Restructuring and Other Charges Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 560,000		$ 5,999,000
Brooks Product Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	300,000		3,000,000
Number of positions eliminated			150
Brooks Product Solutions | Crossing Automation Inc
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of positions eliminated			30
Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	100,000		800,000
Number of positions eliminated			19
Brooks Life Science Systems
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	100,000		400,000
Number of positions eliminated			7
Brooks Global Services
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost	100,000		1,100,000
Number of positions eliminated			18
Polycold Manufacturing Operation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance cost			900,000
Expected severance cost			1,300,000
Nexus Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated amortization of prior pension losses			100,000
Workforce-related
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	506,000	880,000	5,255,000	1,125,000
Facilities and Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 54,000		$ 744,000