Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Rollforward by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
September 28, 2012	$ 4,729,474
Acquisitions and Divestitures	7,382
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(11,698)
Translation and Other	(124,361)
March 29, 2013	4,600,797
Food and Support Services - North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
September 28, 2012	3,701,137
Acquisitions and Divestitures	7,382
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Translation and Other	(113,460)
March 29, 2013	3,595,059
Food and Support Services - International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
September 28, 2012	454,552
Acquisitions and Divestitures	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(11,698)
Translation and Other	(10,901)
March 29, 2013	431,953
Uniform and Career Apparel
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
September 28, 2012	573,785
Acquisitions and Divestitures	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Translation and Other	0
March 29, 2013	$ 573,785

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

Change in the carrying value of goodwill. The change could be the result of new goodwill acquired, goodwill impairment, if any, goodwill written off related to the sale of a business or other adjustments to goodwill.

+ References+ Details