Segment Data - Financial Information for Company's Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,157	$ 2,053	$ 6,244	$ 5,953
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	423	379	1,145	1,105
Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,201	1,140	3,381	3,186
Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	679	655	2,005	1,966
Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	277	257	858	801
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	578	551	1,621	1,581
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,201	1,140	3,381	3,186
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	356	334	968	913
Operating Segments [Member] | Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	679	655	2,005	1,966
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	155	159	448	473
Operating Segments [Member] | Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	277	257	858	801
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	66	58	205	195
Corporate and All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$ (155)	$ (172)	$ (476)	$ (476)