Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 692,568		$ 759,666		$ 1,999,128		$ 2,139,710
Cost of sales	603,214		649,642		1,744,731		1,856,913
Gross profit	89,354		110,024		254,397		282,797
Selling and administrative expenses	85,523		94,668		269,074		275,532
Restructuring and impairments, net	278	[1]	3,329	[1]	17,910	[1]	14,653	[1]
Operating income (loss)	3,553		12,027		(32,587)		(7,388)
Other (income) expense, net	11,992		(3,648)		28,704		(5,990)
Interest expense, net	33,443		31,810		104,550		83,694
Loss before reorganization items, net	(41,882)		(16,135)		(165,841)		(85,092)
Reorganization items, net	18,391		16,998		55,765		75,943
Loss before income taxes	(60,273)		(33,133)		(221,606)		(161,035)
Income tax provision	3,007		1,344		9,377		4,628
Net loss	(63,280)		(34,477)		(230,983)		(165,663)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	245		215		(15)		336
Net loss attributable to Exide Technologies	$ (63,525)		$ (34,692)		$ (230,968)		$ (165,999)
Loss per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.81)		$ (0.44)		$ (2.95)		$ (2.13)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.81)		$ (0.44)		$ (2.95)		$ (2.13)
Weighted average shares
Basic (in shares)	78,246		78,265		78,243		78,033
Diluted (in shares)	78,246		78,265		78,243		78,033

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