Segment Data (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Segment Operating Income
Total Segment Operating Income	$ 578,406	$ 506,990	$ 1,644,045	$ 1,562,022
Unallocated Expenses	(117,765)	(93,617)	(346,792)	(314,980)
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	460,641	413,373	1,297,253	1,247,042
Medical [Member]
Segment Operating Income
Total Segment Operating Income	324,170	273,186	887,080	839,436
Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Operating Income
Total Segment Operating Income	164,293	146,703	481,322	452,789
Biosciences [Member]
Segment Operating Income
Total Segment Operating Income	$ 89,943	$ 87,101	$ 275,643	$ 269,797