Subsequent Events (Details) (Sale [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Sale [Member]
Subsequent Events (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash proceeds from the sale of asset	$ 730,000

Cash proceeds expected to be received from pending agreement to sell asset group.

No definition available.

Name:	bdx_ProceedsExpectedFromSaleOfProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix:	bdx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration