Litigation and Other Matters - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
Oct. 29, 2013	Sep. 04, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Assessed damages		$ 4.0
Additional Payment	$ 14.7

Loss contingency damages sought related to additional contingent consideration under merger and acquisition agreement.

No definition available.

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