XML 69 R34.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Nature of the Business and Operations and Liquidity - Additional Information (Detail) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |  |  |  |  | 0 Months Ended |  |  |  | 0 Months Ended |  | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Nov. 13, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Employee | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Employee | Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Nov. 13, 2014 Senior Secured Loan | Dec. 19, 2014 New Term Loan USD ($) | Nov. 15, 2013 New Term Loan USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 Term Loan USD ($) | Aug. 29, 2014 Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd USD ($) | Aug. 29, 2014 Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd EUR (€) | Feb. 04, 2015 Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd Subsequent Event USD ($) | Feb. 04, 2015 Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd Subsequent Event EUR (€) | Jun. 05, 2012 Hercules Technology Growth Capital Senior Secured Loan USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 MLV & Co. LLC Atm Arrangement USD ($) | Nov. 15, 2013 MLV & Co. LLC Atm Arrangement Maximum USD ($)
Description Of Business [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated deficit |  | $ (901,681,000)us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit | $ (901,681,000)us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit |  |  | $ (856,389,000)us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | 35,983,000 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 35,983,000 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue |  | 35,983,000 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 43,114,000 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 35,394,000 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue | 39,243,000 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net cash used in operating activities |  |  | 20,934,000 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations | 18,366,000 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability for damages |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,100,000 us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_GhodawatEnergyPvtLtdMember | 8,300,000 us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_GhodawatEnergyPvtLtdMember |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate accrued on liability for damage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.33%amsc_LossContingencyInterestRate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_GhodawatEnergyPvtLtdMember | 5.33%amsc_LossContingencyInterestRate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_GhodawatEnergyPvtLtdMember |  |  |  |  |
Settlement amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,500,000 us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_GhodawatEnergyPvtLtdMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember | 7,450,000 us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_GhodawatEnergyPvtLtdMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |
Number of workforce persons |  | 303 dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees | 303 dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt, face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,500,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewTermLoanMember | 10,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewTermLoanMember |  |  |  |  |  | 10,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember |  |
Outstanding principal balance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9,200,000 us-gaap_LongTermDebt / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_TermLoanMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock |  | 961,000 us-gaap_CommonStockValue | 961,000 us-gaap_CommonStockValue |  |  | 789,000 us-gaap_CommonStockValue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30,000,000 us-gaap_CommonStockValue / us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis = amsc_AtmArrangementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_MLVAndCoMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember
Net proceeds from sale of common stock | $ 9,100,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock | $ 9,100,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock | $ 9,114,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock / us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis = amsc_AtmArrangementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_MLVAndCoMember |
Sale of common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.8 amsc_SaleOfCommonStock / us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis = amsc_AtmArrangementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_MLVAndCoMember |
Average sale price of share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1.22 amsc_AverageSalePriceOfShare / us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis = amsc_AtmArrangementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_MLVAndCoMember |
Common stock, shares issued | 9.1 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9.1 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shares issued, price per share | $ 1.10 us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare | $ 1.10 us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare | $ 1.10 us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1.22 us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare / us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis = amsc_AtmArrangementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = amsc_MLVAndCoMember |
Warrant to purchase one share of common stock | 90.00%amsc_WarrantsToPurchaseOneShareOfCommonStock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of warrants issued to purchase common stock | 8.2 amsc_NumberOfWarrantsIssuedToPurchaseCommonStock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Average sale price of share. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | amsc_AverageSalePriceOfShare
Namespace Prefix: | amsc_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | amsc_DescriptionOfBusinessLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | amsc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Loss contingency interest rate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | amsc_LossContingencyInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | amsc_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of warrants issued to purchase common stock. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | amsc_NumberOfWarrantsIssuedToPurchaseCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | amsc_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sale of common stock. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | amsc_SaleOfCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | amsc_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Warrants to purchase one share of common stock. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | amsc_WarrantsToPurchaseOneShareOfCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | amsc_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of persons employed by the Entity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | dei_EntityNumberOfEmployees
Namespace Prefix: | dei_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3044-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff in the legal matter. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14435-108349 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14557-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, excluding discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.31(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Per share amount received by subsidiary or equity investee for each share of common stock issued or sold in the stock transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of new stock issued during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration