v2.4.0.8
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2013
Y
Sep. 29, 2012
Sep. 24, 2011
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]      
Discretionary contribution, net of forfeitures $ 38.6 $ 32.1  
Gen-Probe Incorporated [Member]
     
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]      
Deferred compensation plan investments 6.9 7.0  
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
     
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]      
Maximum employee contributions from base salary, percentage 75.00%    
Maximum employee contributions from annual bonus, percentage 100.00%    
Employee contributions vested, percentage 100.00%    
Contributions, vesting period, years 3    
Compensation expense for the DCP discretionary contributions 2.7 2.6 2.6
Investment in group life insurance contracts $ 33.9 $ 26.0