Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Nov. 09, 2009	Apr. 27, 2009
Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Settlement fund payable subject to preliminary and final approval by court		$ 45,000
Damages awarded	$ 5,000

Name:

bdx_SettlementFundPayableSubjectToPreliminaryAndFinalApprovalByCourt

Namespace Prefix:

bdx

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

credit

Period Type:

instant