Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Rollforward of Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Losses by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses			$ 2,422,572
Impairment charge	1,100,000	5,800	1,117,369	5,826
Ending Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	3,539,941	2,422,572	3,539,941	2,422,572
Breast Health [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses			348,419
Impairment charge
Ending Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	348,419		348,419
Diagnostics [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses			908,349
Impairment charge			1,117,369
Ending Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	2,025,718		2,025,718
GYN Surgical [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses			1,165,804
Impairment charge
Ending Balance, Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	$ 1,165,804		$ 1,165,804