Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CABOT MICROELECTRONICS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001102934
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 955,537,100
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,617,841
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016