Borrowing Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 13,977
Additions	1,590
Payments	(1,042)
Other Activity	(139)
Ending Balance	14,386
Commercial paper borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,583
Payments	(976)
Ending Balance	607
U.S. medium-term notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	8,400
Additions	1,590
Other Activity	1
Ending Balance	9,991
Other foreign currency denominated borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,020
Other Activity	(3)
Ending Balance	1,017
Other borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	663
Payments	(29)
Other Activity	(8)
Ending Balance	626
Disneyland Paris borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,981	[1]
Payments	(37)	[1]
Other Activity	(83)	[1]
Ending Balance	1,861	[1]
Hong Kong Disneyland borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	330	[2]
Other Activity	(46)	[2]
Ending Balance	$ 284	[2]

[1] The other activity is primarily the impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro.

[2] The other activity is due to the conversion of a portion of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) loan to equity pursuant to a capital realignment and expansion plan.