Reconciliation of Segment Operating Results to Companys Earnings from Continuing Operations before Taxes (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 01, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income (expense), net	$ 2	$ 1	$ (1)
Earnings from operations before taxes	596	589	533
Oncology Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings from operations before taxes	505	507	462
X-Ray Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings from operations before taxes	131	118	100
Total Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings from operations before taxes	636	625	562
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings from operations before taxes	(32)	(32)	(30)
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Earnings from operations before taxes	$ (10)	$ (5)	$ 2