Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Note payable, current portion, net of discount	$ 677	$ 458
Current portion of convertible note, net of discount	1,287	4,289
Note payable, net of current portion and discount	384	95
Convertible note net of current portion and discount		$ 600

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.

No definition available.

Name:	amsc_ConvertibleNotesPayableNoncurrentNet
Namespace Prefix:	amsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant