Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Apr. 01, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Symantec Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States ("U.S."). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal calendar	We have a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to March 31. Our fiscal 2016 and 2014 were 52-week years ended April 1, 2016 and March 28, 2014, whereas our fiscal 2015 was a 53-week year ended April 3, 2015.
Use of estimates	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of management. Management evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may engage outside subject matter experts to assist in its valuations. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include those related to the allocation of revenue recognized and deferred amounts, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets, contingencies and litigation, and the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes (including the measurement of uncertain tax positions).
Foreign currency translation	Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate on the balance sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The translation adjustments resulting from this process are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established on the cumulative translation adjustment attributable to unremitted foreign earnings that are not intended to be indefinitely reinvested. In the event of liquidation of a foreign subsidiary, the cumulative translation adjustment attributable to that foreign subsidiary is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and included in other income, net.
Revenue recognition	We market and distribute our software products both as stand-alone products and as integrated product suites. We recognize revenue when 1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, 3) fees are fixed or determinable and 4) collectability is probable. If we determine that any one of the four criteria is not met, we will defer recognition of revenue until all the criteria are met. We derive revenue primarily from sales of content, subscriptions, and maintenance and licenses. We present revenue net of sales taxes and any similar assessments. Content, subscription, and maintenance revenue includes arrangements for software maintenance and technical support for our products, content and subscription services primarily related to our security products, revenue from arrangements where vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the fair value of undelivered elements does not exist, arrangements for managed security services, and software as a service ("SaaS") offerings. These arrangements are generally offered to our customers over a specified period of time, and we recognize the related revenue ratably over the maintenance, subscription, or service period. We enter into perpetual software license agreements through direct sales to customers and indirect sales with distributors and resellers. The license agreements generally include product maintenance agreements, for which the related revenue is included with content, subscriptions, and maintenance and is deferred and recognized ratably over the period of the agreements. Content, subscription, and maintenance revenue also includes professional services revenue, consisting primarily of the fees we earn related to consulting and educational services. We generally recognize revenue from professional services as the services are performed or upon written acceptance from customers, if applicable, assuming all other conditions for revenue recognition noted above have been met. License revenue is derived primarily from the licensing of our various products and technology. We generally recognize license revenue upon delivery of the product, assuming all other conditions for revenue recognition noted above have been met. License revenue also includes appliance product revenue. We generally recognize appliance product revenue as each product is delivered, assuming all other conditions for revenue recognition noted above have been met. For software arrangements that include multiple elements, including perpetual software licenses, maintenance, services, and packaged products with content updates and subscriptions, we allocate and defer revenue for the undelivered items based on VSOE of the fair value of the undelivered elements, and recognize the difference between the total arrangement fee and the amount deferred for the undelivered items as license revenue. VSOE of each element is based on historical evidence of our stand-alone sales of these elements to third parties or from the stated renewal rate for the undelivered elements. When VSOE does not exist for undelivered items, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably over the performance period. Our deferred revenue consists primarily of the unamortized balance of enterprise product maintenance, consumer product content updates, managed security services, subscriptions, and arrangements where VSOE does not exist for an undelivered element. For arrangements that include both software and non-software elements, we allocate revenue to the software deliverables as a group and non-software deliverables based on their relative selling prices. In such circumstances, the accounting principles establish a hierarchy to determine the selling price used for allocating revenue to the deliverables as follows: (i) VSOE, (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) and (iii) the best estimate of the selling price (“ESP”). Our appliance products, SaaS and certain other services are considered to be non-software elements in our arrangements. When we are unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use ESP in the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with and formal approval by our management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy, pricing factors, and historical transactions. Indirect channel sales We sell consumer packaged software products through a multi-tiered distribution channel. For consumer products that include content updates, we recognize revenue ratably over the term of the subscription upon sell-through to end-users, as the subscription period commences on the date of sale to the end-user. For most other consumer products, we recognize packaged product revenue on distributor and reseller channel inventory that is not in excess of specified inventory levels in these channels. We offer the right of return of our products under various policies and programs with our distributors, resellers, and end-user customers. We estimate and record reserves for product returns as an offset to revenue or deferred revenue. We fully reserve for obsolete products in the distribution channel as an offset to deferred revenue for products with content updates and to revenue for all other products. For security products, we generally recognize revenue from the licensing of software products through our indirect sales channel upon sell-through or with evidence of an end-user. For licensing of our software to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), royalty revenue is recognized when the OEM reports the sale of the software products to an end-user, generally on a quarterly basis. In addition to license royalties, some OEMs pay an annual flat fee and/or support royalties for the right to sell maintenance and technical support to the end-user. We recognize revenue from OEM support royalties and fees ratably over the term of the support agreement. We offer channel and end-user rebates for our products. Our estimated reserves for channel volume incentive rebates are based on distributors’ and resellers’ actual performance against the terms and conditions of volume incentive rebate programs, which are typically entered into quarterly. Our reserves for end-user rebates are estimated based on the terms and conditions of the promotional program, actual sales during the promotion, the amount of actual redemptions received, historical redemption trends by product and by type of promotional program, and the value of the rebate. We estimate and record reserves for channel and end-user rebates as an offset to revenue or deferred revenue. As of April 1, 2016 and April 3, 2015, we had reserves for rebates of $32 million and $30 million, respectively. For consumer products that include content updates, rebates are recorded as a ratable offset to revenue or deferred revenue over the term of the subscription.
Financial instruments	For assets and liabilities measured at fair value, such amounts are based on an expected exit price representing the amount that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be, in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value may be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis whereby inputs used in valuation techniques are assigned a hierarchical level. The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value: Cash equivalents. We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at amounts that approximate fair value due to the short period of time to maturity. Short-term investments. Short-term investments consist of investment and marketable equity securities that are classified as available-for-sale and recognized at fair value using Level 1 and Level 2 inputs, which are quoted using market prices, independent pricing vendors, or other sources, to determine the fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. We regularly review our investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, credit quality, likelihood of recovery, and our ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Debt. Our debt includes senior unsecured notes, convertible senior notes, and a revolving credit facility. Our senior unsecured notes and convertible senior notes are recorded at cost based upon par value at issuance less discounts. The discount associated with our senior notes represents the amount by which the face value exceeds the fair value of the debt at the date of issuance. The discount and issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the debt as a non-cash charge to interest expense. Borrowings under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“credit facility”), if any, are recognized at cost plus accrued interest based upon stated interest rates. Equity investments. We make equity investments in privately-held companies, which includes the B common shares we received as a portion of the net consideration in the sale of Veritas. These investments are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, as we hold less than 20% of the voting stock outstanding and do not exert significant influence over these companies. We assess the recoverability of these investments by reviewing various indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, a fair value measurement is made by performing a discounted cash flow analysis of the investment. If a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, impairment would be recognized and included in other income, net.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are not interest bearing. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. We review our accounts receivables by aging category to identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In addition, we maintain an allowance for all other receivables not included in the specific reserve by applying specific percentages of projected uncollectible receivables to the various aging categories. In determining these percentages, we use judgment based on our historical collection experience and current economic trends. We also offset deferred revenue against accounts receivable when channel inventories are in excess of specified levels and for transactions where collection of a receivable is not considered probable.
Property and equipment	Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. We capitalize costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of internal use software and enterprise cloud computing services. We expense costs incurred related to the planning and post-implementation phases of development as incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows: buildings, 20 to 30 years; leasehold improvements, the lesser of the life of the improvement or the initial lease term; computer hardware and software, and office furniture and equipment, 3 to 5 years.
Business combinations	We use the acquisition method of accounting under the authoritative guidance on business combinations. Each acquired company’s operating results are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements starting on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are recorded at their estimated fair values at acquisition date. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units expected to benefit from the business combination based on the relative fair value at the acquisition date. We review goodwill for impairment for each reporting unit on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year or more frequently if facts and circumstances warrant. Under the authoritative guidance we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. During the annual impairment reviews in fiscal 2015 and 2014, we performed the qualitative assessment and determined there were no indicators of significant risk of goodwill impairment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we completed the divestiture of Veritas. See Note 3. As a result, we determined that we should perform a quantitative assessment related to the goodwill of our two remaining reporting units: Customer Security and Enterprise Security. Based on the guidance, we performed the first step of the quantitative assessment and concluded that the fair values of these two reporting units exceeded their respective carrying amounts. Based on this assessment, we concluded that for fiscal 2016, goodwill was not impaired. Intangible assets. In connection with our acquisitions, we generally recognize assets for customer relationships, developed technology, finite-lived trade names, patents, and indefinite-lived trade names. Finite-lived intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Such amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally from 1 to 11 years. Amortization for developed technology is recognized in cost of revenue. Amortization for customer relationships and certain trade names is recognized in operating expenses. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but instead tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is measured by the comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the discounted future cash flows of the asset is expected to generate. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its discounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and fair value.
Restructuring, separation, and transition	Restructuring actions generally include significant actions involving employee-related severance charges and contract termination costs. Employee-related severance charges are largely based upon substantive severance plans, while some charges result from mandated requirements in certain foreign jurisdictions. These charges are reflected in the period when both the actions are probable and the amounts are estimable. Separation and other related costs include advisory, consulting and other costs incurred in connection with the separation of Veritas. Contract termination costs for leased facilities primarily reflect costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the Company. These charges are reflected in the period when the facility ceases to be used. Costs of providing transition services to Veritas after January 29, 2016, the date of the sale, are recorded in continuing operations.
Income taxes	The provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in each jurisdiction in which we operate. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized. We are required to compute our income taxes in each federal, state, and international jurisdiction in which we operate. This process requires that we estimate the current tax exposure as well as assess temporary differences between the accounting and tax treatment of assets and liabilities, including items such as accruals and allowances not currently deductible for tax purposes. The income tax effects of the differences we identify are classified as current or long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 3, 2015, and as long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 1, 2016, following the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, Income Taxes. Our judgments, assumptions, and estimates relative to the current provision for income tax take into account current tax laws, our interpretation of current tax laws, and possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities. Changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of current and future tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations. We must also assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized from future taxable income and, based on this assessment, establish a valuation allowance, if required. Our determination of our valuation allowance is based upon a number of assumptions, judgments, and estimates, including forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and the relative proportions of revenue and income before taxes in the various domestic and international jurisdictions in which we operate. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change the valuation allowance in a period, we reflect the change with a corresponding increase or decrease to our tax provision in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We apply the authoritative guidance on income taxes that prescribes a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the consolidated financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This guidance prescribes a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to be recognized. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. No compensation cost is ultimately recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service and are forfeited. We estimate forfeitures based on historical experience. Our stock-based awards principally consist of restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The fair value of each RSU is equal to the market value of Symantec’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair values of RSUs are not discounted by the dividend yield because the Company’s RSUs include dividend-equivalent rights ("DERs").
Concentrations of credit risk	A significant portion of our revenue and net income is derived from international sales and independent agents and distributors. Fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, changes in local regulatory or economic conditions, piracy, or nonperformance by independent agents or distributors could adversely affect operating results. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and trade accounts receivable. Our investment policy limits the amount of credit risk exposure to any one issuer and to any one country. We are exposed to credit risks in the event of default by the issuers to the extent of the amount recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The credit risk in our trade accounts receivable is substantially mitigated by our credit evaluation process, reasonably short collection terms, and the geographical dispersion of sales transactions. As of April 1, 2016, we had one distributor that accounted for 10% of our total accounts receivable. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses and such losses have been within management’s expectations.
Advertising and other promotional costs	Advertising and other promotional costs are charged to operations as incurred and included in operating expenses.
Contingencies	We evaluate contingent liabilities including threatened or pending litigation in accordance with the authoritative guidance on contingencies. We assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes from potential claims or proceedings, as well as potential ranges of probable losses, when the outcomes of the claims or proceedings are probable and reasonably estimable. A determination of the amount of an accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after the analysis of each separate matter. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, we base our estimates on the information available at the time of our assessment. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. Any revisions in the estimates of potential liabilities could have a material impact on our operating results and financial position.
Sales commissions	Sales commissions that are incremental and directly related to customer sales contracts in which revenue is deferred are accrued and capitalized upon execution of a non-cancelable customer contract, and subsequently expensed over the term of such contract in proportion to the related future revenue streams. For commission costs where revenue is recognized, the related commission costs are recorded in the period of revenue recognition. As of April 1, 2016 and April 3, 2015, we had total deferred commissions of $74 million and $73 million, respectively, which are included in other current assets and long-term other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Recent accounting guidance adopted and not yet adopted	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment, that provides new guidance related to reporting discontinued operations. This new standard raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The standard became effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and applied to the presentation and disclosure of the sale of Veritas, which closed in January 2016. For additional information about our reporting of discontinued operations, see Note 3. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. We adopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and it did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that all deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as long-term. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The standard was adopted by the Company in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 on a prospective basis, and it resulted in balance sheet reclassifications of current deferred income tax liabilities and assets to long-term on April 1, 2016. Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, that requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of the new revenue reporting standard by one year. The standard will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning on March 31, 2018. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The new guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure. The update to the standard is effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning March 31, 2018, with early adoption permitted under limited circumstances. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases except those with a term of 12 months or less. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability. The standard is effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning March 30, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the standard will result in a gross up of our balance sheet for the right-of-use asset and the lease liability for operating leases. It is not expected that adoption of the standard will have a material impact to our operating results. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The amendments finalize the guidance in the new revenue standard on assessing whether an entity is a principal or an agent in a revenue transaction. The conclusion impacts whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis. The amendments have the same effective date as the new revenue standard, which for the Company is the fiscal year beginning March 31, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting. The amendments will require companies to recognize the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The guidance requires companies to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity and cash paid to a taxing authority to satisfy statutory withholding as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. The guidance will also allow entities to make an alternative policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The guidance is effective for the Company for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. The update provides guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property (“IP”) and identifying performance obligations. The amendments clarify how an entity should evaluate its promise when granting a license of IP. They also clarify when a promised good or service is separately identifiable and allow entities to disregard items that are immaterial in the context of the contract. The amendments have the same effective date as the new revenue standard, which for the Company is the fiscal year beginning March 31, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. The update clarifies certain issues related to transition to the new revenue guidance, as well as, assessing collectability, recognition of noncash consideration and presentation of sales and other similar taxes in revenue transactions. The amendments have the same effective date as the new revenue standard, which for the Company is the fiscal year beginning March 31, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. There was no other recently issued authoritative guidance that is expected to have a material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements through the reporting date.