Components of Goodwill by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Brooks Product Solutions	Dec. 31, 2012 Brooks Global Services	Dec. 31, 2012 Brooks Life Science Systems	Sep. 30, 2012 Brooks Life Science Systems	Dec. 31, 2012 Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross goodwill at beginning of period	$ 703,398	$ 485,844	$ 151,238	$ 40,302		$ 26,014
Less: aggregate impairment charges recorded	(614,958)	(437,706)	(151,238)			(26,014)
Goodwill, less accumulated impairments at beginning of period	88,440	48,138		40,302	40,302
Acquisitions and adjustments during the period	25,603	20,228	5,375
Goodwill, less accumulated impairments at end of period	$ 114,043	$ 68,366	$ 5,375	$ 40,302	$ 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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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details