Johnson Controls 10-Q 30 Jan 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	JOHNSON CONTROLS INC
Entity Central Index Key	53669
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	JCI
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	657,293,891

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$168	$409	$245
Accounts receivable - net	5,360	5,871	6,743
Inventories	2,439	2,477	2,452
Assets held for sale	2,112	2,157	777
Other current assets	2,302	2,193	2,509
Current assets	12,381	13,107	12,726
Property, plant and equipment - net	6,114	6,314	6,665
Goodwill	7,010	7,127	6,717
Other intangible assets - net	1,600	1,639	1,070
Investments in partially-owned affiliates	1,117	1,018	1,043
Noncurrent assets held for sale	684	630	0
Other noncurrent assets	2,801	2,969	2,611
Total assets	31,707	32,804	30,832
Liabilities and Equity
Short-term debt	1,075	183	986
Current portion of long-term debt	139	140	818
Accounts payable	4,584	5,270	5,592
Accrued compensation and benefits	864	1,124	1,017
Liabilities held for sale	1,706	1,801	321
Other current liabilities	3,019	3,176	3,069
Current liabilities	11,387	11,694	11,803
Long-term debt	6,322	6,357	4,866
Pension and postretirement benefits	833	865	736
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,870	2,132	1,466
Long-term liabilities	9,025	9,354	7,068
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	209	194	169
Common stock, $1.00 par value	711	707	703
Capital in excess of par value	2,809	2,669	2,431
Retained earnings	10,291	9,956	9,649
Treasury stock, at cost	-2,387	-1,784	-1,652
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-601	-237	400
Shareholders' equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	10,823	11,311	11,531
Noncontrolling interests	263	251	261
Total equity	11,086	11,562	11,792
Total liabilities and equity	$31,707	$32,804	$30,832

Consolidated_Statements_of_Fin1

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	$1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Net sales
Products and systems	$8,723	[1]	$8,605	[1]
Services	1,943	[1]	1,969	[1]
Net sales	10,666		10,574
Cost of sales
Products and systems	7,406	[1]	7,377	[1]
Services	1,580	[1]	1,621	[1]
Cost of sales	8,986		8,998
Gross profit	1,680		1,576
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-1,034		-1,038
Net financing charges	-71		-55
Equity income	102		112
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	677		595
Income tax provision	131		111
Income from continuing operations	546		484
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 4)	0		18
Net income	546		502
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	39		33
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	507		469
Amounts attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. common shareholders
Income from continuing operations	507		451
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0		$18
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$0.77		$0.67
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations	$0		$0.03
Basic earnings per share	$0.77		$0.70
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$0.76		$0.66
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations	$0		$0.03
Diluted earnings per share	$0.76		$0.69
[1]	*Products and systems consist of Automotive Experience and Power Solutions products and systems and Building Efficiency installed systems. Services are Building Efficiency technical services and Global Workplace Solutions.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$546	$502
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-351	-14
Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives	-10	-1
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	0	-2
Pension and postretirement plans	-3	-1
Other comprehensive loss	-364	-18
Total comprehensive income	182	484
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	39	33
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	$143	$451

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	$507	$469
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	39	33
Net income	546	502
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	224	244
Pension and postretirement benefit expense (income)	-14	9
Pension and postretirement contributions	-24	-25
Equity in earnings of partially-owned affiliates, net of dividends received	-92	-74
Deferred income taxes	96	14
Fair value adjustment of equity investment	0	-19
Equity-based compensation	21	18
Other	-5	-8
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and divestitures:
Receivables	410	531
Inventories	-20	-95
Other assets	-129	-41
Restructuring reserves	-77	-62
Accouns payable and accrued liabilities	-702	-929
Accrued income taxes	-394	-346
Cash used by operating activities	-160	-281
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	-262	-345
Sale of property, plant and equipment	14	21
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-13	-128
Business divestitures	0	13
Changes in long-term investments	2	3
Other	5	5
Cash used by investing activities	-254	-431
Financing Activities
Increase in short-term debt - net	898	867
Increase in long-term debt	0	302
Repayment of long-term debt	-9	-6
Stock repurchases	-600	-1,199
Payment of cash dividends	-146	-130
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	105	84
Other	-19	4
Cash provided (used) by financing activities	229	-78
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-57	-19
Cash held for sale	1	-1
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-241	-810
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	409	1,055
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$168	$245

Financial_Statements

Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Financial Statements	Financial Statements
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Johnson Controls, Inc. (the "Company") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014. The results of operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results for the Company’s 2015 fiscal year because of seasonal and other factors.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Johnson Controls, Inc. and its domestic and non-U.S. subsidiaries that are consolidated in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in partially-owned affiliates are accounted for by the equity method when the Company’s interest exceeds 20% and the Company does not have a controlling interest.
	Under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810, "Consolidation," the Company may consolidate a partially-owned affiliate. To determine whether to consolidate a partially-owned affiliate, the Company first determines if the entity is a variable interest entity (VIE). An entity is considered to be a VIE if it has one of the following characteristics: 1) the entity is thinly capitalized; 2) residual equity holders do not control the entity; 3) equity holders are shielded from economic losses or do not participate fully in the entity’s residual economics; or 4) the entity was established with non-substantive voting. If the entity meets one of these characteristics, the Company then determines if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The party with the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the potential to absorb benefits or losses that could be significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. If the entity is not considered a VIE, then the Company applies the voting interest model to determine whether or not the Company shall consolidate the partially-owned affiliate.
	Consolidated VIEs
	Based upon the criteria set forth in ASC 810, the Company has determined that it was the primary beneficiary in three VIEs for the reporting periods ended December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as the Company absorbs significant economics of the entities and has the power to direct the activities that are considered most significant to the entities.
	Two of the VIEs manufacture products in North America for the automotive industry. The Company funds the entities’ short term liquidity needs through revolving credit facilities and has the power to direct the activities that are considered most significant to the entities through its key customer supply relationships.
	In fiscal 2012, a pre-existing VIE accounted for under the equity method was reorganized into three separate investments as a result of the counterparty exercising its option to put its interest to the Company. The Company acquired additional interests in two of the reorganized group entities. The reorganized group entities are considered to be VIEs as the other owner party has been provided decision making rights but does not have equity at risk. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of one of the entities due to the Company’s power pertaining to decisions over significant activities of the entity. As such, this VIE has been consolidated within the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. The impact of consolidation of the entity on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was not material. The VIE is named as a co-obligor under a third party debt agreement of $166 million, maturing in fiscal 2020, under which it could become subject to paying more than its allocated share of the third party debt in the event of bankruptcy of one or more of the other co-obligors. The other co-obligors, all related parties in which the Company is an equity investor, consist of the remaining group entities involved in the reorganization. As part of the overall reorganization transaction, the Company has also provided financial support to the group entities in the form of loans totaling $57 million, which are subordinate to the third party debt agreement. The Company is a significant customer of certain co-obligors, resulting in a remote possibility of loss. Additionally, the Company is subject to a floor guaranty expiring in fiscal 2022; in the event that the other owner party no longer owns any part of the group entities due to sale or transfer, the Company has guaranteed that the proceeds received from the sale or transfer will not be less than $25 million. The Company has partnered with the group entities to design and manufacture battery components for the Power Solutions business.
	The carrying amounts and classification of assets (none of which are restricted) and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position for the consolidated VIEs are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	184	$	218	$	212
	Noncurrent assets	136		138		140
	Total assets	$	320	$	356	$	352
	Current liabilities	$	155	$	189	$	171
	Noncurrent liabilities	36		37		39
	Total liabilities	$	191	$	226	$	210
	The Company did not have a significant variable interest in any other consolidated VIEs for the presented reporting periods.
	Nonconsolidated VIEs
	As mentioned previously within the "Consolidated VIEs" section above, in fisca1 2012, a pre-existing VIE was reorganized into three separate investments as a result of the counterparty exercising its option to put its interest to the Company. The reorganized group entities are considered to be VIEs as the other owner party has been provided decision making rights but does not have equity at risk. The Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of two of the entities as the Company cannot make key operating decisions considered to be most significant to the VIEs. Therefore, the entities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the Company’s interest exceeds 20% and the Company does not have a controlling interest. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss includes the partially-owned affiliate investment balance of $60 million, $59 million and $57 million at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as well as the subordinated loan from the Company, third party debt agreement and floor guaranty mentioned previously within the "Consolidated VIEs" section above. Current liabilities due to the VIEs are not material and represent normal course of business trade payables for all presented periods.
	The Company did not have a significant variable interest in any other unconsolidated VIEs for the presented reporting periods.
	Restricted Cash
	At December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company held restricted cash of approximately $8 million, $4 million and $24 million, respectively, within cash and cash equivalents. These amounts were collected from customers for payment of maintenance costs under contract, and withdrawals are restricted for this purpose.
	Retrospective Changes
	Certain amounts for the three months ended December 31, 2013 have been revised to conform to the current year’s presentation.
	At March 31, 2014, the Company determined that its Automotive Experience Electronics segment met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which required retrospective application to financial information for all periods presented. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU No. 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue when an entity either enters into a contract with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into a contract for the transfer of non-financial assets. ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, with early adoption not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU No. 2014-08 limits discontinued operations reporting to situations where the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results, and requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. ASU No. 2014-08 will be effective prospectively for the Company for disposals that occur during or after the quarter ending December 31, 2015, with early adoption permitted in certain instances. The significance of this guidance for the Company is dependent on any future dispositions or disposals.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU No. 2013-11 clarifies that companies should present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. ASU No. 2013-11 was effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed two acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $38 million, $9 million of which was paid in the three months ended December 31, 2014. The acquisitions in the aggregate were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $9 million.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adjusted the purchase price allocation of the fiscal 2014 acquisition of Air Distribution Technologies Inc. (ADT). The adjustment was made as a result of a true-up to the purchase price in the amount of $4 million, all of which was paid in the three months ended December 31, 2014. Also, in connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded additional goodwill of $5 million in fiscal 2015 related to the purchase price allocations. The purchase price allocations may be subsequently adjusted to reflect final valuation studies.
	In January 2015, the Company signed a definitive agreement to create a joint venture with Hitachi to expand its Building Efficiency product offerings. The formation of the joint venture is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, pending regulatory approvals.
	In January 2015, the Company signed an agreement to sell its interests in the Brookfield Johnson Controls joint ventures in Australia and Canada to Brookfield Asset Management. Estimated sales proceeds are $200 million and the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, pending regulatory approvals.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company completed two acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $128 million, all of which was paid in the three months ended December 31, 2013. The acquisitions in the aggregate were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $102 million. As a result of one of the acquisitions, which increased the Company's ownership from a noncontrolling to controlling interest, the Company recorded a non-cash gain of $19 million in equity income for the Power Solutions business to adjust the Company's existing equity investment in the partially-owned affiliate to fair value.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company completed one divestiture for a sales price of $13 million, all of which was received as of December 31, 2013. The divestiture was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In connection with the divestiture, the Company recorded a gain, net of transaction costs, of $9 million in the Automotive Experience Interiors segment. There was no change in goodwill as a result of this transaction.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company adjusted the purchase price allocation of certain fiscal 2013 acquisitions and recorded additional goodwill of $2 million.

