Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Principles of Consolidation	*Principles of Consolidation* The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Becton, Dickinson and Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) after the elimination of intercompany transactions. The Company has no material interests in variable interest entities.
Cash Equivalents	*Cash Equivalents* Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase.
Short-Term Investments	*Short-Term Investments* Short-term investments consist of time deposits with maturities greater than three months and less than one year when purchased.
Inventories	*Inventories* Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	*Property, Plant and Equipment* Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from 20 to 45 years for buildings, four to 13 years for machinery and equipment and one to 12 years for leasehold improvements. Depreciation and amortization expense was $321,294, $339,707 and $338,178 in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	*Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets* Goodwill, core and developed technology, and in-process research and development assets arise from acquisitions. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is quantitatively assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. The Company’s reporting units generally represent one level below reporting segments, and components within an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics are aggregated. Potential impairment of goodwill is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, estimated using an income approach, with its carrying value. The annual impairment review performed in fiscal year 2012 indicated that all identified reporting units’ fair values exceeded their respective carrying values. The review for impairment of in-process research and development assets compares the fair value of the technology or project assets, estimated using an income approach, with their carrying value. In-process research and development assets are considered indefinite-lived assets until projects are completed or abandoned, and these assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Core and developed technology assets are generally amortized over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years, using the straight-line method, and are periodically reviewed for impairment when impairment indicators are present. Other intangibles with finite useful lives, which include patents, are amortized over periods principally ranging from one to 40 years, using the straight-line method. These intangibles, including core and developed technology, are periodically reviewed when impairment indicators are present to assess recoverability from future operations using undiscounted cash flows. To the extent carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results based upon the excess of the carrying value over fair value. Other intangibles also include certain trademarks that are considered to have indefinite lives, as they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely, and are reviewed annually for impairment.
Capitalized Software	*Capitalized Software* Capitalized software, including costs for software developed or obtained for internal use, is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which do not exceed 10 years. The current balance primarily includes capital software investments related to a global enterprise resource planning initiative to upgrade the Company’s business information systems. Amortization for this project commenced in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012. Amortization expense related to capitalized software was $35,552, $23,106 and $32,146 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation	*Foreign Currency Translation* Generally, foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency is the local currency of operations and the net assets of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the foreign currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.
Revenue Recognition	*Revenue Recognition* Revenue from product sales is typically recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; product price is fixed or determinable; collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenue for certain instruments sold from the Biosciences segment upon installation at a customer’s site, as installation of these instruments is considered a significant post-delivery obligation. For certain instrument sales arrangements, primarily in the U.S., with multiple deliverables, revenue and cost of products sold are recognized at the completion of each deliverable: instrument shipment, installation and training. Installation and training typically occur within one month after an instrument is shipped. These sales agreements are divided into separate units of accounting and revenue is recognized upon the completion of each deliverable based on its relative selling price. The relative selling prices of installation and training are determined based on the prices at which these deliverables would be regularly sold on a standalone basis. The relative selling prices of instruments are based on estimated selling prices. These estimates represent the quoted sales contract price in each arrangement. The Company’s domestic businesses sell products primarily to distributors that resell the products to end-user customers. Rebates are provided to distributors that sell to end-user customers at prices determined under a contract between the Company and the end-user customer. Provisions for rebates, as well as sales discounts and returns, are based upon estimates and are accounted for as a reduction of revenues when revenue is recognized.
Shipping and Handling Costs	*Shipping and Handling Costs* Shipping and handling costs are included in Selling and administrative expense. Shipping expense was $280,945, $268,988 and $247,929 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments	*Derivative Financial Instruments* All derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. From time to time, derivative financial instruments are utilized by the Company in the management of its foreign currency, interest rate and commodity price exposures. The Company periodically hedges forecasted sales denominated in foreign currencies using forward and option contracts to protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from export sales. The Company also periodically utilizes interest rate swaps to maintain a balance between fixed and floating rate instruments. Additionally, the Company has managed price risks associated with resin purchase costs through commodity derivative forward contracts. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Any deferred gains or losses associated with derivative instruments are recognized in income in the period in which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized. In the event a designated hedged item is sold, extinguished or matures prior to the termination of the related derivative instrument, such instrument would be closed and the resultant gain or loss would be recognized in income.
Income Taxes	*Income Taxes* United States income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries where such undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings of foreign subsidiaries when those earnings are not considered indefinitely reinvested. Income taxes are provided and tax credits are recognized based on tax laws enacted at the dates of the financial statements. The Company conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries and currently has tax audits in progress in a number of tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, the Company records accruals for uncertain tax positions, based on the technical support for the positions, past audit experience with similar situations, and the potential interest and penalties related to the matters. The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in the tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, management evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry back and carry forward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset.
Earnings per Share	*Earnings per Share* Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
Use of Estimates	*Use of Estimates* The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Share-Based Compensation	*Share-Based Compensation* The Company recognizes the fair value of share-based compensation in net income. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.
Change in Accounting Principles	*Change in Accounting Principles* In June 2011, the FASB issued revised guidance to require items of net income and other comprehensive income to be presented in either one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The revised presentation requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company early-adopted the revised presentation requirements, which did not impact the recognition of items in its consolidated financial statements, on September 30, 2012. In September 2011, the FASB issued revised annual goodwill impairment testing guidance. The revised requirements allow entities to first qualitatively assess whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Further testing of goodwill for impairment under the quantitative model is required only if an entity determines, through the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a given reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. The revised goodwill impairment testing requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company early-adopted the revised requirements, which did not impact its consolidated financial statements, for its fiscal year 2012 goodwill impairment review processes. In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amendments to clarify guidance relating to fair value measurements. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements for entities’ fair value measurements, particularly those relating to measurements based upon significant unobservable inputs. The Company adopted the amended fair value measurement guidance, which did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2012.
Change in Accounting Estimates	*Change in Accounting Estimates* During the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company changed the useful lives of certain machinery and equipment assets used in production processes from 10 years to 13 years, to better reflect the estimated period during which these assets will remain in service. This change resulted from continuous improvement project evaluations, which included a review of assumptions related to the expected utilization of machinery and equipment assets. The Company accounted for the change in useful lives as a change in estimate prospectively effective January 1, 2012 and this change in estimate resulted in an increase in operating income of approximately $26,200 for fiscal year 2012.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Becton, Dickinson and Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) after the elimination of intercompany transactions. The Company has no material interests in variable interest entities.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase.

Short-Term Investments

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of time deposits with maturities greater than three months and less than one year when purchased.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from 20 to 45 years for buildings, four to 13 years for machinery and equipment and one to 12 years for leasehold improvements. Depreciation and amortization expense was $321,294, $339,707 and $338,178 in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, core and developed technology, and in-process research and development assets arise from acquisitions. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is quantitatively assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. The Company’s reporting units generally represent one level below reporting segments, and components within an operating segment that have similar economic characteristics are aggregated. Potential impairment of goodwill is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, estimated using an income approach, with its carrying value. The annual impairment review performed in fiscal year 2012 indicated that all identified reporting units’ fair values exceeded their respective carrying values.

The review for impairment of in-process research and development assets compares the fair value of the technology or project assets, estimated using an income approach, with their carrying value. In-process research and development assets are considered indefinite-lived assets until projects are completed or abandoned, and these assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Core and developed technology assets are generally amortized over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years, using the straight-line method, and are periodically reviewed for impairment when impairment indicators are present.

Other intangibles with finite useful lives, which include patents, are amortized over periods principally ranging from one to 40 years, using the straight-line method. These intangibles, including core and developed technology, are periodically reviewed when impairment indicators are present to assess recoverability from future operations using undiscounted cash flows. To the extent carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results based upon the excess of the carrying value over fair value. Other intangibles also include certain trademarks that are considered to have indefinite lives, as they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely, and are reviewed annually for impairment.

Capitalized Software

Capitalized Software

Capitalized software, including costs for software developed or obtained for internal use, is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which do not exceed 10 years. The current balance primarily includes capital software investments related to a global enterprise resource planning initiative to upgrade the Company’s business information systems. Amortization for this project commenced in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012. Amortization expense related to capitalized software was $35,552, $23,106 and $32,146 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Generally, foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency is the local currency of operations and the net assets of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the foreign currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is typically recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; product price is fixed or determinable; collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenue for certain instruments sold from the Biosciences segment upon installation at a customer’s site, as installation of these instruments is considered a significant post-delivery obligation. For certain instrument sales arrangements, primarily in the U.S., with multiple deliverables, revenue and cost of products sold are recognized at the completion of each deliverable: instrument shipment, installation and training. Installation and training typically occur within one month after an instrument is shipped. These sales agreements are divided into separate units of accounting and revenue is recognized upon the completion of each deliverable based on its relative selling price. The relative selling prices of installation and training are determined based on the prices at which these deliverables would be regularly sold on a standalone basis. The relative selling prices of instruments are based on estimated selling prices. These estimates represent the quoted sales contract price in each arrangement.

The Company’s domestic businesses sell products primarily to distributors that resell the products to end-user customers. Rebates are provided to distributors that sell to end-user customers at prices determined under a contract between the Company and the end-user customer. Provisions for rebates, as well as sales discounts and returns, are based upon estimates and are accounted for as a reduction of revenues when revenue is recognized.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in Selling and administrative expense. Shipping expense was $280,945, $268,988 and $247,929 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

All derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

From time to time, derivative financial instruments are utilized by the Company in the management of its foreign currency, interest rate and commodity price exposures. The Company periodically hedges forecasted sales denominated in foreign currencies using forward and option contracts to protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from export sales. The Company also periodically utilizes interest rate swaps to maintain a balance between fixed and floating rate instruments. Additionally, the Company has managed price risks associated with resin purchase costs through commodity derivative forward contracts. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Any deferred gains or losses associated with derivative instruments are recognized in income in the period in which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized. In the event a designated hedged item is sold, extinguished or matures prior to the termination of the related derivative instrument, such instrument would be closed and the resultant gain or loss would be recognized in income.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

United States income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries where such undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings of foreign subsidiaries when those earnings are not considered indefinitely reinvested. Income taxes are provided and tax credits are recognized based on tax laws enacted at the dates of the financial statements.

The Company conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries and currently has tax audits in progress in a number of tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, the Company records accruals for uncertain tax positions, based on the technical support for the positions, past audit experience with similar situations, and the potential interest and penalties related to the matters.

The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in the tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, management evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry back and carry forward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the fair value of share-based compensation in net income. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.

Change in Accounting Principles

Change in Accounting Principles

In June 2011, the FASB issued revised guidance to require items of net income and other comprehensive income to be presented in either one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The revised presentation requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company early-adopted the revised presentation requirements, which did not impact the recognition of items in its consolidated financial statements, on September 30, 2012.

In September 2011, the FASB issued revised annual goodwill impairment testing guidance. The revised requirements allow entities to first qualitatively assess whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Further testing of goodwill for impairment under the quantitative model is required only if an entity determines, through the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a given reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. The revised goodwill impairment testing requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company early-adopted the revised requirements, which did not impact its consolidated financial statements, for its fiscal year 2012 goodwill impairment review processes.

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amendments to clarify guidance relating to fair value measurements. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements for entities’ fair value measurements, particularly those relating to measurements based upon significant unobservable inputs. The Company adopted the amended fair value measurement guidance, which did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2012.

Change in Accounting Estimates

Change in Accounting Estimates

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company changed the useful lives of certain machinery and equipment assets used in production processes from 10 years to 13 years, to better reflect the estimated period during which these assets will remain in service. This change resulted from continuous improvement project evaluations, which included a review of assumptions related to the expected utilization of machinery and equipment assets. The Company accounted for the change in useful lives as a change in estimate prospectively effective January 1, 2012 and this change in estimate resulted in an increase in operating income of approximately $26,200 for fiscal year 2012.