Borrowing Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 13,977
Additions	3,449
Payments	(1,562)
Other Activity	165
Ending Balance	16,029
Commercial paper borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,583
Additions	290
Ending Balance	1,873
U.S. medium-term notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	8,400
Additions	2,977
Payments	(1,250)
Other Activity	3
Ending Balance	10,130
European medium term notes and other foreign currency denominated notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,111	[1]
Additions	180	[1]
Payments	(172)	[1]
Other Activity	205	[1]
Ending Balance	1,324	[1]
Other borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	572
Additions	2
Payments	(58)
Other Activity	33
Ending Balance	549
Disneyland Paris borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,981
Payments	(82)
Other Activity	(32)
Ending Balance	1,867
Hong Kong Disneyland borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	330	[2]
Other Activity	(44)	[2]
Ending Balance	$ 286	[2]

[1] The other activity is primarily borrowings assumed in the acquisition of UTV.

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