| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 4022 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (http://www.a123systems.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3) |
| Table | Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0001167178 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Period [Axis] | 2011-01-01 - 2011-12-31 |
| Property, plant and equipment | Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Automobiles [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Building [Member] | |
Estimated Useful Life (in years) | 3 | 5 | 5 | ||
Estimated Useful Life, low end of range (in years) | 5 | 10 | |||
Estimated Useful Life, high end of range (in years) | 7 | 20 | |||