| Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| May. 31, 2015 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Basis of Presentation Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries, Apio and Lifecore. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are reviewed under the guidance for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). A company is required to consolidate the assets, liabilities and operations of a VIE if it is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. An entity is a VIE and subject to consolidation, if by design: a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by any parties, including equity holders or b) as a group the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following three characteristics: (i) the power, through voting rights or similar rights to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. The Company reviewed the consolidation guidance and concluded that the partnership interest and equity investment in non-public companies by the Company are not VIEs. |
| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; sales returns and allowances; self insurance liabilities; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets; the valuation of intangible assets and inventory; the valuation of investments; and the valuation and recognition of stock-based compensation. These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends can require extended periods of time to resolve and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates. |
| Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Concentrations of Risk Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, grower advances and notes receivable are financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. Our Company policy limits, among other things, the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and to any one type of investment, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of customers and growers and, as a consequence, believes that trade receivables, grower advances and notes receivable credit risk exposure is limited. Credit losses for bad debt are provided for in the consolidated financial statements through a charge to operations. A valuation allowance is provided for known and anticipated credit losses. The recorded amounts for these financial instruments approximate their fair value. Several of the raw materials we use to manufacture our products are currently purchased from a single source, including some monomers used to synthesize Intelimer polymers, substrate materials for our breathable membrane products and raw materials for our HA products. The operations of Windset, in which the Company holds a 26.9% minority investment, are predominantly located in British Columbia and Santa Maria, California. Routinely, the Company evaluates the financial strength and ability for Windset to continue as a going concern. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, sales to the Company’s top five customers accounted for approximately 46% of total revenue with the top two customers from the Food Products Technology segment, Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco”) and Wal-mart, Inc. (“Wal-mart”) accounting for approximately 21% and 11%, respectively, of total revenues. In addition, approximately 30% of the Company’s total revenues were derived from product sales to international customers, none of which individually accounted for more than 5% of total revenues. As of May 31, 2015, the top two customers, Costco and Wal-mart represented approximately 15% and 13%, respectively, of total accounts receivable. During the fiscal year ended May 25, 2014, sales to the Company’s top five customers accounted for approximately 42% of total revenue with the top two customers from the Food Products Technology segment, Costco Wholesale Corporation and Wal-mart, Inc. accounting for approximately 21% and 11%, respectively, of total revenues. In addition, approximately 29% of the Company’s total revenues were derived from product sales to international customers, none of which individually accounted for more than 5% of total revenues. As of May 25, 2014, the top two customers, Costco Wholesale Corporation and Wal-mart, Inc. represented approximately 16% and 12%, respectively, of total accounts receivable. |
| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the net undiscounted future cash flow expected to be generated from the asset. If the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets, the assets’ carrying value is adjusted to fair value. The Company regularly evaluates its long-lived assets for indicators of possible impairment. |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Financial Instruments their carrying value. Fair values for long-term financial instruments not readily marketable are estimated based upon discounted future cash flows at prevailing market interest rates. Based on these assumptions, management believes the fair market values of the Company’s financial instruments are not significantly different from their recorded amounts as of May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014. |
| Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounts Receivable and Sales Returns and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company carries its accounts receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for estimated sales returns and doubtful accounts. Sales return allowances are estimated based on historical sales return amounts. Further, on a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on review of the overall condition of accounts receivable balances and review of significant past due accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on specific identification of past due amounts and for accounts over 90-days past due. The changes in the Company’s allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts are summarized in the following table (in thousands). Balance at beginning of period Additions from acquisitions and adjustments charged to revenue and expenses Write offs, net of recoveries Balance at end of period Year ended May 26, 2013 $ 512 $ 109 $ (38 ) $ 583 Year ended May 25, 2014 $ 583 $ 143 $ (210 ) $ 516 Year ended May 31, 2015 $ 516 $ — $ (134 ) $ 382 |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition Revenue from product sales is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, title has transferred, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Allowances are established for estimated uncollectible amounts, product returns, and discounts based on specific identification and historical losses. Apio’s Food Products Technology revenues generally consist of revenues generated from the sale of specialty packaged fresh-cut and whole value-added processed vegetable products that are generally washed and packaged in our proprietary packaging and sold under Apio’s Eat Smart and GreenLine brands and various private labels. Revenue is generally recognized upon shipment of these products to customers. The Company takes title to all produce it trades and/or packages, and therefore, records revenues and cost