Stockholders Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Number of shares of common stock purchased	683,192	2,646,885
Repurchased common stock value	$ 22,593	$ 58,383
Treasury stock, shares	5,130,077	4,446,885
Percentage of noncontrolling interest acquired	40.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling interests recognized in acquisitions of Powertech Batteries and Energy Leader Batteries India Limited	$ 2,131	$ 9,916
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000