Discontinued_Operations_Notes

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations
	4	Discontinued Operations
	In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed its divestiture of its Automotive Experience Electronics' HomeLink® product line to Gentex Corporation. In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company announced that it had reached a definitive agreement to sell the remainder of the Automotive Experience Electronics business to Visteon Corporation, subject to regulatory and other approvals. The sale closed on July 1, 2014. At March 31, 2014, the Company determined that the Automotive Experience Electronics segment met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which required retrospective application to financial information for all periods presented. The Company did not allocate any general corporate overhead to discontinued operations. The assets and liabilities of the Automotive Experience Electronics segment were reflected as held for sale in the consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2013.
	There were no amounts classified as discontinued operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2014. The following table summarizes the results of the Automotive Experience Electronics business, reclassified as discontinued operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
			Three Months Ended
			December 31,
			2013
	Net sales		$	334
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		36
	Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations		15
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		3
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	18
	For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the effective tax rate was greater than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to unbenefited foreign losses.
	Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
	The Company has determined that certain of its businesses met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The Automotive Experience Electronics segment and the headliner and sun visor product lines were classified as held for sale beginning September 30, 2013. The headliner and sun visor product lines and the Automotive Experience Electronics segment were sold during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Electronics and headliner and sun visor assets and liabilities held for sale (in millions):
		December 31,
		2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5
	Accounts receivable - net	173
	Inventories	134
	Other current assets	62
	Property, plant and equipment - net	167
	Goodwill	74
	Other intangible assets - net	60
	Investments in partially-owned affiliates	31
	Other noncurrent assets	71
	Assets held for sale	$	777
	Short-term debt	$	7
	Accounts payable	227
	Accrued compensation and benefits	32
	Other current liabilities	41
	Pension and postretirement benefits	11
	Other noncurrent liabilities	3
	Liabilities held for sale	$	321
	The headliner and sun visor product lines classified as held for sale were immaterial to the Company individually and in the aggregate, and did not constitute a distinguishable business in order to be classified as a discontinued operation.
	In May 2014, the Company announced the signing of an agreement to form a global automotive interiors joint venture with Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems. The formation of the joint venture is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, pending regulatory approvals. As a result, a majority of the Automotive Experience Interiors business met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. Additionally, in September 2014, the Company announced its intention to divest its Global Workplace Solutions business and has determined that the business meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale.
	The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Interiors and Global Workplace Solutions asset and liabilities held for sale (in millions):
		December 31, 2014							September 30, 2014
		Interiors			Global Workplace Solutions		Total		Interiors		Global Workplace Solutions		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	19	$	19	$	—	$	20	$	20
	Accounts receivable - net	509			756		1,265		596		723		1,319
	Inventories	214			6		220		209		9		218
	Other current assets	177			57		234		174		57		231
	Property, plant and equipment - net	555			38		593		496		34		530
	Goodwill	21			245		266		12		253		265
	Other intangible assets - net	4			34		38		4		35		39
	Investments in partially-owned affiliates	71			—		71		83		—		83
	Other noncurrent assets	33			57		90		35		47		82
	Assets held for sale	$	1,584		$	1,212	$	2,796	$	1,609	$	1,178	$	2,787
	Short-term debt	$	—		$	6	$	6	$	—	$	3	$	3
	Accounts payable	555			614		1,169		655		591		1,246
	Accrued compensation and	16			102		118		24		128		152
	benefits
	Other current liabilities	160			253		413		154		246		400
	Liabilities held for sale	$	731		$	975	$	1,706	$	833	$	968	$	1,801
	These divestitures could result in a gain or loss on sale to the extent the ultimate selling price differs from the carrying value of the net assets recorded for each business. The Interiors business classified as held for sale does not meet the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation at December 31, 2014 primarily due to the Company's anticipated continuing involvement in these operations following a divestiture. The Global Workplace Solutions business classified as held for sale does not meet the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation at December 31, 2014 primarily due to the uncertainty regarding the Company's potential continuing involvement in these operations following a divestiture and the status of transaction negotiations.

PercentageofCompletion_Contrac

Percentage-of-Completion Contracts	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Percentage Of Completion Contracts Additional Information [Abstract]
Percentage-of-Completion Contracts	Percentage-of-Completion Contracts
	The Building Efficiency business records certain long-term contracts under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under this method, sales and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. The Company records costs and earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts primarily within accounts receivable - net and billings in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts primarily within other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Costs and earnings in excess of billings related to these contracts were $498 million, $507 million and $486 million at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Billings in excess of costs and earnings related to these contracts were $339 million, $363 million and $302 million at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2014		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	1,096	$	1,129	$	1,112
	Work-in-process	382		398		402
	Finished goods	961		950		938
	Inventories	$	2,439	$	2,477	$	2,452

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 and the three month period ended December 31, 2014 were as follows (in millions):
		December 31,		Business Acquisitions			Business Divestitures			Impairments			Currency Translation and Other			September 30,
		2013														2014
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and	$	1,228	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,227
	Service
	Global Workplace Solutions	256		—			(253		)	—			(3		)	—
	Asia	387		34			—			—			(7		)	414
	Other	1,004		837			—			(47		)	(6		)	1,788
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	2,678		—			—			—			(122		)	2,556
	Interiors	—		—			(12		)	—			12			—
	Power Solutions	1,164		4			—			—			(26		)	1,142
	Total	$	6,717	$	875		$	(265	)	$	(47	)	$	(153	)	$	7,127
		30-Sep-14		Business Acquisitions			Business Divestitures			Impairments			Currency Translation and Other			31-Dec-14
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and	$	1,227	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,226
	Service
	Asia	414		—			—			—			(10		)	404
	Other	1,788		5			—			—			(15		)	1,778
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	2,556		—			—			—			(74		)	2,482
	Interiors	—		9			(9		)	—			—			—
	Power Solutions	1,142		—			—			—			(22		)	1,120
	Total	$	7,127	$	14		$	(9	)	$	—		$	(122	)	$	7,010
	At December 31, 2013, accumulated goodwill impairment charges include $430 million related to the Automotive Experience Interiors segment. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 Building Efficiency Global Workplace Solutions business divestiture amount includes $253 million of goodwill transferred to assets held for sale on the consolidated statement of financial position. The nine months ended September 30, 2014 Automotive Experience Interiors business divestiture amount includes $12 million of goodwill transferred to noncurrent assets held for sale on the consolidated statement of financial position. The three months ended December 31, 2014 Automotive Experience Interiors business divestiture amount includes $9 million of goodwill transferred to noncurrent assets held for sale on the consolidated statement of financial position. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's assets and liabilities held for sale.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as a result of recent operating results, restructuring actions and expected future profitability, the Company's forecasted cash flow estimates used in the goodwill assessment were negatively impacted as of September 30, 2014 for the Building Efficiency Other - Latin America reporting unit. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Building Efficiency Other - Latin America reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of September 30, 2014. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $47 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, which was determined by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The Building Efficiency Other - Latin America reporting unit had no remaining goodwill at September 30, 2014.
	The Company's impairment testing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 indicated that the estimated fair value of the Building Efficiency Other - Middle East reporting unit exceeded its corresponding carrying amount including goodwill by approximately 9%. Accordingly, the Company has not recognized any impairment of goodwill associated with this reporting unit, which as of December 31, 2014 had a goodwill balance of $85 million. The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value, including long-term revenue growth projections, profitability, discount rates, recent market valuations from transactions by comparable companies, volatility in the Company's market capitalization, and general industry, market and macro-economic conditions. It is possible that future changes in such circumstances, or in the variables associated with the judgments, assumptions and estimates used in assessing the fair value of the reporting unit, would require the Company to record a non-cash impairment charge.
	The assumptions included in the impairment test required judgment, and changes to the inputs could impact the results of the calculation. Other than management's internal projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the impairment test was the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows.
	The Company’s other intangible assets, primarily from business acquisitions valued based on independent appraisals, consisted of (in millions):
		December 31, 2014								September 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization						Carrying			Amortization					Carrying		Amortization
		Amount								Amount								Amount
	Amortized intangible assets
	Patented technology	$	85	$	(57	)	$	28		$	86		$	(56	)	$	30	$	91	$	(52	)	$	39
	Customer relationships	1,000		(172		)	828			1,017			(161		)	856		609		(149		)	460
	Miscellaneous	312		(113		)	199			312			(106		)	206		353		(99		)	254
	Total amortized intangible assets	1,397		(342		)	1,055			1,415			(323		)	1,092		1,053		(300		)	753
	Unamortized intangible assets
	Trademarks/trade names	545		—			545			547			—			547		317		—			317
	Total intangible assets	$	1,942	$	(342	)	$	1,600		$	1,962		$	(323	)	$	1,639	$	1,370	$	(300	)	$	1,070
	Amortization of other intangible assets for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $24 million and $20 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company anticipates amortization for fiscal 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 will be approximately $89 million, $86 million, $83 million, $76 million and $69 million per year, respectively.

Product_Warranties

Product Warranties	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranties	Product Warranties
	The Company offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that the Company replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. The Company records an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Company’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The Company monitors its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates.
	The Company’s product warranty liability is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position in other current liabilities if the warranty is less than one year and in other noncurrent liabilities if the warranty extends longer than one year.
	The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s total product warranty liability, including extended warranties for which deferred revenue is recorded, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	319		$	256
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period	67			70
	Accruals related to pre-existing warranties (including changes in estimates)	1			1
	Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period	(69		)	(53		)
	Currency translation	(3		)	—
	Balance at end of period	$	315		$	274

Significant_Restructuring_Cost

Significant Restructuring Costs	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Significant Restructuring Costs	Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs
	To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations to address the softness in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to significant restructuring plans in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 and recorded $324 million, $957 million and $287 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Automotive Experience, Building Efficiency and Power Solutions businesses and included workforce reductions, plant closures, and asset and goodwill impairments. The restructuring actions are expected to be substantially complete by the end of fiscal 2015.
	Additionally, the Company recorded $53 million, $28 million and $10 million of restructuring and impairment costs within discontinued operations related to the Automotive Experience Electronics business in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s restructuring reserve, included within other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
		Employee Severance and Termination Benefits			Other			Currency			Total
								Translation
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	415		$	5		$	(14	)	$	406
	Utilized—cash	(68		)	(1		)	—			(69		)
	Utilized—noncash	—			—			(11		)	(11		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	347		$	4		$	(25	)	$	326
	The Company's restructuring plans include workforce reductions of approximately 20,600 employees (11,000 for the Automotive Experience business, 8,500 for the Building Efficiency business and 1,100 for the Power Solutions business). Restructuring charges associated with employee severance and termination benefits are paid over the severance period granted to each employee or on a lump sum basis in accordance with individual severance agreements. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 14,800 of the employees have been separated from the Company pursuant to the restructuring plans. In addition, the restructuring plans include twenty-eight plant closures (nineteen for Automotive Experience, seven for Building Efficiency and two for Power Solutions). As of December 31, 2014, sixteen of the twenty-eight plants have been closed.
	Company management closely monitors its overall cost structure and continually analyzes each of its businesses for opportunities to consolidate current operations, improve operating efficiencies and locate facilities in low cost countries in close proximity to customers. This ongoing analysis includes a review of its manufacturing, engineering and purchasing operations, as well as the overall global footprint for all its businesses. Because of the importance of new vehicle sales by major automotive manufacturers to operations, the Company is affected by the general business conditions in this industry. Future adverse developments in the automotive industry could impact the Company’s liquidity position, lead to additional impairment charges and/or require additional restructuring of its operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	In calculating the provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted, as appropriate, based upon changed facts and circumstances, if any, as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year and each interim period thereafter. For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 19%. The effective rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to global tax planning and foreign tax rate differentials.
	Valuation Allowance
	The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that a deferred tax asset associated with a capital loss in Mexico would not be utilized. Therefore, the Company recorded a $21 million valuation allowance as income tax expense.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	At September 30, 2014, the Company had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits of $1,655 million, of which $1,505 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2014 was approximately $106 million (net of tax benefit). The net change in interest and penalties during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was not material. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company settled tax audits in multiple jurisdictions. The benefit of those settlements was substantially offset by a net tax provision recorded in the quarter where it was more likely than not that the losses would not be realized.
	In the U.S., fiscal years 2010 through 2012 are currently under exam by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and 2007 through 2009 are currently under IRS appeals. Additionally, the Company is currently under exam in the following major foreign jurisdictions:
	Tax Jurisdiction	Tax Years Covered
	Belgium	2012
	Brazil	2004 - 2008, 2011 - 2012
	Canada	2007 - 2012
	France	2002 - 2013
	Germany	2001 - 2012
	Italy	2005 - 2009, 2011
	Korea	2008 - 2012
	Mexico	2003 - 2004, 2007 - 2013
	Poland	2012 - 2013
	Slovakia	2010 - 2013
	United Kingdom	2011 - 2012
	It is reasonably possible that certain tax examinations, appellate proceedings and/or tax litigation will conclude within the next twelve months, the impact of which could be up to a $50 million benefit to tax expense.
	Impacts of Tax Legislation
	The "look-through rule," under subpart F of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, expired for the Company on September 30, 2014. The "look-through rule" had provided an exception to the U.S. taxation of certain income generated by foreign subsidiaries. The rule was extended in December 2014 retroactive to the beginning of the Company's 2015 fiscal year.
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	As a result of changes to Mexican tax law in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a benefit to income tax expense of $25 million.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla

Pension and Postretirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Postretirement Plans	Pension and Postretirement Plans
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit costs from continuing operations associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are shown in the tables below in accordance with ASC 715, "Compensation – Retirement Benefits" (in millions):
		Pension Benefits
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	8		$	18		$	9		$	10
	Interest cost	30			34			16			18
	Expected return on plan assets	(45		)	(51		)	(19		)	(19		)
	Curtailment gain	—			—			(13		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	(7	)	$	1		$	(7	)	$	9
		Postretirement Benefits
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1		$	1
	Interest cost	2			3
	Expected return on plan assets	(3		)	(3		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			(2		)
	Net periodic benefit credit	$	—		$	(1	)
	The curtailment gain in the three months ended December 31, 2014 was the result of a lost contract in the Building Efficiency Global Workplace Solutions segment.

Debt_and_Financing_Arrangement

Debt and Financing Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Financing Arrangements	Debt and Financing Arrangements
	In November 2014 and December 2014, a $35 million and a $100 million committed revolving credit facility, respectively, expired. The Company entered into a new $35 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in November 2015 and a new $100 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in December 2015. As of December 31, 2014, there were no draws on either facility. In December 2014, the Company also terminated a $50 million committed revolving credit facility initially scheduled to mature in September 2015.
	In December 2014, the Company entered into a nine-month, $500 million, floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in September 2015. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes.
	In December 2014, the Company entered into a nine-month, $100 million, floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in September 2015. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes.
	In December 2013, the Company entered into a five-year, 220 million euro, floating rate credit facility scheduled to mature in fiscal 2019. The Company drew on the full credit facility during the quarter ended December 31, 2013. Proceeds from the facility were used for general corporate purposes.
	In December 2013, the Company entered into a nine-month, $500 million, floating rate term loan that matured in September 2014. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes.
	Net Financing Charges
	The Company's net financing charges line item in the consolidated statements of income for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 contained the following components (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs	$	71		$	57
	Banking fees and bond cost amortization	6			4
	Interest income	(3		)	(3		)
	Net foreign exchange results for financing activities	(3		)	(3		)
	Net financing charges	$	71		$	55

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. by the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the reporting period that are calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options and unvested restricted stock. The treasury stock method assumes that the Company uses the proceeds from the exercise of stock option awards to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method include the purchase price that the grantee will pay in the future, compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized and any windfall tax benefits that would be credited to capital in excess of par value when the award generates a tax deduction. If there would be a shortfall resulting in a charge to capital in excess of par value, such an amount would be a reduction of the proceeds. For unvested restricted stock, assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method would include unamortized compensation cost and windfall tax benefits or shortfalls.
	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Income Available to Common Shareholders
	Income from continuing operations	$	507	$	451
	Income from discontinued operations	—		18
	Basic and diluted income available to common shareholders	$	507	$	469
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	661.4		674.1
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and unvested restricted stock	6.6		8.1
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	668		682.2
	Antidilutive Securities
	Options to purchase common shares	0.2		0.2
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company declared a dividend of $0.26 per common share, which was paid in the month subsequent to the end of this fiscal quarter. The Company declared a dividend of $0.22 per common share in the three months ended December 31, 2013, which was paid in the month subsequent to the end of the fiscal quarter.

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	Equity and Noncontrolling Interests
	Other comprehensive income includes activity relating to discontinued operations. The following schedules present changes in consolidated equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. and noncontrolling interests (in millions, net of tax):
		Three Months Ended December 31, 2014									Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
		Equity			Equity			Total Equity			Equity			Equity			Total Equity
		Attributable to			Attributable to						Attributable to			Attributable to
		Johnson			Noncontrolling						Johnson			Noncontrolling
		Controls, Inc.			Interests						Controls, Inc.			Interests
	Beginning balance, September 30	$	11,311		$	251		$	11,562		$	12,314		$	260		$	12,574
	Total comprehensive income:
	Net income	507			20			527			469			22			491
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(351		)	—			(351		)	(14		)	—			(14		)
	Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives	(10		)	—			(10		)	(1		)	—			(1		)
	Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	—			—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)
	Pension and postretirement plans	(3		)	—			(3		)	(1		)	—			(1		)
	Other comprehensive loss	(364		)	—			(364		)	(18		)	—			(18		)
	Comprehensive income	143			20			163			451			22			473
	Other changes in equity:
	Cash dividends—common stock	(172		)	—			(172		)	(147		)	—			(147		)
	Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(8		)	(8		)	—			(21		)	(21		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(600		)	—			(600		)	(1,199		)	—			(1,199		)
	Other, including options exercised	141			—			141			112			—			112
	Ending balance, December 31	$	10,823		$	263		$	11,086		$	11,531		$	261		$	11,792
	In November 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a $3 billion increase in the Company's share repurchase program, which brought the total authorized amount under the repurchase program to $3.65 billion. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. For the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased approximately $600 million and $1.2 billion of its common shares, respectively.
	The Company consolidates certain subsidiaries in which the noncontrolling interest party has within its control the right to require the Company to redeem all or a portion of its interest in the subsidiary. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at their estimated redemption value. Any adjustment to the redemption value impacts retained earnings but does not impact net income. Redeemable noncontrolling interests which are redeemable only upon future events, the occurrence of which is not currently probable, are recorded at carrying value.
	The following schedules present changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance, September 30	$	194		$	157
	Net income	19			14
	Dividends	(4		)	(2		)
	Ending balance, December 31	$	209		$	169
	The following schedules present changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. (in millions, net of tax):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Foreign currency translation adjustments
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(248	)	$	392
	Aggregate adjustment for the period (net of tax effect of $2 and $6)	(351		)	(14		)
	Balance at end of period	(599		)	378
	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
	Balance at beginning of period	4			7
	Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $(5) and $0)	(9		)	—
	Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0) *	(1		)	(1		)
	Balance at end of period	(6		)	6
	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable common stock
	Balance at beginning of period	—			7
	Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $0)	—			(1		)
	Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0) **	—			(1		)
	Balance at end of period	—			5
	Pension and postretirement plans
	Balance at beginning of period	7			12
	Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $(1)) ***	(3		)	(1		)
	Balance at end of period	4			11
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	$	(601	)	$	400
	* Refer to Note 15, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line items on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to derivatives.
	** Refer to Note 16, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line item on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to marketable common stock.
	*** Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Postretirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the components of the Company's net periodic benefit costs associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded in cost of sales on the consolidated statement of income.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, stock-based compensation liabilities and interest rates. Under Company policy, the use of derivatives is restricted to those intended for hedging purposes; the use of any derivative instrument for speculative purposes is strictly prohibited. A description of each type of derivative utilized by the Company to manage risk is included in the following paragraphs. In addition, refer to Note 16, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information related to the fair value measurements and valuation methods utilized by the Company for each derivative type.
	The Company has global operations and participates in the foreign exchange markets to minimize its risk of loss from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company primarily uses foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge certain of its foreign exchange rate exposures. The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures.
	The Company has entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in Japan. The currency effects of the cross-currency interest rate swaps are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investment in Japan. At December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had four cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding totaling 20 billion yen.
	The Company uses commodity contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the hedge gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of AOCI and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions, typically sales or costs related to sales, occur and affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is reflected in the consolidated statements of income. The maturities of the commodity contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities. The Company had the following outstanding commodity hedge contracts that hedge forecasted purchases:
					Volume Outstanding as of
	Commodity		Units		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Copper		Pounds		11,070,000			9,536,000			12,070,000
	Lead		Metric Tons		10,125			5,200			7,500
	Aluminum		Metric Tons		890			—			1,693
	Tin		Metric Tons		1,485			2,070			1,504
	The Company selectively uses equity swaps to reduce market risk associated with certain of its stock-based compensation plans, such as its deferred compensation plans. These equity compensation liabilities increase as the Company’s stock price increases and decrease as the Company’s stock price decreases. In contrast, the value of the swap agreement moves in the opposite direction of these liabilities, allowing the Company to fix a portion of the liabilities at a stated amount. As of December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had hedged approximately 4.1 million, 4.4 million and 4.6 million shares of its common stock, respectively.
	The Company selectively uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risk associated with changes in interest rates for its fixed-rate bonds. As fair value hedges, the interest rate swaps and related debt balances are valued under a market approach using publicized swap curves. Changes in the fair value of the swap and hedged portion of the debt are recorded in the consolidated statements of income. In the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into five fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $450 million to hedge the coupon of its 1.75% notes which matured on March 1, 2014. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company entered into one fixed to floating interest rate swap totaling approximately $125 million to hedge the coupon of its 7.7% notes maturing March 1, 2015 and four fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $800 million to hedge the coupon of its 5.5% notes maturing January 15, 2016. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company entered into four fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $400 million to hedge the coupon of its 2.6% notes maturing December 1, 2016, three fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $300 million to hedge the coupon of its 1.4% notes maturing November 2, 2017 and one fixed to floating interest rate swap totaling $150 million to hedge the coupon of its 7.125% coupon maturing July 15, 2017. There were thirteen interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, and ten interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2013.
	In September 2005, the Company entered into three forward treasury lock agreements to reduce the market risk associated with changes in interest rates associated with the Company’s anticipated fixed-rate note issuance to finance the acquisition of York International (cash flow hedge). The three forward treasury lock agreements, which had a combined notional amount of $1.3 billion, fixed a portion of the future interest cost for 5-year, 10-year and 30-year notes. The fair value of each treasury lock agreement, or the difference between the treasury lock reference rate and the fixed rate at time of note issuance, is amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective note issuance. In January 2006, in connection with the Company’s debt refinancing, the three forward treasury lock agreements were terminated.
	The following table presents the location and fair values of derivative instruments and hedging activities included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
		Derivatives and Hedging Activities Designated as												Derivatives and Hedging Activities Not Designated
		Hedging Instruments under ASC 815												as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
		2014				2014				2013				2014			2014			2013
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	38			$	21			$	21			$	28		$	13		$	14
	Commodity derivatives	—				—				5				—			—			—
	Interest rate swaps	—				—				1				—			—			—
	Cross-currency interest rate swaps	25				15				19				—			—			—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	2				2				4				—			—			—
	Equity swap	—				—				—				196			192			236
	Total assets	$	65			$	38			$	50			$	224		$	205		$	250
	Other current liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	49			$	22			$	24			$	24		$	11		$	12
	Commodity derivatives	7				3				1				—			—			—
	Current portion of long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	125				125				451				—			—			—
	Long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	1,651				1,649				928				—			—			—
	Other noncurrent liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	1				3				—				—			—			—
	Total liabilities	$	1,833			$	1,802			$	1,404			$	24		$	11		$	12
	The Company enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Associations (ISDA) master netting agreements with counterparties that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under the derivative contracts. The master netting agreements generally provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Company has not elected to offset the fair value positions of the derivative contracts recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position. Collateral is generally not required of the Company or the counterparties under the master netting agreements. As of December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no cash collateral was received or pledged under the master netting agreements.
	The gross and net amounts of derivative assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
		Fair Value of Assets												Fair Value of Liabilities
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
		2014				2014				2013				2014			2014			2013
	Gross amount recognized	$	289			$	243			$	300			$	1,857		$	1,813		$	1,416
	Gross amount eligible for offsetting	(21		)		(11		)		(9		)		(21		)	(11		)	(9		)
	Net amount	$	268			$	232			$	291			$	1,836		$	1,802		$	1,407
	The following tables present the location and amount of the effective portion of gains and losses gross of tax on derivative instruments and related hedge items reclassified from AOCI into the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and amounts recorded in AOCI net of tax in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
					Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income		Three Months Ended December 31,
					2014				2013
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives		Cost of sales		$	1			$	2
	Commodity derivatives		Cost of sales		—				(1		)
	Total				$	1			$	1
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative
			December 31, 2014				September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives		$	(7	)		$	—			$	(4	)
	Commodity derivatives		(5		)		(2		)		3
	Forward treasury locks		6				6				7
	Total		$	(6	)		$	4			$	6
					Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Fair Value Hedging Relationships		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Three Months Ended December 31,
					2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps		Net financing charges		$	2			$	—
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating		Net financing charges		(2		)		—
Total				$	—			$	—
				Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Three Months Ended December 31,
				2014				2013
Foreign currency exchange derivatives		Cost of sales		$	(2	)		$	(1	)
Foreign currency exchange derivatives		Net financing charges		(2		)		3
Equity swap		Selling, general and administrative		19				44
Total				$	15			$	46
The amount of gains recognized in CTA within AOCI on the effective portion of outstanding net investment hedges was $15 million, $9 million, and $11 million at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, no gains or losses were reclassified from CTA into income for the Company’s outstanding net investment hedges, and no gains or losses were recognized in income for the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement," defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability as follows:
	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
	Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs where there is little or no market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	ASC 820 requires the use of observable market data, when available, in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements
	The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in millions):
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total as of		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		31-Dec-14		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	66	$	—	$	66	$	—
	Cross-currency interest rate swap	25		—		25		—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	2		—		2		—
	Investments in marketable common stock	4		4		—		—
	Equity swap	196		196		—		—
	Total assets	$	293	$	200	$	93	$	—
	Other current liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	73	$	—	$	73	$	—
	Commodity derivatives	7		—		7		—
	Current portion of long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	125		—		125		—
	Long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	1,651		—		1,651		—
	Other noncurrent liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	1		—		1		—
	Total liabilities	$	1,857	$	—	$	1,857	$	—
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total as of		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		30-Sep-14		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	34	$	—	$	34	$	—
	Cross-currency interest rate swaps	15		—		15		—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	2		—		2		—
	Investments in marketable common stock	4		4		—		—
	Equity swap	192		192		—		—
	Total assets	$	247	$	196	$	51	$	—
	Other current liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	33	$	—	$	33	$	—
	Commodity derivatives	3		—		3		—
	Current portion of long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	125		—		125		—
	Long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	1,649		—		1,649		—
	Other noncurrent liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	3		—		3		—
	Total liabilities	$	1,813	$	—	$	1,813	$	—
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total as of		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		31-Dec-13		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	35	$	—	$	35	$	—
Commodity derivatives	5		—		5		—
Interest rate swaps	1		—		1		—
Cross-currency interest rate swap	19		—		19		—
Other noncurrent assets
Interest rate swaps	4		—		4		—
Investments in marketable common stock	25		25		—		—
Equity swap	236		236		—		—
Total assets	$	325	$	261	$	64	$	—
Other current liabilities
Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	36	$	—	$	36	$	—
Commodity derivatives	1		—		1		—
Current portion of long-term debt
Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	451		—		451		—
Long-term debt
Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	928		—		928		—
Total liabilities	$	1,416	$	—	$	1,416	$	—
Valuation Methods
Foreign currency exchange derivatives – The Company selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange rate risk primarily using foreign currency exchange hedge contracts. The foreign currency exchange derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized spot and forward prices. As cash flow hedges under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," the effective portion of the hedge gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is reflected in the consolidated statements of income. These contracts were highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in currency exchange rates at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The fair value of foreign currency exchange derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 are recorded in the consolidated statements of income.
Commodity derivatives – The Company selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to commodity price risk, primarily using commodity hedge contracts, to minimize overall price risk associated with the Company’s purchases of lead, copper, tin and aluminum. The commodity derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized prices, where available, or dealer quotes. As cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the hedge gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions, typically sales or cost related to sales, occur and affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is reflected in the consolidated statements of income. These contracts were highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in commodity prices at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Interest rate swaps and related debt – The Company selectively uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risk associated with changes in interest rates for its fixed-rate bonds. As fair value hedges, the interest rate swaps and related debt balances are valued under a market approach using publicized swap curves. Changes in the fair value of the swap and hedged portion of the debt are recorded in the consolidated statements of income. In the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into five fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $450 million to hedge the coupon of its 1.75% notes which matured on March 2014. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company entered into one fixed to floating interest rate swap totaling approximately $125 million to hedge the coupon of its 7.7% notes maturing March 2015 and four fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $800 million to hedge the coupon of its 5.5% notes maturing January 2016. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company entered into four fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $400 million to hedge the coupon of its 2.6% notes maturing December 2016, three fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $300 million to hedge the coupon of its 1.4% notes maturing November 2017 and one fixed to floating interest rate swap totaling $150 million to hedge the coupon of its 7.125% coupon maturing July 2017. There were thirteen interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, and ten interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2013.
Cross-currency interest rate swaps – The Company selectively uses cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge the foreign currency rate risk associated with certain of its investments in Japan. The cross-currency interest rate swaps are valued using observable market data. Changes in the market value of the swaps are reflected in the foreign currency translation adjustments component of accumulated other comprehensive income where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investment in Japan. At December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had four cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding totaling 20 billion yen.
Investments in marketable common stock – The Company invests in certain marketable common stock, which is valued under a market approach using publicized share prices. There were no unrealized gains recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on these investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded unrealized gains of $5 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. There were no unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on these investments as of December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold certain marketable common stock for approximately $3 million. As a result, the Company recorded a $1 million realized gain within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Automotive Experience Seating segment.
Equity swaps – The Company selectively uses equity swaps to reduce market risk associated with certain of its stock-based compensation plans, such as its deferred compensation plans. The equity swaps are valued under a market approach as the fair value of the swaps is equal to the Company’s stock price at the reporting period date. Changes in fair value on the equity swaps are reflected in the consolidated statements of income within selling, general and administrative expenses.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. The fair value of long-term debt, which was $6.9 billion, $6.8 billion and $6.0 billion at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, was determined primarily using market quotes classified as Level 1 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	At March 31, 2014, the Company determined that its previously reported Automotive Experience Electronics segment met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which required retrospective application to financial information for all periods presented. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
	ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. In applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has determined that it has seven reportable segments for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s seven reportable segments are presented in the context of its three primary businesses – Building Efficiency, Automotive Experience and Power Solutions.
	Building Efficiency
	Building Efficiency designs, produces, markets and installs heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and control systems that monitor, automate and integrate critical building segment equipment and conditions including HVAC, fire-safety and security in commercial buildings and in various industrial applications.
	•	North America Systems and Service provides HVAC and controls systems, energy efficient solutions and technical services, including inspection, scheduled maintenance, and repair and replacement of mechanical and control systems to non-residential buildings and industrial applications in the North American marketplace.
	•	Global Workplace Solutions provides on-site staff for complete real estate services, facility operation and management to improve the comfort, productivity, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of building systems around the globe.
	•	Asia provides HVAC and refrigeration systems and technical services to the Asian marketplace.
	•	Other provides HVAC and refrigeration systems and technical services to markets in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Other also designs and produces heating and air conditioning solutions for residential and light commercial applications, and markets products to the replacement and new construction markets.
	Automotive Experience
	Automotive Experience designs and manufactures interior systems and products for passenger cars and light trucks, including vans, pick-up trucks and sport utility/crossover vehicles.
	•	Seating produces automotive seat metal structures and mechanisms, foam, trim, fabric and complete seat systems.
	•	Interiors produces instrument panels, floor consoles and door panels.
	Power Solutions
	Power Solutions services both automotive original equipment manufacturers and the battery aftermarket by providing advanced battery technology, coupled with systems engineering, marketing and service expertise.
	Management evaluates the performance of the segments based primarily on segment income, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests excluding net financing charges, significant restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans. General corporate and other overhead expenses are allocated to business segments in determining segment income. As mentioned above, the previously reported Automotive Experience Electronics segment met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, and general corporate overhead was not allocated to discontinued operations. The Company reported discontinued operations through retrospective application to all periods presented, resulting in general corporate allocation changes between the segments in the prior periods. Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):
		Net Sales
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and Service	$	1,017		$	991
	Global Workplace Solutions	1,042			1,077
	Asia	494			510
	Other	986			803
		3,539			3,381
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	4,135			4,279
	Interiors	1,148			1,142
		5,283			5,421
	Power Solutions	1,844			1,772
	Total net sales	$	10,666		$	10,574
		Segment Income (Loss)
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and Service	$	81		$	67
	Global Workplace Solutions	26			18
	Asia	71			76
	Other	9			(15		)
		187			146
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	208			175
	Interiors	35			22
		243			197
	Power Solutions	318			307
	Total segment income	$	748		$	650
	Net financing charges	(71		)	(55		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	677		$	595

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company accrues for potential environmental liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. Reserves for environmental liabilities totaled $23 million, $24 million and $24 million at December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company reviews the status of its environmental sites on a quarterly basis and adjusts its reserves accordingly. Such potential liabilities accrued by the Company do not take into consideration possible recoveries of future insurance proceeds. They do, however, take into account the likely share other parties will bear at remediation sites. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in connection with known environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company has identified asset retirement obligations for environmental matters that are expected to be addressed at the retirement, disposal, removal or abandonment of existing owned facilities, primarily in the Power Solutions business. At December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded conditional asset retirement obligations of $53 million, $52 million and $59 million, respectively.
	The Company is involved in a number of product liability and various other casualty lawsuits incident to the operation of its businesses. The Company maintains insurance coverages and records estimated costs for claims and suits of this nature. It is management’s opinion that none of these will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Costs related to such matters were not material to the periods presented.

Financial_Statements_Tables

Financial Statements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Carrying Amounts and Classification of Assets and Liabilities for Consolidated VIEs	The carrying amounts and classification of assets (none of which are restricted) and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position for the consolidated VIEs are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	184	$	218	$	212
	Noncurrent assets	136		138		140
	Total assets	$	320	$	356	$	352
	Current liabilities	$	155	$	189	$	171
	Noncurrent liabilities	36		37		39
	Total liabilities	$	191	$	226	$	210

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations	The following table summarizes the results of the Automotive Experience Electronics business, reclassified as discontinued operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 (in millions):
			Three Months Ended
			December 31,
			2013
	Net sales		$	334
	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		36
	Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations		15
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax		3
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	18
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Electronics and headliner and sun visor assets and liabilities held for sale (in millions):
		December 31,
		2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5
	Accounts receivable - net	173
	Inventories	134
	Other current assets	62
	Property, plant and equipment - net	167
	Goodwill	74
	Other intangible assets - net	60
	Investments in partially-owned affiliates	31
	Other noncurrent assets	71
	Assets held for sale	$	777
	Short-term debt	$	7
	Accounts payable	227
	Accrued compensation and benefits	32
	Other current liabilities	41
	Pension and postretirement benefits	11
	Other noncurrent liabilities	3
	Liabilities held for sale	$	321

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2014		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	1,096	$	1,129	$	1,112
	Work-in-process	382		398		402
	Finished goods	961		950		938
	Inventories	$	2,439	$	2,477	$	2,452

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 and the three month period ended December 31, 2014 were as follows (in millions):
		December 31,		Business Acquisitions			Business Divestitures			Impairments			Currency Translation and Other			September 30,
		2013														2014
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and	$	1,228	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,227
	Service
	Global Workplace Solutions	256		—			(253		)	—			(3		)	—
	Asia	387		34			—			—			(7		)	414
	Other	1,004		837			—			(47		)	(6		)	1,788
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	2,678		—			—			—			(122		)	2,556
	Interiors	—		—			(12		)	—			12			—
	Power Solutions	1,164		4			—			—			(26		)	1,142
	Total	$	6,717	$	875		$	(265	)	$	(47	)	$	(153	)	$	7,127
		30-Sep-14		Business Acquisitions			Business Divestitures			Impairments			Currency Translation and Other			31-Dec-14
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and	$	1,227	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(1	)	$	1,226
	Service
	Asia	414		—			—			—			(10		)	404
	Other	1,788		5			—			—			(15		)	1,778
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	2,556		—			—			—			(74		)	2,482
	Interiors	—		9			(9		)	—			—			—
	Power Solutions	1,142		—			—			—			(22		)	1,120
	Total	$	7,127	$	14		$	(9	)	$	—		$	(122	)	$	7,010
Other Intangible Assets	The Company’s other intangible assets, primarily from business acquisitions valued based on independent appraisals, consisted of (in millions):
		December 31, 2014								September 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization						Carrying			Amortization					Carrying		Amortization
		Amount								Amount								Amount
	Amortized intangible assets
	Patented technology	$	85	$	(57	)	$	28		$	86		$	(56	)	$	30	$	91	$	(52	)	$	39
	Customer relationships	1,000		(172		)	828			1,017			(161		)	856		609		(149		)	460
	Miscellaneous	312		(113		)	199			312			(106		)	206		353		(99		)	254
	Total amortized intangible assets	1,397		(342		)	1,055			1,415			(323		)	1,092		1,053		(300		)	753
	Unamortized intangible assets
	Trademarks/trade names	545		—			545			547			—			547		317		—			317
	Total intangible assets	$	1,942	$	(342	)	$	1,600		$	1,962		$	(323	)	$	1,639	$	1,370	$	(300	)	$	1,070

Product_Warranties_Tables

Product Warranties (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Product Warranty Liability	The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s total product warranty liability, including extended warranties for which deferred revenue is recorded, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	319		$	256
	Accruals for warranties issued during the period	67			70
	Accruals related to pre-existing warranties (including changes in estimates)	1			1
	Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period	(69		)	(53		)
	Currency translation	(3		)	—
	Balance at end of period	$	315		$	274

Significant_Restructuring_Cost1

Significant Restructuring Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Changes in Company's Restructuring Reserve	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s restructuring reserve, included within other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
		Employee Severance and Termination Benefits			Other			Currency			Total
								Translation
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	415		$	5		$	(14	)	$	406
	Utilized—cash	(68		)	(1		)	—			(69		)
	Utilized—noncash	—			—			(11		)	(11		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	347		$	4		$	(25	)	$	326

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Jurisdictions and Years Currently under Audit Exam	Additionally, the Company is currently under exam in the following major foreign jurisdictions:
	Tax Jurisdiction	Tax Years Covered
	Belgium	2012
	Brazil	2004 - 2008, 2011 - 2012
	Canada	2007 - 2012
	France	2002 - 2013
	Germany	2001 - 2012
	Italy	2005 - 2009, 2011
	Korea	2008 - 2012
	Mexico	2003 - 2004, 2007 - 2013
	Poland	2012 - 2013
	Slovakia	2010 - 2013
	United Kingdom	2011 - 2012

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla1

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit costs from continuing operations associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are shown in the tables below in accordance with ASC 715, "Compensation – Retirement Benefits" (in millions):
		Pension Benefits
		U.S. Plans						Non-U.S. Plans
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		December 31,						December 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	8		$	18		$	9		$	10
	Interest cost	30			34			16			18
	Expected return on plan assets	(45		)	(51		)	(19		)	(19		)
	Curtailment gain	—			—			(13		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$	(7	)	$	1		$	(7	)	$	9
		Postretirement Benefits
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1		$	1
	Interest cost	2			3
	Expected return on plan assets	(3		)	(3		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	—			(2		)
	Net periodic benefit credit	$	—		$	(1	)

Debt_and_Financing_Arrangement1

Debt and Financing Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Financing Charges	The Company's net financing charges line item in the consolidated statements of income for the three month periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 contained the following components (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs	$	71		$	57
	Banking fees and bond cost amortization	6			4
	Interest income	(3		)	(3		)
	Net foreign exchange results for financing activities	(3		)	(3		)
	Net financing charges	$	71		$	55

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Income Available to Common Shareholders
	Income from continuing operations	$	507	$	451
	Income from discontinued operations	—		18
	Basic and diluted income available to common shareholders	$	507	$	469
	Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	661.4		674.1
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options and unvested restricted stock	6.6		8.1
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	668		682.2
	Antidilutive Securities
	Options to purchase common shares	0.2		0.2

