Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 09, 2009	Apr. 27, 2009
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Settlement fund payable subject to preliminary and final approval by court		$ 45,000
Damages awarded	$ 5,000

Payment agreed to under a settlement agreement associated with a given legal action/litigation to which Company is a party.

No definition available.

Name:	bdx_SettlementFundPayableSubjectToPreliminaryAndFinalApprovalByCourt
Namespace Prefix:	bdx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant