Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 654,975		$ 697,802		$ 1,306,560		$ 1,380,044
Cost of sales	564,025		601,068		1,141,518		1,207,271
Gross profit	90,950		96,734		165,042		172,773
Selling and administrative expenses	93,923		88,694		183,550		180,864
Restructuring and impairments, net	14,950	[1]	2,601	[1]	17,632	[1]	11,325	[1]
Operating income (loss)	(17,923)		5,439		(36,140)		(19,416)
Other (income) expense, net	16,015		(7,507)		16,712		(2,342)
Interest expense, net	37,846		30,529		71,107		51,885
Loss before reorganization items, net	(71,784)		(17,583)		(123,959)		(68,959)
Reorganization items, net	19,771		19,407		37,374		58,946
Loss before reorganization items, net	(91,555)		(36,990)		(161,333)		(127,905)
Income tax provision	4,765		2,975		6,370		3,284
Net loss	(96,320)		(39,965)		(167,703)		(131,189)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(98)		210		(260)		121
Net loss attributable to Exide Technologies	$ (96,222)		$ (40,175)		$ (167,443)		$ (131,310)
Loss per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.23)		$ (0.51)		$ (2.14)		$ (1.69)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.23)		$ (0.51)		$ (2.14)		$ (1.69)
Weighted average shares
Basic (in shares)	78,246		78,121		78,242		77,917
Diluted (in shares)	78,246		78,121		78,242		77,917

[1] See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.