Joint Ventures Summarized Condensed Financial Information for Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Detail) (Yaskawa Brooks 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
Yaskawa Brooks Automation, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 13,908	$ 22,538	$ 26,947	$ 46,261
Gross profit	1,671	1,896	3,495	4,246
Net income	$ (21)	$ (236)	$ (116)	$ (148)

The amount of gross profit (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

+ Details