Varian Medical Systems (VAR) 10-Q 12 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	1-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	3-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	VAR
Entity Registrant Name	VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	203527
Current Fiscal Year End Date	8
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,797,043

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Revenues:
Product	$513,765	$541,940	$989,595	$1,023,376
Service	245,641	236,566	507,665	466,632
Total revenues	759,406	778,506	1,497,260	1,490,008
Cost of revenues:
Product	330,458	344,512	636,275	643,046
Service	106,410	105,684	211,439	209,073
Total cost of revenues	436,868	450,196	847,714	852,119
Gross margin	322,538	328,310	649,546	637,889
Operating expenses:
Research and development	59,312	60,677	116,388	118,680
Selling, general and administrative	117,190	114,959	257,672	224,541
Litigation settlement	0	25,130	0	25,130
Total operating expenses	176,502	200,766	374,060	368,351
Operating earnings	146,036	127,544	275,486	269,538
Interest income	3,044	2,458	6,084	4,723
Interest expense	-2,001	-1,855	-4,046	-3,748
Earnings before taxes	147,079	128,147	277,524	270,513
Taxes on earnings	41,110	35,359	78,241	79,765
Net earnings	$105,969	$92,788	$199,283	$190,748
Net earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$1.06	$0.89	$1.99	$1.82
Net earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$1.05	$0.88	$1.97	$1.79
Shares used in the calculation of net earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	100,157	104,152	100,315	105,038
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	101,026	105,446	101,341	106,414

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$105,969	$92,788	$199,283	$190,748
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax (expense) benefit of $39 and $80 for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, respectively, and ($6) and ($12) for the corresponding periods of fiscal year 2014, respectively	-40	37	-78	75
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax expense of ($115) and ($231) for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, respectively, and ($100) and ($201) for the corresponding periods of fiscal year 2014, respectively	505	435	1,009	870
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	465	472	931	945
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Increase (decrease) in unrealized gain, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($455) and ($739) for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, respectively, and $419 and ($779) for the corresponding periods of fiscal year 2014, respectively	763	-685	1,238	1,299
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax benefit of $701 and $1,027 for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, respectively, and $610 and $479 for the corresponding periods of fiscal year 2014, respectively	-1,176	-1,017	-1,721	-798
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total	-413	-1,702	-483	501
Currency translation adjustment	-18,170	-479	-30,460	990
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)	-18,118	-1,709	-30,012	2,436
Comprehensive earnings	$87,851	$91,079	$169,271	$193,184

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost, tax effect	$39	($6)	$80	($12)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost, tax effects	-115	-100	-231	-201
Increase (decrease) in unrealized gain (loss), tax effects	-455	419	-739	-779
Reclassification adjustments, tax effects	$701	$610	$1,027	$479

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$862,223	$849,275	[1]
Short-term investment	70,075	66,176	[1]
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $26,973 at April 3, 2015 and $20,317 at September 26, 2014	707,927	731,929	[1]
Inventories	651,779	572,261	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	177,770	148,562	[1]
Deferred tax assets	120,577	125,962	[1]
Total current assets	2,590,351	2,494,165	[1]
Property, plant and equipment, net	334,807	337,999	[1]
Goodwill	232,633	240,626	[1]
Other assets	301,745	284,500	[1]
Total assets	3,459,536	3,357,290	[1]
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	164,075	187,377	[1]
Accrued expenses	285,377	324,409	[1]
Deferred revenues	447,755	421,845	[1]
Advance payments from customers	182,256	170,724	[1]
Product warranty	41,305	47,299	[1]
Short-term borrowings	100,000	0	[1]
Current maturities of long-term debt	50,000	50,000	[1]
Total current liabilities	1,270,768	1,201,654	[1]
Long-term debt	362,500	387,500	[1]
Other long-term liabilities	147,945	151,716	[1]
Total liabilities	1,781,213	1,740,870	[1]
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)			[1]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock of $1 par value: 1,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0	[1]
Common stock of $1 par value: 189,000 shares authorized;100,201 and 100,942 shares issued and outstanding at April 3, 2015 and at September 26, 2014, respectively	100,201	100,942	[1]
Capital in excess of par value	687,348	642,848	[1]
Retained earnings	975,383	931,241	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-88,623	-58,611	[1]
Total Varian stockholders' equity	1,674,309	1,616,420	[1]
Noncontrolling interest	4,014	0	[1]
Total equity	1,678,323	1,616,420	[1]
Total liabilities and equity	$3,459,536	$3,357,290	[1]
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$26,973	$20,317	[1]
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1	[1]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000	[1]
Preferred stock, issued	0	0	[1]
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0	[1]
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	189,000,000	189,000,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	100,201,000	100,942,000	[1]
Common stock, shares outstanding	100,201,000	100,942,000	[1]
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$199,283		$190,748
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	25,238		18,640
Tax benefits from exercises of share-based payment awards	11,144		8,544
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-11,138		-8,482
Depreciation	30,111		28,701
Amortization of intangible assets	3,286		1,938
Deferred taxes	16,399		-14,567
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	6,682		5,633
(Income) loss from equity investment in affiliate	-525		600
Other, net	2,039		-1,553
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Accounts receivable	-17,457		-99,465
Inventories	-92,951		-23,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-20,987		-5,354
Accounts payable	-12,833		-16,309
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-43,159		45,074
Deferred revenues and advance payments from customers	37,134		38,027
Net cash provided by operating activities	132,266		169,113
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-36,722		-43,805
Increase in restricted cash	-35,710		0
Investment in available-for-sale corporate debt securities	-942		-13,746
Notes receivable	-5,000		-500
Net amounts received from deferred compensation plan trust account	3,102		0
Other	104		-856
Net cash used in investing activities	-75,168		-58,907
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of common stock	-201,181		-314,525
Proceeds from issuance of common stock to employees	67,221		64,085
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	11,138		8,482
Employees' taxes withheld and paid for restricted stock and restricted stock units	-16,046		-8,478
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility agreements	100,000		0
Repayments under term loan facility	-25,000		-37,500
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest holders	1,777		0
Other	-1,073		-408
Net cash used in financing activities	-63,164		-288,344
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	19,014		-726
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12,948		-178,864
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	849,275	[1]	1,117,861
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$862,223		$938,997
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of Business
	Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (“VMS”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) design, manufacture, sell and service hardware and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. The Company also designs, manufactures, sells and services X-ray imaging components for use in a range of applications, including radiographic or fluoroscopic imaging, mammography, specific procedures, computed tomography and industrial applications. In addition, the Company designs, manufactures, sells and services linear accelerators, image processing software and image detection products for security and inspection purposes. The Company also develops, designs, manufactures, sells and services proton therapy products and systems for cancer treatment.
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Report”). In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements herein include adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, results of operations and statements of comprehensive earnings for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, and cash flows for the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014. The results of operations for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future period.
	Fiscal Year
	The fiscal years of the Company as reported are the 52- or 53- week periods ending on the Friday nearest September 30. Fiscal year 2015 is the 53-week period ending October 2, 2015, and fiscal year 2014 was the 52-week period ended September 26, 2014. The fiscal quarters ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014 were both 13-week periods.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include those of VMS and its subsidiaries. Intercompany balances, transactions and stock holdings have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Not Yet Effective
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to internal use software. The amendment clarifies that the software license element of a cloud computing arrangements should be accounted for consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment can be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance to its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to retirement benefits. The amendment provides a practical expedient that permits an entity with a fiscal year-end that does not coincide with a month-end to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year. The amendment also provides a practical expedient that permits an entity that has a significant event in an interim period to remeasure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the date of the significant event. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and is required to be applied on a retroactive basis. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendment requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendment is required to be applied on a retroactive basis. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to consolidation. The amendment modifies the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to stock-based compensation. The amendment requires that a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting, rather than a condition that affects the grant-date fair value. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment can be applied on a prospective basis to all share-based payments granted or modified on or after the effective date. Entities will also be provided an option to apply the guidance on a modified retrospective basis to existing awards. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The amendment sets forth a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability. The amendment requires revenue recognition to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early application is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the amendment. If the proposal is approved, the new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted, but not before the original effective date. The amendment can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of the initial application along with additional disclosures. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance to its consolidated financial statements.

Balance_Sheet_Components

Balance Sheet Components	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Components	BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS:
		April 3,		September 26,
	(In millions)	2015		2014
	Available-for-sale Securities:
	Corporate debt securities:
	Amortized cost	$	80	$	75.6
	Unrealized gain (loss)	—		—
	Fair value	$	80	$	75.6
	The available-for-sale securities represent loans to California Proton Treatment Center, LLC (“CPTC”). As of April 3, 2015, of the total amount of $80.0 million of the available-for-sale securities, $70.1 million is included in short-term investment and $9.9 million is included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 26, 2014, of the total amount of $75.6 million of the available-for-sale securities, $66.2 million is included in short-term investment and $9.4 million is included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Refer to Note 15, "CPTC Loans" for additional discussion.
		April 3,		September 26,
	(In millions)	2015		2014
	Inventories:
	Raw materials and parts	$	328	$	296.1
	Work-in-process	136.8		124.5
	Finished goods	187		151.7
	Total inventories	$	651.8	$	572.3
		April 3,		September 26,
	(In millions)	2015		2014
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Long-term income taxes payable	$	46.1	$	55.2
	Long-term deferred income taxes	41.7		31.5
	Other	60.1		65
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	147.9	$	151.7

Fair_Value

Fair Value	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	FAIR VALUE
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for 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 at the measurement date. There is a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
	Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	In the tables below, the Company has segregated all assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date.
		Fair Value Measurement Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant			Total
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs
		Instruments		Inputs
	Type of Instruments	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)			Balance
	(In millions)
	Assets at April 3, 2015:
	Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$	—	$	—		$	80		$	80
	Derivative assets	—		1			—			1
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	1		$	80		$	81
	Liabilities at April 3, 2015:
	Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	(0.2	)	$	—		$	(0.2	)
	Contingent consideration	—		—			(6.3		)	(6.3		)
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	(0.2	)	$	(6.3	)	$	(6.5	)
	Assets at September 26, 2014:
	Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$	—	$	—		$	75.6		$	75.6
	Derivative assets	—		1.5			—			1.5
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	1.5		$	75.6		$	77.1
	Liabilities at September 26, 2014:
	Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—		$	(7.5	)	$	(7.5	)
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—		$	(7.5	)	$	(7.5	)
	Available-for-sale corporate debt securities are included under short-term investment and other assets, derivative assets are included under prepaid expenses and other current assets, derivative liabilities are included under accrued liabilities and contingent consideration is included under accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company has elected to use the income approach to value its derivative instruments using standard valuation techniques and Level 2 inputs, such as currency spot rates, forward points and credit default swap spreads. The Company’s derivative instruments are short-term in nature, typically one month to thirteen months in duration.
	The fair value of the Company’s Level 3 available-for-sale corporate debt securities is based on the income approach by using the discounted cash flow model with key assumptions that include discount rates corresponding to the terms and risks associated with the loans to CPTC. If the estimated discount rates used were to increase or decrease, the fair value of the debt securities would decrease or increase, respectively. However, the Company does not increase the fair value of these securities above their par values as ORIX Capital Markets, LLC (“ORIX”), the loan agent, has the option to purchase these loans from the Company under the original terms and conditions at par value.
	The Company measures the fair value of its Level 3 contingent consideration liabilities based on the income approach by using a discounted cash flow model with key assumptions that include estimated sales units or revenues of the acquired business or completion of certain milestone targets during the earn-out period, volatility, and estimated discount rates corresponding to the periods of expected payments. If the estimated sales units, revenues or probability of completing certain milestones were to increase or decrease during the respective earn-out period, the fair value of the contingent consideration would increase or decrease, respectively. If the estimated discount rates were to increase or decrease, the fair value of contingent consideration would decrease or increase, respectively. Changes in volatility may result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration.
	The following table presents the reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
	(In millions)	Available-For-Sale Corporate Debt		Contingent
		Securities		Consideration
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	75.6	$	(7.5	)
	Additions (1)	4.4		—
	Settlements (2)	—		1.1
	Change in fair value recognized in earnings	—		0.1
	Balance at April 3, 2015	$	80	$	(6.3	)
	-1	Amounts reported under available-for-sale corporate debt securities include accrued interest.
	-2	Amounts reported under contingent consideration represent cash payments to settle contingent consideration liabilities.
	There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value measurement levels during either the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, or the three and six months ended March 28, 2014. Transfers between fair value measurement levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	The fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including bank deposits included in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, notes receivable, accounts payable, and short-term borrowings approximate their carrying amounts due to their short maturities.
	As of both April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, the fair value of current maturities of long-term debt approximated its carrying value of $50.0 million, due to its short-term maturity. The fair value of the long-term debt payable in installments through fiscal year 2018 approximated its carrying value of $362.5 million and $387.5 million, at April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, respectively, because it is carried at a market observable interest rate that resets periodically and is categorized as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following table reflects the activity of goodwill by reportable operating segment:
		Oncology			Imaging
	(In millions)	Systems			Components			Other			Total
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	148.3		$	36		$	56.3		$	240.6
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(8.0		)	(8.0		)
	Balance at April 3, 2015	$	148.3		$	36		$	48.3		$	232.6
	The following table reflects the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
		April 3,			September 26,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Intangible Assets:
	Acquired existing technology	$	54.6		$	54.6
	Patents, licenses and other	29			28.8
	Customer contracts and supplier relationship	12.4			12.4
	Accumulated amortization	(59.8		)	(56.9		)
	Net carrying amount subject to amortization	$	36.2		$	38.9
	As of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, the Company also had $2.0 million of in-process research and development assets. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.7 million and $0.8 million in the three months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.3 million and $1.9 million in the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively. The Company estimates amortization expense for the remaining six months of fiscal year 2015, fiscal year 2016, fiscal year 2017, fiscal year 2018, fiscal year 2019, fiscal year 2020 and thereafter, will be as follows (in millions): $4.9, $9.4, $5.2, $5.0, $4.9, $3.9, and $2.9, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	VMS has a 40% ownership interest in dpiX Holding LLC (“dpiX Holding”), a two-member consortium which has a 100% ownership interest in dpiX LLC (“dpiX”), a supplier of amorphous silicon based thin film transistor arrays (“flat panels”) for the Company’s Imaging Components’ digital image detectors and for its Oncology Systems’ On-Board Imager® and PortalVisionTM imaging products. In accordance with the dpiX Holding agreement, net profits or losses are allocated to the members, in accordance with their ownership interests.
	The equity investment in dpiX Holding is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. When VMS recognizes its share of net profits or losses of dpiX Holding, profits or losses in inventory purchased from dpiX are eliminated until realized by VMS. VMS recorded income of $0.9 million and $0.8 million in the three months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively, on the equity investment in dpiX Holding. VMS recorded income of $0.5 million and a loss of $0.6 million in the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively, on the equity investment in dpiX Holding. Income and loss on the equity investment in dpiX Holding is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The carrying value of the equity investment in dpiX Holding, which is included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $48.4 million at April 3, 2015 and $49.7 million at September 26, 2014.
	The Company purchased glass transistor arrays from dpiX totaling $5.6 million and $5.7 million in the three months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively. The Company purchased glass transistor arrays from dpiX totaling $9.9 million and $9.2 million in the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively. These purchases of glass transistor arrays are included as a component of inventories in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or cost of revenues - product in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for these fiscal periods.
	In October 2013, VMS entered into an amended agreement with dpiX and other parties that, among other things, provides the Company with the right to 50% of dpiX’s total manufacturing capacity produced after January 1, 2014. The amended agreement requires the Company to pay for 50% of the fixed costs (as defined in the amended agreement), as determined at the beginning of each calendar year. As of April 3, 2015, the Company had fixed cost commitments of $8.9 million related to this amended agreement for the remaining six months of fiscal year 2015. The fixed cost commitments for future periods will be determined and approved by the dpiX board of directors at the beginning of each calendar year. The amended agreement will continue unless the ownership structure of dpiX changes (as defined in the amended agreement).
	The Company has determined that dpiX is a variable interest entity because at-risk equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Majority votes are required to direct the manufacturing activities, legal operations and other activities that most significantly affect dpiX’s economic performance. The Company does not have majority voting rights and no power to direct the activities of dpiX and therefore is not the primary beneficiary of dpiX.

