Tyson Foods (TSN) 10-Q 5 Feb 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016shares
Entity Registrant Name	TYSON FOODS INC
Entity Central Index Key	100,493
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-01
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jan. 2, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	293,093,548
Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	70,010,805

Consolidated Condensed Statemen

Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Sales	$ 9,152	$ 10,817
Cost of Sales	7,951	9,861
Gross Profit	1,201	956
Operating Expenses:
Selling, General and Administrative	425	447
Operating Income	776	509
Other (Income) Expense:
Interest income	(2)	(2)
Interest expense	67	77
Other, net	(1)	(1)
Total Other (Income) Expense	64	74
Income before Income Taxes	712	435
Income Tax Expense	251	125
Net Income	461	310
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	1
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	$ 461	$ 309
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Diluted, Shares	400	416
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson:
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 1.15	$ 0.74
Class A [Member]
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic, Shares	325	336
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 1.18	$ 0.77
Dividends Declared Per Share:
Dividends Declared (USD per share)	$ 0.200	$ 0.125
Class B [Member]
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic, Shares	70	70
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 1.09	$ 0.71
Dividends Declared Per Share:
Dividends Declared (USD per share)	$ 0.180	$ 0.113

Consolidated Condensed Stateme3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 461	$ 310
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes:
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	0	1
Investments	(1)	9
Currency translation	(5)	6
Postretirement benefits	(2)	7
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	(8)	23
Comprehensive Income	453	333
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	1
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson	$ 453	$ 332

Consolidated Condensed Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,187	$ 688
Accounts receivable, net	1,514	1,620
Inventories	2,818	2,878
Other current assets	158	195
Total Current Assets	5,677	5,381
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	5,184	5,176
Goodwill	6,669	6,667
Intangible Assets, net	5,145	5,168
Other Assets	615	612
Total Assets	23,290	23,004
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	717	715
Accounts payable	1,781	1,662
Other current liabilities	1,170	1,158
Total Current Liabilities	3,668	3,535
Long-Term Debt	5,988	6,010
Deferred Income Taxes	2,514	2,449
Other Liabilities	$ 1,343	$ 1,304
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)
Shareholders' Equity:
Capital in excess of par value	$ 4,293	$ 4,307
Retained earnings	7,203	6,813
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(98)	(90)
Treasury stock, at cost - 53 million shares at January 2, 2016 and 47 million shares at October 3, 2015	(1,678)	(1,381)
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	9,762	9,691
Noncontrolling Interest	15	15
Total Shareholders' Equity	9,777	9,706
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	23,290	23,004
Class A [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock	35	35
Convertible Class B [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock	$ 7	$ 7

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Treasury Stock, shares	53	47
Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	900	900
Common stock, shares issued	346	346
Convertible Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	900	900
Common stock, shares issued	70	70

Consolidated Condensed Stateme6

Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 461	$ 310
Depreciation and amortization	172	175
Deferred income taxes	69	11
Other, net	(1)	6
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities	394	310
Cash Provided by Operating Activities	1,095	812
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(188)	(231)
Purchases of marketable securities	(12)	(10)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	10	7
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	142
Other, net	(1)	3
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities	(191)	(89)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Payments on debt	(20)	(668)
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	(387)	(91)
Dividends	(54)	(37)
Stock options exercised	34	16
Other, net	23	5
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	(404)	(775)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(1)	(5)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	499	(57)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	688	438
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 1,187	$ 381

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Policy Text Block [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The consolidated condensed financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Tyson Foods, Inc. (“Tyson,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”). Certain information and accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, these consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2015 . Preparation of consolidated condensed financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We believe the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to state fairly our financial position as of January 2, 2016 , and the results of operations for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 . Results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Consolidation The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of all wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as majority-owned subsidiaries over which we exercise control and, when applicable, entities for which we have a controlling financial interest or variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that requires most equity investments be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. The guidance also impacts financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, our fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in the balance sheet. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, our fiscal 2018, and may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires management to evaluate inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, our fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted and the prospective transition method should be applied. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of fees paid by a customer for cloud computing arrangements. The new guidance clarifies that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, our fiscal 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, our fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance changing the analysis procedures that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The new guidance affects the following areas: (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, our fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the criteria for recognizing revenue. The guidance provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, our fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Dispositions

Dispositions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions	DISPOSITIONS In fiscal 2015, we sold the Brazil and Mexico chicken production operations, which were included in Other within our segment reporting, to JBS SA ("JBS") for a combined $575 million in cash, which was subject to certain adjustments. We completed the sale of the Brazil operation in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and received net proceeds of $148 million including working capital, net debt adjustments and cash transferred. The sale did not result in a significant gain or loss as the carrying value of the Brazil operation approximated the sales proceeds at the time of sale. We completed the sale of the Mexico operation in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and received net proceeds of approximately $374 million including working capital, net debt adjustments and cash transferred. As a result of the sale, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $161 million , in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, which was reflected in Cost of Sales in our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. To better align our overall production capacity with current cattle supplies, we ceased beef operations at our Denison, Iowa plant in fiscal 2015. As a result, we recorded $12 million in closure and impairment charges during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. These charges impacted the Beef segment’s operating income and were reflected in Cost of Sales in our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded a $59 million impairment and other related charges associated with a Prepared Foods project designed to optimize the combined Tyson and Hillshire Brands network capacity and to enhance manufacturing efficiencies for the future. As a result of this project, we expect to close our Chicago, Illinois hospitality plant and our Jefferson, Wisconsin plant in the back half of fiscal 2016. These charges were reflected in the Prepared Foods segment’s operating income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, of which $49 million was included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income in Cost of Sales and $10 million was included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income in Selling, General and Administrative. Additionally, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiencies in our Chicken business, we closed our Buena Vista, Georgia plant. The closure costs did not have a significant impact on the Company's operating results.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	INVENTORIES Processed products, livestock and supplies and other are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes purchased raw materials, live purchase costs, growout costs (primarily feed, grower pay and catch and haul costs), labor and manufacturing and production overhead, which are related to the purchase and production of inventories. At January 2, 2016 , 61% of the cost of inventories was determined by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method as compared to 63% at October 3, 2015 . The remaining cost of inventories for both years is determined by the weighted-average method. The following table reflects the major components of inventory (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Processed products $ 1,501 $ 1,631 Livestock 905 831 Supplies and other 412 416 Total inventory $ 2,818 $ 2,878

Property, Plant And Equipment

Property, Plant And Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant And Equipment	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT The major categories of property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Land $ 125 $ 122 Buildings and leasehold improvements 3,599 3,581 Machinery and equipment 6,575 6,452 Land improvements and other 287 286 Buildings and equipment under construction 355 375 10,941 10,816 Less accumulated depreciation 5,757 5,640 Net property, plant and equipment $ 5,184 $ 5,176

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Accrued salaries, wages and benefits $ 354 $ 478 Accrued marketing, advertising and promotion expense 204 192 Other 612 488 Total other current liabilities $ 1,170 $ 1,158

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT The major components of debt are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Revolving credit facility $ — $ — Senior notes: 6.60% Senior notes due April 2016 638 638 7.00% Notes due May 2018 120 120 2.65% Notes due August 2019 1,000 1,000 4.10% Notes due September 2020 285 285 4.50% Senior notes due June 2022 1,000 1,000 3.95% Notes due August 2024 1,250 1,250 7.00% Notes due January 2028 18 18 6.13% Notes due November 2032 163 163 4.88% Notes due August 2034 500 500 5.15% Notes due August 2044 500 500 Discount on senior notes (9 ) (10 ) Term loans: 3-year tranche B (1.44% at 1/2/2016) 500 500 5-year tranche B (1.88% at 1/2/2016) 552 552 Amortizing notes - tangible equity units (see Note 7: Equity) 123 140 Other 65 69 Total debt 6,705 6,725 Less current debt 717 715 Total long-term debt $ 5,988 $ 6,010 Revolving Credit Facility We have a $1.25 billion revolving credit facility that supports short-term funding needs and letters of credit. The facility will mature and the commitments thereunder will terminate in September 2019. After reducing for the amount borrowed and outstanding letters of credit issued under this facility, the amount available for borrowing at January 2, 2016 , was $1,244 million . At January 2, 2016 , we had outstanding letters of credit issued under this facility totaling $6 million , none of which were drawn upon. We had an additional $93 million of bilateral letters of credit issued separately from the revolving credit facility, none of which were drawn upon. Our letters of credit are issued primarily in support of leasing obligations and workers’ compensation insurance programs. The revolving credit facility is unsecured and is fully guaranteed by Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. (TFM Parent), our wholly owned subsidiary, until such date TFM Parent is released from all of its guarantees of other material indebtedness. If in the future any of our other subsidiaries shall guarantee any of our material indebtedness, such subsidiary shall also be required to guarantee the indebtedness, obligations and liabilities under this facility. Debt Covenants Our revolving credit and term loan facilities contain affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, may limit or restrict our ability to: create liens and encumbrances; incur debt; merge, dissolve, liquidate or consolidate; make acquisitions and investments; dispose of or transfer assets; change the nature of our business; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and enter into hedging transactions, in each case, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions. In addition, we are required to maintain minimum interest expense coverage and maximum debt-to-capitalization ratios. Our senior notes also contain affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, may limit or restrict our ability to: create liens; engage in certain sale/leaseback transactions; and engage in certain consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. We were in compliance with all debt covenants at January 2, 2016 .

Equity (Notes)

Equity (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	EQUITY Share Repurchases As of January 2, 2016 , 13.5 million shares remained available for repurchases under our share repurchase program. On February 4, 2016, our Board of Directors approved an increase of 50 million shares authorized for repurchase under our share repurchase program. The share repurchase program has no fixed or scheduled termination date and the timing and extent to which we repurchase shares will depend upon, among other things, our working capital needs, markets, industry conditions, liquidity targets, limitations under our debt obligations and regulatory requirements. In addition to the share repurchase program, we purchase shares on the open market to fund certain obligations under our equity compensation plans. A summary of share repurchases of our Class A stock is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Shares Dollars Shares Dollars Shares repurchased: Under share repurchase program 7.6 $ 357 2.0 $ 81 To fund certain obligations under equity compensation plans 0.7 30 0.2 10 Total share repurchases 8.3 $ 387 2.2 $ 91 Subsequent to January 2, 2016, through February 4, 2016, we repurchased $221 million , or approximately 4.3 million shares, of our common stock under our share repurchase program. Tangible Equity Units In fiscal 2014, we completed the public issuance of 30 million 4.75% tangible equity units (TEUs). Total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and other expenses, were $1,454 million . Each TEU, which has a stated amount of $50 , is comprised of a prepaid stock purchase contract and a senior amortizing note due July 15, 2017. We allocated the proceeds from the issuance of the TEUs to equity and debt based on the relative fair values of the respective components of each TEU. The fair value of the prepaid stock purchase contracts, which was $1,295 million , is recorded in Capital in Excess of Par Value, net of issuance costs. The fair value of the senior amortizing notes, which was $205 million , was recorded in debt. Issuance costs associated with the TEU debt were recorded as deferred financing costs in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets in Other Assets and are amortized over the term of the instrument to July 15, 2017. The aggregate values assigned upon issuance of each component of the TEU's, based on the relative fair value of the respective components of each TEU, were as follows (in millions, except price per TEU): Equity Component Debt Component Total Price per TEU $ 43.17 $ 6.83 $ 50.00 Gross proceeds 1,295 205 1,500 Issuance cost (40 ) (6 ) (46 ) Net proceeds $ 1,255 $ 199 $ 1,454 Each senior amortizing note has an initial principal amount of $6.83 and bears interest at 1.5% per annum. On each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, we will pay equal quarterly cash installments of $0.59 per amortizing note, which cash payment in the aggregate (principal and interest) is equivalent to 4.75% per year with respect to the $50 stated amount per TEU. Each installment constitutes a payment of interest and partial repayment of principal. Unless settled earlier at the holder's or the Company's option, each purchase contract will automatically settle on July 15, 2017, subject to postponement in certain limited circumstances. We will deliver between a minimum of 31.9 million shares and a maximum of 39.8 million shares of our Class A stock, subject to adjustment, based upon the Applicable Market Value (as defined below) of our Class A stock as described below: • If the Applicable Market Value is equal to or greater than the conversion price of $47.06 per share, we will deliver 1.0624 shares of Class A stock per purchase contract, or a minimum of 31.9 million Class A shares. • If the Applicable Market Value is greater than the reference price of $37.65 but less than the conversion price of $47.06 per share, we will deliver a number of shares per purchase contract equal to $50 , divided by the Applicable Market Value. • If the Applicable Market Value is less than or equal to the reference price of $37.65 per share, we will deliver 1.3282 shares of Class A stock per purchase contract, or a maximum of 39.8 million Class A shares. The "Applicable Market Value" means the average of the closing prices of our Class A stock on each of the 20 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 23rd scheduled trading day immediately preceding July 15, 2017. On December 15, 2015, we paid our quarterly dividend to shareholders of record at December 1, 2015, equal to $0.15 per share on our Class A stock. The amount of the distribution exceeded the $0.075 per share dividend threshold amount. Consequently, the settlement rates, reference price and conversion price were adjusted and are reflected above. The TEUs have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share. The 31.9 million minimum shares to be issued are included in the calculation of Class A Basic weighted average shares. The approximate 8 million share difference between the minimum shares and the 39.8 million maximum shares are potentially dilutive securities, and accordingly, are included in our diluted earnings per share on a pro rata basis to the extent the Applicable Market Value is higher than the reference price but is less than the conversion price at period end.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The effective tax rate was 35.2% and 28.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The effective tax rates for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were impacted by such items as the domestic production deduction, state income taxes and losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no benefit is recognized. In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was impacted by changes in tax reserves resulting from the expiration of statutes of limitations, which reduced the effective tax rate by 6.5% . Unrecognized tax benefits were $304 million and $306 million at January 2, 2016 , and October 3, 2015 , respectively. We estimate that during the next twelve months it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by as much as $15 million primarily due to expiration of statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions.

Other Income And Charges

Other Income And Charges	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income And Charges	OTHER INCOME AND CHARGES During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we recorded $2 million of equity earnings in joint ventures and $1 million in net foreign currency exchange losses, which were recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income in Other, net. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded $1 million of equity earnings in joint ventures, which were recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income in Other, net.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except per share data): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Numerator: Net income $ 461 $ 310 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1 Net income attributable to Tyson 461 309 Less dividends declared: Class A 58 38 Class B 13 8 Undistributed earnings $ 390 $ 263 Class A undistributed earnings $ 327 $ 221 Class B undistributed earnings 63 42 Total undistributed earnings $ 390 $ 263 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Class A weighted average shares 325 336 Class B weighted average shares, and shares under the if-converted method for diluted earnings per share 70 70 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock and performance units 5 5 Tangible equity units — 5 Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions 400 416 Net income per share attributable to Tyson: Class A basic $ 1.18 $ 0.77 Class B basic $ 1.09 $ 0.71 Diluted $ 1.15 $ 0.74 Approximately 2 million and 6 million of our stock-based compensation shares were antidilutive for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 , respectively. These shares were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation. We have two classes of capital stock, Class A stock and Class B stock. Cash dividends cannot be paid to holders of Class B stock unless they are simultaneously paid to holders of Class A stock. The per share amount of cash dividends paid to holders of Class B stock cannot exceed 90% of the cash dividends paid to holders of Class A stock. We allocate undistributed earnings based upon a 1 to 0.9 ratio per share to Class A stock and Class B stock, respectively. We allocate undistributed earnings based on this ratio due to historical dividend patterns, voting control of Class B shareholders and contractual limitations of dividends to Class B stock.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Our business operations give rise to certain market risk exposures mostly due to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We manage a portion of these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to commodity price risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. Our risk management programs are periodically reviewed by our Board of Directors' Audit Committee. These programs are monitored by senior management and may be revised as market conditions dictate. Our current risk management programs utilize industry-standard models that take into account the implicit cost of hedging. Risks associated with our market risks and those created by derivative instruments and the fair values are strictly monitored, using value-at-risk and stress tests. Credit risks associated with our derivative contracts are not significant as we minimize counterparty concentrations, utilize margin accounts or letters of credit, and deal with credit-worthy counterparties. Additionally, our derivative contracts are mostly short-term in duration and we generally do not make use of credit-risk-related contingent features. No significant concentrations of credit risk existed at January 2, 2016 . We had the following aggregated outstanding notional amounts related to our derivative financial instruments (in millions, except soy meal tons): Metric January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Commodity: Corn Bushels 37 18 Soy meal Tons 392,300 284,900 Live cattle Pounds 106 102 Lean hogs Pounds 87 166 Foreign currency United States dollar $ 27 $ 42 We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, with the exception of normal purchases and normal sales expected to result in physical delivery. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we designate the hedging instrument based upon the exposure being hedged (i.e., cash flow hedge or fair value hedge). We designate certain forward contracts as follows: • Cash Flow Hedges – include certain commodity forward and option contracts of forecasted purchases (i.e., grains) and certain foreign exchange forward contracts. • Fair Value Hedges – include certain commodity forward contracts of firm commitments (i.e., livestock). Cash Flow Hedges Derivative instruments are designated as hedges against changes in the amount of future cash flows related to procurement of certain commodities utilized in our production processes. For the derivative instruments we designate and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in earnings in the current period. Ineffectiveness related to our cash flow hedges was not significant for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 . As of January 2, 2016 , the net amounts expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months are pretax losses of $2 million . During the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 , we did not reclassify significant pretax gains/losses into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges. The following table sets forth the pretax impact of cash flow hedge derivative instruments on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (in millions): Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI On Derivatives Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Classification Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI to Earnings Three Months Ended Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Cash flow hedge – derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Commodity contracts $ (2 ) $ — Cost of sales $ (1 ) $ (3 ) Foreign exchange contracts — — Other income/expense — — Total $ (2 ) $ — $ (1 ) $ (3 ) Fair Value Hedges We designate certain derivative contracts as fair value hedges of firm commitments to purchase livestock for slaughter. Our objective of these hedges is to minimize the risk of changes in fair value created by fluctuations in commodity prices associated with fixed price livestock firm commitments. For these derivative instruments we designate and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in earnings in the same period. We include the gain or loss on the hedged items (i.e., livestock purchase firm commitments) in the same line item, Cost of Sales, as the offsetting gain or loss on the related livestock forward position. in millions Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Classification Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Gain (Loss) on forwards Cost of sales $ 33 $ (40 ) Gain (Loss) on purchase contract Cost of sales (33 ) 40 Ineffectiveness related to our fair value hedges was not significant for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 . Undesignated Positions In addition to our designated positions, we also hold derivative contracts for which we do not apply hedge accounting. These include certain derivative instruments related to commodities price risk, including grains, livestock, energy and foreign currency risk. We mark these positions to fair value through earnings at each reporting date. The following table sets forth the pretax impact of the undesignated derivative instruments in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (in millions): Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Classification Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Commodity contracts Sales $ 9 $ (1 ) Commodity contracts Cost of sales (15 ) (26 ) Foreign exchange contracts Other income/expense — (2 ) Total $ (6 ) $ (29 ) The fair value of all outstanding derivative instruments in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets are included in Note 12: Fair Value Measurements.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows: Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 — Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including: • Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; • Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in non-active markets; • Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and • Inputs derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances where the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability. The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values (in millions): January 2, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting (a) Total Assets: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 21 $ — $ (5 ) $ 16 Undesignated — 19 — (13 ) 6 Available-for-sale securities: Current — 1 1 — 2 Non-current — 36 58 — 94 Deferred compensation assets 8 226 — — 234 Total assets $ 8 $ 303 $ 59 $ (18 ) $ 352 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 9 $ — $ (9 ) $ — Undesignated — 43 — (38 ) 5 Total liabilities $ — $ 52 $ — $ (47 ) $ 5 October 3, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting (a) Total Assets: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 52 $ — $ (35 ) $ 17 Undesignated — 9 — (9 ) — Available-for-sale securities: Current — 1 1 — 2 Non-current — 33 60 — 93 Deferred compensation assets 9 222 — — 231 Total assets $ 9 $ 317 $ 61 $ (44 ) $ 343 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 2 $ — $ (2 ) $ — Undesignated — 49 — (47 ) 2 Total liabilities $ — $ 51 $ — $ (49 ) $ 2 (a) Our derivative assets and liabilities are presented in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets on a net basis. We net derivative assets and liabilities, including cash collateral, when a legally enforceable master netting arrangement exists between the counterparty to a derivative contract and us. At January 2, 2016 , and October 3, 2015 , we had posted with various counterparties $29 million and $5 million , respectively, of cash collateral related to our commodity derivatives and held no cash collateral. The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balance of debt securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 61 $ 67 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings — — Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — Purchases 4 4 Issuances — — Settlements (6 ) (6 ) Balance at end of period $ 59 $ 65 Total gains (losses) for the three-month period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at end of period $ — $ — The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument: Derivative Assets and Liabilities: Our derivative financial instruments primarily include exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts which are further described in Note 11: Derivative Financial Instruments. We record our derivative financial instruments at fair value using quoted market prices adjusted for credit and non-performance risk and internal models that use as their basis readily observable market inputs including current and forward market prices. We classify these instruments in Level 2 when quoted market prices can be corroborated utilizing observable current and forward commodity market prices on active exchanges or observable market transactions. Available-for-Sale Securities: Our investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value based on pricing models and quoted market prices adjusted for credit and non-performance risk. Short-term investments with maturities of less than 12 months are included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets and primarily include certificates of deposit and commercial paper. All other marketable debt securities are included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets and have maturities ranging up to 35 years. We classify our investments in U.S. government, U.S. agency, certificates of deposit and commercial paper debt securities as Level 2 as fair value is generally estimated using discounted cash flow models that are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value and yield curve as well as other readily available relevant economic measures. We classify certain corporate, asset-backed and other debt securities as Level 3 as there is limited activity or less observable inputs into valuation models, including current interest rates and estimated prepayment, default and recovery rates on the underlying portfolio or structured investment vehicle. Significant changes to assumptions or unobservable inputs in the valuation of our Level 3 instruments would not have a significant impact to our consolidated condensed financial statements. The following table sets forth our available-for-sale securities' amortized cost basis, fair value and unrealized gain (loss) by significant investment category (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Amortized Fair Unrealized Amortized Fair Unrealized Available-for-sale securities: Debt securities: U.S. treasury and agency $ 37 $ 37 $ — $ 33 $ 34 $ 1 Corporate and asset-backed 58 59 1 60 61 1 Unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, are excluded from earnings and reported in OCI until the security is settled or sold. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate whether losses related to our available-for-sale securities are temporary in nature. Losses on equity securities are recognized in earnings if the decline in value is judged to be other than temporary. If losses related to our debt securities are determined to be other than temporary, the loss would be recognized in earnings if we intend, or more likely than not will be required, to sell the security prior to recovery. For debt securities in which we have the intent and ability to hold until maturity, losses determined to be other than temporary would remain in OCI, other than expected credit losses which are recognized in earnings. We consider many factors in determining whether a loss is temporary, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery. We recognized no other than temporary impairment in earnings for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 . No other than temporary losses were deferred in OCI as of January 2, 2016 , and October 3, 2015 . Deferred Compensation Assets: We maintain non-qualified deferred compensation plans for certain executives and other highly compensated employees. Investments are maintained within a trust and include money market funds, mutual funds and life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies is invested primarily in mutual funds. The investments are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. We classify the investments which have observable market prices in active markets in Level 1 as these are generally publicly-traded mutual funds. The remaining deferred compensation assets are classified in Level 2, as fair value can be corroborated based on observable market data. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on deferred compensation are included in earnings. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, we record assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges. We did not have any significant measurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition during the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 . Other Financial Instruments Fair value of our debt is principally estimated using Level 2 inputs based on quoted prices for those or similar instruments. Fair value and carrying value for our debt are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Total debt $ 6,851 $ 6,705 $ 6,900 $ 6,725

Pension and Other Postretiremen

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The components of the net periodic cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 , are as follows (in millions): Pension Plans Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Service cost $ 4 $ 4 Interest cost 20 21 Expected return on plan assets (17 ) (25 ) Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 1 1 Settlement (gain) loss (a) (12 ) 8 Net periodic cost (credit) $ (4 ) $ 9 Postretirement Benefit Plans Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Service cost $ — $ 1 Interest cost 1 2 Amortization of: Prior service credit (4 ) — Net periodic cost (credit) $ (3 ) $ 3 (a) We made lump-sum settlement payments using plan assets, of $265 million and $18 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, to certain deferred vested participants within our qualified pension plans. We contributed $32 million and $3 million to our pension plans for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 , respectively. We expect to contribute an additional $31 million during the remainder of fiscal 2016. The amount of contributions made to pension plans in any year is dependent upon a number of factors including minimum funding requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate. As a result, the actual funding in fiscal 2016 may differ from the current estimate.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The before and after tax changes in the components of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Before Tax Tax After Tax Before Tax Tax After Tax Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges: (Gain) loss reclassified to cost of sales $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 1 Unrealized gain (loss) (2 ) 1 (1 ) — — — Investments: (Gain) loss reclassified to other income/expense — — — — — — Unrealized gain (loss) (1 ) — (1 ) 15 (6 ) 9 Currency translation: Translation loss reclassified to cost of sales (a) — — — 37 (1 ) 36 Translation adjustment (5 ) — (5 ) (37 ) 7 (30 ) Postretirement benefits (3 ) 1 (2 ) 9 (2 ) 7 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (10 ) $ 2 $ (8 ) $ 27 $ (4 ) $ 23 (a) Translation loss reclassified to Cost of Sales related to disposition of a foreign operation, which is further described in Note 2: Dispositions.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	SEGMENT REPORTING We operate in four segments: Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Prepared Foods. We measure segment profit as operating income (loss). Following the sale of our Mexico and Brazil chicken production operations in fiscal 2015 (see Note 2: Dispositions), we began reporting our international operation, which was previously reported as the International segment, in Other. Other now includes our foreign chicken production operations in China and India and third-party merger and integration costs. All periods presented have been reclassified to reflect this change. Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods results were not impacted by this change. Chicken: Chicken includes our domestic operations related to raising and processing live chickens into fresh, frozen and value-added chicken products, as well as sales from allied products. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international export markets. This segment also includes logistics operations to move products through our domestic supply chain and the global operations of our chicken breeding stock subsidiary. Beef: Beef includes our operations related to processing live fed cattle and fabricating dressed beef carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts and case-ready products. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international export markets. This segment also includes sales from allied products such as hides and variety meats, as well as logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. Pork: Pork includes our operations related to processing live market hogs and fabricating pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal cuts and case-ready products. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international export markets. This segment also includes our live swine group, related allied product processing activities and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. Prepared Foods: Prepared Foods includes our operations related to manufacturing and marketing frozen and refrigerated food products and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. This segment includes brands such as Jimmy Dean®, Ball Park®, Hillshire Farm®, State Fair®, Van's®, Sara Lee® and Chef Pierre® pies, as well as artisanal brands Aidells®, Gallo Salame®, and Golden Island® premium jerky. Products primarily include pepperoni, bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, flour and corn tortilla products, desserts, appetizers, prepared meals, ethnic foods, soups, sauces, side dishes, meat dishes, breadsticks and processed meats. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international export markets. We allocate expenses related to corporate activities to the segments, except for third-party merger and integration costs which are included in Other. Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before income taxes are as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Sales: Chicken $ 2,636 $ 2,780 Beef 3,614 4,391 Pork 1,213 1,540 Prepared Foods 1,896 2,133 Other 99 305 Intersegment sales (306 ) (332 ) Total sales $ 9,152 $ 10,817 Operating income (loss): Chicken $ 358 $ 351 Beef 71 (6 ) Pork 158 122 Prepared Foods 207 71 (a) Other (18 ) (b) (29 ) (b) Total operating income 776 509 Total other (income) expense 64 74 Income before income taxes $ 712 $ 435 (a) Includes merger and integration costs of $4 million and costs related to a legacy Hillshire Brands plant fire of $36 million for the three months ended December 27, 2014. (b) Operating income in Other includes third-party merger and integration costs of $5 million and $15 million for the three months ended January 2, 2016, and December 27, 2014 , respectively. The Chicken segment had sales of $3 million and $1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively, from transactions with other operating segments of the Company. The Beef segment had sales of $72 million and $78 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively, from transactions with other operating segments of the Company. The Pork segment had sales of $231 million and $253 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015 , respectively, from transactions with other operating segments of the Company. The aforementioned sales from intersegment transactions, which were at market prices, were included in the segment sales in the above table.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments We guarantee obligations of certain outside third parties, consisting primarily of leases, debt and grower loans, which are substantially collateralized by the underlying assets. Terms of the underlying debt cover periods up to 10 years, and the maximum potential amount of future payments as of January 2, 2016 , was $40 million . We also maintain operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of the underlying leased assets at the end of the term of the lease. The remaining terms of the lease maturities cover periods over the next 12 years. The maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is $95 million , of which $88 million could be recoverable through various recourse provisions and an additional undeterminable recoverable amount based on the fair value of the underlying leased assets. The likelihood of material payments under these guarantees is not considered probable. At January 2, 2016 , and October 3, 2015 , no material liabilities for guarantees were recorded. We have cash flow assistance programs in which certain livestock suppliers participate. Under these programs, we pay an amount for livestock equivalent to a standard cost to grow such livestock during periods of low market sales prices. The amounts of such payments that are in excess of the market sales price are recorded as receivables and accrue interest. Participating suppliers are obligated to repay these receivables balances when market sales prices exceed this standard cost, or upon termination of the agreement. Our maximum obligation associated with these programs is limited to the fair value of each participating livestock supplier’s net tangible assets. The potential maximum obligation as of January 2, 2016 , was approximately $310 million . The total receivables under these programs were $3 million at January 2, 2016. There were no receivables under these programs at October 3, 2015 . These receivables are included, net of allowance for uncollectible amounts, in Accounts Receivable in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Even though these programs are limited to the net tangible assets of the participating livestock suppliers, we also manage a portion of our credit risk associated with these programs by obtaining security interests in livestock suppliers’ assets. After analyzing residual credit risks and general market conditions, we have no allowance for these programs’ estimated uncollectible receivables at January 2, 2016 , and October 3, 2015 . When constructing new facilities or making major enhancements to existing facilities, we will occasionally enter into incentive agreements with local government agencies in order to reduce certain state and local tax expenditures. Under these agreements, we transfer the related assets to various local government entities and receive Industrial Revenue Bonds. We immediately lease the facilities from the local government entities and have an option to re-purchase the facilities for a nominal amount upon tendering the Industrial Revenue Bonds to the local government entities at various predetermined dates. The Industrial Revenue Bonds and the associated obligations for the leases of the facilities offset, and the underlying assets remain in property, plant and equipment. At January 2, 2016, total amounts under these type of arrangements totaled $574 million . Contingencies We are involved in various claims and legal proceedings. We routinely assess the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes to those matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. We record accruals for such matters to the extent that we conclude a loss is probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. Such accruals are reflected in the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements. In our opinion, we have made appropriate and adequate accruals for these matters and believe the probability of a material loss beyond the amounts accrued to be remote; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if accruals are not adequate, an adverse outcome could have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Listed below are certain claims made against the Company and/or our subsidiaries for which the potential exposure is considered material to the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements. We believe we have substantial defenses to the claims made and intend to vigorously defend these matters. Below are the details of five lawsuits involving our beef, pork and prepared foods plants in which certain present and past employees allege that we failed to compensate them for the time it takes to engage in pre- and post-shift activities, such as changing into and out of protective and sanitary clothing and walking to and from the changing area, work areas and break areas in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act and various state laws. The plaintiffs seek back wages, liquidated damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. Each case is proceeding in its jurisdiction. • Bouaphakeo (f/k/a Sharp), et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., N.D. Iowa, February 6, 2007 - A jury trial was held involving our Storm Lake, Iowa pork plant which resulted in a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiffs for violations of federal and state laws for pre- and post-shift work activities. The trial court also awarded the plaintiffs liquidated damages, resulting in total damages awarded in the amount of $5,784,758 . The plaintiffs' counsel has also filed an application for attorneys' fees and expenses in the amount of $2,692,145 . We appealed the jury's verdict and trial court's award to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate court affirmed the jury verdict and judgment on August 25, 2014, and we filed a petition for rehearing on September 22, 2014, which was denied. We filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, which was granted on June 8, 2015. Oral arguments before the Supreme Court occurred on November 10, 2015. • Edwards, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc. d.b.a. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., S.D. Iowa, March 20, 2008 - The trial court in this case, which involves our Perry and Waterloo, Iowa pork plants, decertified the state law class and granted other pre-trial motions that resulted in judgment in our favor with respect to the plaintiffs’ claims. The plaintiffs have filed a motion to modify this judgment. • Murray, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., C.D. Illinois, January 2, 2008 ; and DeVoss v. Tyson Foods, Inc. d.b.a. Tyson Fresh Meats, C.D. Illinois, March 2, 2011 - these cases involve our Joslin, Illinois beef plant and are in their preliminary stages. • Dozier, Southerland, et al. v. The Hillshire Brands Company, E.D. North Carolina, September 2, 2014 - This case involves our Tarboro, North Carolina prepared foods plant and is in its preliminary stages. • Awad, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc. and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., M.D. Tennessee, February 12, 2015 - This case involves our Goodlettsville, Tennessee case ready beef plant and is in its preliminary stages. Our subsidiary, The Hillshire Brands Company (formerly named Sara Lee Corporation), is a party to a consolidation of cases filed by individual complainants with the Republic of the Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) from 1998 through July 1999. The complaint is filed against Aris Philippines, Inc., Sara Lee Corporation, Sara Lee Philippines, Inc., Fashion Accessories Philippines, Inc., and Attorney Cesar C. Cruz (collectively, the “respondents”). The complaint alleges, among other things, that the respondents engaged in unfair labor practices in connection with the termination of manufacturing operations in the Philippines by Aris Philippines, Inc., a former subsidiary of The Hillshire Brands Company. In 2006, an arbitrator ruled against the respondents and awarded the complainants PHP 3,453,664,710 (approximately US $74 million ) in damages and fees. The respondents appealed the arbitrator’s ruling, and it was subsequently set aside by the NLRC in December 2006. Subsequent to the NLRC’s decision, the parties filed numerous appeals, motions for reconsideration and petitions for review, certain of which remained outstanding for several years. While various of those appeals, motions and/or petitions were pending, The Hillshire Brands Company, on June 23, 2014, without admitting liability, filed a settlement motion requesting that the Supreme Court of the Philippines order dismissal with prejudice of all claims against it and its predecessors-in-interest in exchange for payments allocated by the court among the complainants in an amount not to exceed PHP 342,287,800 (approximately US $7 million ). Based in part on its finding that the consideration to be paid to the complainants as part of such settlement was insufficient, the Supreme Court of the Philippines denied the respondents’ motion for reconsideration and the settlement motion. The Supreme Court of the Philippines also set aside as premature the NLRC’s December 2006 ruling, and the cases are now back before the NLRC, which will once again rule on the respondents’ appeals regarding the arbitrator’s 2006 ruling in favor of the complainants. In the meantime, the respondents believe they have reached a settlement in principle with a group comprising approximately 23% of the class of 5,984 complainants, pursuant to which The Hillshire Brands Company would pay each settling complainant PHP 68,000 (approximately US $1,448 ). The respondents are in the process of seeking NLRC approval of such settlement.

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TFM Parent, our wholly-owned subsidiary, has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2016 Notes. Additionally, TFM Parent has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2022 Notes until such date TFM Parent has been released of its guarantee of both (i) Tyson's $1.25 billion revolving credit facility and (ii) the 2016 Notes, at which time TFM Parent's guarantee of the 2019, 2022, 2024, 2034 and 2044 Notes is permanently released. The following financial information presents condensed consolidating financial statements, which include Tyson Foods, Inc. (TFI Parent); TFM Parent; the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Non-Guarantors) on a combined basis; the elimination entries necessary to consolidate TFI Parent, TFM Parent and the Non-Guarantors; and Tyson Foods, Inc. on a consolidated basis, and is provided as an alternative to providing separate financial statements for the guarantor. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended January 2, 2016 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Sales $ 221 $ 4,833 $ 4,653 $ (555 ) $ 9,152 Cost of Sales 8 4,536 3,960 (553 ) 7,951 Gross Profit 213 297 693 (2 ) 1,201 Selling, General and Administrative 25 66 336 (2 ) 425 Operating Income 188 231 357 — 776 Other (Income) Expense: Interest expense, net 61 — 4 — 65 Other, net — (1 ) — — (1 ) Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries (383 ) (33 ) — 416 — Total Other (Income) Expense (322 ) (34 ) 4 416 64 Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 510 265 353 (416 ) 712 Income Tax (Benefit) Expense 49 83 119 — 251 Net Income 461 182 234 (416 ) 461 Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — — — — Net Income Attributable to Tyson $ 461 $ 182 $ 234 $ (416 ) $ 461 Comprehensive Income (Loss) 453 177 223 (400 ) 453 Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — — — — Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Tyson $ 453 $ 177 $ 223 $ (400 ) $ 453 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended December 27, 2014 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Sales $ 228 $ 5,809 $ 5,325 $ (545 ) $ 10,817 Cost of Sales 19 5,662 4,722 (542 ) 9,861 Gross Profit 209 147 603 (3 ) 956 Selling, General and Administrative 34 61 355 (3 ) 447 Operating Income 175 86 248 — 509 Other (Income) Expense: Interest expense, net 69 — 6 — 75 Other, net (1 ) — — — (1 ) Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries (237 ) (38 ) — 275 — Total Other (Income) Expense (169 ) (38 ) 6 275 74 Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 344 124 242 (275 ) 435 Income Tax (Benefit) Expense 35 30 60 — 125 Net Income 309 94 182 (275 ) 310 Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — 1 — 1 Net Income Attributable to Tyson $ 309 $ 94 $ 181 $ (275 ) $ 309 Comprehensive Income (Loss) 332 104 186 (289 ) 333 Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — 1 — 1 Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Tyson $ 332 $ 104 $ 185 $ (289 ) $ 332 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of January 2, 2016 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 15 $ 1,172 $ — $ 1,187 Accounts receivable, net — 514 1,000 — 1,514 Inventories — 953 1,865 — 2,818 Other current assets 16 66 131 (55 ) 158 Total Current Assets 16 1,548 4,168 (55 ) 5,677 Net Property, Plant and Equipment 25 978 4,181 — 5,184 Goodwill — 881 5,788 — 6,669 Intangible Assets, net — 9 5,136 — 5,145 Other Assets 118 132 365 — 615 Investment in Subsidiaries 22,213 2,205 — (24,418 ) — Total Assets $ 22,372 $ 5,753 $ 19,638 $ (24,473 ) $ 23,290 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current Liabilities: Current debt $ 707 $ 1 $ 17 $ (8 ) $ 717 Accounts payable 20 919 842 — 1,781 Other current liabilities 6,187 200 832 (6,049 ) 1,170 Total Current Liabilities 6,914 1,120 1,691 (6,057 ) 3,668 Long-Term Debt 5,484 1 503 — 5,988 Deferred Income Taxes 14 106 2,394 — 2,514 Other Liabilities 198 123 1,022 — 1,343 Total Tyson Shareholders’ Equity 9,762 4,403 14,013 (18,416 ) 9,762 Noncontrolling Interest — — 15 — 15 Total Shareholders’ Equity 9,762 4,403 14,028 (18,416 ) 9,777 Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 22,372 $ 5,753 $ 19,638 $ (24,473 ) $ 23,290 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 3, 2015 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 12 $ 676 $ — $ 688 Accounts receivable, net — 578 1,042 — 1,620 Inventories 1 1,009 1,868 — 2,878 Other current assets 43 91 147 (86 ) 195 Total Current Assets 44 1,690 3,733 (86 ) 5,381 Net Property, Plant and Equipment 26 975 4,175 — 5,176 Goodwill — 881 5,786 — 6,667 Intangible Assets, net — 10 5,158 — 5,168 Other Assets 129 146 337 — 612 Investment in Subsidiaries 21,850 2,177 — (24,027 ) — Total Assets $ 22,049 $ 5,879 $ 19,189 $ (24,113 ) $ 23,004 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current Liabilities: Current debt $ 710 $ 1 $ 22 $ (18 ) $ 715 Accounts payable 28 698 936 — 1,662 Other current liabilities 5,930 152 939 (5,863 ) 1,158 Total Current Liabilities 6,668 851 1,897 (5,881 ) 3,535 Long-Term Debt 5,498 1 511 — 6,010 Deferred Income Taxes — 98 2,351 — 2,449 Other Liabilities 192 118 994 — 1,304 Total Tyson Shareholders’ Equity 9,691 4,811 13,421 (18,232 ) 9,691 Noncontrolling Interest — — 15 — 15 Total Shareholders’ Equity 9,691 4,811 13,436 (18,232 ) 9,706 Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 22,049 $ 5,879 $ 19,189 $ (24,113 ) $ 23,004 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended January 2, 2016 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities $ 174 $ 622 $ 299 $ — $ 1,095 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment — (33 ) (155 ) — (188 ) (Purchases of)/Proceeds from marketable securities, net — — (2 ) — (2 ) Proceeds from sale of businesses — — — — — Other, net — — (1 ) — (1 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities — (33 ) (158 ) — (191 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net change in debt (19 ) — (1 ) — (20 ) Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock (387 ) — — — (387 ) Dividends (54 ) — — — (54 ) Stock options exercised 34 — — — 34 Other, net 23 — — — 23 Net change in intercompany balances 229 (586 ) 357 — — Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities (174 ) (586 ) 356 — (404 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash — — (1 ) — (1 ) Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents — 3 496 — 499 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year — 12 676 — 688 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ — $ 15 $ 1,172 $ — $ 1,187 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 27, 2014 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities $ 55 $ 325 $ 432 $ — $ 812 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment — (40 ) (191 ) — (231 ) (Purchases of)/Proceeds from marketable securities, net — — (3 ) — (3 ) Proceeds from sale of businesses — — 142 — 142 Other, net — — 3 — 3 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities — (40 ) (49 ) — (89 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net change in debt (667 ) — (1 ) — (668 ) Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock (91 ) — — — (91 ) Dividends (37 ) — — — (37 ) Stock options exercised 16 — — — 16 Other, net 5 — — — 5 Net change in intercompany balances 719 (314 ) (405 ) — — Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities (55 ) (314 ) (406 ) — (775 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash — — (5 ) — (5 ) Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents — (29 ) (28 ) — (57 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year — 41 397 — 438 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ — $ 12 $ 369 $ — $ 381

Accounting Policies (Policy)

Accounting Policies (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Policy Text Block [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated condensed financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Tyson Foods, Inc. (“Tyson,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”). Certain information and accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, these consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 2015 . Preparation of consolidated condensed financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We believe the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to state fairly our financial position as of January 2, 2016 , and the results of operations for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 . Results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
Consolidation	Consolidation The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of all wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as majority-owned subsidiaries over which we exercise control and, when applicable, entities for which we have a controlling financial interest or variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that requires most equity investments be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. The guidance also impacts financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, our fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in the balance sheet. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, our fiscal 2018, and may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires management to evaluate inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, our fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted and the prospective transition method should be applied. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of fees paid by a customer for cloud computing arrangements. The new guidance clarifies that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, our fiscal 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, our fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance changing the analysis procedures that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The new guidance affects the following areas: (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, our fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the criteria for recognizing revenue. The guidance provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods within those annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, our fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories (Policy)

Inventories (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	INVENTORIES Processed products, livestock and supplies and other are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes purchased raw materials, live purchase costs, growout costs (primarily feed, grower pay and catch and haul costs), labor and manufacturing and production overhead, which are related to the purchase and production of inventories.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	The following table reflects the major components of inventory (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Processed products $ 1,501 $ 1,631 Livestock 905 831 Supplies and other 412 416 Total inventory $ 2,818 $ 2,878

Property, Plant And Equipment (

Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant And Equipment And Accumulated Depreciation	The major categories of property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Land $ 125 $ 122 Buildings and leasehold improvements 3,599 3,581 Machinery and equipment 6,575 6,452 Land improvements and other 287 286 Buildings and equipment under construction 355 375 10,941 10,816 Less accumulated depreciation 5,757 5,640 Net property, plant and equipment $ 5,184 $ 5,176

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Accrued salaries, wages and benefits $ 354 $ 478 Accrued marketing, advertising and promotion expense 204 192 Other 612 488 Total other current liabilities $ 1,170 $ 1,158

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Major Components Of Debt	The major components of debt are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Revolving credit facility $ — $ — Senior notes: 6.60% Senior notes due April 2016 638 638 7.00% Notes due May 2018 120 120 2.65% Notes due August 2019 1,000 1,000 4.10% Notes due September 2020 285 285 4.50% Senior notes due June 2022 1,000 1,000 3.95% Notes due August 2024 1,250 1,250 7.00% Notes due January 2028 18 18 6.13% Notes due November 2032 163 163 4.88% Notes due August 2034 500 500 5.15% Notes due August 2044 500 500 Discount on senior notes (9 ) (10 ) Term loans: 3-year tranche B (1.44% at 1/2/2016) 500 500 5-year tranche B (1.88% at 1/2/2016) 552 552 Amortizing notes - tangible equity units (see Note 7: Equity) 123 140 Other 65 69 Total debt 6,705 6,725 Less current debt 717 715 Total long-term debt $ 5,988 $ 6,010

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Share Repurchase	A summary of share repurchases of our Class A stock is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Shares Dollars Shares Dollars Shares repurchased: Under share repurchase program 7.6 $ 357 2.0 $ 81 To fund certain obligations under equity compensation plans 0.7 30 0.2 10 Total share repurchases 8.3 $ 387 2.2 $ 91
Schedule of Tangible Equity Units	The aggregate values assigned upon issuance of each component of the TEU's, based on the relative fair value of the respective components of each TEU, were as follows (in millions, except price per TEU): Equity Component Debt Component Total Price per TEU $ 43.17 $ 6.83 $ 50.00 Gross proceeds 1,295 205 1,500 Issuance cost (40 ) (6 ) (46 ) Net proceeds $ 1,255 $ 199 $ 1,454

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except per share data): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Numerator: Net income $ 461 $ 310 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1 Net income attributable to Tyson 461 309 Less dividends declared: Class A 58 38 Class B 13 8 Undistributed earnings $ 390 $ 263 Class A undistributed earnings $ 327 $ 221 Class B undistributed earnings 63 42 Total undistributed earnings $ 390 $ 263 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share: Class A weighted average shares 325 336 Class B weighted average shares, and shares under the if-converted method for diluted earnings per share 70 70 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, restricted stock and performance units 5 5 Tangible equity units — 5 Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions 400 416 Net income per share attributable to Tyson: Class A basic $ 1.18 $ 0.77 Class B basic $ 1.09 $ 0.71 Diluted $ 1.15 $ 0.74

Derivative Financial Instrume32

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule Of Notional Amount Of Derivatives	Metric January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Commodity: Corn Bushels 37 18 Soy meal Tons 392,300 284,900 Live cattle Pounds 106 102 Lean hogs Pounds 87 166 Foreign currency United States dollar $ 27 $ 42
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the pretax impact of cash flow hedge derivative instruments on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (in millions): Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI On Derivatives Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Classification Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI to Earnings Three Months Ended Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Cash flow hedge – derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Commodity contracts $ (2 ) $ — Cost of sales $ (1 ) $ (3 ) Foreign exchange contracts — — Other income/expense — — Total $ (2 ) $ — $ (1 ) $ (3 )
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	in millions Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Classification Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Gain (Loss) on forwards Cost of sales $ 33 $ (40 ) Gain (Loss) on purchase contract Cost of sales (33 ) 40
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	(in millions): Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income Classification Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Commodity contracts Sales $ 9 $ (1 ) Commodity contracts Cost of sales (15 ) (26 ) Foreign exchange contracts Other income/expense — (2 ) Total $ (6 ) $ (29 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values (in millions): January 2, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting (a) Total Assets: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 21 $ — $ (5 ) $ 16 Undesignated — 19 — (13 ) 6 Available-for-sale securities: Current — 1 1 — 2 Non-current — 36 58 — 94 Deferred compensation assets 8 226 — — 234 Total assets $ 8 $ 303 $ 59 $ (18 ) $ 352 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 9 $ — $ (9 ) $ — Undesignated — 43 — (38 ) 5 Total liabilities $ — $ 52 $ — $ (47 ) $ 5 October 3, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting (a) Total Assets: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 52 $ — $ (35 ) $ 17 Undesignated — 9 — (9 ) — Available-for-sale securities: Current — 1 1 — 2 Non-current — 33 60 — 93 Deferred compensation assets 9 222 — — 231 Total assets $ 9 $ 317 $ 61 $ (44 ) $ 343 Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments: Designated as hedges $ — $ 2 $ — $ (2 ) $ — Undesignated — 49 — (47 ) 2 Total liabilities $ — $ 51 $ — $ (49 ) $ 2 (a) Our derivative assets and liabilities are presented in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets on a net basis. We net derivative assets and liabilities, including cash collateral, when a legally enforceable master netting arrangement exists between the counterparty to a derivative contract and us. At January 2, 2016 , and October 3, 2015 , we had posted with various counterparties $29 million and $5 million , respectively, of cash collateral related to our commodity derivatives and held no cash collateral.
Schedule Of Debt Securities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balance of debt securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 61 $ 67 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings — — Included in other comprehensive income (loss) — — Purchases 4 4 Issuances — — Settlements (6 ) (6 ) Balance at end of period $ 59 $ 65 Total gains (losses) for the three-month period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at end of period $ — $ —
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities	The following table sets forth our available-for-sale securities' amortized cost basis, fair value and unrealized gain (loss) by significant investment category (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Amortized Fair Unrealized Amortized Fair Unrealized Available-for-sale securities: Debt securities: U.S. treasury and agency $ 37 $ 37 $ — $ 33 $ 34 $ 1 Corporate and asset-backed 58 59 1 60 61 1
Schedule Of Fair Value And Carrying Value Of Debt	Fair value of our debt is principally estimated using Level 2 inputs based on quoted prices for those or similar instruments. Fair value and carrying value for our debt are as follows (in millions): January 2, 2016 October 3, 2015 Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Total debt $ 6,851 $ 6,705 $ 6,900 $ 6,725

Pension and Other Postretirem34

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the net periodic cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three months ended January 2, 2016 , and December 27, 2014 , are as follows (in millions): Pension Plans Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Service cost $ 4 $ 4 Interest cost 20 21 Expected return on plan assets (17 ) (25 ) Amortization of: Net actuarial loss 1 1 Settlement (gain) loss (a) (12 ) 8 Net periodic cost (credit) $ (4 ) $ 9 Postretirement Benefit Plans Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Service cost $ — $ 1 Interest cost 1 2 Amortization of: Prior service credit (4 ) — Net periodic cost (credit) $ (3 ) $ 3 (a) We made lump-sum settlement payments using plan assets, of $265 million and $18 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, to certain deferred vested participants within our qualified pension plans.

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The before and after tax changes in the components of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Before Tax Tax After Tax Before Tax Tax After Tax Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges: (Gain) loss reclassified to cost of sales $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ 3 $ (2 ) $ 1 Unrealized gain (loss) (2 ) 1 (1 ) — — — Investments: (Gain) loss reclassified to other income/expense — — — — — — Unrealized gain (loss) (1 ) — (1 ) 15 (6 ) 9 Currency translation: Translation loss reclassified to cost of sales (a) — — — 37 (1 ) 36 Translation adjustment (5 ) — (5 ) (37 ) 7 (30 ) Postretirement benefits (3 ) 1 (2 ) 9 (2 ) 7 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (10 ) $ 2 $ (8 ) $ 27 $ (4 ) $ 23 (a) Translation loss reclassified to Cost of Sales related to disposition of a foreign operation, which is further described in Note 2: Dispositions.

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, By Segment	Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before income taxes are as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended January 2, 2016 December 27, 2014 Sales: Chicken $ 2,636 $ 2,780 Beef 3,614 4,391 Pork 1,213 1,540 Prepared Foods 1,896 2,133 Other 99 305 Intersegment sales (306 ) (332 ) Total sales $ 9,152 $ 10,817 Operating income (loss): Chicken $ 358 $ 351 Beef 71 (6 ) Pork 158 122 Prepared Foods 207 71 (a) Other (18 ) (b) (29 ) (b) Total operating income 776 509 Total other (income) expense 64 74 Income before income taxes $ 712 $ 435 (a) Includes merger and integration costs of $4 million and costs related to a legacy Hillshire Brands plant fire of $36 million for the three months ended December 27, 2014. (b) Operating income in Other includes third-party merger and integration costs of $5 million and $15 million for the three months ended January 2, 2016, and December 27, 2014 , respectively.

Condensed Consolidating Finan37

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Income and Comprehensive Income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended January 2, 2016 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Sales $ 221 $ 4,833 $ 4,653 $ (555 ) $ 9,152 Cost of Sales 8 4,536 3,960 (553 ) 7,951 Gross Profit 213 297 693 (2 ) 1,201 Selling, General and Administrative 25 66 336 (2 ) 425 Operating Income 188 231 357 — 776 Other (Income) Expense: Interest expense, net 61 — 4 — 65 Other, net — (1 ) — — (1 ) Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries (383 ) (33 ) — 416 — Total Other (Income) Expense (322 ) (34 ) 4 416 64 Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 510 265 353 (416 ) 712 Income Tax (Benefit) Expense 49 83 119 — 251 Net Income 461 182 234 (416 ) 461 Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — — — — Net Income Attributable to Tyson $ 461 $ 182 $ 234 $ (416 ) $ 461 Comprehensive Income (Loss) 453 177 223 (400 ) 453 Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — — — — Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Tyson $ 453 $ 177 $ 223 $ (400 ) $ 453 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended December 27, 2014 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Sales $ 228 $ 5,809 $ 5,325 $ (545 ) $ 10,817 Cost of Sales 19 5,662 4,722 (542 ) 9,861 Gross Profit 209 147 603 (3 ) 956 Selling, General and Administrative 34 61 355 (3 ) 447 Operating Income 175 86 248 — 509 Other (Income) Expense: Interest expense, net 69 — 6 — 75 Other, net (1 ) — — — (1 ) Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries (237 ) (38 ) — 275 — Total Other (Income) Expense (169 ) (38 ) 6 275 74 Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 344 124 242 (275 ) 435 Income Tax (Benefit) Expense 35 30 60 — 125 Net Income 309 94 182 (275 ) 310 Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — 1 — 1 Net Income Attributable to Tyson $ 309 $ 94 $ 181 $ (275 ) $ 309 Comprehensive Income (Loss) 332 104 186 (289 ) 333 Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest — — 1 — 1 Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Tyson $ 332 $ 104 $ 185 $ (289 ) $ 332
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of January 2, 2016 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 15 $ 1,172 $ — $ 1,187 Accounts receivable, net — 514 1,000 — 1,514 Inventories — 953 1,865 — 2,818 Other current assets 16 66 131 (55 ) 158 Total Current Assets 16 1,548 4,168 (55 ) 5,677 Net Property, Plant and Equipment 25 978 4,181 — 5,184 Goodwill — 881 5,788 — 6,669 Intangible Assets, net — 9 5,136 — 5,145 Other Assets 118 132 365 — 615 Investment in Subsidiaries 22,213 2,205 — (24,418 ) — Total Assets $ 22,372 $ 5,753 $ 19,638 $ (24,473 ) $ 23,290 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current Liabilities: Current debt $ 707 $ 1 $ 17 $ (8 ) $ 717 Accounts payable 20 919 842 — 1,781 Other current liabilities 6,187 200 832 (6,049 ) 1,170 Total Current Liabilities 6,914 1,120 1,691 (6,057 ) 3,668 Long-Term Debt 5,484 1 503 — 5,988 Deferred Income Taxes 14 106 2,394 — 2,514 Other Liabilities 198 123 1,022 — 1,343 Total Tyson Shareholders’ Equity 9,762 4,403 14,013 (18,416 ) 9,762 Noncontrolling Interest — — 15 — 15 Total Shareholders’ Equity 9,762 4,403 14,028 (18,416 ) 9,777 Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 22,372 $ 5,753 $ 19,638 $ (24,473 ) $ 23,290 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 3, 2015 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 12 $ 676 $ — $ 688 Accounts receivable, net — 578 1,042 — 1,620 Inventories 1 1,009 1,868 — 2,878 Other current assets 43 91 147 (86 ) 195 Total Current Assets 44 1,690 3,733 (86 ) 5,381 Net Property, Plant and Equipment 26 975 4,175 — 5,176 Goodwill — 881 5,786 — 6,667 Intangible Assets, net — 10 5,158 — 5,168 Other Assets 129 146 337 — 612 Investment in Subsidiaries 21,850 2,177 — (24,027 ) — Total Assets $ 22,049 $ 5,879 $ 19,189 $ (24,113 ) $ 23,004 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current Liabilities: Current debt $ 710 $ 1 $ 22 $ (18 ) $ 715 Accounts payable 28 698 936 — 1,662 Other current liabilities 5,930 152 939 (5,863 ) 1,158 Total Current Liabilities 6,668 851 1,897 (5,881 ) 3,535 Long-Term Debt 5,498 1 511 — 6,010 Deferred Income Taxes — 98 2,351 — 2,449 Other Liabilities 192 118 994 — 1,304 Total Tyson Shareholders’ Equity 9,691 4,811 13,421 (18,232 ) 9,691 Noncontrolling Interest — — 15 — 15 Total Shareholders’ Equity 9,691 4,811 13,436 (18,232 ) 9,706 Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 22,049 $ 5,879 $ 19,189 $ (24,113 ) $ 23,004
Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended January 2, 2016 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities $ 174 $ 622 $ 299 $ — $ 1,095 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment — (33 ) (155 ) — (188 ) (Purchases of)/Proceeds from marketable securities, net — — (2 ) — (2 ) Proceeds from sale of businesses — — — — — Other, net — — (1 ) — (1 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities — (33 ) (158 ) — (191 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net change in debt (19 ) — (1 ) — (20 ) Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock (387 ) — — — (387 ) Dividends (54 ) — — — (54 ) Stock options exercised 34 — — — 34 Other, net 23 — — — 23 Net change in intercompany balances 229 (586 ) 357 — — Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities (174 ) (586 ) 356 — (404 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash — — (1 ) — (1 ) Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents — 3 496 — 499 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year — 12 676 — 688 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ — $ 15 $ 1,172 $ — $ 1,187 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 27, 2014 in millions TFI TFM Non- Eliminations Total Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities $ 55 $ 325 $ 432 $ — $ 812 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment — (40 ) (191 ) — (231 ) (Purchases of)/Proceeds from marketable securities, net — — (3 ) — (3 ) Proceeds from sale of businesses — — 142 — 142 Other, net — — 3 — 3 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities — (40 ) (49 ) — (89 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net change in debt (667 ) — (1 ) — (668 ) Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock (91 ) — — — (91 ) Dividends (37 ) — — — (37 ) Stock options exercised 16 — — — 16 Other, net 5 — — — 5 Net change in intercompany balances 719 (314 ) (405 ) — — Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities (55 ) (314 ) (406 ) — (775 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash — — (5 ) — (5 ) Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents — (29 ) (28 ) — (57 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year — 41 397 — 438 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ — $ 12 $ 369 $ — $ 381

Dispositions (Details)

Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Operating Segments [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Beef [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 12
Operating Segments [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Prepared Foods [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	59
Operating Segments [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Prepared Foods [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	49
Operating Segments [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Prepared Foods [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	10
Chicken Production Operations in Brazil and Mexico [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Other [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Consideration	575
Chicken Production Operations in Brazil [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Other [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses		$ 148
Chicken Production Operations in Mexico [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Other [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	374
Chicken Production Operations in Mexico [Member] | Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member] | Other [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$ 161

Inventories (Schedule Of Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Processed products	$ 1,501	$ 1,631
Livestock	905	831
Supplies and other	412	416
Total inventories	$ 2,818	$ 2,878

Inventories (Narrative) (Detail

Inventories (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of FIFO Inventory	61.00%	63.00%

Property, Plant And Equipment41

Property, Plant And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 10,941	$ 10,816
Less accumulated depreciation	5,757	5,640
Net property, plant and equipment	5,184	5,176
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	125	122
Buildings And Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,599	3,581
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	6,575	6,452
Land Improvements And Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	287	286
Buildings And Equipment Under Construction [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 355	$ 375

Other Current Liabilities (Sche

Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Other Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits	$ 354	$ 478
Accrued Marketing Costs, Current	204	192
Other	612	488
Total other current liabilities	$ 1,170	$ 1,158

Debt (Major Components Of Debt)

