Segment Data - Revenues by Organizational Units (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 2,015	$ 1,900
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	1,064	983
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical [Member] | Medical Surgical Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	579	536
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical [Member] | Diabetes Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	264	243
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical [Member] | Pharmaceutical Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	221	205
Operating Segments [Member] | Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	672	652
Operating Segments [Member] | Diagnostics [Member] | Preanalytical Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	347	335
Operating Segments [Member] | Diagnostics [Member] | Diagnostic Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	325	317
Operating Segments [Member] | Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 279	$ 265