Executive Departure - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012
Acceleration of certain retention payments	$ 6.5

Amount of compensation expense the Company will recognize from the acceleration of bonuses and equity awards pursuant to the terms of an employment and/or separation agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	holx_AcceleratedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant