Segment Data (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	$ 515,385	$ 537,306	$ 585,196
Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	366,915	368,857	407,884
Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	93,435	108,941	102,432
Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	37,220	49,821	55,646
Corporate and All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	$ 17,815	$ 9,687	$ 19,234