Debt (Major Components Of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 0	$ 0
Discount on senior notes	(9)	(10)
Amortizing Notes- Tangible Equity Units	123	140	$ 205
Other	65	69
Total debt	6,705	6,725
Less current debt	717	715
Total long-term debt	5,988	6,010
6.60% Senior Notes Due April 2016 (2016 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 638	638
Stated interest rate	6.60%
7.00% Notes Due May 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 120	120
Stated interest rate	7.00%
2.65% Senior Unsecured Notes Due August, Two Thousand and Nineteen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 1,000	1,000
Stated interest rate	2.65%
4.10% Percentage Unsecured Notes Due September Two Thousand And Twenty [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 285	285
Stated interest rate	4.10%
4.50% Senior Notes Due June 2022 (2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 1,000	1,000
Stated interest rate	4.50%
3.95% Senior Unsecured Notes Due August, Two Thousand and Twenty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 1,250	1,250
Stated interest rate	3.95%
7.00% Notes Due January 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 18	18
Stated interest rate	7.00%
6.13% Unsecured Notes Due November Two Thousand And Thirty Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 163	163
Stated interest rate	6.13%
4.88% Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due August, Two Thousand and Thirty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 500	500
Stated interest rate	4.88%
5.15% Senior Unsecured Notes Due August, Two Thousand and Forty Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 500	500
Stated interest rate	5.15%
3-Year Tranche B [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 500	500
Stated interest rate	1.44%
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years
5-Year Tranche B [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes/Term Loans	$ 552	$ 552
Stated interest rate	1.88%
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,250,000,000
Amount available for borrowing under credit facility	1,244,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	6,000,000
Bilateral Letters Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 93,000,000

Equity (Schedule of Share Repur

Equity (Schedule of Share Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 387	$ 91
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	8.3	2.2
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 387	$ 91
Share Repurchase Program [Member] | Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	7.6	2
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 357	$ 81
Open Market Repurchases [Member] | Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0.7	0.2
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 30	$ 10

Equity (Schedule of Tangible Eq

Equity (Schedule of Tangible Equity Units) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)$ / shares
Equity [Abstract]
Price per TEU, Equity Component (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 43.17
Price per TEU, Debt Component (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	6.83
Price per TEU, Total (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 50
Gross Proceeds, Equity Component	$ 1,295
Gross Proceeds, Debt Component	205
Gross Proceeds, Total	1,500
Issuance cost, Equity Component	(40)
Issuance cost, Debt Component	(6)
Issuance cost, Total	46
Net Proceeds, Equity Component	1,255
Net Proceeds, Debt Component	199
Net proceeds, Total	$ 1,454

Equity (Narrative) (Details)

Equity (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 15, 2015$ / shares	Feb. 04, 2016USD ($)shares	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)shares$ / shares	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)shares	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock | $			$ 387,000,000	$ 91,000,000
TEU's issued (in units)					30,000,000
TEU's Dividend Rate					4.75%
Proceeds from Issuance of Tangible Equity Units, Net | $					$ 1,454,000,000
TEUs, stated amount per unit (in dollars per unit) | $ / shares					$ 50
TEUs, Equity Component | $					$ 1,295,000,000
TEUs, Debt Component | $			123,000,000		205,000,000	$ 140,000,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | Tangible Equity Unit, Senior Amortizing Note [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Senior amortizing note, initial principal amount | $					$ 6.83
Senior amortizing note, interest rate					1.50%
Senior amortizing note, quarterly principal and interest payment | $					$ 0.59
Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock | $			$ 387,000,000	$ 91,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			8,300,000	2,200,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid | $ / shares	$ 0.15
Class A [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | Tangible Equity Unit, Senior Amortizing Note [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Senior amortizing note, conversion price | $ / shares			$ 47.06
Senior amortizing note, number of shares per contract if applicable market value equal to or greater than conversion price			1.0624
Senior amortizing note, reference price | $ / shares			$ 37.65
Senior amortizing note, if applicable market value greater than reference price, number of shares equal to amount divided by Applicable Market Value | $ / shares			$ 50
Senior amortizing note, number of shares per contract, if Applicable Market Value is less than or equal to reference price			1.3282
Senior amortizing note, consecutive trading days for calculation of applicable market value			20 days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Dividend Threshold Amount | $ / shares			$ 0.075
Senior amortizing note, incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of conversion, if applicable market value higher than reference price			8,000,000
Class A [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | Tangible Equity Unit, Senior Amortizing Note [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Senior amortizing note, number of shares to be issued			31,900,000
Class A [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | Tangible Equity Unit, Senior Amortizing Note [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Senior amortizing note, number of shares to be issued			39,800,000
Class A [Member] | Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased			13,500,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock | $			$ 357,000,000	$ 81,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			7,600,000	2,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Class A [Member] | Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		50,000,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock | $		$ 221,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		4,300,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate for continuing operations	35.20%	28.80%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	6.50%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 304		$ 306
Unrecognized tax benefits, reductions that could result from tax audit resolutions	$ 15

Other Income And Charges (Detai

Other Income And Charges (Details) - Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Components of Other Income and Expenses [Line Items]
Equity Earnings in Joint Ventures	$ 2	$ 1
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized	$ (1)

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Net Income	$ 461	$ 310
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	1
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	461	309
Undistributed earnings	$ 390	$ 263
Stock options and restricted stock	5	5
Tangible Equity Units	0	5
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions	400	416
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson - Diluted	$ 1.15	$ 0.74
Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Less Dividends Declared:	$ 58	$ 38
Undistributed earnings	$ 327	$ 221
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	325	336
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson - Basic	$ 1.18	$ 0.77
Class B [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Less Dividends Declared:	$ 13	$ 8
Undistributed earnings	$ 63	$ 42
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic	70	70
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson - Basic	$ 1.09	$ 0.71

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016Classesshares	Dec. 27, 2014shares
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Number Of Classes Of Common Stock | Classes	2
Percentage amount of per share cash dividends paid to holders of Class B stock that cannot exceed paid to holders of Class A stock	90.00%
Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings (losses), ratio used to calculate allocation to class of stock	1
Class B [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings (losses), ratio used to calculate allocation to class of stock	0.9
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, shares | shares	2	6

Derivative Financial Instrume52

Derivative Financial Instruments (Aggregate Outstanding Notionals) (Details) lb in Millions, bu in Millions, $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)bulbT	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)bulbT
Corn (in bushels)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | bu	37	18
Soy Meal (in tons)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | T	392,300	284,900
Live Cattle [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	106	102
Lean Hogs [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	87	166
Foreign Currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount | $	$ 27	$ 42

Derivative Financial Instrume53

Derivative Financial Instruments (Pretax Impact Of Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instruments On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives	$ (2)	$ 0
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from OCI to Earnings	(1)	(3)
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives	(2)	0
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from OCI to Earnings	(1)	(3)
Foreign Currency [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives	0	0
Foreign Currency [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from OCI to Earnings	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume54

Derivative Financial Instruments (Pretax Impact Of Fair Value Hedge Derivative Instruments On The Consolidated Statements of Income) (Details) - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - Cost of Sales [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) on forwards	$ 33	$ (40)
Purchase Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) on forwards	$ (33)	$ 40

Derivative Financial Instrume55

Derivative Financial Instruments (Pretax Impact Of Undesignated Derivative Instruments On The Consolidated Statements Of Income) (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$ (6)	$ (29)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings	9	(1)
Commodity Contracts [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings	(15)	(26)
Foreign Currency [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$ 0	$ (2)

Derivative Financial Instrume56

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ (2)

Fair Value Measurements (Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets and liabilities posted cash collateral		$ 29	$ 5
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Current		2	2
Available for Sale Securities, Noncurrent		94	93
Deferred Compensation Assets		234	231
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	[1]	(18)	(44)
Total Assets		352	343
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	[1]	(47)	(49)
Total Liabilities		5	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		16	17
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(5)	(35)
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(9)	(2)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		6	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset		(13)	(9)
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		5	2
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset		(38)	(47)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Current		0	0
Available for Sale Securities, Noncurrent		0	0
Deferred Compensation Assets		8	9
Total Assets		8	9
Total Liabilities		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		0	0
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		0	0
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Current		1	1
Available for Sale Securities, Noncurrent		36	33
Deferred Compensation Assets		226	222
Total Assets		303	317
Total Liabilities		52	51
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		21	52
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		9	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		19	9
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		43	49
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-Sale Securities, Current		1	1
Available for Sale Securities, Noncurrent		58	60
Deferred Compensation Assets		0	0
Total Assets		59	61
Total Liabilities		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		0	0
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity Derivatives		0	0
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Our derivative assets and liabilities are presented in our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets on a net basis. We net derivative assets and liabilities, including cash collateral, when a legally enforceable master netting arrangement exists between the counterparty to a derivative contract and us. At January 2, 2016, and October 3, 2015, we had posted with various counterparties $29 million and $5 million, respectively, of cash collateral related to our commodity derivatives and held no cash collateral.

Fair Value Measurements (Sche58

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Debt Securities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 61	$ 67
Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings	0	0
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases	4	4
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(6)	(6)
Balance at end of period	59	65
Total gains (losses) for the three-month period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at end of period	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Sche59

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
U.S. Treasury and Agency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	$ 37	$ 33
Fair Value	37	34
Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	0	1
Corporate And Asset-Backed [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	58	60
Fair Value	59	61
Unrealized Gain/(Loss)	$ 1	$ 1

Fair Value Measurements (Sche60

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Fair Value And Carrying Value Of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Total Debt, Fair Value	$ 6,851	$ 6,900
Total Debt, Carrying Value	$ 6,705	$ 6,725

Fair Value Measurement (Narrati

Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities	$ 0	$ 0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0		$ 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short Term Investment Maturity Period	12 months
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturity Period	35 years

Pension and Other Postretirem62

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016		Dec. 27, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service Cost	$ 4		$ 4
Interest Cost	20		21
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(17)		(25)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1		1
Settlement (gain) loss	(12)	[1]	8
Net Periodic Cost	(4)		9
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service Cost	0		1
Interest Cost	1		2
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(4)		0
Net Periodic Cost	$ (3)		$ 3
[1]	We made lump-sum settlement payments using plan assets, of $265 million and $18 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, to certain deferred vested participants within our qualified pension plans.

Pension and Other Postretirem63

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 32	$ 3
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	31
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets	$ 265	$ 18

Other Comprehensive Income (Com

Other Comprehensive Income (Components Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	$ (10)	$ 27
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	2	(4)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	(8)	23
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Before Tax	(2)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Tax	1	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(1)	0
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	1	3
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	0	(2)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	1	1
Investments [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Before Tax	(1)	15
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Tax	0	(6)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(1)	9
Investments [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	0	0
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	0	0
Currency translation [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Before Tax	(5)	(37)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Tax	0	7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(5)	(30)
Currency translation [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	0	37	[1]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	0	(1)	[1]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	0	36	[1]
Postretirement benefits [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	(3)	9
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	1	(2)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes	$ (2)	$ 7
[1]	Translation loss reclassified to Cost of Sales related to disposition of a foreign operation, which is further described in Note 2: Dispositions.

