Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 557us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 293us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 1,103us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 798us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(504)	(4)	(855)	(18)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	7	(3)	(3)	(4)
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	0	(5)	0	(7)
Pension and postretirement plans	0	(1)	(3)	(2)
Other comprehensive loss	(497)	(13)	(861)	(31)
Total comprehensive income	60	280	242	767
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	6	32	45	68
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	$ 54us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 248us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 197us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 699us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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