v2.4.0.6

Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Fair Value of Recurring Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), Consisting of Contingent Consideration Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 30, 2013 | Mar. 24, 2012 | Mar. 30, 2013 | Mar. 24, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | $ 93,000 | $ 104,807 | $ 86,368 | $ 103,790
Fair value adjustments | 799 | 43,188 | 10,839 | 48,310
Payments made | (90,172) | (51,783) | (93,580) | (55,888)
Balance at end of period | $ 3,627 | $ 96,212 | $ 3,627 | $ 96,212

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- Definition Payment of contingent consideration liabilities recorded at fair value. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | holx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition This element represents the amount of any change, including any differences arising upon settlement, recognized during the reporting period in the value of a liability, arising from an item of contingent consideration, assumed in a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 72 -Subparagraph b -Clause 1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
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- Definition This element represents a liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant