Impact of Consolidating Balance Sheets of International Theme Parks (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 01, 2011	Apr. 02, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,731		$ 3,185	$ 3,094		$ 2,722
Other current assets	10,806		10,572
Total current assets	14,537		13,757
Investments	2,484		2,435
Fixed assets	20,842		19,695
Other assets	37,370		36,237
Total assets	75,233		72,124
Current portion of borrowings	3,447		3,055
Other current liabilities	9,277		9,033
Total current liabilities	12,724		12,088
Borrowings	12,582		10,922
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	10,015		9,661
Equity	39,912	39,423	39,453	40,312	39,739	39,342
Total liabilities and equity	75,233		72,124
Before International Theme Parks Consolidation
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,097		2,407
Other current assets	10,544		10,323
Total current assets	13,641		12,730
Investments	3,939		3,791
Fixed assets	16,426		15,386
Other assets	37,270		36,137
Total assets	71,276		68,044
Current portion of borrowings	3,253		2,866
Other current liabilities	8,736		8,459
Total current liabilities	11,989		11,325
Borrowings	10,623		8,800
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	9,858		9,507
Equity	38,806		38,412
Total liabilities and equity	71,276		68,044
International Theme Parks and Adjustments
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	634		778
Other current assets	262		249
Total current assets	896		1,027
Investments	(1,455)		(1,356)
Fixed assets	4,416		4,309
Other assets	100		100
Total assets	3,957		4,080
Current portion of borrowings	194		189
Other current liabilities	541		574
Total current liabilities	735		763
Borrowings	1,959		2,122
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	157		154
Equity	1,106		1,041
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,957		$ 4,080