v2.4.0.6
Business Segments and Geographic Information - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 30, 2013
Mar. 24, 2012
Mar. 30, 2013
Mar. 24, 2012
Sep. 29, 2012
Operating Statistics [Line Items]          
Total revenues $ 612,663 $ 471,165 $ 1,244,025 $ 943,876  
Operating income (loss) 5,542 10,134 68,771 76,893  
Depreciation and amortization 126,276 77,041 254,431 154,164  
Capital expenditures 24,396 17,751 46,843 33,557  
Identifiable assets 10,309,206   10,309,206   10,477,108
Diagnostics [Member]
         
Operating Statistics [Line Items]          
Total revenues 296,507 151,841 602,423 305,905  
Operating income (loss) (46,978) 21,619 (32,683) 41,757  
Depreciation and amortization 89,402 39,926 180,944 79,915  
Capital expenditures 13,464 9,455 27,318 17,623  
Identifiable assets 5,951,165   5,951,165   6,170,553
Breast Health [Member]
         
Operating Statistics [Line Items]          
Total revenues 220,058 218,631 440,866 433,983  
Operating income (loss) 47,892 48,869 92,837 96,286  
Depreciation and amortization 10,124 10,470 20,054 21,074  
Capital expenditures 5,910 2,213 9,490 3,782  
Identifiable assets 957,783   957,783   956,134
GYN Surgical [Member]
         
Operating Statistics [Line Items]          
Total revenues 73,692 77,178 154,601 155,723  
Operating income (loss) 2,241 (63,377) 2,863 (68,390)  
Depreciation and amortization 26,524 26,217 53,003 52,305  
Capital expenditures 2,171 3,251 4,916 6,000  
Identifiable assets 1,898,933   1,898,933   1,944,386
Skeletal Health [Member]
         
Operating Statistics [Line Items]          
Total revenues 22,406 23,515 46,135 48,265  
Operating income (loss) 2,387 3,023 5,754 7,240  
Depreciation and amortization 226 428 430 870  
Capital expenditures 28 9 206 466  
Identifiable assets 34,156   34,156   32,778
Corporate [Member]
         
Operating Statistics [Line Items]          
Capital expenditures 2,823 2,823 4,913 5,686  
Identifiable assets $ 1,467,169   $ 1,467,169   $ 1,373,257