Gen Digital (GEN) 10-Q 29 Oct 13 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	SYMANTEC CORP
Entity Central Index Key	849399
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-25
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		696,031,510

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,727	$4,685
Short-term investments	105	62
Trade accounts receivable, net	573	1,031
Inventories, net	16	24
Deferred income taxes	174	169
Deferred commissions	114	130
Other current assets	261	315
Total current assets	4,970	6,416
Property and equipment, net	1,091	1,122
Intangible assets, net	852	977
Goodwill	5,859	5,841
Long-term deferred commissions	28	29
Other long-term assets	114	123
Total assets	12,914	14,508
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	249	334
Accrued compensation and benefits	312	422
Deferred revenue	3,003	3,496
Current portion of long-term debt		997
Other current liabilities	343	318
Total current liabilities	3,907	5,567
Long-term debt	2,094	2,094
Long-term deferred revenue	498	521
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	474	426
Long-term income taxes payable	222	318
Other long-term obligations	62	60
Total liabilities	7,257	8,986
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	7	7
Additional paid-in capital	7,066	7,313
Accumulated other comprehensive income	183	199
Accumulated deficit	-1,599	-1,997
Total stockholders' equity	5,657	5,522
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$12,914	$14,508

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Net revenue:
Content, subscription, and maintenance	$1,499	$1,498	$3,019	$2,973
License	138	201	327	394
Total net revenue	1,637	1,699	3,346	3,367
Cost of revenue:
Content, subscription, and maintenance	252	247	515	496
License	19	18	41	35
Amortization of intangible assets	13	19	28	37
Total cost of revenue	284	284	584	568
Gross profit	1,353	1,415	2,762	2,799
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	592	667	1,243	1,335
Research and development	248	247	509	496
General and administrative	114	109	233	219
Amortization of intangible assets	29	72	100	144
Restructuring and transition	122	23	205	58
Total operating expenses	1,105	1,118	2,290	2,252
Operating income	248	297	472	547
Interest income	3	2	6	5
Interest expense	-20	-35	-45	-64
Other income (expense), net	20	1	38	-5
Income before income taxes	251	265	471	483
Provision for income taxes	10	76	73	134
Net income	241	189	398	349
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders	$241	$189	$398	$349
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic	$0.34	$0.27	$0.57	$0.49
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted	$0.34	$0.27	$0.56	$0.49
Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic	699	702	698	709
Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted	707	708	707	714
Cash dividends declared per common shares	$0.15		$0.30

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Compehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Compehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$241	$189	$398	$349
Translation adjustments	16	12	-2	16
Net foreign currency translation adjustments	16	12	-2	16
Available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes $2 million and $0 million for the three months ended June 28, 2013 and June 29, 2012, respectively	1			1
Reclassification adjustments for realized gain included in net income, net of taxes of $(5) million and $0 million for the three months ended June 28, 2013 and June 29, 2012, respectively	-11		-14
Net change in unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	-10		-14	1
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	6	12	-16	17
Comprehensive income	247	201	382	366
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		3		1
Comprehensive income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders	$247	$198	$382	$365

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Compehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Compehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, tax	$0	$0	$0	$0
Reclassification adjustments for realized gain included in net income, tax	$5	$0	$10	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$398	$349
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	139	141
Amortization of intangible assets	128	181
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	5	29
Stock-based compensation expense	77	83
Deferred income taxes	51	4
Excess income tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	-13	-1
Net gain from sale of short-term investments	32
Other	11	8
Net change in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable, net	465	203
Inventories, net	8	5
Deferred commission	20	27
Accounts payable	-92	-34
Accrued compensation and benefits	-110	-107
Deferred revenue	-556	-339
Income taxes payable	-72	42
Other assets	31	-24
Other liabilities	45	-49
Net cash provided by operating activities	503	518
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	-118	-168
Cash payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-17	-28
Purchases of short-term investments	-102
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	67	46
Other		2
Net cash used in investing activities	-170	-148
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of debt and other obligations	-1,189
Proceeds from convertible note hedge	189
Net proceeds from sales of common stock under employee stock benefit plans	160	75
Excess income tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	13	1
Tax payments related to restricted stock units	-30	-11
Dividends paid, net	-210
Repurchase of common stock	-250	-501
Purchase of additional interest in subsidiary		-92
Proceeds from debt issuance, net of discount		996
Debt issuance costs		-7
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-1,317	461
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	26	9
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-958	840
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	4,685	4,685
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$3,727	$4,002

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Note 1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Symantec Corporation (“Symantec,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the Company” refer to Symantec Corporation and all of its subsidiaries) as of September 27, 2013 and March 29, 2013, and for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013 and September 28, 2012, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S.”) for interim financial information and with the instructions on Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In accordance with those rules and regulations, we have omitted certain information and notes normally provided in our annual Consolidated Financial Statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, except as otherwise noted, necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2013. The results of operations for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the entire fiscal year.
	Segment reporting change
	We modified our segment reporting structure to match our new operating structure and how our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) views the business and allocates resources, beginning from the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The CODM function is comprised of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President of Products and Services. Reclassifications of prior period financial information have been made to conform to the current period presentation. This change does not impact previously reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. See Note 9 for additional information on our segment reporting change.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Contingencies
	We evaluate contingent liabilities including threatened or pending litigation and government investigations 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 accrued liabilities 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, litigation and government investigations, 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.
	Change in Accounting Policy for Sales Commissions
	Effective March 30, 2013, we changed our accounting policy for sales commissions that are incremental and directly related to customer sales contracts in which revenue is deferred. These commission costs 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.  Prior to this change in accounting policy, commission costs were expensed in the period in which they were incurred. The adoption of this accounting policy change has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in which the cumulative effect of the change has been reflected as of the beginning of the first period presented. Deferred commissions as of September 27, 2013 and March 29, 2013 were $142 million and $159 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, we capitalized $29 million and $84 million of commission costs and amortized $55 million and $104 million to sales expense, respectively. During the three and six months ended September 28, 2012, we deferred $44 million and $77 million of commission costs and amortized $53 million and $105 million to sales expense, respectively.
	We believe this change in accounting policy is preferable as the direct and incremental commission costs are closely related to the revenue, and therefore they should be recorded as an asset and recognized as an expense over the same period that the related revenue is recognized.
	The cumulative effect of the change on accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive income was $109 million and $3 million, respectively, as of March 30, 2012. The following tables present the changes to financial statement line items as a result of the accounting change for the periods presented in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
		29-Mar-13
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
	Deferred income taxes	$	198	$	-29	$	169
	Deferred commissions	$	-	$	130	$	130
	Long-term deferred commissions	$	-	$	29	$	29
	Other long-term assets	$	124	$	-1	$	123
	Other current liabilities	$	313	$	5	$	318
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	$	403	$	23	$	426
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	197	$	2	$	199
	Accumulated deficit	$	-2,096	$	99	$	-1,997
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Sep-12						28-Sep-12
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Operating expenses: Sales and marketing	$	659	$	8	$	667	$	1,308	$	27	$	1,335
	Provision for income taxes	$	80	$	-4	$	76	$	145	$	-11	$	134
	Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders	$	193	$	-4	$	189	$	365	$	-16	$	349
	Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — basic	$	0.27	$	-	$	0.27	$	0.51	$	-0.02	$	0.49
	Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — diluted	$	0.27	$	-	$	0.27	$	0.51	$	-0.02	$	0.49
	Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — basic		702		-		702		709		-		709
	Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — diluted		708		-		708		714		-		714
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Sep-12						28-Sep-12
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
	Net income	$	193	$	-4	$	189	$	365	$	-16	$	349
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments	$	12	$	-	$	12	$	16	$	-	$	16
	Comprehensive income	$	202	$	-1	$	201	$	381	$	-15	$	366
	The change in accounting policy does not affect our balance of Cash and cash equivalents and as a result did not change net cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 28, 2012.
	There have been no other material changes in our significant accounting policies for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2013, other than as discussed above.
	Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This ASU permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate), in addition to the U.S. government rate (“UST”) and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging.  We adopted this guidance following its effective date of July 17, 2013 and it had no material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the Net Operating Loss or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  We do not expect that this guidance will materially impact our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 2. Fair Value Measurements
	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 are the hierarchical levels of inputs to measure fair value:
	•Level 1:  Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	•Level 2:  Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	•Level 3:  Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.
	Assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis
	There have been no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the three and six months ended September 27, 2013.  The following table summarizes our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level, within the fair value hierarchy:
		27-Sep-13						29-Mar-13
		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	Cash equivalents (1)	$	2,347	$	-	$	2,347	$	3,469	$	-	$	3,469
	Other short-term investments		-		1		1		-		-		-
	Marketable equity securities		4		-		4		62		-		62
	______________
	-1	Cash equivalents consist of investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets
	Note 3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
		User Productivity & Protection		Information Security		Information Management		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	Net balance as of March 29, 2013	$	1,649	$	1,486	$	2,706	$	5,841
	Additions (1)		-		16		-		16
	Adjustments (2)		-		2		-		2
	Net balance as of September 27, 2013	$	1,649	$	1,504	$	2,706	$	5,859
	______________
	-1	Additions due to an acquired business.
	-2	Adjustments made to goodwill reflect foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
	Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we evaluated our segment reporting structure and modified the reporting to match our new operating structure.  Our reporting units for goodwill are the same as our reportable operating segments, and the net goodwill balance has been allocated to the reporting units based on their relative fair value. See Note 9 of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the changes related to segment information.
	As a result of the change in our segments, we assessed goodwill for impairment immediately prior to the changes to the new reporting units and determined that the estimated fair value of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying amount including goodwill. Based on the results of our impairment analysis, we do not believe that impairment existed as of the date of the change in our segments.
	Intangible assets, net
		27-Sep-13								29-Mar-13
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life
			(Dollars in millions)
	Customer relationships	$	2,207	$	-1,859	$	348	4 years		$	2,205	$	-1,766	$	439	2 years
	Developed technology		1,918		-1,747		171	4 years			1,917		-1,720		197	4 years
	Finite-lived tradenames		146		-117		29	2 years			146		-110		36	2 years
	Patents		26		-19		7	4 years			26		-18		8	5 years
	Indefinite-lived tradenames		297		-		297	Indefinite			297		-		297	Indefinite
	Total	$	4,594	$	-3,742	$	852	3 years		$	4,591	$	-3,614	$	977	2 years
	Total future amortization expense for intangible assets that have finite lives is as follows:
		September 27,
		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Remainder of fiscal 2014	$	83
	2015		157
	2016		106
	2017		87
	2018		66
	Thereafter		56
	Total	$	555

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Information	Note 4. Supplemental Financial Information
	Property and equipment, net
		September 27,		March 29,
		2013		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Computer hardware and software	$	1,673	$	1,820
	Office furniture and equipment		141		172
	Buildings		531		530
	Leasehold improvements		335		310
			2,680		2,832
	Accumulated depreciation		-1,734		-1,853
			946		979
	Construction in progress		66		64
	Land		79		79
	Total	$	1,091	$	1,122
	Dividends and dividend equivalents
	During each of the quarters ended September 27, 2013 and June 28, 2013, we declared and paid a common stock cash dividend of $105 million or $0.15 per common share per quarter, each recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in  capital. In addition, our Board of Directors approved dividend equivalent rights entitling holders of restricted stock and performance-based stock to dividend equivalents to be paid in the form of cash upon vesting, for each share of the underlying units. No dividends and dividend equivalents were paid in any periods prior to fiscal 2014. All dividends and dividend equivalents are subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, on a net of tax basis, were as follows:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Unrealized Gain On Available-For-Sale Securities		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance as of March 29, 2013	$	183	$	16	$	199
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-2		-		-2
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-		-14		-14
	Balance as of September 27, 2013	$	181	$	2	$	183
	The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income were as follows:
		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
		27-Sep-13		27-Sep-13
		(Dollars in millions)
	Details about Accumulated Other					Affected Line Item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income Components					Consolidated Statement of Income
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	$	-16	$	-24	Other income (expense), net
	Tax effects		5		10	Provision for income taxes
	Total amount reclassified, net of taxes	$	-11	$	-14

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	Note 5.  Debt
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we issued $1.0 billion in principal amount of 1.00% Convertible Senior Notes (“1.00% notes”), due in June 2013. On June 15, 2013, the principal balance on those notes matured and was settled by a cash payment of $1.0 billion, along with the $5 million semi-annual interest payment.  In addition, we elected to pay the conversion value above par value in cash in the amount of $189 million.  Concurrently with the payment of the conversion value we received $189 million from our note hedge, which we had entered into at the time of the issuance of the 1.00% notes.
	At the time of issuance of the 1.00% notes, we granted warrants to affiliates of certain initial purchasers of the notes whereby they had the option to purchase up to 52.7 million shares of our common stock at a price of $27.1330 per share. All the warrants expired unexercised on various dates during the quarter ended September 27, 2013. There was no dilutive impact from the warrants on the Company’s earnings per share.

Restructuring_And_Transition

Restructuring And Transition	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Restructuring And Transition [Abstract]
Restructuring And Transition
	Note 6. Restructuring and Transition
	Our restructuring and transition costs and liabilities consist primarily of severance, facilities costs, and transition and other related costs.  Severance generally includes severance payments, outplacement services, health insurance coverage, and legal costs.  Facilities costs generally include rent expense and lease termination costs, less estimated sublease income.  Transition and other related costs primarily consist of severance costs associated with acquisition integrations in efforts to streamline our business operations, and costs associated with the planning,  design, testing, and data conversion phases of a new enterprise resource planning system. Restructuring and transition costs are managed at the corporate level and are not allocated to our reportable segments. See Note 9 of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated operating income.
	Restructuring plan
	In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we announced our strategy focusing on three priority areas, developing innovative products and services, changing our go-to-market plans and investing in people, process and technology infrastructure to make it easier to do business with us and improve our execution. We also initiated a restructuring plan in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 to reduce management and redundant personnel resulting in headcount reductions across the Company.  The remaining costs associated with these actions are expected to be incurred throughout the remainder of fiscal 2014.  As of September 27, 2013, total costs related to these plans incurred were $185 million, primarily related to severance and related employee benefits, and we  anticipate our remaining costs for severance and benefits to be between $35 million and $65 million.
	Other exit and disposal costs
	Our other exit and disposal costs consist primarily of costs associated with closing or consolidating certain facilities. Largely as a result of business acquisitions, management may deem certain leased facilities to be in excess and plan to exit them either at the time of acquisition or after the acquisition in conjunction with our efforts to integrate and streamline our operations. As of September 27, 2013, liabilities for these excess facility obligations at several locations around the world are expected to be paid over the respective lease terms, the longest of which extends through fiscal 2018.
	Restructuring and transition summary
		29-Mar-13		Costs, Net of Adjustments (1)		Cash Payments		27-Sep-13		Cumulative Incurred to Date
		(Dollars in millions)
	Restructuring liabilities:
	Restructuring plan — severance	$	10	$	175	$	-110	$	75	$	185
	Other exit and disposal costs		3		2		-2		3
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	13	$	177	$	-112	$	78
	Transition and other related costs				28
	Total restructuring and transition			$	205
	Balance Sheet:
	Other current liabilities	$	11					$	77
	Other long-term obligations		2						1
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	13					$	78
	______________
	(1)   Adjustments which have not been significant primarily relate to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies
	Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
	Indemnification
	In the ordinary course of business, we may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, subsidiaries and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of our breach of agreements or representations and warranties made by us. In addition, our bylaws contain indemnification obligations to our directors, officers, employees and agents, and we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and certain of our officers to give such directors and officers additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of the indemnification set forth in our bylaws and to provide additional procedural protections. We maintain director and officer insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from our obligation to indemnify our directors and officers. It is not possible to determine the aggregate maximum potential loss under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Such indemnification agreements might not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, we have not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements and we have not accrued any liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	We provide limited product warranties and the majority of our software license agreements contain provisions that indemnify licensees of our software from damages and costs resulting from claims alleging that our software infringes on the intellectual property rights of a third party. Historically, payments made under these provisions have been immaterial. We monitor the conditions that are subject to indemnification to identify if a loss has occurred.
	Litigation contingencies
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we were advised by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia that the government is investigating our compliance with certain provisions of our U.S. General Services Administration (“GSA”) Multiple Award Schedule Contract No. GS-35F-0240T effective January 24, 2007, including provisions relating to pricing, country of origin, accessibility, and the disclosure of commercial sales practices. We are cooperating with the investigation and we are unable, at this time, to predict the likely outcome. It is possible that the investigation could lead to claims or findings of violations of the False Claims Act in connection with our GSA contracting activity. However, given the status of the investigation, we are currently unable to estimate whether any loss has been incurred. Violations of the False Claims Act could result in the imposition of damages, including up to treble damages, plus civil penalties in some cases.
	We are also involved in a number of other judicial and administrative proceedings that are incidental to our business. Although adverse decisions (or settlements) may occur in one or more of the cases, it is not possible to estimate the possible loss or losses from each of these cases. The final resolution of these lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

Stock_Repurchases

Stock Repurchases	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Stock Repurchases [Abstract]
Stock Repurchases	Note 8. Stock Repurchases
	The following table summarizes our stock repurchase activity:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		27-Sep-13					27-Sep-13
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Total number of shares repurchased					5					10
	Dollar amount of shares repurchased				$	125				$	250
	Average price paid per share				$	24.99				$	24.47
	Range of price paid per share	$	22.22	-	$	27.09	$	21.95	-	$	27.09
	Through our stock repurchase programs we have repurchased shares on a quarterly basis since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a new $1.0 billion stock repurchase program which commenced in fiscal 2014. Our active stock repurchase programs have $908 million remaining authorized for future repurchase as of September 27, 2013, and neither program has an expiration date.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information
	Note 9. Segment Information
	In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we announced a new strategy and created three new business segments which provide customers with integrated solutions that solve their important problems. We also made changes in our organizational structure. As of the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we modified our segment reporting structure to more readily match the new operating structure based on information reviewed by our CODM. The three reporting segments, which are the same as our operating segments, are as follows:
	•User Productivity & Protection: Our User Productivity & Protection segment focuses on making it simple for customers to be productive and protected at home and at work.  These products include our endpoint security and management, encryption, and mobile offerings.
	•    Information Security: Our Information Security segment focuses on keeping businesses safe and compliant, regardless of the size, location, or complexity of their infrastructure. These products include our next generation security capabilities, such as mail and web security, authentication services, data center security, managed security services, hosted security services, and data loss prevention.
	•    Information Management: Our Information Management segment is comprised of offerings related to backup and recovery, information intelligence, which includes archiving and e-discovery, and information availability, which we previously referred to as storage management.
	There were no intersegment sales during the three and six months ended September 27, 2013 or September 28, 2012. The historical information presented has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the new segment reporting. The following table summarizes the operating results of our reporting segments:
		User Productivity & Protection			Information Security			Information Management			Total Segments
		(Dollars in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 27, 2013
	Net revenue	$	719		$	316		$	602		$	1,637
	Percentage of total net revenue		44	%		19	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		257			49			145			451
	Operating margin		36	%		16	%		24	%
	Three Months Ended September 28, 2012
	Net revenue	$	743		$	324		$	632		$	1,699
	Percentage of total net revenue		44	%		19	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		267			14			178			459
	Operating margin		36	%		4	%		28	%
	Six Months Ended September 27, 2013
	Net revenue	$	1,451		$	652		$	1,243		$	3,346
	Percentage of total net revenue		43	%		20	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		514			75			294			883
	Operating margin		35	%		12	%		24	%
	Six Months Ended September 28, 2012
	Net revenue	$	1,480		$	638		$	1,249		$	3,367
	Percentage of total net revenue		44	%		19	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		525			6			344			875
	Operating margin		35	%		1	%		28	%
	Operating segments are based upon the nature of the business and how the business is managed. Our CODM uses financial information to evaluate the performance of, and to assign resources to, each of the operating segments. We do not allocate to the operating segments certain operating expenses, which we manage separately at the corporate level. These unallocated costs primarily include amortization of intangible assets, restructuring and transition charges, stock-based compensation expense, impairment charges, and acquisition-related charges.
	The reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated operating income is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		September 27,			September 28,			September 27,			September 28,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Total segment operating income	$	451		$	459		$	883		$	875
	Reconciling items:
	Amortization of intangibles		42			91			128			181
	Restructuring & transition		122			23			205			58
	Stock-based compensation		38			45			77			83
	Acquisition-related expenses		1			3			1			6
	Total consolidated operating income	$	248		$	297		$	472		$	547

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation
	The following table sets forth the total stock-based compensation expense recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
	Cost of revenue	$	4	$	4	$	8	$	8
	Sales and marketing		15		17		29		33
	Research and development		12		13		25		24
	General and administrative		7		11		15		18
	Total stock-based compensation expense		38		45		77		83
	Tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation expense		-10		-14		-21		-24
	Net stock-based compensation expense	$	28	$	31	$	56	$	59
	Net stock-based compensation expense per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders— basic	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.08
	Net stock-based compensation expense per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders— diluted	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.08
	The following table summarizes additional information pertaining to our stock-based compensation:
		Six Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions, except per grant data)
	Restricted stock
	Weighted-average fair value per grant	$	24.23	$	15.20
	Fair value of awards granted	$	63	$	155
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	89	$	39
	Total unrecognized compensation expense	$	208	$	272
	Weighted-average remaining vesting period		2 years		3 years
	Performance-based restricted stock
	Weighted-average fair value per grant	$	19.04	$	16.15
	Fair value of awards granted	$	33	$	29
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	12	$	1
	Total unrecognized compensation expense	$	33	$	23
	Weighted-average remaining vesting period		2 years		2 years
	Stock options
	Weighted-average fair value per grant	$	-	$	4.07
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	48	$	13
	Total unrecognized compensation expense	$	9	$	22
	Weighted-average remaining vesting period		1 year		2 years
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we granted 67,550 Restricted Stock Awards to members of our Board of Directors, each award had a fair value of $24.35, and vested immediately upon grant. As a result, we recorded $2 million of stock-based compensation expense for these awards during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes
	Note 11. Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate was approximately 4% and 15% for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013 and 29% and 28% for the three and six months ended September 28, 2012, respectively.
	For the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, the tax provision was reduced by $33 million for the resolution of a tax matter related to the sale of our 49% ownership interest in the joint venture with Huawei during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 as well as by $24 million for tax benefits related to the settlement of the Symantec 2005 through 2008 Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit. The tax provision was further reduced by $8 million and $11 million in tax benefits, for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, respectively, primarily resulting from individually insignificant tax settlements, lapses of statutes of limitations, and prior year items. These tax benefits were offset by $6 million and $12 million in tax expense, for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, respectively, resulting from the sale of short-term investments.
	The tax provision for the three and six months ended September 28, 2012, was reduced by $5 million in tax benefits resulting from tax settlements or effectively settled tax items. The tax provision was further reduced by $3 million and $6 million in tax benefits, for the three and six months ended September 28, 2012, respectively, primarily related to lapses of statutes of limitations and prior year items. These tax benefits were offset by a $9 million tax expense from an increase in valuation allowance on state research tax credits for the three and six months ended September 28, 2012.
	The provision for the six months ended September 27, 2013 and September 28, 2012 otherwise reflects a forecasted tax rate of 29%, for each period. The forecasted tax rates for all periods presented reflect the benefits of lower-taxed international earnings, domestic manufacturing incentives, and research and development credits (the U.S. federal Research and Development tax credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2013), partially offset by state income taxes.
	We are a U.S.-based multinational company subject to tax in multiple U.S. and international tax jurisdictions. A substantial portion of our international earnings were generated from subsidiaries organized in Ireland and Singapore. Our results of operations would be adversely affected to the extent that our geographical mix of income becomes more weighted toward jurisdictions with higher tax rates and would be favorably affected to the extent the relative geographic mix shifts to lower tax jurisdictions. Any change in our mix of earnings is dependent upon many factors and is therefore difficult to predict.
	The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is highly uncertain, and the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year. Although potential resolution of uncertain tax positions involve multiple tax periods and jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits related to these audits could decrease (whether by payment, release, or a combination of both) in the next 12 months by $150 million. This amount includes approximately $116 million paid in the settlement of the Symantec 2005 through 2008 IRS audit. Depending on the nature of the settlement or expiration of statutes of limitations, we estimate at least $20 million could affect our income tax provision and therefore benefit the resulting effective tax rate.
	We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing tax controversies and the impact, if any, of the expected expiration of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 12. Earnings Per Share
	The components of earnings per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Net income	$	241	$	189	$	398	$	349
	Net income per share — basic	$	0.34	$	0.27	$	0.57	$	0.49
	Net income per share — diluted	$	0.34	$	0.27	$	0.56	$	0.49
	Weighted-average outstanding common shares — basic		699		702		698		709
	Dilutive potential shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		2		2		2		2
	Dilutive potential shares related to stock award plans		6		4		7		3
	Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted		707		708		707		714
	Anti-dilutive weighted-average stock options		3		26		4		26
	Anti-dilutive weighted-average restricted stock		-		1		-		-

