Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 697,802		$ 711,692		$ 1,380,044	$ 1,405,130
Cost of sales	601,068		608,033		1,207,271	1,207,216
Gross profit	96,734		103,659		172,773	197,914
Selling and administrative expenses	88,694		95,715		180,864	189,400
Restructuring and impairments, net	2,601	[1]	1,108	[1]	11,325	624
Operating income (loss)	5,439		6,836		(19,416)	7,890
Other (income) expense, net	(7,507)		(939)		(2,342)	297
Interest expense, net	30,529		17,229		51,885	31,326
Loss before reorganization items, net	(17,583)		(9,454)		(68,959)	(23,733)
Reorganization items, net	19,407		426		58,946	801
Loss before reorganization items, net	(36,990)		(9,880)		(127,905)	(24,534)
Income tax provision	2,975		3,887		3,284	95,700
Net loss	(39,965)		(13,767)		(131,189)	(120,234)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	210		111		121	140
Net loss attributable to Exide Technologies	$ (40,175)		$ (13,878)		$ (131,310)	$ (120,374)
Loss per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.51)		$ (0.18)		$ (1.69)	$ (1.56)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.51)		$ (0.18)		$ (1.69)	$ (1.56)
Weighted average shares
Basic (in shares)	78,121		77,210		77,917	77,178
Diluted (in shares)	78,121		77,210		77,917	77,178

[1] See Note 13 for detail by segment.