CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (August 2011 Repurchase Agreement, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Jun. 29, 2012
August 2011 Repurchase Agreement
Cash flows from financing activities:
Shares received under repurchase agreement	$ 25.0

Value of shares received upon settlement of repurchase agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	var_ValueOfSharesReceivedUponSettlementOfRepurchaseAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	var_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration