Business Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jun. 23, 2012	Jun. 25, 2011	Jun. 23, 2012	Jun. 25, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments			4
Total revenue from international locations	$ 125.1	$ 104.5	$ 359.1	$ 298.7

The number of reportable operating segments identified as components of an enterprise about which separate, discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker in making decisions how to allocate resources and assess performance.

No definition available.

Name:	holx_NumberOfReportingSegments
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration