Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 828	$ 716
Accounts receivable, net	1,350	1,321
Inventories	2,672	2,587
Other current assets	155	156
Total Current Assets	5,005	4,780
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	3,992	3,823
Goodwill	1,891	1,892
Intangible Assets	136	149
Other Assets	437	427
Total Assets	11,461	11,071
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	119	70
Accounts payable	1,189	1,264
Other current liabilities	913	1,040
Total Current Liabilities	2,221	2,374
Long-Term Debt	2,345	2,112
Deferred Income Taxes	473	424
Other Liabilities	517	476
Shareholders' Equity:
Capital in excess of par value	2,271	2,261
Retained earnings	4,155	3,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(73)	(79)
Treasury stock, at cost - 30 million shares at June 30, 2012, and 22 million shares at October 1, 2011	(521)	(365)
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	5,871	5,657
Noncontrolling Interest	34	28
Total Shareholders' Equity	5,905	5,685
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	11,461	11,071
Class A [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock	32	32
Convertible Class B [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock	$ 7	$ 7