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Note 13. Subsequent Event
	On October 23, 2013,  we announced a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.15 per share of common stock to be paid on December 18, 2013 to stockholders of record as of November 25, 2013. All shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and unvested restricted stock and performance-based stock as of the record date will be entitled to the dividend and dividend equivalents, respectively. Any future dividends and dividend equivalents will be subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Policy

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Change	Segment reporting change
	We modified our segment reporting structure to match our new operating structure and how our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) views the business and allocates resources, beginning from the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The CODM function is comprised of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President of Products and Services. Reclassifications of prior period financial information have been made to conform to the current period presentation. This change does not impact previously reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. See Note 9 for additional information on our segment reporting change.
Contingencies	Contingencies
	We evaluate contingent liabilities including threatened or pending litigation and government investigations 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 accrued liabilities 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, litigation and government investigations, 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.
Change In Accounting Policy For Sales Commissions	Change in Accounting Policy for Sales Commissions
	Effective March 30, 2013, we changed our accounting policy for sales commissions that are incremental and directly related to customer sales contracts in which revenue is deferred. These commission costs 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.  Prior to this change in accounting policy, commission costs were expensed in the period in which they were incurred. The adoption of this accounting policy change has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in which the cumulative effect of the change has been reflected as of the beginning of the first period presented. Deferred commissions as of September 27, 2013 and March 29, 2013 were $142 million and $159 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, we capitalized $29 million and $84 million of commission costs and amortized $55 million and $104 million to sales expense, respectively. During the three and six months ended September 28, 2012, we deferred $44 million and $77 million of commission costs and amortized $53 million and $105 million to sales expense, respectively.
	We believe this change in accounting policy is preferable as the direct and incremental commission costs are closely related to the revenue, and therefore they should be recorded as an asset and recognized as an expense over the same period that the related revenue is recognized.
	The cumulative effect of the change on accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive income was $109 million and $3 million, respectively, as of March 30, 2012. The following tables present the changes to financial statement line items as a result of the accounting change for the periods presented in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
		29-Mar-13
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
	Deferred income taxes	$	198	$	-29	$	169
	Deferred commissions	$	-	$	130	$	130
	Long-term deferred commissions	$	-	$	29	$	29
	Other long-term assets	$	124	$	-1	$	123
	Other current liabilities	$	313	$	5	$	318
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	$	403	$	23	$	426
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	197	$	2	$	199
	Accumulated deficit	$	-2,096	$	99	$	-1,997
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Sep-12						28-Sep-12
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Operating expenses: Sales and marketing	$	659	$	8	$	667	$	1,308	$	27	$	1,335
	Provision for income taxes	$	80	$	-4	$	76	$	145	$	-11	$	134
	Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders	$	193	$	-4	$	189	$	365	$	-16	$	349
	Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — basic	$	0.27	$	-	$	0.27	$	0.51	$	-0.02	$	0.49
	Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — diluted	$	0.27	$	-	$	0.27	$	0.51	$	-0.02	$	0.49
	Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — basic		702		-		702		709		-		709
	Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — diluted		708		-		708		714		-		714
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Sep-12						28-Sep-12
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
	Net income	$	193	$	-4	$	189	$	365	$	-16	$	349
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments	$	12	$	-	$	12	$	16	$	-	$	16
	Comprehensive income	$	202	$	-1	$	201	$	381	$	-15	$	366
	The change in accounting policy does not affect our balance of Cash and cash equivalents and as a result did not change net cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 28, 2012.
	There have been no other material changes in our significant accounting policies for the three and six months ended September 27, 2013, as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2013, other than as discussed above.
Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance	Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This ASU permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate), in addition to the U.S. government rate (“UST”) and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging.  We adopted this guidance following its effective date of July 17, 2013 and it had no material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the Net Operating Loss or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  We do not expect that this guidance will materially impact our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis_Of_Presentation_Tables

Basis Of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes To Financial Statement Line Items As A Result Of The Accounting Change For The Periods Presented In The Accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
		29-Mar-13
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
	Deferred income taxes	$	198	$	-29	$	169
	Deferred commissions	$	-	$	130	$	130
	Long-term deferred commissions	$	-	$	29	$	29
	Other long-term assets	$	124	$	-1	$	123
	Other current liabilities	$	313	$	5	$	318
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities	$	403	$	23	$	426
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	197	$	2	$	199
	Accumulated deficit	$	-2,096	$	99	$	-1,997
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Sep-12						28-Sep-12
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Operating expenses: Sales and marketing	$	659	$	8	$	667	$	1,308	$	27	$	1,335
	Provision for income taxes	$	80	$	-4	$	76	$	145	$	-11	$	134
	Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders	$	193	$	-4	$	189	$	365	$	-16	$	349
	Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — basic	$	0.27	$	-	$	0.27	$	0.51	$	-0.02	$	0.49
	Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — diluted	$	0.27	$	-	$	0.27	$	0.51	$	-0.02	$	0.49
	Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — basic		702		-		702		709		-		709
	Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders — diluted		708		-		708		714		-		714
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Sep-12						28-Sep-12
		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted		As Reported		Adjustment		As Adjusted
		(Dollars in millions)
	Net income	$	193	$	-4	$	189	$	365	$	-16	$	349
	Net foreign currency translation adjustments	$	12	$	-	$	12	$	16	$	-	$	16
	Comprehensive income	$	202	$	-1	$	201	$	381	$	-15	$	366

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Schedule Of The Carrying Value Of Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis
		27-Sep-13						29-Mar-13
		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	Cash equivalents (1)	$	2,347	$	-	$	2,347	$	3,469	$	-	$	3,469
	Other short-term investments		-		1		1		-		-		-
	Marketable equity securities		4		-		4		62		-		62
	______________
	Cash equivalents consist of investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill
		User Productivity & Protection		Information Security		Information Management		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	Net balance as of March 29, 2013	$	1,649	$	1,486	$	2,706	$	5,841
	Additions (1)		-		16		-		16
	Adjustments (2)		-		2		-		2
	Net balance as of September 27, 2013	$	1,649	$	1,504	$	2,706	$	5,859
	______________
	-1	Additions due to an acquired business.
	Adjustments made to goodwill reflect foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Schedule Of Intangible Assets, Net
		27-Sep-13								29-Mar-13
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Weighted-Average Remaining Useful Life
			(Dollars in millions)
	Customer relationships	$	2,207	$	-1,859	$	348	4 years		$	2,205	$	-1,766	$	439	2 years
	Developed technology		1,918		-1,747		171	4 years			1,917		-1,720		197	4 years
	Finite-lived tradenames		146		-117		29	2 years			146		-110		36	2 years
	Patents		26		-19		7	4 years			26		-18		8	5 years
	Indefinite-lived tradenames		297		-		297	Indefinite			297		-		297	Indefinite
	Total	$	4,594	$	-3,742	$	852	3 years		$	4,591	$	-3,614	$	977	2 years
Schedule Of Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense
		September 27,
		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Remainder of fiscal 2014	$	83
	2015		157
	2016		106
	2017		87
	2018		66
	Thereafter		56
	Total	$	555