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte1

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. and Noncontrolling Interests	The following schedules present changes in consolidated equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. and noncontrolling interests (in millions, net of tax):
		Three Months Ended December 31, 2014									Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
		Equity			Equity			Total Equity			Equity			Equity			Total Equity
		Attributable to			Attributable to						Attributable to			Attributable to
		Johnson			Noncontrolling						Johnson			Noncontrolling
		Controls, Inc.			Interests						Controls, Inc.			Interests
	Beginning balance, September 30	$	11,311		$	251		$	11,562		$	12,314		$	260		$	12,574
	Total comprehensive income:
	Net income	507			20			527			469			22			491
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(351		)	—			(351		)	(14		)	—			(14		)
	Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives	(10		)	—			(10		)	(1		)	—			(1		)
	Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	—			—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)
	Pension and postretirement plans	(3		)	—			(3		)	(1		)	—			(1		)
	Other comprehensive loss	(364		)	—			(364		)	(18		)	—			(18		)
	Comprehensive income	143			20			163			451			22			473
	Other changes in equity:
	Cash dividends—common stock	(172		)	—			(172		)	(147		)	—			(147		)
	Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			(8		)	(8		)	—			(21		)	(21		)
	Repurchases of common stock	(600		)	—			(600		)	(1,199		)	—			(1,199		)
	Other, including options exercised	141			—			141			112			—			112
	Ending balance, December 31	$	10,823		$	263		$	11,086		$	11,531		$	261		$	11,792
Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	The following schedules present changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance, September 30	$	194		$	157
	Net income	19			14
	Dividends	(4		)	(2		)
	Ending balance, December 31	$	209		$	169
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	The following schedules present changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. (in millions, net of tax):
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Foreign currency translation adjustments
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(248	)	$	392
	Aggregate adjustment for the period (net of tax effect of $2 and $6)	(351		)	(14		)
	Balance at end of period	(599		)	378
	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
	Balance at beginning of period	4			7
	Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $(5) and $0)	(9		)	—
	Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0) *	(1		)	(1		)
	Balance at end of period	(6		)	6
	Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable common stock
	Balance at beginning of period	—			7
	Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $0)	—			(1		)
	Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0) **	—			(1		)
	Balance at end of period	—			5
	Pension and postretirement plans
	Balance at beginning of period	7			12
	Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $(1)) ***	(3		)	(1		)
	Balance at end of period	4			11
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of period	$	(601	)	$	400
	* Refer to Note 15, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line items on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to derivatives.
	** Refer to Note 16, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line item on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to marketable common stock.
	*** Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Postretirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the components of the Company's net periodic benefit costs associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded in cost of sales on the consolidated statement of income.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Commodity Hedge Contracts	The Company had the following outstanding commodity hedge contracts that hedge forecasted purchases:
					Volume Outstanding as of
	Commodity		Units		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Copper		Pounds		11,070,000			9,536,000			12,070,000
	Lead		Metric Tons		10,125			5,200			7,500
	Aluminum		Metric Tons		890			—			1,693
	Tin		Metric Tons		1,485			2,070			1,504
Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	The following table presents the location and fair values of derivative instruments and hedging activities included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
		Derivatives and Hedging Activities Designated as												Derivatives and Hedging Activities Not Designated
		Hedging Instruments under ASC 815												as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
		2014				2014				2013				2014			2014			2013
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	38			$	21			$	21			$	28		$	13		$	14
	Commodity derivatives	—				—				5				—			—			—
	Interest rate swaps	—				—				1				—			—			—
	Cross-currency interest rate swaps	25				15				19				—			—			—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	2				2				4				—			—			—
	Equity swap	—				—				—				196			192			236
	Total assets	$	65			$	38			$	50			$	224		$	205		$	250
	Other current liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	49			$	22			$	24			$	24		$	11		$	12
	Commodity derivatives	7				3				1				—			—			—
	Current portion of long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	125				125				451				—			—			—
	Long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	1,651				1,649				928				—			—			—
	Other noncurrent liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	1				3				—				—			—			—
	Total liabilities	$	1,833			$	1,802			$	1,404			$	24		$	11		$	12
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	The gross and net amounts of derivative assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
		Fair Value of Assets												Fair Value of Liabilities
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
		2014				2014				2013				2014			2014			2013
	Gross amount recognized	$	289			$	243			$	300			$	1,857		$	1,813		$	1,416
	Gross amount eligible for offsetting	(21		)		(11		)		(9		)		(21		)	(11		)	(9		)
	Net amount	$	268			$	232			$	291			$	1,836		$	1,802		$	1,407
Location and Amount of Gains and Losses Gross of Tax on Derivative Instruments and Related Hedge Items	The following tables present the location and amount of the effective portion of gains and losses gross of tax on derivative instruments and related hedge items reclassified from AOCI into the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and amounts recorded in AOCI net of tax in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
					Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income		Three Months Ended December 31,
					2014				2013
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives		Cost of sales		$	1			$	2
	Commodity derivatives		Cost of sales		—				(1		)
	Total				$	1			$	1
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative
			December 31, 2014				September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives		$	(7	)		$	—			$	(4	)
	Commodity derivatives		(5		)		(2		)		3
	Forward treasury locks		6				6				7
	Total		$	(6	)		$	4			$	6
					Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
	Derivatives in ASC 815 Fair Value Hedging Relationships		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Three Months Ended December 31,
					2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps		Net financing charges		$	2			$	—
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating		Net financing charges		(2		)		—
	Total				$	—			$	—
					Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative		Three Months Ended December 31,
					2014				2013
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives		Cost of sales		$	(2	)		$	(1	)
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives		Net financing charges		(2		)		3
	Equity swap		Selling, general and administrative		19				44
	Total				$	15			$	46

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in millions):
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total as of		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		31-Dec-14		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	66	$	—	$	66	$	—
	Cross-currency interest rate swap	25		—		25		—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	2		—		2		—
	Investments in marketable common stock	4		4		—		—
	Equity swap	196		196		—		—
	Total assets	$	293	$	200	$	93	$	—
	Other current liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	73	$	—	$	73	$	—
	Commodity derivatives	7		—		7		—
	Current portion of long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	125		—		125		—
	Long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	1,651		—		1,651		—
	Other noncurrent liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	1		—		1		—
	Total liabilities	$	1,857	$	—	$	1,857	$	—
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total as of		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		30-Sep-14		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	34	$	—	$	34	$	—
	Cross-currency interest rate swaps	15		—		15		—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	2		—		2		—
	Investments in marketable common stock	4		4		—		—
	Equity swap	192		192		—		—
	Total assets	$	247	$	196	$	51	$	—
	Other current liabilities
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	33	$	—	$	33	$	—
	Commodity derivatives	3		—		3		—
	Current portion of long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	125		—		125		—
	Long-term debt
	Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	1,649		—		1,649		—
	Other noncurrent liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	3		—		3		—
	Total liabilities	$	1,813	$	—	$	1,813	$	—
		Fair Value Measurements Using:
		Total as of		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		31-Dec-13		in Active		Other		Unobservable
				Markets		Observable		Inputs
				(Level 1)		Inputs		(Level 3)
						(Level 2)
	Other current assets
	Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	35	$	—	$	35	$	—
	Commodity derivatives	5		—		5		—
	Interest rate swaps	1		—		1		—
	Cross-currency interest rate swap	19		—		19		—
	Other noncurrent assets
	Interest rate swaps	4		—		4		—
	Investments in marketable common stock	25		25		—		—
	Equity swap	236		236		—		—
Total assets	$	325	$	261	$	64	$	—
Other current liabilities
Foreign currency exchange derivatives	$	36	$	—	$	36	$	—
Commodity derivatives	1		—		1		—
Current portion of long-term debt
Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	451		—		451		—
Long-term debt
Fixed rate debt swapped to floating	928		—		928		—
Total liabilities	$	1,416	$	—	$	1,416	$	—

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Financial Information Related to Company's Reportable Segments	Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):
		Net Sales
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and Service	$	1,017		$	991
	Global Workplace Solutions	1,042			1,077
	Asia	494			510
	Other	986			803
		3,539			3,381
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	4,135			4,279
	Interiors	1,148			1,142
		5,283			5,421
	Power Solutions	1,844			1,772
	Total net sales	$	10,666		$	10,574
		Segment Income (Loss)
		Three Months Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Building Efficiency
	North America Systems and Service	$	81		$	67
	Global Workplace Solutions	26			18
	Asia	71			76
	Other	9			(15		)
		187			146
	Automotive Experience
	Seating	208			175
	Interiors	35			22
		243			197
	Power Solutions	318			307
	Total segment income	$	748		$	650
	Net financing charges	(71		)	(55		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	677		$	595

Financial_Statements_Additiona

Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	InterestInvestment	Entity	Entity	Entity
	Entity
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Number of VIEs where Company is Primary Beneficiary		3	3	3
Interest percentage minimum for investments in partially-owned affiliates to be accounted for by the equity method		20.00%
Number of separate investments a pre-existing VIE was reorganized into	3
Additional interests acquired	2
Third party debt agreement		$166
Loans to partially-owned affiliates		57
Floor guarantee		25
Number of VIEs in which Company was not primary beneficiary	2
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		8	4	24
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Investment balance of the Company's nonconsolidated VIEs		$60	$59	$57
Automotive Experience
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Number of VIEs where Company is Primary Beneficiary		2
Power Solutions
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Number of VIEs where Company is Primary Beneficiary		1

Financial_Statements_Carrying_

Financial Statements - Carrying Amounts and Classification of Assets and Liabilities for Consolidated VIEs (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Current assets	$12,381	$13,107	$12,726
Current liabilities	11,387	11,694	11,803
Noncurrent liabilities	9,025	9,354	7,068
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Current assets	184	218	212
Noncurrent assets	136	138	140
Total assets	320	356	352
Current liabilities	155	189	171
Noncurrent liabilities	36	37	39
Total liabilities	$191	$226	$210

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
		Acquisition
Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash paid for business acquisition	$13	$128
Goodwill recorded in connection with business acquisitions	14		875
Aggregate non-cash gain recorded due to acquisition	0	19
Number of divestitures		1
Sales price of divestiture	0	13
Gain (loss) on business divestitures - net		9
Reduction in goodwill related to business divestitures	9	0	265
Individually Immaterial Acquisitions
Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions	2	2
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	38	128
Cash paid for business acquisition	9
Goodwill recorded in connection with business acquisitions	9	102
Adjustment to purchase price of previous acquisition	4
Goodwill adjustment related to previous acquisition	5	2
Number of acquisitions which increased Company's ownership from noncontrolling to controlling interest		1
Aggregate non-cash gain recorded due to acquisition		19
Subsequent Event
Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sales price of divestiture				$200

Discontinued_Operations_Discon

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Net Sales		$334
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		36
Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations		15
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax		3
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$0	$18

