Background and Basis of Presentation Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2013 Country	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 28, 2013 Covidien PLC Selling, general and administrative	Jun. 29, 2012 Covidien PLC Selling, general and administrative	Jun. 28, 2013 Covidien PLC Selling, general and administrative	Jun. 29, 2012 Covidien PLC Selling, general and administrative
Schedule of Basis of Presenation [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity has sales presence	50
Allocated expenses			$ 14.1	$ 13.1	$ 39.6	$ 35.8
Distribution ratio	0.125
Stock issued	57,694,885
Ordinary shares, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0
Preferred shares, authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	0
Preferred shares, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0
Preferred shares, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred shares, outstanding (in shares)	0