This element represents the amount of any change, including any differences arising upon settlement, recognized during the reporting period in the value of a liability, arising from an item of contingent consideration, assumed in a business combination.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 72

-Subparagraph b

-Clause 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, which are due within one year (or one business cycle if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19,20)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19

-Article 5

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

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- Definition

The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

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- Definition

Contingent Consideration, Estimated Discount Rates Used In Simulation

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Contingent Consideration, Estimated Sales Units Used In Simulation

+ References

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	var_
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Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)			12 Months Ended
Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Sep. 27, 2013 Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.	Sep. 27, 2013 InfiMed, Inc.	Sep. 27, 2013 Minimum Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.	Sep. 27, 2013 Minimum InfiMed, Inc.	Sep. 27, 2013 Maximum Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.	Sep. 27, 2013 Maximum InfiMed, Inc.
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, estimated sales units used in simulation					69	171	193	299
Contingent consideration, estimated discount rates used in simulation					0.13%	1.37%	0.42%	1.75%
Contingent consideration liability, reversed			$ 4,900,000	$ 300,000
Long-term debt at fair value		6,800,000
Long-term debt	450,000,000	6,250,000
Short term borrowings including current maturities of long-term debt	$ 56,000,000