Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010	Oct. 03, 2009
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 733	$ 765	$ (551)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	433	416	445
Amortization	73	81	68
Deferred income taxes	86	18	(33)
Impairment of goodwill	0	29	560
Impairment of assets	18	36	32
Other, net	49	76	72
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(114)	(79)	137
(Increase) decrease in inventories	(299)	(239)	493
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	152	101	(216)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable/receivable	(73)	(53)	33
Increase (decrease) in interest payable	19	(4)	(60)
Net change in other current assets and liabilities	(31)	285	(20)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities	1,046	1,432	960
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(643)	(550)	(368)
Purchases of marketable securities	(146)	(53)	(37)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	66	49	56
Proceeds from notes receivable	51	0	0
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation	0	0	75
Change in restricted cash to be used for investing activities	0	43	(43)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	(93)
Other, net	28	11	(17)
Cash Used for Investing Activities	(644)	(500)	(427)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit facilities	0	0	15
Payments of debt	(500)	(1,034)	(380)
Net proceeds from borrowings	115	0	852
Debt issuance costs	(9)	0	(59)
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(66)	0	0
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	(207)	(48)	(19)
Dividends	(59)	(59)	(60)
Change in restricted cash to be used for financing activities	0	140	(140)
Other, net	68	42	6
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	(658)	(959)	215
Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash	(6)	1	6
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(262)	(26)	754
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	978	1,004	250
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$ 716	$ 978	$ 1,004