Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012 CareFusion	Jun. 30, 2012 CareFusion
Percentage distribution of CareFusion stock to Cardinal Health shareholders	81.00%
Indemnification receivable		$ 267	$ 265

The percent of CareFusion common shares distributed in connection with the spin-off.

No definition available.

Name:	cah_PercentageDistributionOfCarefusionStockToCardinalHealthShareholders
Namespace Prefix:	cah_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant