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Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Nov. 13, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 02, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 09, 2013	Apr. 04, 2012	Nov. 15, 2013	Dec. 19, 2014	Jun. 05, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Warrants		$ 3,914,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent		$ 3,914,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent			$ 2,601,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent
Non-cash interest expense amortization of debt discount		100,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount	1,100,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount	500,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount	5,900,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount
Percentage of stock discount				85.00%amsc_PercentageOfStockDiscount
Number of trading days for valuation of shares				10 days
Non-cash interest expense issuing stock at discount			1,800,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseIssuingStockAtDiscount		1,800,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseIssuingStockAtDiscount
Legal and origination costs				10,188,000us-gaap_LegalFees
Interest expense		400,000us-gaap_InterestExpense	1,600,000us-gaap_InterestExpense	1,400,000us-gaap_InterestExpense	7,200,000us-gaap_InterestExpense
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description				As part of the Hercules Second Amendment, this Minimum Threshold was amended to be the lower of $5.0 million or the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans. As of December 31, 2014, the Minimum Threshold was $5.0 million. If the Company raises $10.0 million in new capital by June 30, 2015, the Minimum Threshold will be reduced to the lesser of $2.0 million or the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans.
Net proceeds from sale of common stock	9,100,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock	9,100,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock		9,114,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock
Combined principal balances of the term loans			10,411,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount		10,411,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount								15,380,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount	10,411,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount	14,389,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Capital Ventures International
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt conversion, shares issued						6,600,000us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1 / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember
Loss on extinguishment of debt							(5,200,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember
Convertible Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Non-cash interest expense amortization of debt discount			900,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember		3,600,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Convertible Notes | Capital Ventures International
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net proceeds after fees and expenses of purchase agreement									23,200,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Conversion price									$ 4.85us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1 / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Premium over closing price, percentage									20.00%amsc_PurchaseCommitmentPremiumOfClosingPricePercent / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Period before first installment payment									4 months
Shares registered for resale									10,262,311amsc_CommonStockResaleShares / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Debt, face amount									3,800,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Number of shares received from warrants received to purchase common stock									3,094,060amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Strike price per share								$ 2.61invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember	$ 5.45invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Fair value of warrants at issuance									7,000,000amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsFairValueOfSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
New Unsecured Senior Convertible Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion price									$ 4.85us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember							$ 3.19us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember
Debt conversion, shares issued						6,600,000us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1 / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember
New Unsecured Senior Convertible Note | Capital Ventures International
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Warrants		500,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember		500,000us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember
Increase in derivative liability				1,500,000us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember
Total debt discount being amortized into interest expense		13,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember		13,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_CapitalVenturesInternationalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_NewUnsecuredSeniorConvertibleNoteMember
Senior Secured Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of shares received from warrants received to purchase common stock										256,410amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Strike price per share				$ 1.70invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember						$ 1.95invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Senior Secured Loan | Hercules Technology Growth Capital
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount										10,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember		10,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Number of shares received from warrants received to purchase common stock										256,410amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	588,235amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	139,276amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Strike price per share			$ 1.95invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	$ 1.70invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember						$ 1.95invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	$ 1.10invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	$ 3.59invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Fair value of warrants at issuance												400,000amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsFairValueOfSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Non-cash interest expense amortization of debt discount			100,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	100,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	400,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Legal and origination costs			200,000us-gaap_LegalFees / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember										300,000us-gaap_LegalFees / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Net proceeds from debt										9,800,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember		9,700,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Interest rate on loan												11.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
End of term fee				500,000amsc_DebtInstrumentEndOfTermFee / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember									500,000amsc_DebtInstrumentEndOfTermFee / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Interest expense				1,000,000us-gaap_InterestExpense / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember									1,200,000us-gaap_InterestExpense / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Total debt discount being amortized into interest expense		100,000us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	100,000us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	400,000us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember	100,000us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Minimum amount of proceeds from specified asset dispositions for mandatory prepayment feature		1,000,000amsc_MinimumAmountOfProceedsFromSpecifiedAssetDispositionsForMandatoryPrepaymentFeature / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember		1,000,000amsc_MinimumAmountOfProceedsFromSpecifiedAssetDispositionsForMandatoryPrepaymentFeature / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Outstanding principal balance		7,700,000us-gaap_LongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember		7,700,000us-gaap_LongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Covenant, unrestricted cash balance requirement		5,000,000amsc_DebtInstrumentCovenantUnrestrictedCashBalanceRequirement / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember		5,000,000amsc_DebtInstrumentCovenantUnrestrictedCashBalanceRequirement / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Repayments of term loan				2,000,000us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Senior Secured Loan | Hercules Technology Growth Capital | Second Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount											1,500,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Number of shares received from warrants received to purchase common stock											588,235amsc_PurchaseCommitmentIssuanceOfWarrantsSharesOfCommonStock / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Strike price per share											$ 1.10invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Legal and origination costs		100,000us-gaap_LegalFees / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Net proceeds from debt											1,400,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
End of term fee				100,000amsc_DebtInstrumentEndOfTermFee / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Interest expense				200,000us-gaap_InterestExpense / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Future raise in capital		10,000,000amsc_AdditionalCapital / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember		10,000,000amsc_AdditionalCapital / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis = amsc_SecondAmendmentMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Jun. 01, 2017
Senior Secured Loan | Hercules Technology Growth Capital | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prime rate												3.75%amsc_PrimeRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember
Senior Secured Loan | Hercules Technology Growth Capital | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Non-cash interest expense amortization of debt discount		$ 100,000amsc_NonCashInterestExpenseAmortizationOfDebtDiscount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = amsc_HerculesTechnologyGrowthCapitalMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = amsc_SeniorSecuredLoanMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember

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Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument.

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Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

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Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

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The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

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Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, expected to be settled within one year or normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

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Amount of decrease in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement.

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Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

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The amount of expense provided in the period for legal costs incurred on or before the balance sheet date pertaining to resolved, pending or threatened litigation, including arbitration and mediation proceedings.

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