v2.3.0.11
Business Segments and Geographic Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jun. 25, 2011
Jun. 26, 2010
Jun. 25, 2011
Jun. 26, 2010
Sep. 25, 2010
Total revenues $ 451,082 $ 420,693 $ 1,322,304 $ 1,251,253  
Total operating income (loss) 73,916 78,774 301,024 212,644  
Total depreciation and amortization 77,153 74,536 226,358 222,325  
Total capital expenditures 14,848 11,718 42,535 34,347  
Identifiable assets 5,937,223   5,937,223   5,625,834
Breast Health [Member]
          
Total revenues 205,185 189,361 606,403 557,891  
Total operating income (loss) 47,230 37,505 132,365 85,793  
Total depreciation and amortization 10,366 12,682 30,344 37,975  
Total capital expenditures 1,815 2,734 9,592 7,832  
Identifiable assets 998,151   998,151   988,041
Diagnostics [Member]
          
Total revenues 143,446 137,378 420,777 417,755  
Total operating income (loss) 24,052 25,759 157,149 78,784  
Total depreciation and amortization 40,452 41,661 120,218 124,309  
Total capital expenditures 6,433 4,540 17,906 12,746  
Identifiable assets 1,795,962   1,795,962   1,802,148
GYN Surgical [Member]
          
Total revenues 79,353 71,567 226,526 210,158  
Total operating income (loss) (483) 12,829 2,660 41,044  
Total depreciation and amortization 23,474 17,154 66,994 51,288  
Total capital expenditures 3,419 1,797 8,302 7,108  
Identifiable assets 2,072,064   2,072,064   1,834,773
Skeletal Health [Member]
          
Total revenues 23,098 22,387 68,598 65,449  
Total operating income (loss) 3,117 2,681 8,850 7,023  
Total depreciation and amortization 2,861 3,039 8,802 8,753  
Total capital expenditures 1,083 873 2,133 3,094  
Identifiable assets 31,940   31,940   30,293
Corporate [Member]
          
Total capital expenditures 2,098 1,774 4,602 3,567  
Identifiable assets $ 1,039,106   $ 1,039,106   $ 970,579