Borrowings

Borrowings	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	BORROWINGS
	On August 27, 2013, VMS entered into a Credit Agreement (as amended to date) with certain lenders and Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”) as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a five-year term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million (the “2013 Term Loan Facility”) and (ii) a five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “2013 Revolving Credit Facility” and, collectively with the 2013 Term Loan Facility, the “2013 Credit Facility”). The 2013 Revolving Credit Facility also includes a $50 million sub-facility for the issuance of letters of credit and permits swing line loans of up to $25 million. The aggregate commitments under the 2013 Term Loan Facility may be increased by up to $100 million and the aggregate commitments under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased by up to $200 million, subject to certain conditions being met, including lender approval. The 2013 Credit Facility contains provisions that limit the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends. The proceeds of the 2013 Credit Facility will be used for working capital, capital expenditures, permitted Company share repurchases, permitted acquisitions and other lawful corporate purposes.
	Borrowings under the 2013 Term Loan Facility accrue interest either (i) based on a Eurodollar Rate, as defined in the Credit Agreement (the “Eurodollar Rate”), plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.25% based on a leverage ratio involving funded indebtedness and EBITDA or (ii) based upon a base rate of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) BofA’s announced prime rate, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%, whichever is highest, plus a margin of 0.00% to 0.25% based on the same leverage Ratio, depending upon instructions from the Company.
	Borrowings under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility accrue interest either (i) based on the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% based on a leverage ratio involving funded indebtedness and EBITDA or (ii) based upon a base rate of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) BofA’s announced prime rate, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%, whichever is highest, plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50% based on the same leverage ratio, depending upon instructions from the Company.
	At April 3, 2015, borrowings under the 2013 Term Loan Facility totaled $412.5 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.30%. At September 26, 2014, borrowings under the 2013 Term Loan Facility totaled $437.5 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.28%. Borrowings under the 2013 Term Loan Facility are included in current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At April 3, 2015, there was $100.0 million outstanding on the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.55%. At September 26, 2014, there were no amounts outstanding on the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility are included in short-term borrowings in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Subject to certain limitations on the amount secured, a pledge of stock issued by certain present and future subsidiaries of VMS, that are deemed to be material under the terms of the 2013 Credit Facility, serve as security for the 2013 Credit Facility. These stock pledges also serve as security for all hedging or treasury management obligations entered into by the Company with a Lender. As of April 3, 2015, VMS had pledged 65% of the voting shares that it holds in Varian Medical Systems Nederland Holdings B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary. The Credit Agreement provides that certain material domestic subsidiaries must guarantee the 2013 Credit Facility, subject to certain limitations on the amount secured. As of April 3, 2015, the 2013 Credit Facility was not guaranteed by any VMS subsidiary.
	The Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries that are typical for credit facilities of this type, and that are subject to materiality and other qualifications, carve-outs, baskets and exceptions. The Company has also agreed to maintain certain financial covenants including (i) a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, involving funded indebtedness and EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax and depreciation and amortization), and (ii) a minimum cash flow coverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement for all periods within these condensed consolidated financial statements in which it was in existence.
	VMS’s Japanese subsidiary (“VMS KK”) has an unsecured uncommitted credit agreement with Sumitomo that enables VMS KK to borrow and have outstanding at any given time a maximum of 3 billion Japanese yen (the “Sumitomo Credit Facility”). In February 2015, the Sumitomo Credit Facility was extended and will expire in February 2016. Borrowings under the Sumitomo Credit Facility accrue interest based on the basic loan rate announced by the Bank of Japan plus a margin of 0.5% per annum. As of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, there were no outstanding balances under the Sumitomo Credit Facility. On April 6, 2015, the Company borrowed 3 billion Japanese yen, or approximately $25.2 million, under the Sumitomo Credit Facility.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	The Company measures all derivatives at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of those derivatives depends upon the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment must be recognized in earnings, together with elements excluded from effectiveness testing and the ineffective portion of a particular hedge.
	The fair values of derivative instruments reported on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		3-Apr-15				26-Sep-14				Balance Sheet	3-Apr-15			26-Sep-14
	(In millions)	Location		Fair Value				Fair Value				Location	Fair Value			Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	1			$	1.5			Accrued liabilities	$	0.2		$	—
	Total derivatives			$	1			$	1.5				$	0.2		$	—
	At April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, the Company did not have any outstanding derivatives that were not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 3, "Fair Value" regarding valuation of the Company’s derivative instruments. Also see Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report regarding credit risk associated with the Company’s derivative instruments.
	Offsetting of Derivatives
	The Company presents its derivative assets and derivative liabilities on a gross basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, under agreements containing provisions on netting with certain counterparties of foreign exchange contracts, subject to applicable requirements, the Company is allowed to net-settle transactions on the same date in the same currency, with a single net amount payable by one party to the other. As of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, there were no potential effects of rights of setoff associated with derivative instruments. The Company is neither required to pledge nor entitled to receive cash collateral related to these derivative transactions.
	Cash Flow Hedging Activities
	The Company has many transactions denominated in foreign currencies and addresses certain of those financial exposures through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company sells products throughout the world, often in the currency of the customer’s country, and may hedge certain of the larger foreign currency transactions when they are either not denominated in the relevant subsidiary’s functional currency or the U.S. Dollar. These foreign currency sales transactions are hedged using foreign currency forward contracts. The Company may use other derivative instruments in the future. The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts primarily to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for speculative or trading purposes. Foreign currency forward contracts may be entered into several times a quarter and range from one to thirteen months.
	The Company designates and accounts for certain of its hedges of forecasted foreign currency revenues as cash flow hedges. The Company’s designated cash flow hedges de-designate when the anticipated revenues associated with the transactions are recognized and the effective portion in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is reclassified to revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings to offset changes in fair value of the resulting non-functional currency receivables. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the Company formally documents for each derivative instrument at the hedge’s inception the relationship between the hedging instrument (foreign currency forward contract) and hedged item (forecasted foreign currency revenues), the nature of the risk being hedged, and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The Company records the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassifies these amounts into revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. The Company assesses hedge effectiveness both at the onset of the hedge and on an ongoing basis using regression analysis. The Company measures hedge ineffectiveness by comparing the cumulative change in the fair value of the effective component of the hedge contract with the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedged item. The Company recognizes any over performance of the derivative as ineffectiveness in revenues, and amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness in cost of revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. During the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, the Company did not discontinue any cash flow hedges. At the inception of the hedge, the Company assesses whether the likelihood of meeting the forecasted cash flow is highly probable. As of April 3, 2015, all forecasted cash flows were still probable to occur. As of April 3, 2015, the net unrealized gain on derivative instruments, before tax, of $0.8 million was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is expected to be reclassified to earnings over the next 12 months that follows.
	The Company had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted revenues and designated as cash flow hedges:
		3-Apr-15
		Notional Value
	(In millions)	Sold
	Euro	$	22.8
	Japanese Yen	24.2
	Totals	$	47
	The following table presents the amounts, before tax, recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings that are related to the effective portion of the foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges:
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other														Location of Gain		Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
		Comprehensive Income														(Loss) Reclassified		Comprehensive Income into Net Earnings
		(Effective Portion)														from Accumulated		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended						Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,			Income into Net		April 3,		March 28,		April 3,		March 28,
	(In millions)	2015				2014				2015			2014			Earnings (Effective Portion)		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	1.2			$	(1.1	)		$	2		$	2.1		Revenues		$	1.8	$	1.7	$	2.7	$	1.3
	Balance Sheet Hedging Activities
	The Company also hedges balance sheet exposures from its various subsidiaries and business units where the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency. The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar functional currency. The foreign currency forward contracts are short term in nature, typically with a maturity of approximately one month, and are based on the net forecasted balance sheet exposure. These hedging instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, changes in their fair values are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Changes in the values of these hedging instruments are offset by changes in the values of foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities. Variations from the forecasted foreign currency assets or liabilities, coupled with a significant currency rate movement, may result in a material gain or loss if the hedges are not effectively offsetting the change in value of the foreign currency asset or liability. Other than foreign exchange hedging activities, the Company has no other free-standing or embedded derivative instruments.
	The Company had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts:
		3-Apr-15
		Notional				Notional
						Value
	(In millions)	Value Sold				Purchased
	Australian Dollar	$	19.9			$	—
	Brazilian Real	1.7				—
	British Pound	13.4				—
	Canadian Dollar	—				4.3
	Danish Krone	—				0.3
	Euro	192.8				—
	Hungarian Forint	8				—
	Indian Rupee	9.1				—
	Japanese Yen	50.2				—
	New Zealand Dollar	2.8				—
	Norwegian Krone	3				—
	Swedish Krona	2.5				—
	Swiss Franc	—				52.8
	Totals	$	303.4			$	57.4
	The following table presents the gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings related to the foreign currency forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments:
	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Earnings on Derivative
			Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
			April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,
	(In millions)		2015				2014				2015			2014
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	22.5			$	(3.2	)		$	34		$	1.5
	The gains (losses) on these derivative instruments were significantly offset by the gains (losses) resulting from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar functional currency.
	Contingent Features
	Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments are subject to master agreements which contain provisions that require the Company, in the event of a default, to settle the outstanding contracts in net liability positions by making settlement payments in cash or by setting off amounts owed to the counterparty against any credit support or collateral held by the counterparty. As of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, the Company did not have significant outstanding derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Product Warranty
	The following table reflects the changes in the Company’s accrued product warranty:
		Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Accrued product warranty, at beginning of period	$	49.3		$	53.2
	Charged to cost of revenues	21.8			25.8
	Actual product warranty expenditures	(28.1		)	(26.9		)
	Accrued product warranty, at end of period	$	43		$	52.1
	Long-term accrued product warranty costs of $1.7 million and $2.0 million are included under other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, respectively.
	Other Commitments
	As of April 3, 2015, the Company’s outstanding commitment under the CPTC Loans was $0.3 million. See Note 15, "CPTC Loans" for additional information.
	In April 2012, VMS entered into a strategic global partnership with Siemens AG (“Siemens”) through which, among other things, the Company and Siemens are working on developing interfaces to enable the Company’s ARIA® oncology information system software to connect with Siemens linear accelerators and imaging systems. Under the agreement establishing this collaboration, the Company committed to make certain payments, including up to $10.0 million in fixed fees and $20.0 million in license fees, in the event certain product development milestones are achieved. As of April 3, 2015, the outstanding fixed fees and license fees commitments for the Siemens agreement were $5.0 million and $12.0 million, respectively.
	In connection with the acquisition of businesses in prior years, the Company entered into agreements which included provisions to make additional consideration payments upon the achievement of certain milestones by the acquired businesses. As of April 3, 2015, the fair value of potential contingent consideration liabilities under these agreements was $6.3 million. See Note 3, "Fair Value" for additional information.
	As of April 3, 2015, the Company had an estimated fixed cost commitment of $8.9 million related to dpiX's amended agreement for the remaining six months of fiscal year 2015. The fixed cost commitment for future years will be determined and approved by the dpiX board of directors at the beginning of each calendar year. See Note 5, "Related Party Transactions" for additional information.
	Environmental Remediation Liabilities
	The Company’s operations and facilities, past and present, are subject to environmental laws, including laws that regulate the handling, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous substances. Certain of those laws impose cleanup liabilities under certain circumstances. In connection with those laws and certain of the Company’s past and present operations and facilities, the Company oversees various environmental cleanup projects and also reimburses certain third parties for cleanup activities. Those include facilities sold as part of the Company’s electron devices business in 1995 and thin film systems business in 1997. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or third parties have named the Company as a potentially responsible party under the amended Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”), at sites to which the Company or the facilities of the sold businesses were alleged to have shipped waste for recycling or disposal (the “CERCLA sites”). In connection with the CERCLA sites, the Company to date has been required to pay only modest amounts as its contributions to cleanup efforts. Under the agreement that governs the spin-offs of Varian, Inc., which was acquired by Agilent Technologies Inc. (the successor entity hereinafter referred to as “VI”), and Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc., which was acquired by Applied Materials, Inc. (the successor entity hereinafter referred to as “VSEA”), VI and VSEA are each obligated to indemnify the Company for one-third of the environmental cleanup costs associated with corporate, discontinued or sold operations prior to the spin-offs (after adjusting for any insurance proceeds or tax benefits received by the Company), as well as fully indemnify the Company for other liabilities arising from the operations of the business transferred to it as part of the spin-offs.
	The Company spent $0.5 million and $0.3 million (net of amounts borne by VI and VSEA) in the three months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively, on environmental cleanup costs, third-party claim costs, project management costs and legal costs. The Company spent $0.8 million and $0.5 million (net of amounts borne by VI and VSEA) in the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, respectively, on such costs.
	Inherent uncertainties make it difficult to estimate the likelihood of the cost of future cleanup, third-party claims, project management and legal services for the CERCLA sites and one of the Company’s past facilities. Nonetheless, as of April 3, 2015, the Company estimated that, net of VI’s and VSEA’s indemnification obligations, future costs associated with the CERCLA sites and this facility would range in total from $1.6 million to $9.8 million. The time frames over which these cleanup project costs are estimated vary, ranging from one year to thirty years as of April 3, 2015. Management believes that no amount in that range is more probable of being incurred than any other amount and therefore accrued $1.6 million for these cleanup projects as of April 3, 2015. The accrued amount has not been discounted to present value due to the uncertainties that make it difficult to develop a single best estimate.
	The Company believes it has gained sufficient knowledge to better estimate the scope and cost of monitoring, cleanup and management activities for its other past and present facilities. This, in part, is based on agreements with other parties and also cleanup plans approved by or completed in accordance with the requirements of the governmental agencies having jurisdiction. As of April 3, 2015, the Company estimated that the Company’s future exposure, net of VI’s and VSEA’s indemnification obligations, for the costs at these facilities, and reimbursements of third-party’s claims for these facilities, ranged in total from $5.3 million to $35.7 million. The time frames over which these costs are estimated to be incurred vary, ranging from one year to thirty years as of April 3, 2015. As to each of these facilities, management determined that a particular amount within the range of estimated costs was a better estimate than any other amount within the range, and that the amount and timing of these future costs were reliably determinable. The best estimate within that range was $9.3 million at April 3, 2015. Accordingly, the Company has accrued $7.6 million for these costs, which represents the best estimate discounted at 4%, net of inflation. This accrual is in addition to the $1.6 million described in the preceding paragraph.
	These amounts are only estimates of anticipated future costs. The amounts the Company will actually spend may be greater or less than these estimates, even as the Company believes the degree of uncertainty will narrow as cleanup activities progress. While the Company believes its reserve is adequate, as the scope of the Company’s obligations becomes more clearly defined, the Company may modify the reserve, and charge or credit future earnings accordingly. Nevertheless, based on information currently known to management, and assuming VI and VSEA satisfy their indemnification obligations, management believes the costs of these environmental-related matters are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company in any one fiscal year.
	The Company evaluates its liability for investigation and cleanup costs in light of the obligations and apparent financial strength of potentially responsible parties and insurance companies with respect to which the Company believes it has rights to indemnity or reimbursement. The Company has asserted claims for recovery of environmental investigation and cleanup costs already incurred, and to be incurred in the future against various insurance companies and other third parties. The Company receives certain cash payments in the form of settlements and judgments from defendants, insurers and other third parties from time to time. The Company has also reached an agreement with an insurance company under which that insurer has agreed to pay a portion of the Company’s past and future environmental-related expenditures. Receivables, net of VI’s and VSEA’s portion, from that insurer amounted to $2.1 million at April 3, 2015 and $2.2 million at September 26, 2014, with the current and noncurrent receivables portion included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets and the payable portion to that insurer is included in other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company believes that this receivable is recoverable because it is based on a binding, written settlement agreement with what appears to be a financially viable insurance company, and the insurance company has paid the Company’s claims in the past.
	The availability of the indemnities of VI and VSEA will depend upon the future financial strength of VI and VSEA. Given the long-term nature of some of the liabilities, VI and VSEA may be unable to fund the indemnities in the future. It is also possible that a court would disregard this contractual allocation among the parties and require the Company to assume responsibility for obligations allocated to another party, particularly if the other party were to refuse or was unable to pay any of its allocated share. The agreement governing the spin-offs generally provides that if a court prohibits a company from satisfying its shared indemnification obligations, the indemnification obligations will be shared equally by the two other companies.
	Other Matters
	From time to time, the Company is a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings, claims and government inspections or investigations and other legal matters, both inside and outside the United States, arising in the ordinary course of its business or otherwise. These matters included a patent infringement lawsuit initiated on April 13, 2007 by the University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education (the “University of Pittsburgh”) regarding the Company’s Real-time Position Management™ (“RPM”) technology. In January 2014, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the University of Pittsburgh and in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 paid $35.6 million in full settlement of the lawsuit. Prior to the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company had accrued in aggregate approximately $5.0 million for the low end of the range of the probable settlement value for this matter. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company accrued an additional $25.1 million of the $35.6 million for all damages and interest related to the case and in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 recorded the remaining amount of approximately $5.5 million for future royalties as prepaid royalties. The amount of prepaid royalties is being amortized beginning with the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, over the remaining life of the patent of approximately two and a half years.
	The Company accrues amounts, to the extent they can be reasonably estimated, that it believes are adequate to address any liabilities related to legal proceedings and other loss contingencies that the Company believes will result in a probable loss (including, among other things, probable settlement value). However, such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. The Company is unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses with respect to all other matters. There can be no assurances as to whether the Company will become subject to significant additional claims and liabilities with respect to ongoing or future proceedings. If actual liabilities significantly exceed the estimates made, the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
	Restructuring Charges
	As part of the Company’s plan to enhance operational performance through productivity initiatives, the Company offered an enhanced retirement program to its qualifying employees across all reporting segments during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. The program required the participating employees to submit their applications by October 10, 2014, and as a result, the restructuring charges relating to this program were primarily incurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. The Company incurred additional restructuring charges across all reporting segments for workforce reductions during the first six months of fiscal year 2015. In connection with the above mentioned restructuring programs, during the three and six months ended April 3, 2015, the Company incurred restructuring charges of approximately $3.1 million and $13.6 million, respectively, of which $7.5 million was paid in cash during the six months ended April 3, 2015. The restructuring charges are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company expects to complete the above mentioned restructuring programs by the end of fiscal year 2015 and any remaining restructuring charges are not expected to be significant.
	No restructuring charges were incurred during the three and six months ended March 28, 2014 in relation to this or any restructuring programs.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	RETIREMENT PLANS
	The Company’s net defined benefit costs were composed of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,			April 3,			March 28,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Defined Benefit Plans
	Service cost	$	1,184		$	1,026		$	2,371		$	2,049
	Interest cost	1,270			1,532			2,565			3,046
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,778		)	(1,957		)	(3,594		)	(3,892		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	46			42			93			85
	Recognized actuarial loss	613			538			1,227			1,077
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,335		$	1,181		$	2,662		$	2,365
	The Company made contributions to the defined benefit plans of $3.0 million during the six months ended April 3, 2015. The Company currently expects total contributions to the defined benefit plans for fiscal year 2015 will be approximately $7.1 million. The Company's post-retirement benefit costs and contributions were not significant during both the three and six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, and are not included in the table above.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s effective tax rate was 28.0% for the three months ended April 3, 2015, compared to 27.6% for the same period of fiscal year 2014. The increase in the Company’s effective tax rate during the three months ended April 3, 2015 compared to the year ago period, was primarily due to the geographic mix of earnings impacted by the fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates and the tax benefit from the patent litigation settlement during the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. The Company’s effective tax rate was 28.2% for the six months ended April 3, 2015, compared to 29.5% for the same period of fiscal year 2014. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased during the six months ended April 3, 2015 compared to the year ago period, primarily because the current period included the retroactive reinstatement of the federal research and development credit.
	The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily because the Company’s foreign earnings are taxed at rates that are, on average, lower than the U.S. federal rate, and because the Company’s domestic earnings are subject to state income taxes.
	The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits did not materially change during the six months ended April 3, 2015; however, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits has increased as a result of positions taken during the current and prior years, and has decreased as the result of the expiration of the statutes of limitation and audit settlements in various jurisdictions.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Stock Repurchase Program
	In August 2012, the VMS Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 8,000,000 shares of VMS common stock from September 29, 2012 through December 31, 2013. The Company repurchased a total of 2,000,000 shares of VMS common stock during the three months ended December 27, 2013 and thereafter no shares of VMS common stock remained available for repurchase under this repurchase authorization.
	In November 2013, the VMS Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 6,000,000 shares of VMS common stock from December 30, 2013 through December 31, 2014. The Company repurchased a total of 2,000,000 shares of VMS common stock during the three months ended March 28, 2014. The Company repurchased a total of 250,000 shares of VMS common stock during the three months ended January 2, 2015 under this program and thereafter no shares of VMS common stock remained available for repurchase under this repurchase authorization.
	In August 2014, the VMS Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 6,000,000 shares of VMS common stock from August 15, 2014 through December 31, 2015. The Company repurchased a total of 824,849 and 2,074,849 shares of VMS common stock during the three and six months ended April 3, 2015 under this program. The repurchased shares include shares of VMS common stock repurchased under the accelerated share repurchase agreements mentioned below. As of April 3, 2015, 3,925,151 shares of VMS common stock remained available for repurchase under the August 2014 authorization. Stock repurchases may be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions (including accelerated share repurchase programs), or under Rule 10b5-1 share repurchase plans, and also may be made from time to time or in one or more larger blocks.
	All shares that were repurchased under the Company's stock repurchase programs have been retired.
	On November 7, 2014, the Company signed an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the "January 2015 Repurchase Agreement") with J.P.Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“J.P. Morgan”). Pursuant to the agreement, on January 6, 2015, the Company paid $45.0 million to J.P. Morgan and J.P. Morgan delivered 419,874 shares of VMS common stock, representing approximately 80% of the shares expected to be repurchased. The repurchase period ended on March 27, 2015, and the Company received an additional 74,975 shares of VMS common stock from J.P. Morgan upon settlement of the January 2015 Repurchase Agreement.
	On February 3, 2015, the Company signed an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the "April 2015 Repurchase Agreement") with BofA. Pursuant to the agreement, on April 7, 2015, the Company paid $70.0 million to BofA and BofA delivered 592,280 shares of VMS common stock, representing approximately 80% of the shares expected to be repurchased. On April 29, 2015, BofA accelerated the share repurchase agreement and delivered an additional 151,604 shares of VMS common stock upon settlement of the April 2015 Repurchase Agreement.
	On February 4, 2015, the Company signed an accelerated share repurchase agreement with J.P. Morgan. Pursuant to the agreement, on July 8, 2015, the Company will pay $45.0 million to J.P. Morgan and J.P. Morgan will deliver approximately 80% of the shares of VMS common stock expected to be repurchased. The Company has the right to cancel this agreement at any time prior to July 7, 2015.
	Other Comprehensive Earnings
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) by component and related tax effects are summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)	Net Unrealized Gains			Net			Cumulative			Accumulated
		(Losses) Defined			Unrealized			Translation			Other
		Benefit Pension and			Gains			Adjustment			Comprehensive
		Post-Retirement			(Losses)						Earnings
		Benefit Plans			Cash Flow						(Loss)
					Hedging
					Instruments
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	(44,060	)	$	965		$	(15,516	)	$	(58,611	)
	Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	—			1,977			(30,460		)	(28,483		)
	Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	1,082			(2,748		)	—			(1,666		)
	Tax benefit (expense)	(151		)	288			—			137
	Balance at April 3, 2015	$	(43,129	)	$	482		$	(45,976	)	$	(88,623	)
	(in thousands)	Net Unrealized Gains			Net			Cumulative			Accumulated
		(Losses) Defined			Unrealized			Translation			Other
		Benefit Pension and			Gains			Adjustment			Comprehensive
		Post-Retirement			(Losses)						Earnings
		Benefit Plans			Cash Flow						(Loss)
					Hedging
					Instruments
	Balance at September 27, 2013	$	(40,081	)	$	(691	)	$	701		$	(40,071	)
	Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	—			2,078			990			3,068
	Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	1,158			(1,277		)	—			(119		)
	Tax expense	(213		)	(300		)	—			(513		)
	Balance at March 28, 2014	$	(39,136	)	$	(190	)	$	1,691		$	(37,635	)
	The amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings into the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, with line item location, during each period were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,			April 3,			March 28,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Comprehensive Earnings Components	Income (Loss) Before Taxes						Income (Loss) Before Taxes						Line Item in Statements of Earnings
	Unrealized losses on defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans	$	(541	)	$	(578	)	$	(1,082	)	$	(1,158	)	Cost of revenues & Operating expenses
	Unrealized gains and (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments	1,877			1,627			2,748			1,277			Revenues
	Total amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	$	1,336		$	1,049		$	1,666		$	119

Employee_Stock_Plans

Employee Stock Plans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Employee Stock Plans	EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS
	The table below summarizes the net share-based compensation expense recognized for employee stock awards and for the option component of the employee stock purchase plan shares:
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,
	(In thousands)	2015				2014				2015			2014
	Cost of revenues - Product	$	1,206			$	717			$	2,315		$	1,424
	Cost of revenues - Service	986				1,115				1,938			2,062
	Research and development	1,654				1,320				3,392			2,621
	Selling, general and administrative	8,655				6,444				17,593			12,533
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	12,501			$	9,596			$	25,238		$	18,640
	Income tax benefit for share-based compensation	$	(3,943	)		$	(2,939	)		$	(7,916	)	$	(5,737	)
	During the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, the Company granted performance units to certain employees under the Third Amended 2005 Plan. The number of shares of VMS common stock ultimately issued under the performance units at vesting depend on the Company’s business performance during the performance period, against specified performance targets, both of which are set by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors. The performance units vest at the end of a three-year service period with one three-year performance period for both the Company's and total shareholder return performance grants prior to fiscal year 2015 and a one year Company's performance period and a three year total shareholder return performance period for grants made in fiscal year 2015. Subject to certain exceptions, any unvested performance unit awards are forfeited at the time of termination.
	The fair value of options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,
		2015				2014				2015			2014
	Employee Stock Option Plans
	Expected term (in years)	4.13				4.11				4.15			4.13
	Risk-free interest rate	1.3		%		1.2		%		1.3		%	1.2		%
	Expected volatility	22.1		%		24.6		%		22.1		%	24.6		%
	Expected dividend	—		%		—		%		—		%	—		%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	18.53			$	18.21			$	18.56		$	18.23
	The option component of employee stock purchase plan shares was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,
		2015				2014
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Expected term (in years)	0.5				0.5
	Risk-free interest rate	0.1		%		0.1		%
	Expected volatility	8.3		%		14.5		%
	Expected dividend	—		%		—		%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	14.24			$	13.98
	A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Shares Available for Grant
	Balance at September 26, 2014	8,168
	Granted	(1,790	)
	Cancelled or expired	273
	Balance at April 3, 2015	6,651
	Awards other than stock options set forth in the table were counted against the shares available for grant limit of the Third Amended 2005 Plan as 2.5 shares for every one share awarded before February 9, 2012 and were counted against the shares available for grant limit as 2.6 shares for every one share awarded on or after February 9, 2012.
	Activity under the Company’s employee stock plans is presented below:
		Options Outstanding
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
		Shares			Average				Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining		Value (1)
					Price				Term (in years)
	Balance at September 26, 2014	3,343			$	60.53
	Granted	615			92.43
	Cancelled or expired	(1	)		79.91
	Exercised	(1,169	)		52.51
	Balance at April 3, 2015	2,788			$	70.92			4.3		$	63,761
	Exercisable at April 3, 2015	1,662			$	60.14			3		$	55,927
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value of options, which is computed based on the difference between the exercise price and VMS’s closing common stock price of $93.79 as of April 2, 2015, the last trading date of the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, and which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised and sold their options as of that date.
	As of April 3, 2015, there was $16.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding stock options. This unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.
	The activity for restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance units is summarized as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Number of			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant-Date Fair
					Value
	Balance at September 26, 2014	1,126			$	72.08
	Granted	399			93.21
	Vested	(491	)		67.5
	Cancelled or expired	(74	)		65.66
	Balance at April 3, 2015	960			$	84.04
	As of April 3, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense totaling $54.9 million was related to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance units. This unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of VMS common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares under the treasury stock method.
	The following table sets forth the computation of net basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		April 3,		March 28,		April 3,		March 28,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net earnings	$	105,969	$	92,788	$	199,283	$	190,748
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	100,157		104,152		100,315		105,038
	Dilutive effect of potential common shares	869		1,294		1,026		1,376
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	101,026		105,446		101,341		106,414
	Net earnings per share - basic	$	1.06	$	0.89	$	1.99	$	1.82
	Net earnings per share - diluted	$	1.05	$	0.88	$	1.97	$	1.79
	Anti-dilutive employee shared based awards, excluded	956		657		1,194		1,040
	The Company excludes potentially dilutive common shares (consisting of shares underlying stock options and the employee stock purchase plan) from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding if the per share value, either the exercise price of the awards or the sum of (a) the exercise price of the awards and (b) the amount of the compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized and (c) the amount of tax benefit or shortfall that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible, is greater than the average market price of the shares, because the inclusion of the shares underlying these stock awards would be anti-dilutive to earnings per share.

Business_Combination

Business Combination	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	BUSINESS COMBINATION
	In January 2015, one of the Company's German subsidiaries formally launched a voluntary public tender offer to acquire MeVis Medical Solutions AG ("MeVis"), a company based in Bremen, Germany that provides image processing software and services for cancer screening. As of April 3, 2015, the Company segregated restricted cash totaling $34.7 million, which represented the expected total payment to acquire non-par value registered shares of MeVis at a price of €17.50 per share if all outstanding shares were tendered. The restricted cash was included in other assets on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. On April 21, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 73.5% of the then outstanding shares of MeVis using approximately $25.5 million of restricted cash, with the remainder becoming unrestricted. The Company will account for the business combination of MeVis in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015.

CPTC_Loans

CPTC Loans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
CPTC Loans	CPTC LOANS
	In September 2011, ORIX and the Company, through its Swiss subsidiary, committed to loan up to $165.3 million (“Tranche A loan”) to CPTC to fund the development, construction and initial operations of the Scripps Proton Therapy Center. ORIX is the loan agent for this facility and, along with CPTC and Scripps, has budgetary approval authority for the Scripps Proton Therapy Center. The Company’s maximum loan commitment under the Tranche A loan was $115.3 million, reflecting the Company’s pro rata share of 69.75% of the obligation to fund the initial distribution and subsequent advances. In June 2014, the Company, through its Swiss subsidiary, entered into a series of agreements, including amending certain terms of the original loan agreement, pursuant to which J.P. Morgan assumed $45.0 million of the Company’s original maximum commitment of $115.3 million, reducing the Company’s maximum commitment under the Tranche A loan to $70.3 million. Pursuant to these agreements, J.P. Morgan purchased $38.1 million of the Company’s outstanding Tranche A loan at par value and was obligated to fund up to an additional $6.9 million of the remaining Tranche A loan commitment. Through these agreements, the Company’s Swiss subsidiary also increased its individual loan commitment by $10.0 million (“Tranche B loan”) and as a result, the Company’s maximum loan commitment under the Tranche A and Tranche B loans (collectively, referred to as the “CPTC Loans”) is $80.3 million reflecting the Company’s pro rata share of 45.8% of the total obligation to fund CPTC of $175.3 million.
	As of April 3, 2015, the Company had loaned $70.1 million of its $70.3 million commitment under the Tranche A loan. The Company intends to sell all or a portion of its participation in its Tranche A loan before the maturity date. Upon the sale of all or a portion of the Tranche A loan, the Company will not be required to make further loan advances for the portion of the loan that is sold. As of April 3, 2015, the Company had loaned $9.9 million of its $10.0 million commitment under the Tranche B loan. The amounts loaned under the Tranche A and Tranche B loans include accrued interest. The CPTC loans are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and recorded at fair value. The Tranche A loan is classified as a short-term investment and included in current assets and the Tranche B loan is included in other assets on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Tranche B loan is subordinated to the Tranche A loan in the event of default, but otherwise has the same terms as the Tranche A loan. The CPTC Loans are collateralized by all of the assets of the Scripps Proton Therapy Center.
	Pursuant to the loan agreement, as amended in June 2014, the CPTC Loans mature in September 2017 and bear interest at the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.00% per annum with a minimum interest rate of 9.00% per annum. Interest only payments on the CPTC Loans were due monthly in arrears until January 1, 2015, at which time monthly payments based on amortization of the principal balance over a 15-year period at the above mentioned interest rate became due and payable. To date no amortizing principal payments have been made. ORIX, J.P. Morgan and the Company (collectively the "Lenders") and CPTC continue to operate under the original terms of the loan while CPTC continues to ramp up patient volumes and works with other investors and the Lenders on an additional equity raise and/or modification to the loan terms. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, CPTC did not draw down on the CPTC Loans and has been operating using the cash generated from the center's operations.
	The Company has determined that CPTC is a variable interest entity and that the Company holds a significant variable interest of CPTC through its subsidiary’s participation in the loan facility and its agreements to supply and service the proton therapy equipment. The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of CPTC. The Company has no voting rights, has no approval authority or veto rights for CPTC’s budget, and does not have the power to direct patient recruitment, clinical operations and management of the Scripps Proton Therapy Center, which the Company believes are the matters that most significantly affect CPTC’s economic performance.
	As of April 3, 2015, the Company had recorded $22.0 million in accounts receivable from CPTC, compared to $20.1 million as of September 26, 2014. As of September 26, 2014, the outstanding Tranche A loan balance to CPTC was $66.2 million and the outstanding Tranche B loan balance was $9.4 million. The Company’s exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with CPTC is limited to the carrying amounts of these assets on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company’s operations are grouped into two reportable operating segments: Oncology Systems and Imaging Components. The Imaging Components segment includes the Company’s X-ray imaging tubes and flat panel products, as well as our security and inspection products. The Company’s Ginzton Technology Center ("GTC") and Varian Particle Therapy ("VPT") business are reflected in the “Other” category because these operating segments do not meet the criteria of a reportable operating segment. The operating segments were determined based on how the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), views and evaluates the Company’s operations. The CODM allocates resources to and evaluates the financial performance of each operating segment primarily based on operating earnings.
	Description of Segments
	The Oncology Systems segment designs, manufactures, sells and services hardware and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and brachytherapy. Products include linear accelerators, brachytherapy afterloaders, treatment simulation and verification equipment and accessories; as well as information management, treatment planning and image processing software. Oncology Systems’ products enable radiation oncology departments in hospitals and clinics to perform conventional radiotherapy treatments and offer advanced treatments such as fixed field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (“IMRT”), image-guided radiation therapy (“IGRT”), volumetric modulated arc therapy and stereotactic radiotherapy, as well as to treat patients using brachytherapy techniques, which involve temporarily implanting radioactive sources. The Company’s Oncology Systems products are also used by neurosurgeons to perform stereotactic radiosurgery. Oncology Systems’ customers worldwide include university research and community hospitals, private and governmental institutions, healthcare agencies, physicians’ offices and cancer care clinics.
	The Imaging Components segment designs, manufactures, sells and services X-ray imaging components for use in a range of applications, including radiographic or fluoroscopic imaging, mammography, special procedures, computed tomography and industrial applications. The Company’s X-ray imaging components are sold to large imaging system OEM customers that incorporate them into their medical diagnostic, dental, veterinary and industrial imaging systems. The Company sells X-ray tubes and flat panel digital image detectors for filmless X-ray imaging (commonly referred to as “flat panel detectors” or “digital image detectors”) to small OEM customers, independent service companies and directly to end-users for replacement purposes. The Imaging Components segment also designs, manufactures, sells and services Linatron® X-ray accelerators, imaging processing software and image detection products for security and inspection purposes, such as cargo screening at ports and borders and nondestructive examination in a variety of applications. The Company generally sells security and inspection products to OEM customers who incorporate its products into their inspection systems, which are then sold to customs and other government agencies, as well as to commercial private parties in the casting, power, aerospace, chemical, petro-chemical and automotive industries for nondestructive product examination purposes.
	The Company has two other businesses, VPT and GTC, which are reported together under the “Other” category.
	The VPT business develops, designs, manufactures, sells and services products and systems for delivering proton therapy, a form of external beam radiotherapy using proton beams for the treatment of cancer.
	GTC develops technologies that enhance the Company’s current businesses or may lead to new business areas, including technology to improve radiation therapy and X-ray imaging, as well as other technology for a variety of applications, including security and cargo screening.
	The following table summarizes selected operating results information for each reportable segment:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,			April 3,			March 28,
	(In millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Revenues
	Oncology Systems	$	589.4		$	603.1		$	1,152.70		$	1,144.50
	Imaging Components	155.5			169			321.5			330.2
	Total reportable segments	744.9			772.1			1,474.20			1,474.70
	Other	14.5			6.4			23.1			15.3
	Total company	$	759.4		$	778.5		$	1,497.30		$	1,490.00
	Operating Earnings (Loss)
	Oncology Systems	$	125.9		$	124.9		$	252		$	245.8
	Imaging Components	40			42.2			81.2			82.9
	Total reportable segments	165.9			167.1			333.2			328.7
	Other	(12.7		)	(14.5		)	(26.3		)	(28.7		)
	Corporate	(7.2		)	(25.1		)	(31.4		)	(30.5		)
	Total company	$	146		$	127.5		$	275.5		$	269.5

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Report”). In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements herein include adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of April 3, 2015 and September 26, 2014, results of operations and statements of comprehensive earnings for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014, and cash flows for the six months ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014. The results of operations for the three and six months ended April 3, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future period.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year
	The fiscal years of the Company as reported are the 52- or 53- week periods ending on the Friday nearest September 30. Fiscal year 2015 is the 53-week period ending October 2, 2015, and fiscal year 2014 was the 52-week period ended September 26, 2014. The fiscal quarters ended April 3, 2015 and March 28, 2014 were both 13-week periods.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include those of VMS and its subsidiaries. Intercompany balances, transactions and stock holdings have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements or Updates Not Yet Effective
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to internal use software. The amendment clarifies that the software license element of a cloud computing arrangements should be accounted for consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment can be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance to its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to retirement benefits. The amendment provides a practical expedient that permits an entity with a fiscal year-end that does not coincide with a month-end to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year. The amendment also provides a practical expedient that permits an entity that has a significant event in an interim period to remeasure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the date of the significant event. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and is required to be applied on a retroactive basis. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendment requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendment is required to be applied on a retroactive basis. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to consolidation. The amendment modifies the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The amendment will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to stock-based compensation. The amendment requires that a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting, rather than a condition that affects the grant-date fair value. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment can be applied on a prospective basis to all share-based payments granted or modified on or after the effective date. Entities will also be provided an option to apply the guidance on a modified retrospective basis to existing awards. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to its accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The amendment sets forth a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability. The amendment requires revenue recognition to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early application is not permitted. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the amendment. If the proposal is approved, the new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted, but not before the original effective date. The amendment can be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of the initial application along with additional disclosures. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance to its consolidated financial statements.

Balance_Sheet_Components_Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities:
		April 3,		September 26,
	(In millions)	2015		2014
	Available-for-sale Securities:
	Corporate debt securities:
	Amortized cost	$	80	$	75.6
	Unrealized gain (loss)	—		—
	Fair value	$	80	$	75.6
Inventories:
		April 3,		September 26,
	(In millions)	2015		2014
	Inventories:
	Raw materials and parts	$	328	$	296.1
	Work-in-process	136.8		124.5
	Finished goods	187		151.7
	Total inventories	$	651.8	$	572.3
Other long-term liabilities:
		April 3,		September 26,
	(In millions)	2015		2014
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Long-term income taxes payable	$	46.1	$	55.2
	Long-term deferred income taxes	41.7		31.5
	Other	60.1		65
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	147.9	$	151.7

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	In the tables below, the Company has segregated all assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date.
		Fair Value Measurement Using
		Quoted Prices in		Significant			Significant			Total
		Active Markets		Other			Unobservable
		for Identical		Observable			Inputs
		Instruments		Inputs
	Type of Instruments	(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)			Balance
	(In millions)
	Assets at April 3, 2015:
	Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$	—	$	—		$	80		$	80
	Derivative assets	—		1			—			1
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	1		$	80		$	81
	Liabilities at April 3, 2015:
	Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	(0.2	)	$	—		$	(0.2	)
	Contingent consideration	—		—			(6.3		)	(6.3		)
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	(0.2	)	$	(6.3	)	$	(6.5	)
	Assets at September 26, 2014:
	Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$	—	$	—		$	75.6		$	75.6
	Derivative assets	—		1.5			—			1.5
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	1.5		$	75.6		$	77.1
	Liabilities at September 26, 2014:
	Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—		$	(7.5	)	$	(7.5	)
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	—		$	(7.5	)	$	(7.5	)
Reconciliation for Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
	(In millions)	Available-For-Sale Corporate Debt		Contingent
		Securities		Consideration
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	75.6	$	(7.5	)
	Additions (1)	4.4		—
	Settlements (2)	—		1.1
	Change in fair value recognized in earnings	—		0.1
	Balance at April 3, 2015	$	80	$	(6.3	)
	-1	Amounts reported under available-for-sale corporate debt securities include accrued interest.
	-2	Amounts reported under contingent consideration represent cash payments to settle contingent consideration liabilities.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Activity of Goodwill by Reportable Operating Segment	The following table reflects the activity of goodwill by reportable operating segment:
		Oncology			Imaging
	(In millions)	Systems			Components			Other			Total
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	148.3		$	36		$	56.3		$	240.6
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(8.0		)	(8.0		)
	Balance at April 3, 2015	$	148.3		$	36		$	48.3		$	232.6
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets	The following table reflects the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
		April 3,			September 26,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Intangible Assets:
	Acquired existing technology	$	54.6		$	54.6
	Patents, licenses and other	29			28.8
	Customer contracts and supplier relationship	12.4			12.4
	Accumulated amortization	(59.8		)	(56.9		)
	Net carrying amount subject to amortization	$	36.2		$	38.9

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Reported in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair values of derivative instruments reported on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		3-Apr-15				26-Sep-14				Balance Sheet	3-Apr-15			26-Sep-14
	(In millions)	Location		Fair Value				Fair Value				Location	Fair Value			Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	1			$	1.5			Accrued liabilities	$	0.2		$	—
	Total derivatives			$	1			$	1.5				$	0.2		$	—
Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts	The Company had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts:
		3-Apr-15
		Notional				Notional
						Value
	(In millions)	Value Sold				Purchased
	Australian Dollar	$	19.9			$	—
	Brazilian Real	1.7				—
	British Pound	13.4				—
	Canadian Dollar	—				4.3
	Danish Krone	—				0.3
	Euro	192.8				—
	Hungarian Forint	8				—
	Indian Rupee	9.1				—
	Japanese Yen	50.2				—
	New Zealand Dollar	2.8				—
	Norwegian Krone	3				—
	Swedish Krona	2.5				—
	Swiss Franc	—				52.8
	Totals	$	303.4			$	57.4
Effective Portion of Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	The following table presents the amounts, before tax, recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings that are related to the effective portion of the foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges:
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other														Location of Gain		Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
		Comprehensive Income														(Loss) Reclassified		Comprehensive Income into Net Earnings
		(Effective Portion)														from Accumulated		(Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended						Other Comprehensive		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,			Income into Net		April 3,		March 28,		April 3,		March 28,
	(In millions)	2015				2014				2015			2014			Earnings (Effective Portion)		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	1.2			$	(1.1	)		$	2		$	2.1		Revenues		$	1.8	$	1.7	$	2.7	$	1.3
Gains (Losses) Related to Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts that are Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	The following table presents the gains (losses) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings related to the foreign currency forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments:
	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Earnings on Derivative
			Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
			April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,
	(In millions)		2015				2014				2015			2014
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	22.5			$	(3.2	)		$	34		$	1.5
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts	The Company had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted revenues and designated as cash flow hedges:
		3-Apr-15
		Notional Value
	(In millions)	Sold
	Euro	$	22.8
	Japanese Yen	24.2
	Totals	$	47

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Product Warranty	The following table reflects the changes in the Company’s accrued product warranty:
		Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,
	(In millions)	2015			2014
	Accrued product warranty, at beginning of period	$	49.3		$	53.2
	Charged to cost of revenues	21.8			25.8
	Actual product warranty expenditures	(28.1		)	(26.9		)
	Accrued product warranty, at end of period	$	43		$	52.1

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The Company’s net defined benefit costs were composed of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,			April 3,			March 28,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Defined Benefit Plans
	Service cost	$	1,184		$	1,026		$	2,371		$	2,049
	Interest cost	1,270			1,532			2,565			3,046
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,778		)	(1,957		)	(3,594		)	(3,892		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	46			42			93			85
	Recognized actuarial loss	613			538			1,227			1,077
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,335		$	1,181		$	2,662		$	2,365

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) and Related Tax Effects	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) by component and related tax effects are summarized as follows:
	(in thousands)	Net Unrealized Gains			Net			Cumulative			Accumulated
		(Losses) Defined			Unrealized			Translation			Other
		Benefit Pension and			Gains			Adjustment			Comprehensive
		Post-Retirement			(Losses)						Earnings
		Benefit Plans			Cash Flow						(Loss)
					Hedging
					Instruments
	Balance at September 26, 2014	$	(44,060	)	$	965		$	(15,516	)	$	(58,611	)
	Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	—			1,977			(30,460		)	(28,483		)
	Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	1,082			(2,748		)	—			(1,666		)
	Tax benefit (expense)	(151		)	288			—			137
	Balance at April 3, 2015	$	(43,129	)	$	482		$	(45,976	)	$	(88,623	)
	(in thousands)	Net Unrealized Gains			Net			Cumulative			Accumulated
		(Losses) Defined			Unrealized			Translation			Other
		Benefit Pension and			Gains			Adjustment			Comprehensive
		Post-Retirement			(Losses)						Earnings
		Benefit Plans			Cash Flow						(Loss)
					Hedging
					Instruments
	Balance at September 27, 2013	$	(40,081	)	$	(691	)	$	701		$	(40,071	)
	Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	—			2,078			990			3,068
	Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	1,158			(1,277		)	—			(119		)
	Tax expense	(213		)	(300		)	—			(513		)
	Balance at March 28, 2014	$	(39,136	)	$	(190	)	$	1,691		$	(37,635	)
Schedule of Amounts Reclassified Out of Other Comprehensive Earnings	The amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings into the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, with line item location, during each period were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,			April 3,			March 28,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Comprehensive Earnings Components	Income (Loss) Before Taxes						Income (Loss) Before Taxes						Line Item in Statements of Earnings
	Unrealized losses on defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit plans	$	(541	)	$	(578	)	$	(1,082	)	$	(1,158	)	Cost of revenues & Operating expenses
	Unrealized gains and (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments	1,877			1,627			2,748			1,277			Revenues
	Total amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	$	1,336		$	1,049		$	1,666		$	119

Employee_Stock_Plans_Tables

Employee Stock Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Net Share-Based Compensation Expense	The table below summarizes the net share-based compensation expense recognized for employee stock awards and for the option component of the employee stock purchase plan shares:
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,
	(In thousands)	2015				2014				2015			2014
	Cost of revenues - Product	$	1,206			$	717			$	2,315		$	1,424
	Cost of revenues - Service	986				1,115				1,938			2,062
	Research and development	1,654				1,320				3,392			2,621
	Selling, general and administrative	8,655				6,444				17,593			12,533
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	12,501			$	9,596			$	25,238		$	18,640
	Income tax benefit for share-based compensation	$	(3,943	)		$	(2,939	)		$	(7,916	)	$	(5,737	)
Fair Value of Employee Stock Option Plans With Weighted Average Assumptions	The fair value of options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,				April 3,			March 28,
		2015				2014				2015			2014
	Employee Stock Option Plans
	Expected term (in years)	4.13				4.11				4.15			4.13
	Risk-free interest rate	1.3		%		1.2		%		1.3		%	1.2		%
	Expected volatility	22.1		%		24.6		%		22.1		%	24.6		%
	Expected dividend	—		%		—		%		—		%	—		%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	18.53			$	18.21			$	18.56		$	18.23
Fair Value of Employee Stock Purchase Plan With Weighted Average Assumptions	The option component of employee stock purchase plan shares was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		Six Months Ended
		April 3,				March 28,
		2015				2014
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Expected term (in years)	0.5				0.5
	Risk-free interest rate	0.1		%		0.1		%
	Expected volatility	8.3		%		14.5		%
	Expected dividend	—		%		—		%
	Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	14.24			$	13.98
Summary of Share-Based Awards Available for Grant	A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Shares Available for Grant
	Balance at September 26, 2014	8,168
	Granted	(1,790	)
	Cancelled or expired	273
	Balance at April 3, 2015	6,651
Activity Under Employee Stock Plans	Activity under the Company’s employee stock plans is presented below:
		Options Outstanding
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
		Shares			Average				Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining		Value (1)
					Price				Term (in years)
	Balance at September 26, 2014	3,343			$	60.53
	Granted	615			92.43
	Cancelled or expired	(1	)		79.91
	Exercised	(1,169	)		52.51
	Balance at April 3, 2015	2,788			$	70.92			4.3		$	63,761
	Exercisable at April 3, 2015	1,662			$	60.14			3		$	55,927
	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value of options, which is computed based on the difference between the exercise price and VMS’s closing common stock price of $93.79 as of April 2, 2015, the last trading date of the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, and which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised and sold their options as of that date.
Activity for Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Deferred Stock Units and Performance Units	The activity for restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance units is summarized as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Number of			Weighted Average
		Shares			Grant-Date Fair
					Value
	Balance at September 26, 2014	1,126			$	72.08
	Granted	399			93.21
	Vested	(491	)		67.5
	Cancelled or expired	(74	)		65.66
	Balance at April 3, 2015	960			$	84.04

