Acquisition Pro Forma Information for Crossing Acquisition (Detail) (Crossing Automation Inc, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Crossing Automation Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 116,618	$ 151,774	$ 216,737	$ 284,898
Net income attributable to Brooks Automation, Inc.	$ (465)	$ 9,150	$ (10,775)	$ 11,960

The pro forma net Income or Loss for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration