Segment Data - Financial Information for Company's Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,015	$ 1,900
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	359	366
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	528	523
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,064	983
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	300	288
Operating Segments [Member] | Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	672	652
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	162	170
Operating Segments [Member] | Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	279	265
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	66	65
Corporate and All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$ (170)	$ (158)