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Net Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of net basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		April 3,		March 28,		April 3,		March 28,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2015		2014		2015		2014
	Net earnings	$	105,969	$	92,788	$	199,283	$	190,748
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	100,157		104,152		100,315		105,038
	Dilutive effect of potential common shares	869		1,294		1,026		1,376
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	101,026		105,446		101,341		106,414
	Net earnings per share - basic	$	1.06	$	0.89	$	1.99	$	1.82
	Net earnings per share - diluted	$	1.05	$	0.88	$	1.97	$	1.79
	Anti-dilutive employee shared based awards, excluded	956		657		1,194		1,040

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Results Information for Each Business Segment	The following table summarizes selected operating results information for each reportable segment:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		April 3,			March 28,			April 3,			March 28,
	(In millions)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Revenues
	Oncology Systems	$	589.4		$	603.1		$	1,152.70		$	1,144.50
	Imaging Components	155.5			169			321.5			330.2
	Total reportable segments	744.9			772.1			1,474.20			1,474.70
	Other	14.5			6.4			23.1			15.3
	Total company	$	759.4		$	778.5		$	1,497.30		$	1,490.00
	Operating Earnings (Loss)
	Oncology Systems	$	125.9		$	124.9		$	252		$	245.8
	Imaging Components	40			42.2			81.2			82.9
	Total reportable segments	165.9			167.1			333.2			328.7
	Other	(12.7		)	(14.5		)	(26.3		)	(28.7		)
	Corporate	(7.2		)	(25.1		)	(31.4		)	(30.5		)
	Total company	$	146		$	127.5		$	275.5		$	269.5

Balance_Sheet_Components_Avail

Balance Sheet Components - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
Amortized cost	$80	$75.60
Unrealized gain (loss)	0	0
Fair value	$80	$75.60

Balance_Sheet_Components_Addit

Balance Sheet Components - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$80	$75.60
Tranche A loan | Short-term Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	70.1	66.2
Tranche B loan | Other Assets
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$9.90	$9.40

Balance_Sheet_Components_Compo

Balance Sheet Components - Components of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
Raw materials and parts	$328,000,000	$296,100,000
Work-in-process	136,800,000	124,500,000
Finished goods	187,000,000	151,700,000
Total inventories	$651,779,000	$572,261,000	[1]
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Balance_Sheet_Components_Compo1

Balance Sheet Components - Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
Long-term income taxes payable	$46,100,000	$55,200,000
Long-term deferred income taxes	41,700,000	31,500,000
Other	60,100,000	65,000,000
Total other long-term liabilities	$147,945,000	$151,716,000	[1]
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Fair_Value_Assets_and_Liabilit

Fair Value - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	$80	$75.60
Derivative assets	1	1.5
Total assets measured at fair value	81	77.1
Derivative liabilities	-0.2	0
Contingent consideration	-6.3	-7.5
Total liabilities measured at fair value	-6.5	-7.5
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	0	0
Derivative assets	1	1.5
Total assets measured at fair value	1	1.5
Derivative liabilities	-0.2
Contingent consideration	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	-0.2	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities	80	75.6
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	80	75.6
Derivative liabilities	0
Contingent consideration	-6.3	-7.5
Total liabilities measured at fair value	($6.30)	($7.50)

Fair_Value_Reconciliation_for_

Fair Value - Reconciliation for Assets and Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Available-For Sale Corporate Debt Security
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$75.60
Additions	4.4
Settlements	0
Change in fair value recognized in earnings	0
Ending balance	80
Contingent Consideration
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-7.5
Additions	0
Settlements	1.1
Change in fair value recognized in earnings	0.1
Ending balance	($6.30)

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value measurement levels	$0	$0
Fair value of current maturities of long-term debt	50,000,000		50,000,000	[1]
Long-term debt	$362,500,000		$387,500,000	[1]
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Activity of Goodwill by Reportable Operating Segment (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$240,626,000	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-8,000,000
Balance, ending	232,633,000
Oncology Systems
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	148,300,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance, ending	148,300,000
Imaging Components
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	36,000,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance, ending	36,000,000
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	56,300,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-8,000,000
Balance, ending	$48,300,000
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization	($59.80)	($56.90)
Net carrying amount subject to amortization	36.2	38.9
Acquired existing technology
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets, gross	54.6	54.6
Patents, licenses and other
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets, gross	29	28.8
Customer contracts and supplier relationship
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets, gross	$12.40	$12.40

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$1,700,000	$800,000	$3,286,000	$1,938,000
Future amortization expense, remaining fiscal year 2015	4,900,000		4,900,000
Future amortization expense, fiscal year 2016	9,400,000		9,400,000
Future amortization expense, fiscal year 2017	5,200,000		5,200,000
Future amortization expense, fiscal year 2018	5,000,000		5,000,000
Future amortization expense, fiscal year 2019	4,900,000		4,900,000
Future amortization expense, fiscal year 2020	3,900,000		3,900,000
Future amortization expense, thereafter	2,900,000		2,900,000
In Process Research and Development
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Research and development asset acquired fair value	$2,000,000		$2,000,000		$2,000,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Ownership interest in dpiX Holding LLC		40.00%		40.00%
dpiX Holding LLC's ownership interest in dpiX LLC		100.00%		100.00%
Income (loss) on equity investment in affiliate		$900,000	$800,000	$525,000	($600,000)
Carrying value of the equity investment in dpiX Holding		48,400,000		48,400,000		49,700,000
Purchases of glass transistor arrays from dpiX		5,600,000	5,700,000	9,900,000	9,200,000
Percentage of manufacturing capacity	50.00%
Percentage of fixed costs				50.00%
Fixed Cost Commitments				$8,900,000

Borrowings_Additional_Informat

Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 28, 2014

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 06, 2015

Apr. 06, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Sep. 26, 2014

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Sep. 26, 2014

Apr. 03, 2015

Sep. 26, 2014

Sumitomo Credit Facility

Sumitomo Credit Facility

Sumitomo Credit Facility

Sumitomo Credit Facility

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Two Thousand Thirteen Credit Agreement

Revolving Credit Facility

2013 Revolving Credit Facility

2013 Revolving Credit Facility

USD ($)

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Two Thousand Thirteen Term Loan Facility

Two Thousand Thirteen Term Loan Facility

Two Thousand Thirteen Term Loan Facility

Two Thousand Thirteen Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

USD ($)

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

USD ($)

Minimum

Maximum

Letter of Credit

Swing Line Loans

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Date of credit agreement

27-Aug-13

Credit facility term

5 years

5 years

Loan facility, maximum borrowing capacity

$500,000,000

$300,000,000

$50,000,000

$25,000,000

Loan facility maximum commitment amount

100,000,000

200,000,000

Line of credit, interest rate

1.00%

1.25%

1.25%

1.50%

Margin added if base rate is based on federal funds rate

0.50%

0.50%

Percentage added to Eurodollar base rate before margin

1.00%

1.00%

Line of credit, interest rate calculation (base rate margin)

0.00%

0.25%

0.25%

0.50%

Debt, long-term and short-term, combined amount

412,500,000

437,500,000

Credit facility weighted average interest rate

1.30%

1.28%

1.55%

Line of credit, amount outstanding

$0

$25,200,000

¥ 3,000,000,000

$0

$100,000,000

$0

Percentage of voting rights pledged

65.00%

Sumitomo credit facility expiration date

29-Feb-16

Credit facility accrued interest rate per annum

0.50%

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Reported in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$1	$1.50
Derivative liabilities	0.2	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1	1.5
Foreign exchange forward contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	$0.20	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives	1 month
Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives	13 months
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments, before tax	$0.80

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts (Detail) (Cash Flow Hedging, USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Notional Amount of Derivatives [Abstract]
Foreign currency, notional values	$47
Euro
Notional Amount of Derivatives [Abstract]
Foreign currency, notional values	22.8
Japanese Yen
Notional Amount of Derivatives [Abstract]
Foreign currency, notional values	$24.20

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Effective Portion of Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (Foreign currency forward contracts, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	$1.20	($1.10)	$2	$2.10
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Net Earnings (Effective Portion)	$1.80	$1.70	$2.70	$1.30

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed6

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts that Were Entered into to Hedge Balance Sheet Exposures (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 03, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Notional Value Sold
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	$303.40
Notional Value Sold | Australian Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	19.9
Notional Value Sold | Brazilian Real
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	1.7
Notional Value Sold | British Pound
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	13.4
Notional Value Sold | Canadian Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Sold | Danish Krone
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Sold | Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	192.8
Notional Value Sold | Hungarian Forint
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	8
Notional Value Sold | Indian Rupee
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	9.1
Notional Value Sold | Japanese Yen
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	50.2
Notional Value Sold | New Zealand Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	2.8
Notional Value Sold | Norwegian Krone
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	3
Notional Value Sold | Swedish Krona
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	2.5
Notional Value Sold | Swiss Franc
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	57.4
Notional Value Purchased | Australian Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Brazilian Real
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | British Pound
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Canadian Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	4.3
Notional Value Purchased | Danish Krone
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0.3
Notional Value Purchased | Euro
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Hungarian Forint
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Indian Rupee
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Japanese Yen
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | New Zealand Dollar
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Norwegian Krone
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Swedish Krona
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	0
Notional Value Purchased | Swiss Franc
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Value	$52.80

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed7

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Gains (Losses) Related to Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts that are Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Detail) (Selling, general and administrative expenses, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Earnings on Derivative not designated as hedging instrument	$22.50	($3.20)	$34	$1.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Accrued Product Warranty (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Accrued product warranty, at beginning of period	$49.30	$53.20
Charged to cost of revenues	21.8	25.8
Actual product warranty expenditures	-28.1	-26.9
Accrued product warranty, at end of period	$43	$52.10

