Components of Goodwill by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 Brooks Product Solutions	Sep. 30, 2011 Brooks Product Solutions	Sep. 30, 2011 Brooks Global Services	Mar. 31, 2012 Brooks Life Science Systems	Sep. 30, 2011 Contract Manufacturing	Sep. 30, 2011 Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross goodwill at beginning of period	$ 699,685		$ 485,844	$ 151,238	$ 36,589	$ 18,593	$ 7,421
Less: aggregate impairment charges recorded	(614,958)		(437,706)	(151,238)		(18,593)	(7,421)
Goodwill, less accumulated impairments at beginning of period	84,727	48,138	48,138		36,589
Acquisitions and adjustments during the six months ended March 31, 2012	3,713				3,713
Goodwill, less accumulated impairments at end of period	$ 88,440	$ 48,138	$ 48,138		$ 40,302

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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