Components of Segment Profit or Loss (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	¥ (67,275)	¥ 199,821	¥ 31,772
Other income	23,478	44,966	43,834
Other expenses	(39,389)	(39,774)	(48,694)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes	(83,186)	205,013	26,912
Consumer Products & Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(229,807)	10,817	(101,403)
Professional, Device & Solutions
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(20,194)	27,650	(35,435)
Pictures
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	34,130	38,669	42,814
Music
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	36,887	38,927	36,513
Financial Services
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	131,421	118,818	162,492
Sony Mobile Communications
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	31,407	4,155	(34,514)
All Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(3,546)	7,116	(4,976)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	(19,702)	246,152	65,491
Corporate and elimination
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Consolidated operating income (loss)	¥ (47,573)	¥ (46,331)	¥ (33,719)

This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investments, but before income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 10

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The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

This element represents a sum total of expenses not separately reflected on the income statement for the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4,6)

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Reflects the sum of all other revenue and income recognized by the entity in the period not otherwise specified in the income statement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 04

-Paragraph 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

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