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Apr. 30, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Long term accrued product warranty costs	$1,700,000			$1,700,000		$2,000,000
Commitment outstanding	300,000			300,000
Contingent consideration	6,300,000			6,300,000		7,500,000
Fixed Cost Commitments				8,900,000
Environmental cleanup costs, third-party claim costs, project management costs and legal costs	500,000		300,000	800,000	500,000
Receivables of past and future environmental-related expenditures	2,100,000			2,100,000		2,200,000
Full settlement of the lawsuit to the University of Pittsburgh		35,600,000
Loss Contingency Accrual			5,000,000		5,000,000
Litigation settlement			25,100,000
Prepaid Royalties		5,500,000
Enhanced Retirement Program and Workforce Reduction
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	3,100,000		0	13,600,000	0
Payments for restructuring charges				7,500,000
Cercla sites and one past facility
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated environmental remediation costs, minimum	1,600,000			1,600,000
Estimated environmental remediation costs, maximum	9,800,000			9,800,000
Amount accrued for environmental remediation expense	1,600,000			1,600,000
Cercla sites and one past facility | Minimum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated time frames to resolve contingency related to environmental remediation contingencies, years				1 year
Cercla sites and one past facility | Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated time frames to resolve contingency related to environmental remediation contingencies, years				30 years
Other sites
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated environmental remediation costs, minimum	5,300,000			5,300,000
Estimated environmental remediation costs, maximum	35,700,000			35,700,000
Amount accrued for environmental remediation expense	7,600,000			7,600,000
Estimated environmental remediation costs, best estimate, undiscounted				9,300,000
Discount rate for environmental remediation costs, net of inflation	4.00%			4.00%
Other sites | Minimum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated time frames to resolve contingency related to environmental remediation contingencies, years				1 year
Other sites | Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated time frames to resolve contingency related to environmental remediation contingencies, years				30 years
Siemens AG | Strategic Global Partnership
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Fixed fee committed	5,000,000			5,000,000			10,000,000
License fee committed	$12,000,000			$12,000,000			$20,000,000
Patents
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life				2 years 6 months

Retirement_Plans_Schedule_of_N

Retirement Plans - Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (Defined Benefit Plans, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$1,184	$1,026	$2,371	$2,049
Interest cost	1,270	1,532	2,565	3,046
Expected return on plan assets	-1,778	-1,957	-3,594	-3,892
Amortization of prior service cost	46	42	93	85
Recognized actuarial loss	613	538	1,227	1,077
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,335	$1,181	$2,662	$2,365

Retirement_Plans_Additional_In

Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (Defined Benefit Plans, USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans
Retirement Plans [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	$3
Expected total contribution to the defined benefit plans for the fiscal year	$7.10

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	28.00%	27.60%	28.20%	29.50%

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 27, 2015

Nov. 07, 2014

Feb. 03, 2015

Feb. 04, 2015

Aug. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Jan. 02, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 03, 2015

Apr. 29, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

6-Jan-15

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Common stock repurchased and retired, shares

74,975

419,874

Payment for accelerated share repurchase

$45

Percent of shares expected to be repurchased that have been repurchased

80.00%

7-Apr-15

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Common stock repurchased and retired, shares

592,280

Payment for accelerated share repurchase

70

Percent of shares expected to be repurchased that have been repurchased

80.00%

8-Jul-15

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Payment for accelerated share repurchase

$45

Percent of shares expected to be repurchased that have been repurchased

80.00%

August 2012 Repurchase Program

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized to be repurchased by VMS Board of Directors

8,000,000

Common stock repurchase period

September 29, 2012 through December 31, 2013

Common stock repurchased and retired, shares

2,000,000

Number of shares remain available for repurchase

0

0

November 2013 Repurchase Program

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized to be repurchased by VMS Board of Directors

6,000,000

Common stock repurchase period

December 30, 2013 through December 31, 2014

Common stock repurchased and retired, shares

2,000,000

250,000

Number of shares remain available for repurchase

0

0

August 2014 Repurchase Program

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized to be repurchased by VMS Board of Directors

6,000,000

Common stock repurchased and retired, shares

824,849

2,074,849

Number of shares remain available for repurchase

3,925,151

3,925,151

Subsequent Event | April 7, 2015

Shareholders Equity [Line Items]

Common stock repurchased and retired, shares

151,604

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) and Related Tax Effects (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015		Mar. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($58,611)	[1]	($40,071)
Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	-28,483		3,068
Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	-1,666		-119
Tax benefit (expense)	137		-513
Ending Balance	-88,623		-37,635
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-44,060		-40,081
Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	0		0
Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	1,082		1,158
Tax benefit (expense)	-151		-213
Ending Balance	-43,129		-39,136
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	965		-691
Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	1,977		2,078
Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	-2,748		-1,277
Tax benefit (expense)	288		-300
Ending Balance	482		-190
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-15,516		701
Other comprehensive earnings before reclassifications	-30,460		990
Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive earnings	0		0
Tax benefit (expense)	0		0
Ending Balance	($45,976)		$1,691
[1]	The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 26, 2014 was derived from audited financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Amounts Reclassified Out of Other Comprehensive Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenues	$759,406	$778,506	$1,497,260	$1,490,008
Reclassification Out of Other Comprehensive Earnings
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	1,336	1,049	1,666	119
Reclassification Out of Other Comprehensive Earnings | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Cost of revenues & Operating expenses	-541	-578	-1,082	-1,158
Reclassification Out of Other Comprehensive Earnings | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,877	$1,627	$2,748	$1,277

Employee_Stock_Plans_Net_Share

Employee Stock Plans - Net Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$12,501	$9,596	$25,238	$18,640
Income tax benefit for share-based compensation	-3,943	-2,939	-7,916	-5,737
Cost of revenues - Product
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	1,206	717	2,315	1,424
Cost of revenues - Service
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	986	1,115	1,938	2,062
Research and development
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	1,654	1,320	3,392	2,621
Selling, general and administrative
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$8,655	$6,444	$17,593	$12,533

Employee_Stock_Plans_Fair_Valu

Employee Stock Plans - Fair Value with Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)			6 months	6 months
Risk-free interest rate			0.10%	0.10%
Expected volatility			8.30%	14.50%
Expected dividend			0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average fair value at grant date (usd per share)			$14.24	$13.98
Employee Stock Option Plans
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)	4 years 1 month 17 days	4 years 1 month 10 days	4 years 1 month 24 days	4 years 1 month 17 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%	1.20%	1.30%	1.20%
Expected volatility	22.10%	24.60%	22.10%	24.60%
Expected dividend	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average fair value at grant date (usd per share)	$18.53	$18.21	$18.56	$18.23

Employee_Stock_Plans_Summary_o

Employee Stock Plans - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available for Grant (Detail)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant, Beginning Balance	8,168
Shares Available for Grant, Granted	-1,790
Shares Available for Grant, Cancelled or expired	273
Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balance	6,651

Employee_Stock_Plans_Additiona

Employee Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014	Feb. 08, 2012
		performance_period
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares counted against the available for grant			2.5
Stock options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding stock awards	$16.40
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized, years	1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted stocks, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance units
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding stock awards	$54.90
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized, years	2 years
Third Amended and Restated 2005 Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares counted against the available for grant	2.6
Third Amended and Restated 2005 Plan | Performance units
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award service period	3 years
Number of performance periods		1
Performance period term		3 years
Third Amended and Restated 2005 Plan | Performance units, company performance
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period term	1 year
Third Amended and Restated 2005 Plan | Performance units, total shareholder return performance
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period term	3 years

Employee_Stock_Plans_Activity_

Employee Stock Plans - Activity Under Employee Stock Plans (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Number of Shares
Number of Shares, Options Outstanding	3,343
Number of Shares, Granted	615
Number of Shares, Cancelled or expired	-1
Number of Shares, Exercised	-1,169
Number of Shares, Options Outstanding	2,788
Number of Shares, Options Exercisable	1,662
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$60.53
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$92.43
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled or expired	$79.91
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$52.51
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$70.92
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$60.14
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Option Outstanding	4 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	3 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Option Outstanding	$63,761
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$55,927
Closing price of VMS common stock	$93.79

Employee_Stock_Plans_Activity_1

Employee Stock Plans - Activity for Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Deferred Stock Units and Performance Units (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested Shares, Beginning Balance	1,126
Granted	399
Vested	-491
Cancelled or expired	-74
Nonvested Shares, Ending Balance	960
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$72.08
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$93.21
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$67.50
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Cancelled or expired	$65.66
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$84.04

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Net Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$105,969	$92,788	$199,283	$190,748
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	100,157	104,152	100,315	105,038
Dilutive effect of potential common shares	869	1,294	1,026	1,376
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	101,026	105,446	101,341	106,414
Net earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$1.06	$0.89	$1.99	$1.82
Net earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$1.05	$0.88	$1.97	$1.79
Anti-dilutive employee shared based awards, excluded	956	657	1,194	1,040

Business_Combination_Additiona

Business Combination - Additional Information (Detail) (MeVis Medical Solutions AG (MeVis))	Apr. 03, 2015	Apr. 21, 2015	Apr. 21, 2015	Apr. 03, 2015
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	EUR (€)	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Other Assets
		USD ($)		USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restricted cash to fund the tender offer				$34.70
Voluntary tender offer, share price	€ 17.50
Percent of outstanding shares acquired			73.50%
Payments to acquire businesses, gross		$25.50

CPTC_Loans_Additional_Informat

CPTC Loans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 27, 2014	Sep. 30, 2011	Apr. 03, 2015	Sep. 26, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan facility to CPTC		$165.30
CPTC loan facility, Varian's maximum loan commitment	80.3
Pro rata share of the Company's obligation to fund the initial distribution and subsequent advances	45.80%
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities			80	75.6
CPTC loan facility, interest rate margin	7.00%
CPTC loan facility, minimum interest rate	9.00%
CPTC loan facility, amortization period over which monthly payments are calculated after January 1, 2015	15 years
Accounts receivable from CPTC, includes unbilled accounts receivable			22	20.1
Tranche A loan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
CPTC loan facility, Varian's maximum loan commitment	70.3	115.3	70.3
Pro rata share of the Company's obligation to fund the initial distribution and subsequent advances		69.75%
Tranche B loan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
CPTC loan facility, Varian's maximum loan commitment	10		10
CPTC
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Loan facility to CPTC	175.3
J.P. Morgan | Tranche A loan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Sale Of Portion Of Tranche A Loan Commitment	45
Sale of a portion of the outstanding Tranche A loan to JP Morgan chase Bank	38.1
Remaining obligation to fund Tranche A loan	6.9
Short-term Investments | Tranche A loan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities			70.1	66.2
Other Assets | Tranche B loan
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Available-for-sale corporate debt securities			$9.90	$9.40

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2015
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Number Of Businesses Under Other Category	2

Segment_Information_Operating_

Segment Information - Operating Results Information for Each Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014	Apr. 03, 2015	Mar. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$759,406	$778,506	$1,497,260	$1,490,008
Operating Earnings (Loss)	146,036	127,544	275,486	269,538
Operating Segments | Oncology Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	589,400	603,100	1,152,700	1,144,500
Operating Earnings (Loss)	125,900	124,900	252,000	245,800
Operating Segments | Imaging Components
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	155,500	169,000	321,500	330,200
Operating Earnings (Loss)	40,000	42,200	81,200	82,900
Operating Segments | Total reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	744,900	772,100	1,474,200	1,474,700
Operating Earnings (Loss)	165,900	167,100	333,200	328,700
Operating Segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	14,500	6,400	23,100	15,300
Operating Earnings (Loss)	-12,700	-14,500	-26,300	-28,700
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Earnings (Loss)	($7,200)	($25,100)	($31,400)	($30,500)