Impact of Consolidating Balance Sheets of International Theme Parks (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 01, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,766	$ 3,185	$ 3,039	$ 2,722
Other current assets	11,294	10,572
Total current assets	15,060	13,757
Investments	2,685	2,435
Fixed assets	19,760	19,695
Other assets	36,372	36,237
Total assets	73,877	72,124
Current portion of borrowings	3,160	3,055
Other current liabilities	10,364	9,033
Total current liabilities	13,524	12,088
Borrowings	11,226	10,922
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	9,704	9,661
Equity	39,423	39,453	39,739	39,342
Total liabilities and equity	73,877	72,124
Before International Theme Parks Consolidation
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,141	2,407
Other current assets	11,072	10,323
Total current assets	14,213	12,730
Investments	4,046	3,791
Fixed assets	15,520	15,386
Other assets	36,287	36,137
Total assets	70,066	68,044
Current portion of borrowings	2,943	2,866
Other current liabilities	9,920	8,459
Total current liabilities	12,863	11,325
Borrowings	9,298	8,800
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	9,564	9,507
Equity	38,341	38,412
Total liabilities and equity	70,066	68,044
International Theme Parks and Adjustments
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	625	778
Other current assets	222	249
Total current assets	847	1,027
Investments	(1,361)	(1,356)
Fixed assets	4,240	4,309
Other assets	85	100
Total assets	3,811	4,080
Current portion of borrowings	217	189
Other current liabilities	444	574
Total current liabilities	661	763
Borrowings	1,928	2,122
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	140	154
Equity	1,082	1,041
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,811	$ 4,080