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property And Equipment, Net
		September 27,		March 29,
		2013		2013
		(Dollars in millions)
	Computer hardware and software	$	1,673	$	1,820
	Office furniture and equipment		141		172
	Buildings		531		530
	Leasehold improvements		335		310
			2,680		2,832
	Accumulated depreciation		-1,734		-1,853
			946		979
	Construction in progress		66		64
	Land		79		79
	Total	$	1,091	$	1,122
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, on a net of tax basis, were as follows:
		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Unrealized Gain On Available-For-Sale Securities		Total
		(Dollars in millions)
	Balance as of March 29, 2013	$	183	$	16	$	199
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-2		-		-2
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-		-14		-14
	Balance as of September 27, 2013	$	181	$	2	$	183
	The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income were as follows:
		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
		27-Sep-13		27-Sep-13
		(Dollars in millions)
	Details about Accumulated Other					Affected Line Item in the Condensed
	Comprehensive Income Components					Consolidated Statement of Income
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	$	-16	$	-24	Other income (expense), net
	Tax effects		5		10	Provision for income taxes
	Total amount reclassified, net of taxes	$	-11	$	-14

Restructuring_And_Transition_T

Restructuring And Transition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Restructuring And Transition [Abstract]
Schedule Of The Restructuring Summary
		29-Mar-13		Costs, Net of Adjustments (1)		Cash Payments		27-Sep-13		Cumulative Incurred to Date
		(Dollars in millions)
	Restructuring liabilities:
	Restructuring plan — severance	$	10	$	175	$	-110	$	75	$	185
	Other exit and disposal costs		3		2		-2		3
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	13	$	177	$	-112	$	78
	Transition and other related costs				28
	Total restructuring and transition			$	205
	Balance Sheet:
	Other current liabilities	$	11					$	77
	Other long-term obligations		2						1
	Total restructuring liabilities	$	13					$	78
	______________
	(1)   Adjustments which have not been significant primarily relate to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Stock_Repurchases_Tables

Stock Repurchases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Stock Repurchases [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock Repurchases
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		27-Sep-13					27-Sep-13
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Total number of shares repurchased					5					10
	Dollar amount of shares repurchased				$	125				$	250
	Average price paid per share				$	24.99				$	24.47
	Range of price paid per share	$	22.22	-	$	27.09	$	21.95	-	$	27.09

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Reportable Segment Data
		User Productivity & Protection			Information Security			Information Management			Total Segments
		(Dollars in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 27, 2013
	Net revenue	$	719		$	316		$	602		$	1,637
	Percentage of total net revenue		44	%		19	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		257			49			145			451
	Operating margin		36	%		16	%		24	%
	Three Months Ended September 28, 2012
	Net revenue	$	743		$	324		$	632		$	1,699
	Percentage of total net revenue		44	%		19	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		267			14			178			459
	Operating margin		36	%		4	%		28	%
	Six Months Ended September 27, 2013
	Net revenue	$	1,451		$	652		$	1,243		$	3,346
	Percentage of total net revenue		43	%		20	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		514			75			294			883
	Operating margin		35	%		12	%		24	%
	Six Months Ended September 28, 2012
	Net revenue	$	1,480		$	638		$	1,249		$	3,367
	Percentage of total net revenue		44	%		19	%		37	%		100	%
	Operating income		525			6			344			875
	Operating margin		35	%		1	%		28	%
Reconciliation Of Total Segment Operating Income To Total Consolidated Operating Income
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		September 27,			September 28,			September 27,			September 28,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(Dollars in millions)
	Total segment operating income	$	451		$	459		$	883		$	875
	Reconciling items:
	Amortization of intangibles		42			91			128			181
	Restructuring & transition		122			23			205			58
	Stock-based compensation		38			45			77			83
	Acquisition-related expenses		1			3			1			6
	Total consolidated operating income	$	248		$	297		$	472		$	547

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized In Our Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
	Cost of revenue	$	4	$	4	$	8	$	8
	Sales and marketing		15		17		29		33
	Research and development		12		13		25		24
	General and administrative		7		11		15		18
	Total stock-based compensation expense		38		45		77		83
	Tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation expense		-10		-14		-21		-24
	Net stock-based compensation expense	$	28	$	31	$	56	$	59
	Net stock-based compensation expense per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders— basic	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.08
	Net stock-based compensation expense per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders— diluted	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.08	$	0.08
Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements By Stock-Based Payment Award
		Six Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,
		2013		2012
		(Dollars in millions, except per grant data)
	Restricted stock
	Weighted-average fair value per grant	$	24.23	$	15.20
	Fair value of awards granted	$	63	$	155
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	89	$	39
	Total unrecognized compensation expense	$	208	$	272
	Weighted-average remaining vesting period		2 years		3 years
	Performance-based restricted stock
	Weighted-average fair value per grant	$	19.04	$	16.15
	Fair value of awards granted	$	33	$	29
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	12	$	1
	Total unrecognized compensation expense	$	33	$	23
	Weighted-average remaining vesting period		2 years		2 years
	Stock options
	Weighted-average fair value per grant	$	-	$	4.07
	Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	48	$	13
	Total unrecognized compensation expense	$	9	$	22
	Weighted-average remaining vesting period		1 year		2 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components Of Earnings Per Share
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
		(In millions, except per share data)
	Net income	$	241	$	189	$	398	$	349
	Net income per share — basic	$	0.34	$	0.27	$	0.57	$	0.49
	Net income per share — diluted	$	0.34	$	0.27	$	0.56	$	0.49
	Weighted-average outstanding common shares — basic		699		702		698		709
	Dilutive potential shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options		2		2		2		2
	Dilutive potential shares related to stock award plans		6		4		7		3
	Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted		707		708		707		714
	Anti-dilutive weighted-average stock options		3		26		4		26
	Anti-dilutive weighted-average restricted stock		-		1		-		-