Segment Reporting (Segment Repo

Segment Reporting (Segment Reporting Information, By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		$ 9,152	$ 10,817
Operating Income (Loss)		776	509
Total Other (Income) Expense		64	74
Income before Income Taxes		712	435
Operating Segments [Member] | Chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		2,636	2,780
Operating Income (Loss)		358	351
Operating Segments [Member] | Beef [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		3,614	4,391
Operating Income (Loss)		71	(6)
Operating Segments [Member] | Pork [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		1,213	1,540
Operating Income (Loss)		158	122
Operating Segments [Member] | Prepared Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		1,896	2,133
Operating Income (Loss)		207	71	[1]
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		99	305
Operating Income (Loss)	[2]	(18)	(29)
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		(306)	(332)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		(3)	(1)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Beef [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		(72)	(78)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Pork [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales		$ (231)	$ (253)
[1]	Includes merger and integration costs of $4 million and costs related to a legacy Hillshire Brands plant fire of $36 million for the three months ended December 27, 2014.
[2]	Operating income in Other includes third-party merger and integration costs of $5 million and $15 million for the three months ended January 2, 2016, and December 27, 2014, respectively.

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)Segments	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | Segments	4
Sales	$ 9,152	$ 10,817
Prepared Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		4
Activity From Fire Related Damages [Member] | Prepared Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Unusual or Infrequent Item, Insurance Proceeds		36
Segment Reconciling Items [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	5	15
Sales	99	305
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	(306)	(332)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	(3)	(1)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Beef [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	(72)	(78)
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Pork [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ (231)	$ (253)

Commitments (Narrative) (Detail

Commitments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Potential maximum obligation under cash flow assistance programs	$ 310
Total receivables under cash flow assistance programs	3	$ 0
Uncollectible receivables estimated under cash flow assistance programs	0	$ 0
Industrial Revenue Bonds [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Industrial Revenue Bonds	$ 574
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Period (in years)	10 years
Maximum potential amount	$ 40
Residual Value Guarantees [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential amount	$ 95
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Remaining Lease Period (in years)	12 years
Amount recoverable through various recourse provisions	$ 88

Contingencies (Narrative) (Deta

Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	Aug. 25, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)ClaimsPlantiffs	Jan. 02, 2016PHPClaimsPlantiffs	Sep. 30, 2006USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2006PHP	Jun. 23, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 23, 2014PHP
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of cases filed | Claims		5	5
Bouaphakeo Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	$ 5,784,758
Loss contingency, damages sought	$ 2,692,145
Republic of the Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment and the National Labor Relations Commission [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value				$ 74,000,000	PHP 3,453,664,710
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum						$ 7,000,000	PHP 342,287,800
Estimated Percentage of Settling Complainants		23.00%	23.00%
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | Plantiffs		5,984	5,984
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 1,448	PHP 68,000

Condensed Consolidating Finan69

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Income and Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Sales	$ 9,152	$ 10,817
Cost of Sales	7,951	9,861
Gross Profit	1,201	956
Selling, General and Administrative	425	447
Operating Income	776	509
Other (Income) Expense:
Interest expense, net	65	75
Other, net	(1)	(1)
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0
Total Other (Income) Expense	64	74
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	712	435
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	251	125
Net Income	461	310
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	1
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	461	309
Comprehensive Income	453	333
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	1
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson	453	332
TFI Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Sales	221	228
Cost of Sales	8	19
Gross Profit	213	209
Selling, General and Administrative	25	34
Operating Income	188	175
Other (Income) Expense:
Interest expense, net	61	69
Other, net	0	(1)
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(383)	(237)
Total Other (Income) Expense	(322)	(169)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	510	344
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	49	35
Net Income	461	309
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	461	309
Comprehensive Income	453	332
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson	453	332
TFM Parent, Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Sales	4,833	5,809
Cost of Sales	4,536	5,662
Gross Profit	297	147
Selling, General and Administrative	66	61
Operating Income	231	86
Other (Income) Expense:
Interest expense, net	0	0
Other, net	(1)	0
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(33)	(38)
Total Other (Income) Expense	(34)	(38)
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	265	124
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	83	30
Net Income	182	94
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	182	94
Comprehensive Income	177	104
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson	177	104
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Sales	4,653	5,325
Cost of Sales	3,960	4,722
Gross Profit	693	603
Selling, General and Administrative	336	355
Operating Income	357	248
Other (Income) Expense:
Interest expense, net	4	6
Other, net	0	0
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	0	0
Total Other (Income) Expense	4	6
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	353	242
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	119	60
Net Income	234	182
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	1
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	234	181
Comprehensive Income	223	186
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	1
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson	223	185
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Sales	(555)	(545)
Cost of Sales	(553)	(542)
Gross Profit	(2)	(3)
Selling, General and Administrative	(2)	(3)
Operating Income	0	0
Other (Income) Expense:
Interest expense, net	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	416	275
Total Other (Income) Expense	416	275
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	(416)	(275)
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense	0	0
Net Income	(416)	(275)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net Income Attributable to Tyson	(416)	(275)
Comprehensive Income	(400)	(289)
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson	$ (400)	$ (289)

Condensed Consolidating Finan70

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 02, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,187	$ 688	$ 381	$ 438
Accounts receivable, net	1,514	1,620
Inventories	2,818	2,878
Other current assets	158	195
Total Current Assets	5,677	5,381
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	5,184	5,176
Goodwill	6,669	6,667
Intangible Assets, net	5,145	5,168
Other Assets	615	612
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Total Assets	23,290	23,004
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	717	715
Accounts payable	1,781	1,662
Other current liabilities	1,170	1,158
Total Current Liabilities	3,668	3,535
Long-Term Debt	5,988	6,010
Deferred Income Taxes	2,514	2,449
Other Liabilities	1,343	1,304
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	9,762	9,691
Noncontrolling Interest	15	15
Total Shareholders' Equity	9,777	9,706
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	23,290	23,004
TFI Parent [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	1
Other current assets	16	43
Total Current Assets	16	44
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	25	26
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible Assets, net	0	0
Other Assets	118	129
Investment in Subsidiaries	22,213	21,850
Total Assets	22,372	22,049
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	707	710
Accounts payable	20	28
Other current liabilities	6,187	5,930
Total Current Liabilities	6,914	6,668
Long-Term Debt	5,484	5,498
Deferred Income Taxes	14	0
Other Liabilities	198	192
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	9,762	9,691
Noncontrolling Interest	0	0
Total Shareholders' Equity	9,762	9,691
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	22,372	22,049
TFM Parent, Guarantors [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	15	12	12	41
Accounts receivable, net	514	578
Inventories	953	1,009
Other current assets	66	91
Total Current Assets	1,548	1,690
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	978	975
Goodwill	881	881
Intangible Assets, net	9	10
Other Assets	132	146
Investment in Subsidiaries	2,205	2,177
Total Assets	5,753	5,879
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	1	1
Accounts payable	919	698
Other current liabilities	200	152
Total Current Liabilities	1,120	851
Long-Term Debt	1	1
Deferred Income Taxes	106	98
Other Liabilities	123	118
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	4,403	4,811
Noncontrolling Interest	0	0
Total Shareholders' Equity	4,403	4,811
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	5,753	5,879
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,172	676	369	397
Accounts receivable, net	1,000	1,042
Inventories	1,865	1,868
Other current assets	131	147
Total Current Assets	4,168	3,733
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	4,181	4,175
Goodwill	5,788	5,786
Intangible Assets, net	5,136	5,158
Other Assets	365	337
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Total Assets	19,638	19,189
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	17	22
Accounts payable	842	936
Other current liabilities	832	939
Total Current Liabilities	1,691	1,897
Long-Term Debt	503	511
Deferred Income Taxes	2,394	2,351
Other Liabilities	1,022	994
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	14,013	13,421
Noncontrolling Interest	15	15
Total Shareholders' Equity	14,028	13,436
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	19,638	19,189
Eliminations [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	(55)	(86)
Total Current Assets	(55)	(86)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible Assets, net	0	0
Other Assets	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	(24,418)	(24,027)
Total Assets	(24,473)	(24,113)
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current debt	(8)	(18)
Accounts payable	0	0
Other current liabilities	(6,049)	(5,863)
Total Current Liabilities	(6,057)	(5,881)
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	0	0
Other Liabilities	0	0
Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity	(18,416)	(18,232)
Noncontrolling Interest	0	0
Total Shareholders' Equity	(18,416)	(18,232)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ (24,473)	$ (24,113)

Condensed Consolidating Finan71

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 27, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	$ 1,095	$ 812
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(188)	(231)
(Purchases of)/ Proceeds from marketable securities, net	(2)	(3)
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	142
Other, net	(1)	3
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities	(191)	(89)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net change in debt	(20)	(668)
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	(387)	(91)
Dividends	(54)	(37)
Stock options exercised	34	16
Other, net	23	5
Net change in intercompany balances	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	(404)	(775)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(1)	(5)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	499	(57)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	688	438
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	1,187	381
TFI Parent [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	174	55
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
(Purchases of)/ Proceeds from marketable securities, net	0	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities	0	0
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net change in debt	(19)	(667)
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	(387)	(91)
Dividends	(54)	(37)
Stock options exercised	34	16
Other, net	23	5
Net change in intercompany balances	229	719
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	(174)	(55)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	0	0
TFM Parent, Guarantors [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	622	325
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(33)	(40)
(Purchases of)/ Proceeds from marketable securities, net	0	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities	(33)	(40)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net change in debt	0	0
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	0	0
Dividends	0	0
Stock options exercised	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net change in intercompany balances	(586)	(314)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	(586)	(314)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	3	(29)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	12	41
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	15	12
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	299	432
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(155)	(191)
(Purchases of)/ Proceeds from marketable securities, net	(2)	(3)
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	142
Other, net	(1)	3
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities	(158)	(49)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net change in debt	(1)	(1)
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	0	0
Dividends	0	0
Stock options exercised	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net change in intercompany balances	357	(405)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	356	(406)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(1)	(5)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	496	(28)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	676	397
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	1,172	369
Eliminations [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	0	0
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
(Purchases of)/ Proceeds from marketable securities, net	0	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities	0	0
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net change in debt	0	0
Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock	0	0
Dividends	0	0
Stock options exercised	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net change in intercompany balances	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	0	0
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidating Finan72

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 02, 2016USD ($)
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount available under credit facility	$ 1,250,000,000