| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 06, 2019 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 6, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 0-25434 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-3040660 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 15 Elizabeth Drive |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chelmsford |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 01824 |
| City Area Code | 978 |
| Local Phone Number | 262-2400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | BRKS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000933974 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
