Financial Information by Segment - Schedule of Advanced Technologies Business Segment (Detail) (Operating Segments [Member], Advanced Technologies [Member], 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]
Net sales	$ 47	$ 67	$ 159	$ 143
Inkjet Colorants [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	17	18	46	46
Aerogel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2	9	8	17
Elastomer Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4	5	28	17
Specialty Fluids [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 24	$ 35	$ 77	$ 63