Discontinued_Operations_Discon1

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations - Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$19	$20
Accounts receivable - net	1,265	1,319
Inventories	220	218
Other current assets	234	231
Property, plant and equipment - net	593	530
Goodwill	266	265
Other intangible assets - net	38	39
Investments in partially-owned affiliates	71	83
Other noncurrent assets	90	82
Assets held for sale	2,796	2,787
Short-term debt	6	3
Accounts payable	1,169	1,246
Accrued compensation and benefits	118	152
Other current liabilities	413	400
Liabilities held for sale	1,706	1,801
Electronics and Headliner & Sun Visor
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents			5
Accounts receivable - net			173
Inventories			134
Other current assets			62
Property, plant and equipment - net			167
Goodwill			74
Other intangible assets - net			60
Investments in partially-owned affiliates			31
Other noncurrent assets			71
Assets held for sale			777
Short-term debt			7
Accounts payable			227
Accrued compensation and benefits			32
Other current liabilities			41
Pension and postretirement benefits			11
Other noncurrent liabilities			3
Liabilities held for sale			$321

Discontinued_Operations_Discon2

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations - Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale, Specific Transactions (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale, Specific Transactions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$19	$20
Accounts receivable - net	1,265	1,319
Inventories	220	218
Other current assets	234	231
Property, plant and equipment - net	593	530
Goodwill	266	265
Other intangible assets - net	38	39
Investments in partially-owned affiliates	71	83
Other noncurrent assets	90	82
Assets held for sale	2,796	2,787
Short-term debt	6	3
Accounts payable	1,169	1,246
Accrued compensation and benefits	118	152
Other current liabilities	413	400
Liabilities held for sale	1,706	1,801
Interiors
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale, Specific Transactions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Accounts receivable - net	509	596
Inventories	214	209
Other current assets	177	174
Property, plant and equipment - net	555	496
Goodwill	21	12
Other intangible assets - net	4	4
Investments in partially-owned affiliates	71	83
Other noncurrent assets	33	35
Assets held for sale	1,584	1,609
Short-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	555	655
Accrued compensation and benefits	16	24
Other current liabilities	160	154
Liabilities held for sale	731	833
Global Workplace Solutions
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale, Specific Transactions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	19	20
Accounts receivable - net	756	723
Inventories	6	9
Other current assets	57	57
Property, plant and equipment - net	38	34
Goodwill	245	253
Other intangible assets - net	34	35
Investments in partially-owned affiliates	0	0
Other noncurrent assets	57	47
Assets held for sale	1,212	1,178
Short-term debt	6	3
Accounts payable	614	591
Accrued compensation and benefits	102	128
Other current liabilities	253	246
Liabilities held for sale	$975	$968

Discontinued_Operations_Discon3

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%

PercentageofCompletion_Contrac1

Percentage-of-Completion Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Percentage Of Completion Contracts Additional Information [Abstract]
Costs and earnings in excess of billings related to contracts	$498	$507	$486
Billing in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts	$339	$363	$302

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$1,096	$1,129	$1,112
Work-in-process	382	398	402
Finished goods	961	950	938
Inventories	$2,439	$2,477	$2,452

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$7,127		$6,717
Business Acquisitions	14		875
Business Divestitures	-9	0	-265
Impairments	0		-47
Currency Translation and Other	-122		-153
Ending Balance	7,010	6,717	7,127
Power Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,142		1,164
Business Acquisitions	0		4
Business Divestitures	0		0
Impairments	0		0
Currency Translation and Other	-22		-26
Ending Balance	1,120		1,142
North America Systems and Service | Building Efficiency
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,227		1,228
Business Acquisitions	0		0
Business Divestitures	0		0
Impairments	0		0
Currency Translation and Other	-1		-1
Ending Balance	1,226		1,227
Global Workplace Solutions | Building Efficiency
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			256
Business Acquisitions			0
Business Divestitures			-253
Impairments			0
Currency Translation and Other			-3
Building Efficiency Asia | Building Efficiency
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	414		387
Business Acquisitions	0		34
Business Divestitures	0		0
Impairments	0		0
Currency Translation and Other	-10		-7
Ending Balance	404		414
Building Efficiency Other | Building Efficiency
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,788		1,004
Business Acquisitions	5		837
Business Divestitures	0		0
Impairments	0		-47
Currency Translation and Other	-15		-6
Ending Balance	1,778		1,788
Seating | Automotive Experience
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,556		2,678
Business Acquisitions	0		0
Business Divestitures	0		0
Impairments	0		0
Currency Translation and Other	-74		-122
Ending Balance	2,482		2,556
Interiors | Automotive Experience
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0		0
Business Acquisitions	9		0
Business Divestitures	-9		-12
Impairments	0		0
Currency Translation and Other	0		12
Ending Balance	$0		$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill held for sale	$9	$0	$265
Goodwill impairment loss	0		47
Goodwill	7,010	6,717	7,127
Building Efficiency | Global Workplace Solutions
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill held for sale			253
Goodwill impairment loss			0
Goodwill		256
Building Efficiency | Building Efficiency Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill held for sale	0		0
Goodwill impairment loss	0		47
Goodwill	1,778	1,004	1,788
Automotive Experience | Interiors
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated goodwill impairment				430
Goodwill held for sale	9		12
Goodwill impairment loss	0		0
Goodwill	0	0	0
Latin America [Member] | Building Efficiency | Building Efficiency Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			0
Middle East [Member] | Building Efficiency | Building Efficiency Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount			9.00%
Goodwill			$85

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount, total intangible assets	$1,942	$1,962	$1,370
Net, Total Intangible Assets	1,600	1,639	1,070
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,397	1,415	1,053
Accumulated Amortization	-342	-323	-300
Net, Total Amortized Intangible Assets	1,055	1,092	753
Patented Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	85	86	91
Accumulated Amortization	-57	-56	-52
Net, Total Amortized Intangible Assets	28	30	39
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,000	1,017	609
Accumulated Amortization	-172	-161	-149
Net, Total Amortized Intangible Assets	828	856	460
Miscellaneous
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	312	312	353
Accumulated Amortization	-113	-106	-99
Net, Total Amortized Intangible Assets	199	206	254
Trademarks
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Carrying Amount, Gross and Net	$545	$547	$317

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$24	$20
Future amortization expense, 2016	89
Future amortization expense, 2017	86
Future amortization expense, 2018	83
Future amortization expense, 2019	76
Future amortization expense, 2020	$69

Product_Warranties_Additional_

Product Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Maximum length, in years, of a product warranty for it to be recorded in other current liabilities	1 year
Minimum length, in years, of a product warranty for it to be recorded in other noncurrent liabilities	1 year

Product_Warranties_Changes_in_

Product Warranties - Changes in Carrying Amount of Product Warranty liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$319	$256
Accruals for warranties issued during the period	67	70
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties (including changes in estimates)	1	1
Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period	-69	-53
Currency translation	-3	0
Balance at end of period	$315	$274

Significant_Restructuring_Cost2

Significant Restructuring Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	Employees
	Plant
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of employees to be severed	20,600
Number of employees severed	14,800
Plants to be closed	28
Plants closed	16
Automotive Experience
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of employees to be severed	11,000
Plants to be closed	19
Power Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of employees to be severed	1,100
Plants to be closed	2
Building Efficiency
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of employees to be severed	8,500
Plants to be closed	7
Continuing Operations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs		$324	$957	$287
Electronics | Discontinued Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment costs		$53	$28	$10

Significant_Restructuring_Cost3

Significant Restructuring Costs - Changes in Company's Restructuring Reserve (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$406
Utilized-cash	-69
Utilized-noncash	-11
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	326
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	415
Utilized-cash	-68
Utilized-noncash	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	347
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	5
Utilized-cash	-1
Utilized-noncash	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	4
Currency Translation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	-14
Utilized-cash	0
Utilized-noncash	-11
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	($25)

Income_Taxes_Tax_Jurisdictions

Income Taxes - Tax Jurisdictions and Years Currently under Audit Exam (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
United States | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2010
Tax years currently under appeal	2007
United States | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Tax years currently under appeal	2009
Belgium
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Canada | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2007
Canada | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
France | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2002
France | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2013
Germany | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2001
Germany | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Korea | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2008
Korea | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Poland | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Poland | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2013
Slovakia | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2010
Slovakia | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2013
United Kingdom | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2011
United Kingdom | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Examination Period One | Brazil | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2004
Examination Period One | Brazil | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2008
Examination Period One | Italy | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2005
Examination Period One | Italy | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2009
Examination Period One | Mexico | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2003
Examination Period One | Mexico | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2004
Examination Period Two | Brazil | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2011
Examination Period Two | Brazil | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2012
Examination Period Two | Italy
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2011
Examination Period Two | Mexico | Earliest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2007
Examination Period Two | Mexico | Latest tax year under exam
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years currently under audit exam	2013

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes, Additional Information [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	19.00%	19.00%
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%
Valuation allowance adjustment		$21
Gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits				1,655
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits which may impact effective tax rate				1,505
Total net accrued interest, net of tax benefit				106
Mexican tax issue benefit		25
Estimated future impact
Income Taxes, Additional Information [Line Items]
Number of months for conclusion of tax exam, appeal or litigation			12 months
Estimated impact to tax expense			($50)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla2

Pension and Postretirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$8	$18
Interest cost	30	34
Expected return on plan assets	-45	-51
Curtailment gain	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	-7	1
Non-U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	9	10
Interest cost	16	18
Expected return on plan assets	-19	-19
Curtailment gain	-13	0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	-7	9
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1	1
Interest cost	2	3
Expected return on plan assets	-3	-3
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	-2
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$0	($1)

Debt_and_Financing_Arrangement2

Debt and Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	$35M revolving credit facility	$100M revolving credit facility	$50M revolving credit facility	$500M floating rate term loan, maturing Sep 2015	$100M floating rate term loan, maturing Sep 2015	220M EUR floating rate credit facility	$500M floating rate term loan, maturing Sep 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, expired	$35	$100
Credit facility	35	100				220
Credit facility, amount drawn	0	0				220
Credit facility, terminated			50
Floating rate term loan				$500	$100		$500
Debt Instrument, Term				9 months	9 months	5 years	9 months

Debt_and_Financing_Arrangement3

Debt and Financing Arrangements - Components of Net Financing Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs	$71	$57
Banking fees and bond cost amortization	6	4
Interest income	-3	-3
Net foreign exchange results for financing activities	-3	-3
Net financing charges	$71	$55

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share - Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$507	$451
Income from discontinued operations	0	18
Basic and diluted income available to common shareholders	$507	$469
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	661.4	674.1
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and unvested restricted stock	6.6	8.1
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	668	682.2
Antidilutive Securities
Options to purchase common shares	0.2	0.2

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Dividend declared	$0.26	$0.22

