Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 Media Networks	Mar. 31, 2012 Parks and Resorts	Oct. 01, 2011 Parks and Resorts	Mar. 31, 2012 Studio Entertainment	Mar. 31, 2012 Consumer Products	Mar. 31, 2012 Interactive Media
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 24,145	$ 15,728	$ 172	$ 172	$ 5,284	$ 1,797	$ 1,164
Acquisitions	1,015	461			424		130
Disposition	(4)				(1)	(3)
Other, net	(43)	(19)			(20)		(4)
Ending balance	$ 25,113	$ 16,170	$ 172	$ 172	$ 5,687	$ 1,794	$ 1,290

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-Number 141R

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Write-off of the carrying amount of goodwill associated with all or a portion of a reporting unit that is sold in the period.

+ References+ Details