v2.4.0.8

Litigation and Other Matters - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2013	Sep. 04, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Assessed damages		$ 4.0
Additional Payment	$ 14.7

X

- Definition

Amount assessed in damages.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	holx_AmountAssessedInDamages
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Loss Contingency Damages Sought Related To Additional Contingent Consideration Under Merger And Acquisition Agreement

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	holx_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtRelatedToAdditionalContingentConsiderationUnderMergerAndAcquisitionAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration