Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 1) (JPY ¥) In Millions	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	¥ 512,990	¥ 511,536
Accumulated amortization	(210,899)	(212,374)
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets
2012	46,539
2013	37,485
2014	28,821
2015	22,571
2016	18,012
Patent rights, know-how and license agreements [Member]
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	122,444	146,932
Accumulated amortization	(69,224)	(79,403)
Software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed [Member]
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	76,112	71,300
Accumulated amortization	(40,447)	(29,606)
Music Catalogs [Member]
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	160,325	175,172
Accumulated amortization	(40,455)	(37,591)
Artist Contracts [Member]
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	27,727	28,958
Accumulated amortization	(17,903)	(16,754)
Television carriage agreements (broadcasting agreements) [Member]
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	35,874	1,224
Accumulated amortization	(228)	(116)
Other [Member]
Amortization of total Intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	90,508	87,950
Accumulated amortization	¥ (42,642)	¥ (48,904)

Amortization of total Intangible assets.

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- Definition

The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a(1)

+ Details

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- Details

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- Definition

Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a(1)

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth twelve-month period following the balance sheet date.

+ References