v2.4.0.6

Product Warranties - Product Warranty (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 6 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 30, 2013 | Mar. 24, 2012
Product Warranty Activity [Abstract] |  |
Balance at Beginning of Period | $ 6,179 | $ 4,448
Provisions | 5,328 | 3,738
Settlements/Adjustments | (4,965) | (3,341)
Balance at End of Period | $ 6,542 | $ 4,845

X
- Details
Name: | holx_ProductWarrantyActivityAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | holx_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for estimated claims under standard and extended warranty protection rights granted to customers. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph ((c)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.15(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph 5 -Article 9 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9, 10 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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
Name: | us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability related to payments to satisfy claims for standard and extended product warranties. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph ((c)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPayments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to standard and extended product warranties issued during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph ((c)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration