Assets held for sale goodwill.

No definition available.

Name:	holx_AssetsHeldForSaleGoodwill
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Assets held for sale inventory and equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	holx_AssetsHeldForSaleInventoryAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Assets held for sale sales value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	holx_AssetsHeldForSaleSalesValue
Namespace Prefix:	holx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Charges related to outstanding contractual purchase obligation for raw materials and inventory components that will not be utilized, and other contractual obligations.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Employee retention program accelerated bonus charge.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Impairment charges related to inventory.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Charges related to manufacturing equipment and/or equipment located at customer sites that is impaired, and is written down to its fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Other restructuring charges.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Restructuring charges and associated cost.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Restructuring charges, disposition of assets held for sale.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Restructuring charges included in cost of sales.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 14.F)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27013229&loc=d3e301413-122809

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (h)(1)(i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

-Section F

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Includes, but is not limited to, one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, and relocating employees, and termination benefits associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement. Excludes expenses associated with special or contractual termination benefits, a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessExitCosts1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of an organization or integrated set of activities (for example, but not limited to, a partnership or corporation) engaged in providing a product or service in a commercial, industrial, or professional environment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2420-110228

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 958

-SubTopic 225

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28367520&loc=d3e92212-112881

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Impairment

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515133

+ Details

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

- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long-lived assets held for abandonment, exchange or sale.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount expected to be recognized in earnings for the specified restructuring cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of expected cost remaining for the specified restructuring cost.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCostRemaining1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The expected number of positions to be eliminated as a result of restructuring activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedNumberOfPositionsEliminated
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Details

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

- Definition

Amount of expenses for special or contractual termination benefits provided to current employees involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to one-time termination benefits, a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Restructuring and Divestiture Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended									3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012 Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Restructuring Charges [Member]	Mar. 24, 2012 Adiana Permanent Contraception System [Member]	Mar. 24, 2012 Adiana Permanent Contraception System [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Adiana Permanent Contraception System [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Adiana Permanent Contraception System [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Mar. 30, 2013 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member]	Sep. 27, 2014 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Molecular Diagnostics Operations [Member]	Sep. 27, 2014 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Molecular Diagnostics Operations [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Molecular Diagnostics Operations [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Consolidation of Diagnostics Operations [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 27, 2014 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Indiana [Member ]	Sep. 29, 2012 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Indiana [Member ]	Dec. 28, 2013 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 27, 2014 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Closure of Indianapolis Facility [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Dec. 28, 2013 Fiscal 2014 Actions [Member]	Sep. 27, 2014 Fiscal 2014 Actions [Member]	Dec. 28, 2013 Fiscal 2014 Actions [Member] Jack Cumming [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Fiscal 2014 Actions [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Fiscal 2014 Actions [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 Fiscal 2013 Actions [Member]	Jun. 29, 2013 Fiscal 2013 Actions [Member]	Sep. 27, 2014 Fiscal 2013 Actions [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Fiscal 2013 Actions [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Fiscal 2013 Actions [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Dec. 28, 2013 Other Operating Cost Reductions [Member] employee	Sep. 27, 2014 Other Operating Cost Reductions [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Other Operating Cost Reductions [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Fiscal 2012 Charges [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Other Operating Cost Reductions [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member]	Sep. 28, 2013 One-time Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and divestiture charges	$ 15,100,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 11,600,000	$ 18,400,000	$ 9,700,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 12,500,000	$ 51,700,000	$ 32,800,000	$ 17,500,000	$ 36,500,000			$ 18,300,000	$ 19,500,000										$ 14,800,000									$ 1,800,000					$ 0					$ 0				$ 400,000
Severance charges										100,000								0		900,000	3,000,000	3,200,000	10,800,000	13,300,000			5,900,000				200,000	4,800,000	900,000			6,300,000	16,600,000	6,600,000			6,800,000	4,600,000	900,000				8,700,000			1,100,000
Compensation charges																			3,500,000				6,300,000													400,000	1,800,000	4,400,000			1,400,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining																																					5,000,000
Employee retention program, payments in cash																	9,700,000
Estimated aggregate severance charges																					7,100,000																						5,400,000				9,100,000
Exiting charges													400,000							600,000								800,000	900,000
Number of employees affected for severance benefits																																														95
Impairment charges of equipment fair value				3,100,000					5,000,000	6,500,000																																				3,100,000
Impairment charge			28,600,000		700,000				3,700,000	6,500,000
Assets held-for-sale, sales value				2,800,000
Other restructuring charges								200,000																						400,000
Assets held-for-sale, inventory and certain equipment					2,400,000				2,400,000
Assets held-for-sale, goodwill					600,000				600,000
Loss on sale of business	5,300,000						900,000	(5,500,000)	0	0
Disposition charge									300,000
Restructuring Charges Included In Cost Of Sales												19,000,000			19,000,000	19,000,000										0									0					0					0				0
Restructuring Charges And Associated Cost												17,500,000			500,000	500,000										14,800,000									1,800,000					0					0				400,000
Impairment Charges Related To Inventory										9,900,000
Impairment Charges Related To Manufacturing Equipment										6,500,000
Charges Related To Outstanding Contractual Obligations										$ 2,600,000