Borrowing Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 13,977
Additions	3,251
Payments	(2,246)
Other Activity	41
Ending Balance	15,023
Commercial paper borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,583
Payments	(558)
Ending Balance	1,025
U.S. medium-term notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	8,400
Additions	2,977
Payments	(1,268)
Other Activity	5
Ending Balance	10,114
European medium term notes and other foreign currency denominated borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,111	[1]
Additions	272	[1]
Payments	(198)	[1]
Other Activity	196	[1]
Ending Balance	1,381	[1]
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	572	[1]
Additions	2	[1]
Payments	(82)	[1]
Other Activity	55	[1]
Ending Balance	547	[1]
Disneyland Paris borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,981	[2]
Payments	(140)	[2]
Other Activity	(150)	[2]
Ending Balance	1,691	[2]
Hong Kong Disneyland borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	330	[3]
Other Activity	(65)	[3]
Ending Balance	$ 265	[3]

[1] The other activity is primarily borrowings assumed in the acquisition of UTV.

[2] The other activity is primarily the impact of foreign currency translation as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro.

[3] The other activity reflects the conversion of a portion of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's loan to equity pursuant to a capital realignment and expansion plan.