Financial Information by Segment (Schedule of Advanced Technologies Business Segment) (Detail) (Segment Total [Member], Advanced Technologies [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 69	$ 57	$ 148	$ 153
Inkjet Colorants [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	18	18	46	48
Aerogel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	9	3	17	12
Security Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2	2	5	7
Elastomer Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5	6	17	17
Specialty Fluids [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 35	$ 28	$ 63	$ 69