Investments in and Advances to, and Transactions with Associated Companies (Narrative) (Details) (JPY ¥) In Millions, unless otherwise specified							12 Months Ended
Nov. 05, 2009 Sumishin Matsushita Financial Services Co., Ltd. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2009 Sumishin Matsushita Financial Services Co., Ltd. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Sumishin Panasonic Financial Services Co., Ltd. [Member]	Sep. 30, 2007 Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. [Member]	Jan. 25, 2011 JVC KENWOOD HD [Member]	Oct. 01, 2008 JVC KENWOOD HD [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Associated Companies [Member]	Mar. 31, 2010 Associated Companies [Member]	Mar. 31, 2009 Associated Companies [Member]
Equity method ownership percentage	22.60%	34.00%	15.10%	36.80%	20.00%	27.60%
Retained earnings							39,661	33,489
Other-than-temporary impairment of investments and advances							¥ 8,318	¥ 3,605	¥ 18,121

This item represents an other than temporary decline in value that has been recognized against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the investment represents the amount of the write down which is or was reflected in earnings. The written down value is a new cost basis with the adjusted value of the investment becoming its new carrying value subject to the equity accounting method. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph h

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- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph f

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a (1)

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- Definition

Amount of consolidated retained earnings that represent undistributed earnings of 50% or less owned by persons accounted for by the equity method.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph e
-Article 4

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