Segment Data - Revenues by Organizational Units (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]
Total Revenues	$ 2,157	$ 2,053	$ 6,244	$ 5,953
Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	1,201	1,140	3,381	3,186
Medical [Member] | Medical Surgical Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	590	561	1,720	1,635
Medical [Member] | Diabetes Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	258	250	773	725
Medical [Member] | Pharmaceutical Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	353	330	888	826
Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	679	655	2,005	1,966
Diagnostics [Member] | Preanalytical Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	364	345	1,054	1,010
Diagnostics [Member] | Diagnostic Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	315	310	951	956
Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 277	$ 257	$ 858	$ 801