Basis_Of_Presentation_Narrativ

Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Mar. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2012
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Deferred commissions	$142		$142		$159
Capitalized commission costs	29		84
Deferred commission costs		44		77
Amortized sales expense	55	53	104	105
Cumulative effect of change on accumulated deficit						109
Cumulative effect of change on accumulated other comprehensive income						$3

Basis_Of_Presentation_Schedule

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule Of Changes To Financial Statement Line Items As A Resutl Of The Accounting Change For The Periods Presented In The Accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes	$174	$169
Deferred commissions	114	130
Long-term deferred commissions	28	29
Other long-term assets	114	123
Other current liabilities	343	318
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	474	426
Accumulated other comprehensive income	183	199
Accumulated deficit	-1,599	-1,997
As Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes		198
Other long-term assets		124
Other current liabilities		313
Long-term deferred tax liabilities		403
Accumulated other comprehensive income		197
Accumulated deficit		-2,096
Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes		-29
Deferred commissions		130
Long-term deferred commissions		29
Other long-term assets		-1
Other current liabilities		5
Long-term deferred tax liabilities		23
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2
Accumulated deficit		$99

Basis_Of_Presentation_Schedule1

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule Of Changes To Financial Statement Line Items As A Resutl Of The Accounting Change For The Periods Presented In The Accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating expenses: Sales and marketing	$592	$667	$1,243	$1,335
Provision for income taxes	10	76	73	134
Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders	241	189	398	349
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic	$0.34	$0.27	$0.57	$0.49
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted	$0.34	$0.27	$0.56	$0.49
Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic	699	702	698	709
Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted	707	708	707	714
As Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating expenses: Sales and marketing		659		1,308
Provision for income taxes		80		145
Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders		193		365
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic		$0.27		$0.51
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted		$0.27		$0.51
Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic		702		709
Weighted-average shares outstanding attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted		708		714
Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating expenses: Sales and marketing		8		27
Provision for income taxes		-4		-11
Net income attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders		($4)		($16)
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - basic				($0.02)
Net income per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders - diluted				($0.02)

Basis_Of_Presentation_Schedule2

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule Of Changes To Financial Statement Line Items As A Resutl Of The Accounting Change For The Periods Presented In The Accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensice Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income	$241	$189	$398	$349
Net foreign currency translation adjustments		12		16
Comprehensive income	247	201	382	366
As Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income		193		365
Net foreign currency translation adjustments		12		16
Comprehensive income		202		381
Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income		-4		-16
Comprehensive income		($1)		($15)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2013		Mar. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$2,347	[1]	$3,469	[1]
Marketable equity securities	4		62
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents		[1]		[1]
Other short-term investments	1
Marketable equity securities
Total [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	2,347	[1]	3,469	[1]
Other short-term investments	1
Marketable equity securities	$4		$62
[1]	Cash equivalents consist of investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Net balance as of March 29, 2013	$5,841
Additions	16	[1]
Adjustments	2	[2]
Net balance as of September 27, 2013	5,859
User Productivity & Protection [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Net balance as of March 29, 2013	1,649
Additions		[1]
Adjustments		[2]
Net balance as of September 27, 2013	1,649
Information Security [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Net balance as of March 29, 2013	1,486
Additions	16	[1]
Adjustments	2	[2]
Net balance as of September 27, 2013	1,504
Information Management [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Net balance as of March 29, 2013	2,706
Additions		[1]
Adjustments		[2]
Net balance as of September 27, 2013	$2,706
[1]	Additions due to an acquired business
[2]	Adjustments made to goodwill reflect foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets, Net) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$4,594	$4,591
Accumulated Amortization	-3,742	-3,614
Net Carrying Amount	852	977
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	3 years	2 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,207	2,205
Accumulated Amortization	-1,859	-1,766
Net Carrying Amount	348	439
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	4 years	2 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,918	1,917
Accumulated Amortization	-1,747	-1,720
Net Carrying Amount	171	197
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	4 years	4 years
Finite-Lived Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	146	146
Accumulated Amortization	-117	-110
Net Carrying Amount	29	36
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	2 years	2 years
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	26	26
Accumulated Amortization	-19	-18
Net Carrying Amount	7	8
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	4 years	5 years
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	297	297
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount	$297	$297

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Remainder of fiscal 2014	$83
2015	157
2016	106
2017	87
2018	66
Thereafter	56
Total	$555

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Dividends paid, net	$105	$105	$210
Cash dividends declared per common shares	$0.15	$0.15	$0.30

Supplemental_Financial_Informa3

Supplemental Financial Information (Schedule Of Property And Equipment, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable property and equipment	$2,680	$2,832
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-1,734	-1,853
Depreciable propety and equipment, net	946	979
Construction in progress	66	64
Land	79	79
Property and equipment, net	1,091	1,122
Computer Hardware And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable property and equipment	1,673	1,820
Office Furniture And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable property and equipment	141	172
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable property and equipment	531	530
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable property and equipment	$335	$310

Supplemental_Financial_Informa4

Supplemental Financial Information (Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Balance as of March 29, 2013			$199
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			-2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			-14
Balance as of September 27, 2013	183		183
Other income (expense), net	20	1	38	-5
Provision for income taxes	-10	-76	-73	-134
Net income	241	189	398	349
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Balance as of March 29, 2013			183
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			-2
Balance as of September 27, 2013	181		181
Unrealized Gain On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Balance as of March 29, 2013			16
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			-14
Balance as of September 27, 2013	2		2
Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Net income	-11		-14
Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Gain On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Other income (expense), net	-16		-24
Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Tax Effects [Member]
Provision for income taxes	$5		$10

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of debt	$1,189,000,000
Proceeds from convertible note hedge	189,000,000
1.00% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	1,000,000,000
Stated interest rate	1.00%
Maturity year	Jun-13
Repayment of debt	1,000,000,000
Semi-annual interest payment	5,000,000
Conversion value above par value in cash	189,000,000
Proceeds from convertible note hedge	$189,000,000
Warrant [Member] | 1.00% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Investment options, expiration date	27-Sep-13
Minimum [Member] | Warrant [Member] | 1.00% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of shares available to purchase under warrant grants	52.7
Maximum [Member] | Warrant [Member] | 1.00% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion price for dilution	$27.13