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte2

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. and Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$11,311
Beginning balance	251
Beginning balance	11,562
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	507	469
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-351	-14
Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives	-10	-1
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	0	-2
Pension and postretirement plans	-3	-1
Other comprehensive loss	-364	-18
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	143	451
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	39	33
Total comprehensive income	182	484
Ending balance	10,823	11,531
Ending balance	263	261
Ending balance	11,086	11,792
Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	11,311	12,314
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	507	469
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-351	-14
Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives	-10	-1
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	0	-2
Pension and postretirement plans	-3	-1
Other comprehensive loss	-364	-18
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.	143	451
Cash dividends - common stock	-172	-147
Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	-600	-1,199
Other, including options exercised	141	112
Ending balance	10,823	11,531
Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	251	260
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	20	22
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Realized and unrealized gains on derivatives	0	0
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	0	0
Pension and postretirement plans	0	0
Other comprehensive loss	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	20	22
Cash dividends - common stock	0	0
Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	-8	-21
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Other, including options exercised	0	0
Ending balance	263	261
Total Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	11,562	12,574
Net income	527	491
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-351	-14
Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives	-10	-1
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock	0	-2
Pension and postretirement plans	-3	-1
Other comprehensive loss	-364	-18
Total comprehensive income	163	473
Cash dividends - common stock	-172	-147
Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests	-8	-21
Repurchases of common stock	-600	-1,199
Other, including options exercised	141	112
Ending balance	$11,086	$11,792

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte3

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$3,650,000,000
Stock repurchases	600,000,000	1,199,000,000
Authorization in November 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$3,000,000,000

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte4

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Changes in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$194	$157
Net income	19	14
Dividends	4	2
Ending balance	$209	$169

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte5

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($601,000,000)		$400,000,000		($237,000,000)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Current period changes in fair value	-10,000,000		-1,000,000
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Balance at beginning of period	-248,000,000		392,000,000
Aggregate adjustment for the period	-351,000,000		-14,000,000
Balance at end of period	-599,000,000		378,000,000
Aggregate adjustment for the period, tax	2,000,000		6,000,000
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Balance at beginning of period	4,000,000		7,000,000
Current period changes in fair value	-9,000,000		0
Reclassification to income	-1,000,000	[1]	-1,000,000	[1]
Balance at end of period	-6,000,000		6,000,000
Current period changes in fair value, derivatives, tax	-5,000,000		0
Reclassification to income, derivatives, tax	0	[1]	0	[1]
Unrealized Gain Loss On Marketable Common Stock [Member]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable common stock
Balance at beginning of period	0		7,000,000
Current period changes in fair value	0		-1,000,000
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax	0		-1,000,000
Balance at end of period	0		5,000,000
Current period changes in fair value, marketable common stock, tax	0		0
Reclassification to income, marketable common stock, tax	0	[2]	0	[2]
Pension And Postretirement Plans
Pension and postretirement plans
Balance at beginning of period	7,000,000		12,000,000
Reclassification to income	-3,000,000	[3]	-1,000,000	[3]
Balance at end of period	4,000,000		11,000,000
Reclassification to income, pension and postretirement, tax	-1,000,000	[3]	-1,000,000	[3]
Other changes, pension and postretirement, tax	$0		$0
[1]	Refer to Note 15, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line items on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to derivatives
[2]	Refer to Note 16, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line item on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to marketable common stock.
[3]	Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Postretirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the components of the Company's net periodic benefit costs associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded in cost of sales on the consolidated statement of income.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Outstanding commodity hedge contracts (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	T	T	lb
	lb	lb	T
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Pounds of Copper	11,070,000	9,536,000	12,070,000
Metric Tons of Lead	10,125	5,200	7,500
Metric Tons of Aluminum	890	0	1,693
Metric Tons of Tin	1,485	2,070	1,504

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Location and Fair Values of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$289	$243	$300
Derivative liabilities	1,857	1,813	1,416
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	65	38	50
Derivative liabilities	1,833	1,802	1,404
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	38	21	21
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Commodity Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	5
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	1
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	25	15	19
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Noncurrent Assets | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	2	2	4
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Noncurrent Assets | Equity swap
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Liabilities | Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	49	22	24
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Liabilities | Commodity Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	7	3	1
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	125	125	451
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Long-Term Debt | Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	1,651	1,649	928
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	1	3	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	224	205	250
Derivative liabilities	24	11	12
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	28	13	14
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Commodity Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Assets | Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Noncurrent Assets | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Noncurrent Assets | Equity swap
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative assets	196	192	236
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Liabilities | Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	24	11	12
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Current Liabilities | Commodity Derivatives
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Long-Term Debt | Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	0	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	$0	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amount recognized, derivative assets	$289	$243	$300
Gross amount recognized, derivative liabilities	1,857	1,813	1,416
Gross amount eligible for offsetting, derivative assets	-21	-11	-9
Gross amount eligible for offsetting, derivative liabilities	-21	-11	-9
Net derivative amount, derivative assets	268	232	291
Net derivative amount, derivative liabilities	$1,836	$1,802	$1,407

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Location and Amount of Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments and Related Hedge Items (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Derivative not Recognized as Hedge	$15	$46
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Derivative not Recognized as Hedge	-2	-1
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Net Financing Charges
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Derivative not Recognized as Hedge	-2	3
Equity swap | Selling, General And Administrative
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Derivative not Recognized as Hedge	19	44
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	1	1
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative	-6	6	4
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative	-7	-4	0
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Cost of Sales
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	1	2
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity Derivatives
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative	-5	3	-2
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity Derivatives | Cost of Sales
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	0	-1
Cash Flow Hedging | Forward Treasury Locks
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative	6	7	6
Fair Value Hedging
Fair Value Hedge [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Fair Value Hedge	0	0
Fair Value Hedging | Interest Rate Swaps | Net Financing Charges
Fair Value Hedge [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Fair Value Hedge	2	0
Fair Value Hedging | Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Net Financing Charges
Fair Value Hedge [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Fair Value Hedge	($2)	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed6

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Swap	Swap	Swap	Swap	Swap	Swap
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held	13	13	10
1.75% due 2014 | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item				$450
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				1.75%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held				5
7.7% due 2015 | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item					125
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					7.70%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held					1
5.5% due 2016 | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item					800
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					5.50%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held					4
2.6% due 2017 | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item						400
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						2.60%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held						4
1.4% due 2018 | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item						300
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						1.40%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held						3
7.125% due 2017 | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item						$150
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						7.13%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held						1

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed7

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2005

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

Agreement

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Common stock shares

Common stock shares

Common stock shares

Swap

Swap

Agreement

Swap

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Swap

Swap

Swap

Derivative [Line Items]

Hedge percentage for foreign exchange transactional exposures, Minimum

70.00%

Hedge percentage for foreign exchange transactional exposures, Maximum

90.00%

Cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding

¥ 20,000,000,000

¥ 20,000,000,000

¥ 20,000,000,000

¥ 20,000,000,000

Types Of Notes Forward Treasury Lock Agreements Fixed Portion Of Future Interest Cost

5-year, 10-year and 30-year bonds

Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item

4,100,000

4,400,000

4,600,000

Number of fixed to floating interest rate swaps outstanding

13

10

13

4

4

4

Number of forward treasury lock agreements

3

Notional amount of forward treasury lock agreements, total

1,300,000,000

Number of forward treasury lock agreements terminated

3

Amount of gains (losses) recognized in CTA on the effective portion of outstanding net investment hedges

15,000,000

11,000,000

9,000,000

Gains (losses) reclassified from CTA to income for the Company's outstanding net investment hedges

0

0

Gains (losses) recognized in income for the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges

0

0

Increase (Decrease) in Cash Collateral for Loaned Securities

$0

$0

$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$293	$247	$325
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,857	1,813	1,416
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	200	196	261
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	93	51	64
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,857	1,813	1,416
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	66	34	35
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	66	34	35
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	73	33	36
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	73	33	36
Foreign Currency Exchange Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			5
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			0
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			5
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			0
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7	3	1
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7	3	1
Commodity Derivatives | Other Current Liabilities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			1
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			0
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			1
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			0
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2	2	4
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2	2	4
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1	3
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1	3
Interest Rate Swaps | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Equity swap | Other Noncurrent Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	196	192	236
Equity swap | Other Noncurrent Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	196	192	236
Equity swap | Other Noncurrent Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Equity swap | Other Noncurrent Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	25	15	19
Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	25	15	19
Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps | Other Current Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	125	125	451
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	125	125	451
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Long-Term Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,651	1,649	928
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Long-Term Debt | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Long-Term Debt | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,651	1,649	928
Fixed Rate Debt Swapped to Floating | Long-Term Debt | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Common stock shares | Other Noncurrent Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	4	4	25
Common stock shares | Other Noncurrent Assets | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	4	4	25
Common stock shares | Other Noncurrent Assets | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0	0
Common stock shares | Other Noncurrent Assets | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$0	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

Unrealized Gains

Unrealized Gains

Unrealized Losses

Unrealized Losses

Unrealized Losses

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Swap

Swap

Swap

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

Swap

Swap

Swap

Derivative [Line Items]

Cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding

¥ 20,000,000,000

¥ 20,000,000,000

¥ 20,000,000,000

¥ 20,000,000,000

Number Of Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps Outstanding

4

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable common stock

0

5,000,000

0

0

0

Fair value of long term debt

6,000,000,000

6,900,000,000

6,800,000,000

Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held

10

13

13

4

4

4

Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity

3,000,000

Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains

$1,000,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements - Fixed Rate Bonds (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Swap	Swap	Swap	Swap	Swap	Swap
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held	13	13	10
1.75% due 2014 | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item				$450
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				1.75%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held				5
7.7% due 2015 | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item					125
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					7.70%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held					1
5.5% due 2016 | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item					800
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					5.50%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held					4
2.6% due 2017 | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item						400
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						2.60%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held						4
1.4% due 2018 | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item						300
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						1.40%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held						3
7.125% due 2017 | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Fixed Rate Bonds [Line Items]
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item						$150
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						7.13%
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held						1

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
	Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of primary businesses	3
Number of reportable segments	7

Segment_Information_Financial_

Segment Information - Financial Information Related to Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$10,666	$10,574
Segment Income	748	650
Net financing charges	-71	-55
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	677	595
Building Efficiency
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,539	3,381
Segment Income	187	146
Building Efficiency | North America Systems and Service
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,017	991
Segment Income	81	67
Building Efficiency | Global Workplace Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,042	1,077
Segment Income	26	18
Building Efficiency | Building Efficiency Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	494	510
Segment Income	71	76
Building Efficiency | Building Efficiency Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	986	803
Segment Income	9	-15
Automotive Experience
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,283	5,421
Segment Income	243	197
Automotive Experience | Seating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4,135	4,279
Segment Income	208	175
Automotive Experience | Interiors
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,148	1,142
Segment Income	35	22
Power Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,844	1,772
Segment Income	$318	$307

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserves for environmental liabilities	$23	$24	$24
Conditional asset retirement obligations	$53	$52	$59