of sales at gross amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In addition, Food Products Technology value-added revenues include the revenues generated from Apio Cooling, LP, a vegetable cooling operation in which Apio is the general partner with a 60% ownership position and from the sale of BreatheWay® packaging to license partners. Revenue is recognized on the vegetable cooling operations as cooling and storage services are provided to our customers. Sales of BreatheWay packaging are recognized when shipped to our customers. Apio’s Food Export revenues consist of revenues generated from the purchase and sale of primarily whole commodity fruit and vegetable products to Asia by Cal-Ex. As most Cal-Ex customers are in countries outside of the U.S., title transfers and revenue is generally recognized upon arrival of the shipment in the foreign port. Apio records revenue equal to the sale price to third parties because it takes title to the product while in transit. Our HA-based Biomaterials business principally generates revenue through the sale of products containing HA. Lifecore primarily sells products to customers in three medical areas: (1) Ophthalmic, which represented approximately 60% of Lifecore’s revenues in fiscal year 2015, (2) Orthopedic, which represented approximately 20% of Lifecore’s revenues in fiscal year 2015 and (3) Veterinary/Other. The vast majority of revenues from our HA-based Biomaterials business are recognized upon shipment. Lifecore’s business development revenues, a portion of which are included in all three medical areas, are related to contract research and development (R&D) services and multi-element arrangement services with customers where the Company provides products and/or services in a bundled arrangement. Contract R&D revenue is recorded as earned, based on the performance requirements of the contract. Non-refundable contract fees for which no further performance obligations exist, and there is no continuing involvement by the Company, are recognized on the earlier of when the payment is received or collection is assured. For sales arrangements that contain multiple elements, the Company splits the arrangement into separate units of accounting if the individually delivered elements have value to the customer on a standalone basis. The Company also evaluates whether multiple transactions with the same customer or related party should be considered part of a multiple element arrangement, whereby the Company assesses, among other factors, whether the contracts or agreements are negotiated or executed within a short time frame of each other or if there are indicators that the contracts are negotiated in contemplation of each other. The Company then allocates revenue to each element based on a selling price hierarchy. The relative selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE), if available, third-party evidence (TPE), if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price, if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. The Company then recognizes revenue on each deliverable in accordance with its policies for product and service revenue recognition. The Company is not typically able to determine VSOE or TPE, and therefore, uses the estimated selling price to allocate revenue between the elements of an arrangement. The Company limits the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services or future performance obligations or subject to customer-specific cancellation rights. The Company evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has stand-alone value, and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered products or services, delivery or performance of the undelivered product or service is considered probable and is substantially controlled by the Company. The Company considers a deliverable to have stand-alone value if the product or service is sold separately by the Company or another vendor or could be resold by the customer. Further, the revenue arrangements generally do not include a general right of return relative to delivered products. Where the aforementioned criteria for a separate unit of accounting are not met, the deliverable is combined with the undelivered element(s) and treated as a single unit of accounting for the purposes of allocation of the arrangement consideration and revenue recognition. The Company allocates the total arrangement consideration to each separable element of an arrangement based upon the relative selling price of each element. Allocation of the consideration is determined at arrangement inception on the basis of each unit’s relative selling price. In instances where the Company has not established fair value for any undelivered element, revenue for all elements is deferred until delivery of the final element is completed and all recognition criteria are met. Licensing revenue is recognized in accordance with prevailing accounting guidance. Initial license fees are deferred and amortized to revenue over the period of the agreement when a contract exists, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Noncancellable, nonrefundable license fees are recognized over the period of the agreement, including those governing research and development activities and any related supply agreement entered into concurrently with the license when the risk associated with commercialization of a product is non-substantive at the outset of the arrangement. From time to time, the Company offers customers sales incentives, which include volume rebates and discounts. These amounts are estimated on a quarterly basis and recorded as a reduction of revenue. A summary of revenues by type of revenue arrangement as described above is as follows (in thousands): Year ended May 31 , 201 5 Year ended May 25 , 201 4 Year ended May 26 , 201 3 Recorded upon shipment $ 465,484 $ 398,938 $ 359,518 Recorded upon acceptance in foreign port 67,714 69,710 78,442 Revenue from multiple element arrangements 4,253 6,811 1,773 Revenue from license fees, R&D contracts and royalties/profit sharing 1,806 1,354 1,975 Total $ 539,257 $ 476,813 $ 441,708 |
| Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Shipping and Handling Costs Amounts billed to third-party customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of revenues. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included as a component of cost of products sold and represent costs incurred to ship product from the sourcing locations to the end consumer markets. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company records all highly liquid securities with three months or less from date of purchase to maturity as cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist mainly of certificate of deposits (CDs), money market funds and U.S. Treasuries. The market value of cash equivalents approximates their historical cost given their short-term nature. |
| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. As of May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014 inventories consisted of (in thousands): May 31, 2015 May 25, 2014 Finished goods $ 13,271 $ 11,111 Raw materials 9,879 10,376 Work in progress 1,877 3,248 Inventories, net $ 25,027 $ 24,735 If the cost of the inventories exceeds their net realizable value, provisions are recorded currently to reduce them to net realizable value. The Company also provides a provision for slow moving and obsolete inventories based on the estimate of demand for its products. |
| Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Advertising Expense |
| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Notes and Advances Receivable Apio issues notes and makes advances to produce growers for their crop and harvesting costs primarily for the purpose of sourcing crops for Apio's business. Notes receivable and advances are generally recovered during the growing season (less than one year) using proceeds from the crops sold to Apio. Notes are interest bearing obligations, evidenced by contracts and notes receivable. These notes and advances receivable are secured by perfected liens on crops, have terms that range from three to nine months, and are reviewed at least quarterly for collectability. A reserve is established for any note or advance deemed to not be fully collectible based upon an estimate of the crop value or the fair value of the security for the note or advance. There were no notes or advances outstanding at May 31, 2015. |
| Related Party Transactions Policy [Policy Text Block] | Related Party Transactions The Company sold products to and earned license fees from Windset Holding 2010 Ltd., a Canadian corporation (“Windset”) during the last three fiscal years. During fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized related party revenues of $689,000, $365,000, and $316,000, respectively. These amounts have been included in product sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, from the sale of products to and license fees from Windset. The related receivable balances of $306,000 and $304,000 from Windset are included in accounts receivable, related party in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014, respectively. Additionally, unrelated to the revenue transactions above, the Company purchases produce from Windset for sale to third parties. During fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized related party cost of product sales of $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, from the sale of products purchased from Windset. The related accounts payable of $244,000 and $134,000 from Windset are included in accounts payable, related party in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014, respectively. All related party transactions are monitored quarterly by the Company and approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for major improvements are capitalized while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. Depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally three to forty years for buildings and leasehold improvements and three to twenty years for furniture and fixtures, computers, capitalized software, capitalized leases, machinery, equipment and autos. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the economic life of the improvement or the life of the lease. The Company capitalizes software development costs for internal use in accordance with accounting guidance. Capitalization of software development costs begins in the application development stage and ends when the asset is placed into service. The Company amortizes such costs using the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to seven years. During fiscal year 2014, the Company capitalized $913,000 in software development costs. During fiscal years 2015 and 2013, the Company did not capitalize any software development costs. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Long-Lived Assets The Company’s Long-Lived Assets consist of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets. Intangible assets are comprised of customer relationships with an estimated useful life of twelve to thirteen years (the “finite-lived intangible assets”) and trademarks/trade names and goodwill with indefinite lives (collectively, “the indefinite-lived intangible assets”), which the Company recognized in accordance with accounting guidance (i) upon the acquisition of GreenLine Holding Company (“GreenLine”) by Apio in April 2012, (ii) upon the acquisition of Lifecore in April 2010 and (iii) upon the acquisition of Apio in December 1999. Accounting guidance defines goodwill as “the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at date of acquisition.” All intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with the acquisition of Lifecore was allocated to the HA-based Biomaterials reporting unit and the acquisitions of Apio and GreenLine were allocated to the Food Products Technology reporting unit pursuant to accounting guidance based upon the allocation of assets and liabilities acquired and consideration paid for each reporting unit. As of May 31, 2015, the HA-based Biomaterials reporting unit had $13.9 million of goodwill and the Food Products Technology reporting unit had $35.7 million of goodwill. Property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) may not be recoverable. The Company’s impairment review requires significant management judgment including estimating the future success of product lines, future sales volumes, revenue and expense growth rates, alternative uses for the assets and estimated proceeds from the disposal of the assets. The Company conducts quarterly reviews of idle and underutilized equipment, and reviews business plans for possible impairment indicators. Impairment is indicated when the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows and the impairment is viewed as other than temporary. When impairment is indicated, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the asset’s book value and its estimated fair value. Depending on the asset, estimated fair value may be determined either by use of a discounted cash flow model or by reference to estimated selling values of assets in similar condition. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease the estimated fair value of assets and would increase or decrease any impairment measurement. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, in accordance with accounting guidance. For all indefinite-lived assets, including goodwill, the Company performs a qualitative analysis in accordance with ASC 350-30-35. Application of the impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets requires significant judgment by management, including identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of intangible assets to reporting units, which judgments are inherently uncertain. During the fiscal quarter ended February 23, 2014, the Company voluntarily changed the date of its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal month in July to the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. This voluntary change was preferable under the circumstances as it provides the Company with additional time to complete its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing in advance of its year-end reporting and results in better alignment with the Company’s strategic planning and forecasting process. This change was not applied retrospectively as it was impracticable to do so because retrospective application would have required application of significant estimates and assumptions with the use of hindsight. Accordingly, the change was applied prospectively. The Company tested its indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill, for impairment as of March 2, 2015 and determined that no adjustments to the carrying values of these assets were necessary as of that date. As a result, it was not necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test at the time. Subsequent to the 2015 annual impairment test, there have been no significant events or circumstances affecting the valuation of goodwill. As of May 31, 2015, there were no events or changes in circumstances that indicated that the carrying amount of intangible assets may not be recoverable or that goodwill should be tested for impairment. Therefore, there was no impairment to the carrying value of the Company's goodwill. There were no impairment losses for goodwill during fiscal years 2014 and 2013. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of these assets in the current period. In the annual impairment test, the Company first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. In assessing the qualitative factors, management considers the impact of these key factors: macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities, market capitalization and stock price. If management determines as a result of the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. In a quantitative test, the Company compares the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets to its carrying value including goodwill. The Company determines the fair value using both an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Under the market-based approach, information regarding the Company is utilized as well as publicly available industry information to determine earnings multiples that are used to value the Company. If the carrying value of the Company exceeds its fair value, the Company will determine the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value of goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value. |
| Investment In Non Public Companies [Policy Text Block] | Investment in Non-Public Company In December 2005, Landec entered into a licensing agreement with Aesthetic Sciences for the exclusive rights to use Landec's Intelimer® materials technology for the development of dermal fillers worldwide under the agreement. The Company received shares of preferred stock in exchange for the license. As of March 1, 2015, the Company concluded that its investment in Aesthetic Sciences was other than temporarily impaired, and therefore wrote off its remaining $793,000 investment (see Note 2). On February 15, 2011, the Company made an investment in Windset which is reported as an investment in non-public company, fair value, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014. The Company has elected to account for its investment in Windset under the fair value option (see Note 2). |
| Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] | Partial Self-Insurance on Employee Health Plan The Company provides health insurance benefits to eligible employees under a self-insured plan whereby the Company pays actual medical claims subject to certain stop loss limits. The Company records self-insurance liabilities based on actual claims filed and an estimate of those claims incurred but not reported. Any projection of losses concerning the Company's liability is subject to a high degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors such as inflation rates, changes in severity, benefit level changes, medical costs, and claims settlement patterns. This self-insurance liability is included in accrued liabilities and represents management's best estimate of the amounts that have not been paid as of May 31, 2015. It is reasonably possible that the expense the Company ultimately incurs could differ and adjustments to future reserves may be necessary. |
| Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] | Deferred Revenue Cash received in advance of services performed are recorded as deferred revenue. At May 31, 2015, $843,000 was recognized as advances from customers. At May 25, 2014, $1.3 million was recognized as advances from customers. |
| Non-controlling Interest [Policy Text Block] | Non-Controlling Interest The Company reports all non-controlling interests as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The non-controlling interest’s share of the income or loss of the consolidated subsidiary is reported as a separate line item in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, following the consolidated net income caption. In connection with the acquisition of Apio, Landec acquired Apio’s 60% general partner interest in Apio Cooling, a California limited partnership. Apio Cooling is included in the consolidated financial statements of Landec for all periods presented. The non-controlling interest balance of $1.7 at both May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014 was comprised of the non-controlling limited partners’ interest in Apio Cooling. |
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset. At May 31, 2015, the Company had a $1.2 million valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for uncertain tax positions. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are recorded in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Per Share Information Accounting guidance requires the presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities and is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution as if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted common equivalent shares consist of stock options and restricted stock units, calculated using the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the computation of diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2014 Fiscal Year Ended May 26, 2013 Numerator: Net income applicable to Common Stockholders $ 13,544 $ 19,145 $ 22,587 Denominator: Weighted average shares for basic net income per share 26,884 26,628 25,830 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units 452 492 796 Weighted average shares for diluted net income per share 27,336 27,120 26,626 Diluted net income per share $ 0.50 $ 0.71 $ 0.85 Options to purchase 371,115, 333,993 and 88,022 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $14.02, $14.15 and $12.80 per share were outstanding during fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, May 25, 2014 and May 26, 2013, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the options’ exercise price were greater than the average market price of the Common Stock and, therefore, their inclusion would be antidilutive. |
| Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cost of Sales The Company includes in cost of sales all the costs related to the sale of products. These costs include the following: raw materials (including produce, seeds, packaging, syringes and fermentation and purification supplies), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility related costs) and shipping and shipping related costs. |
| Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Research and Development Expenses Costs related to both research and development contracts and Company-funded research is included in research and development expenses. Research and development costs are primarily comprised of salaries and related benefits, supplies, travel expenses, consulting expenses and corporate allocations. |
| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation The Company records compensation expense for stock-based awards issued to employees and directors in exchange for services provided based on the estimated fair value of the awards on their grant dates and is recognized over the required service periods (generally the vesting period). For nonstatutory options, the cash flows resulting from the tax benefit due to tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for those options (excess tax benefit) are classified as financing activities within the statement of cash flows. The Company’s stock-based awards include stock option grants and restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”). The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation for options and RSUs (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2014 Fiscal Year Ended May 26, 2013 Options $ 561 $ 558 $ 788 RSUs 1,016 798 907 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 1,577 $ 1,356 $ 1,695 The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation by income statement line item (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2014 Fiscal Year Ended May 26, 2013 Research and development $ 38 $ 39 $ 718 Sales, general and administrative 1,539 1,317 977 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 1,577 $ 1,356 $ 1,695 The estimated fair value for stock options, which determines the Company’s calculation of compensation expense, is based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. RSUs are valued at the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company uses the straight line single option method to calculate and recognize the fair value of stock-based compensation arrangements. In addition, the Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures and records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if the actual forfeitures differ from the prior estimates. Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2014 Fiscal Year Ended May 26, 2013 Expected life (in years) 3.25 3.50 3.76 Risk-free interest rate 1.00 % 0.71 % 0.48 % Volatility 0.32 0.41 0.53 Dividend yield 0 % 0 % 0 % The weighted average estimated fair value of Landec employee stock options granted at grant date market prices during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, May 25, 2014 and May 26, 2013 was $3.42, $4.41 and $3.57 per share, respectively. No stock options were granted above or below grant date market prices during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, May 25, 2014 and May 26, 2013. |
| Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Fair Value Measurements The Company uses fair value measurement accounting for financial assets and liabilities and for financial instruments and certain other items measured at fair value. The Company has elected the fair value option for its investment in a non-public company (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company has not elected the fair value option for any of its other eligible financial assets or liabilities. The accounting guidance established a three-tier hierarchy for fair value measurements, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which would require the Company to develop its own assumptions. As of May 31, 2015, the only asset of the Company that was measured at fair value on a recurring basis was its minority interest investment in Windset. The Company has elected the fair value option of accounting for its investment in Windset. The calculation of fair value utilizes significant unobservable inputs in the discounted cash flow models, including projected cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. As a result, the Company’s investment in Windset is considered to be a Level 3 measurement investment. The change in the fair market value of the Company’s investment in Windset for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014 was due to the Company’s 26.9% and 20.1%, respectively, minority interest in the change in the fair market value of Windset during those periods. In determining the fair value of the investment in Windset, the Company utilizes the following significant unobservable inputs in the discounted cash flow models: At May 31, 2015 At May 25, 2014 Annual consolidated revenue growth rates 4 % 4 % Annual consolidated expense growth rates 4 % 4 % Consolidated income tax rates 15 % 15 % Consolidated discount rates 15% to 21 % 16% to 22 % The revenue growth, expense growth and income tax rate assumptions, consider the Company's best estimate of the trends in those items over the discount period. The discount rate assumption takes into account the risk-free rate of return, the market equity risk premium and the company’s specific risk premium and then applies an additional discount for lack of marketability of the underlying securities. The discounted cash flow valuation model used by the Company has the following sensitivity to changes in inputs and assumptions (in thousands): Impact on value of Windset investment as of May 31, 2015 10% increase in revenue growth rates $ 2,300 10% increase in expense growth rates $ (1,200 ) 10% increase in income tax rates $ (100 ) 10% increase in discount rates $ (1,500 ) Imprecision in estimating unobservable market inputs can affect the amount of gain or loss recorded for a particular position. The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of May 31, 2015 and May 25, 2014 (in thousands): Fair Value at May 31, 2015 Fair Value at May 25, 2014 Assets: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Marketable securities $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Investment in private company - - 61,500 - - 39,600 Total $ - $ - $ 61,500 $ - $ - $ 39,600 Liabilities: Interest rate swap - - - - 44 - Total $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 44 $ - |
| New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Recent Accounting Pronouncements Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The standard requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also includes a cohesive set of disclosure requirements intended to provide users of financial statements with comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a company’s contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 will be effective beginning the first quarter of the Company's fiscal year 2019 and early application is not permitted. The standard allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. Management is currently evaluating the effect ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures. |