Restructuring_And_Transition_N

Restructuring And Transition (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring plan, initiation date	23-Jan-13
Cumulative costs incurred to date	$185
Other Exit And Disposal Costs [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	30-May-18
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Total expected incurred severance and benefit costs	35
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Total expected incurred severance and benefit costs	$65

Restructuring_And_Transition_S

Restructuring And Transition (Schedule Of The Restructuring Summary) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended													6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013		Sep. 27, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
		Restructuring Plan - Severance [Member]		Other Exit And Disposal Costs [Member]		Transition And Other Related Costs [Member]		Total Restructuring And Transition [Member]		Other Current Liabilities [Member]	Other Current Liabilities [Member]	Other Long-Term Obligations [Member]	Other Long-Term Obligations [Member]	Total Restructuring Liabilities [Member]		Total Restructuring Other Liabilities [Member]	Total Restructuring Other Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance, beginning		$10		$3						$77	$11	$1	$2	$13		$78	$13
Costs, Net of Adjustments		175	[1]	2	[1]	28	[1]	205	[1]					177	[1]
Cash Payments		-110		-2										-112
Balance, ending		75		3						77	11	1	2	78		78	13
Cumulative Incurred to Date	$185	$185
[1]	Adjustments which have not been significant primarily relate to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Stock_Repurchases_Narrative_De

Stock Repurchases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013
Stock Repurchases [Abstract]
Authorization to repurchase common stock	$1,000,000,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount		$908,000,000

Stock_Repurchases_Schedule_Of_

Stock Repurchases (Schedule Of Stock Repurchases) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013
Total number of shares repurchased attributable to Symantec Corporation	5	10
Dollar amount of shares repurchased attributable to Symantec Corporation	$125	$250
Average price paid per share	$24.99	$24.47
Minimum [Member]
Average price paid per share	$22.22	$21.95
Maximum [Member]
Average price paid per share	$27.09	$27.09

Segment_Information_Schedule_O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Reportable Segment Data) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
			segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$1,637	$1,699	$3,346	$3,367
Percentage of total net revenue	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating income	248	297	472	547
Number of Reportable Segments			3
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	451	459	883	875
User Productivity & Protection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	719	743	1,451	1,480
Percentage of total net revenue	44.00%	44.00%	43.00%	44.00%
Operating income	257	267	514	525
Operating margin	36.00%	36.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Information Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	316	324	652	638
Percentage of total net revenue	19.00%	19.00%	20.00%	19.00%
Operating income	49	14	75	6
Operating margin	16.00%	4.00%	12.00%	1.00%
Information Management [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	602	632	1,243	1,249
Percentage of total net revenue	37.00%	37.00%	37.00%	37.00%
Operating income	$145	$178	$294	$344
Operating margin	24.00%	28.00%	24.00%	28.00%

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Total Segment Operating Income To Total Consolidated Operating Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	$248	$297	$472	$547
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	451	459	883	875
Segment Reconciling Items, Amortization Of Intangibles [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	42	91	128	181
Segment Reconciling Items, Restructuring And Transition [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	122	23	205	58
Segment Reconciling Items, Stock-based Compensation [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	38	45	77	83
Segment Reconciling Items, Acquisition-related Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	$1	$3	$1	$6

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards issued		67,550
Stock-based compensation expense	$38		$45	$77	$83
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		2
Weighted-average fair value per grant		24.35

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized In Our Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$38	$45	$77	$83
Tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation expense	-10	-14	-21	-24
Net stock-based compensation expense	28	31	56	59
Net stock-based compensation expense per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders- basic	$0.04	$0.04	$0.08	$0.08
Net stock-based compensation expense per share attributable to Symantec Corporation stockholders- diluted	$0.04	$0.04	$0.08	$0.08
Cost Of Revenue [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	4	4	8	8
Sales And Marketing [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	15	17	29	33
Research And Development [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	12	13	25	24
General And Administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$7	$11	$15	$18

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements By Stock-Based Payment Award) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value per grant	$24.23	$15.20
Fair value of awards granted	$63	$155
Total fair value of awards vested	89	39
Total unrecognized compensation expense	208	272
Weighted-average remaining vesting period (in years)	2 years	3 years
Performance Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value per grant	$19.04	$16.15
Fair value of awards granted	33	29
Total fair value of awards vested	12	1
Total unrecognized compensation expense	33	23
Weighted-average remaining vesting period (in years)	2 years	2 years
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value per grant		$4.07
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	48	13
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$9	$22
Weighted-average remaining vesting period (in years)	1 year	2 years

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	4.00%	29.00%	15.00%	28.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$10	$76	$73	$134
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible amount of unrecorded benefit	150		150
R&D Tax Credit [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. federal R&D tax credit expiration date			31-Dec-13
Valuation Allowance On State Credits [Member] | R&D Tax Credit [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		9		9
Symantec 2005 Through 2008 Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Audit [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax provision reduction	24		24
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible amount of unrecorded benefit	116		116
Tax Settlements And Lapse Of Statues Of Limitations [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax provision reduction	8		11
Sale Of Short Term Investments [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	6		12
Tax Settlements [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax provision reduction		5		5
Lapse Of Statues Of Limitations [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax provision reduction		3		6
Forecasted Rate [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective tax rate			29.00%
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible amount of unrecorded benefit	20		20
Joint Venture With Huawei [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Ownership interest in the joint venture with Huawei	49.00%		49.00%
Tax provision reduction	$33		$33

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Components Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income	$241	$189	$398	$349
Net income per share - basic	$0.34	$0.27	$0.57	$0.49
Net income per share - diluted	$0.34	$0.27	$0.56	$0.49
Weighted-average outstanding common shares - basic	699	702	698	709
Dilutive potential shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options	2	2	2	2
Dilutive potential shares related to stock award plans	6	4	7	3
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	707	708	707	714
Anti-Dilutive Weighted-Average Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive weighted-average shares	3	26	4	26
Anti-Dilutive Weighted-Average Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive weighted-average shares		1

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 23, 2013
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date announced	23-Oct-13
Dividends payable, amount per share	$0.15
Dividends payable, date to be paid	18-Dec-13
Dividends payable, date of record	25-Nov-13