Restructuring and Other Charges Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 769,000		$ 5,439,000
Brooks Product Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	100,000		2,600,000
Number of positions eliminated	13		141
Brooks Product Solutions | Crossing Automation Inc
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated			30
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	200,000		700,000
Number of positions eliminated	8		19
Brooks Life Science Systems
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	100,000		300,000
Number of positions eliminated			6
Brooks Global Services
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost			1,100,000
Number of positions eliminated			18
Polycold Manufacturing Operation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost			600,000
Expected severance cost	300,000		1,300,000
Nexus Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated amortization of prior pension losses			100,000
Workforce-related
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	657,000	42,000	4,749,000	245,000
Facilities and Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 112,000		$ 690,000