Reconciliation of Differences between Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (JPY ¥) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net loss attributable to Sony Corporation's stockholders for basic and diluted EPS computation	¥ (456,660)	¥ (259,585)	¥ (40,802)
Weighted-average shares outstanding	1,003,578	1,003,559	1,003,520
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock acquisition rights
Convertible bonds
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS computation	1,003,578	1,003,559	1,003,520
Basic EPS	¥ (455.03)	¥ (258.66)	¥ (40.66)
Diluted EPS	¥ (455.03)	¥ (258.66)	¥ (40.66)

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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- Definition

This element represents the weighted average total number of shares issued throughout the period including the first (beginning balance outstanding) and last (ending balance outstanding) day of the period before considering any reductions (for instance, shares held in treasury) to arrive at the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Weighted average relates to the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been issued and outstanding to the total time in that period. Such concept is used in determining the weighted average number of shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share (basic).

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