debt Instrument Covenant Unrestricted Cash Balance Requirement Covenant, unrestricted cash balance requirement Defered installment payment Defered installment payment Period before first installment payment Period before first installment payment Derivative [Table] Convertible bond. Convertible Bond [Member] Convertible Bond [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Investment Warrants, Exercise Price Exercise price Warrants and derivatives, warrant to purchase common stock. Warrants And Derivatives, Warrant To Purchase Common Stock Shares warranted to purchase Percentage in excess of the maximum percentage. Percentage In Excess Of The Maximum Percentage Percentage in excess of Maximum Percentage Change in fair value of warrants. Change In Fair Value Of Warrants Change in fair value of warrants Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Warrant Exercise Waiting Period Warrant Exercise Waiting Period Warrant exercise, waiting period Warrant Exercise Period Warrant Exercise Period Warrant exercise period Ownership Percentage Notification Period Requirement Ownership Percentage Notification Period Requirement Required notification period Convertible Debt Instrument Redemption Waiting Period Convertible Debt Instrument Redemption Waiting Period Convertible Debt Instrument Contractual Term Convertible Debt Instrument Contractual Term Share based compensation, arrangement by share based payment award, fair value assumptions, fair value. Share Based Compensation, Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Fair Value Fair Value Warrants and Rights Note Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected Volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk Free Rate Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Bond Yield Fair value assumptions, recovery rate. Fair Value Assumptions, Recovery Rate Recovery Rate Fair value assumptions, redeemable. Fair Value Assumptions, Redeemable Redeemable Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Total Time (years) Fair value assumptions, dilution effect. Fair Value Assumptions, Dilution Effect Dilution Effect Fair value assumptions, percent of par. Fair Value Assumptions, Percent Of Par Indicated Percent of Par Fair value assumptions, conversion option, fair value. Fair Value Assumptions, Conversion Option, Fair Value Fair Value Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Letter Of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Long-term purchase commitment, adverse purchase commitment. Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Adverse Purchase Commitment Adverse purchase commitments Long-term purchase commitment, adverse purchase commitment, accrual. Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Adverse Purchase Commitment, Accrual Accrual for adverse purchase commitments Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Potential loss, minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Potential loss, maximum Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Number of putative securities complaints Number of officers putative securities filed against Number of officers putative securities filed against Number of complaints additionally asserted claims against the underwriters. Number of complaint additionally asserted claims against the underwriters Number of complaints additionally asserted claims against the underwriters Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Claim amount per request for arbitration Gain contingency damages sought value. Gain Contingency Damages Sought Value Monetary damages due to breaches of contracts The floor amount as of the balance sheet date that the entity must expend to satisfy the terms of disclosed arrangements (excluding long-term commitments) in which the entity must commit resources to supply goods or services to one or more customers. Supply Commitment Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Value of the undelivered components Loss contingency net amount of damages. Loss Contingency Net Amount Of Damages Net amount of damages claimed Damages claimed for unauthorized use of software. Damages Claimed For Unauthorized Use Of Software Damages claimed for unauthorized use of software Monetary damages for trade secret infringement. Monetary Damages For Trade Secret Infringement Monetary damages for trade secret infringement Counterclaim for damages sought. Counterclaim For Damages Sought Counterclaims under License Agreement Counterclaim for damages sought Number Of Performance Bonds For Long Term Contracts Number Of Performance Bonds For Long Term Contracts Number of outstanding performance bonds Contract Guarantees Outstanding Performance Bonds Value Total Contract Guarantees Outstanding Performance Bonds Value Total Total value of outstanding performance bonds Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Borrowing capacity Increase decrease of adverse purchase commitments liability. Increase Decrease Of Adverse Purchase Commitments Liability Reduction of adverse purchase commitments liability Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of vendors filing suits Loss Contingency Number Of Claims Consolidated Loss Contingency Number Of Claims Consolidated Number of claims consolidated Equity method investments, number of commonly interconnected power grids. Equity Method Investments, Number Of Commonly Interconnected Power Grids Number of commonly interconnected power grids Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Acquisition date Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Equity method investment, aggregate cost Equity method investment in cash. Equity Method Investment In Cash Equity method investment in cash Equity Method Investment Equity method investment in common stock Cash consideration for increase in minority position Cash consideration for increase in minority position Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity method investment ownership percentage Net Investment Activity In Business Acquisitions Net Investment Activity In Business Acquisitions Balance at September 30, 2012 Balance at April 1, 2012 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Minority interest in net losses Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Business Segments Power Of Wind Turbines Business Segments Power Of Wind Turbines Megawatts of drive trains and power ratings Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable business segments Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges, Total Restructuring costs Schedule of Entity-Wide Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment, Business [Domain] Wind [Member] Wind [Member] Wind [Member] Grid [Member] Grid [Member] Grid [Member] Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member] Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member] Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Corporate Assets [Member] Corporate Assets [Member] Corporate Assets [Member] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Major Customers [Axis] Name Of Major Customer [Domain] Name of Major Customer [Domain] BeiJing JINGCHENG New Energy Company, Limited. Beijing Jingcheng New Energy Company Limited [Member] BeiJing JINGCHENG New Energy Co., Ltd. [Member] INOX Wind Limited. Inox Wind Limited [Member] INOX Wind Limited. [Member] Karara Mining Limited. Karara Mining Limited [Member] Karara Mining Limited [Member] Doosan Heavy Industries And Construction Company Limited member. Doosan Heavy Industries And Construction Company Limited [Member] Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co Ltd. [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage Revenue percentage Subsequent Event, Amount Subsequent Event Shares Amount Subsequent Event Shares Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt Instrument Cash Collateral Debt Instrument Cash Collateral Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] AMSC Windtec [Member] Amsc Windtec [Member] AMSC Windtec [Member] Dalian Guotong Electric Co Ltd [Member] Dalian Guotong Electric Co Ltd [Member] Dalian Guotong Electric Co. Ltd. [Member] Sinovel Wind Group Co Ltd [Member] Sinovel Wind Group Co Ltd [Member] Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd. [Member]