Segment Data - Financial Information for Company's Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,000,375	$ 1,928,961	$ 3,900,567	$ 3,760,681
Total Segment Operating Income	507,096	514,570	1,030,329	994,825
Unallocated Items	(146,625)	(145,045)	(304,162)	(302,858)
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	360,471	369,525	726,167	691,967
Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,062,071	1,021,187	2,045,444	1,971,584
Total Segment Operating Income	290,790	285,251	578,972	538,986
Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	658,940	630,019	1,310,865	1,250,762
Total Segment Operating Income	144,903	158,052	314,912	323,416
Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	279,364	277,755	544,258	538,335
Total Segment Operating Income	$ 71,403	$ 71,267	$ 136,445	$ 132,423