v2.4.0.8

Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 24, 2011
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Contributions made by company	$ 13.4	$ 9.4	$ 6.4

X

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration