Segment Data (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	$ 504,089	$ 502,113	$ 464,604
Medical [Member]
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	248,091	253,109	243,445
Diagnostics [Member]
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	163,313	163,392	136,690
Biosciences [Member]
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	76,861	72,319	73,067
Corporate and All Other [Member]
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	$ 15,824	$ 13,293	$ 11,402