Luminex (LMNX) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	4-May-15
Entity [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Luminex Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1033905
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		43,023,854
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$94,907	$91,694
Accounts receivable, net	25,139	29,095
Inventories, net	33,723	36,616
Deferred income taxes	11,336	12,203
Prepaids and other	7,114	7,412
Total current assets	172,219	177,020
Property and equipment, net	46,717	39,945
Intangible assets, net	55,480	56,382
Deferred income taxes	15,045	15,400
Long-term investments	16,008	15,975
Goodwill	49,619	49,619
Other	2,980	3,185
Total assets	358,068	357,526
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	10,973	11,841
Accrued Liabilities, Current	8,403	14,118
Deferred revenue	4,692	4,407
Total current liabilities	24,068	30,366
Deferred revenue	2,221	2,297
Other	4,708	4,869
Total liabilities	30,997	37,532
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 42,071,648 shares at March 31, 2015; 41,805,962 shares at December 31, 2014	42	42
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	309,501	309,424
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,197	-744
Retained earnings	18,725	11,272
Total stockholders' equity	327,071	319,994
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$358,068	$357,526

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Parenthetical (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	42,071,648	41,805,962
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	42,071,648	41,805,962
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$57,741	$56,561
Cost of revenue	17,522	16,607
Gross profit	40,219	39,954
Operating expenses:
Research and development	10,145	11,084
Selling, general and administrative	19,479	19,445
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	902	1,020
Restructuring costs	0	220
Total operating expenses	30,526	31,769
Income from operations	9,693	8,185
Interest expense from long-term debt	0	-6
Other income, net	694	-19
Income before income taxes	10,387	8,160
Income taxes	-2,934	-2,194
Net income	7,453	5,966
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-474	-234
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	21	1
Other comprehensive loss	-453	-233
Comprehensive income	$7,000	$5,733
Net income per share, basic	$0.18	$0.14
Shares used in computing net income per share, basic	41,873	41,209
Net income per share, diluted	$0.18	$0.14
Shares used in computing net income per share, diluted	42,194	41,825

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Net income	$7,453	$5,966
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,198	3,928
Stock-based compensation	1,579	1,629
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	877	678
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	-893	5
Non-cash restructuring charges	0	772
Other	-153	-192
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	3,946	4,017
Inventories, net	2,928	-899
Other assets	324	332
Accounts payable	-842	-2,581
Accrued liabilities	-7,689	-2,434
Deferred revenue	207	216
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,935	11,437
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	0	-2,996
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	0	2,997
Purchase of property and equipment	-8,898	-3,105
Proceeds from sale of assets	893	0
Acquired technology rights	-177	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,182	-3,104
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from employee stock plans and issuance of common stock	405	1,102
Net cash provided by financing activities	405	1,102
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate on cash	55	27
Change in cash and cash equivalents	3,213	9,462
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	91,694	67,924
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$94,907	$77,386

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Luminex Corporation (the “Company” or “Luminex”) in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring entries) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the "2014 10-K").

RESTRUCTURING_RESTRUCTURING

RESTRUCTURING RESTRUCTURING	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 2 — RESTRUCTURING
	In August 2013, the Company announced a restructuring plan focused on its Newborn Screening Group and its Brisbane, Australia office where automated punching systems were designed and manufactured. The Company halted development of the newborn screening assay in 2013 and the manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Australia was closed in the third quarter of 2014. The Company reviewed the requirements for held-for-sale and discontinued operations presentation and determined the manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Australia did not meet the altered definition of a discontinued operation under the recent amended accounting guidance as it was not a strategic shift with a major effect on the Company's operations and finances. Management applied this new guidance for the facility in Brisbane, Australia.
	The Company recorded pre-tax restructuring charges primarily consisting of the non-cash impairment of inventory, intangible assets and property and equipment, together with employee separation costs, which primarily included severance pay and other separation costs such as outplacement services and benefits. The Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.8 million in 2014, including a write-down of goodwill of $1.2 million resulting from the disposal of the manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Australia.  See Note 6 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In addition, the Company measured and accrued the facilities exit costs, primarily consisting of cease-use losses recorded upon vacating the facilities, at fair value upon the Company's exit in the third quarter of 2014. As the final restructuring costs were paid in the fourth quarter of 2014, there is no remaining balance of accrued restructuring costs as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
	2013 Restructuring Plan	Twelve Months Ended
		31-Dec-14
	Non-cash impairment charges:
	Inventory	$	1,183
	Property and equipment	494
	Goodwill	1,159
	Employee separation costs	154
	Facility exit costs	69
	Other	41
	Total charges	$	3,100
	Recorded to cost of revenue	1,218
	Recorded to restructuring costs	$	1,882

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS
	Marketable Securities
	The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date.  Marketable securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings.  Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost, which approximates the fair value of these investments.   Debt securities for which the Company does not have the intent or ability to hold to maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Debt and marketable equity securities not classified as held-to-maturity or as trading are classified as available-for-sale, and are carried at fair market value, with the unrealized gains and losses included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported in stockholders’ equity.  As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all of the Company’s marketable securities were classified as available for sale.  Marketable securities are recorded as either short-term or long-term on the balance sheet based on the contractual maturity date.  The fair value of all securities is determined by quoted market prices, market interest rates inputs, or other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (as of the end of the reporting period).  Declines in fair value below the Company’s carrying value deemed to be other than temporary are charged against net earnings.
	Available-for-sale securities consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Estimated Fair Value
	Current:
	Cash equivalents	$	3,574	$	—	$	—		$	3,574
	Total current securities	3,574		—		—			3,574
	Noncurrent:
	Government sponsored debt securities	10,000		5		—			10,005
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	6,002		1		—			6,003
	Total noncurrent securities	16,002		6		—			16,008
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	19,576	$	6	$	—		$	19,582
	Available-for-sale securities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Estimated Fair Value
	Current:
	Cash equivalents	$	3,569	$	—	$	—		$	3,569
	Total current securities	3,569		—		—			3,569
	Noncurrent:
	Government sponsored debt securities	10,000		—		(11		)	9,989
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	6,002		—		(16		)	5,986
	Total noncurrent securities	16,002		—		(27		)	15,975
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	19,571	$	—	$	(27	)	$	19,544
	There were no proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method.  Realized gains and losses are included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. All of the Company's available-for-sale securities with gross unrealized holding losses as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 had been in a loss position for less than 12 months.
	The estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, was as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated Fair Value
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Due in one year or less	$	—	$	—
	Due after one year through two years	16,008		15,975
		$	16,008	$	15,975
	Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
	Non-Marketable Securities and Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
	The Company owns a minority interest in a private company based in the U.S. through its investment of $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2012.  This minority interest is included at cost in other long-term assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the Company does not have significant influence over the investee since the Company owns less than 20% of the voting equity in the investee and the investee is not publicly traded.
	The Company's other minority interest in a private company was acquired by a third party in July 2013. The Company realized a gain of $5.4 million on this minority interest investment in the third quarter of 2013 and an additional gain of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2015 related to the settlement of escrowed funds.
	The Company regularly evaluates the carrying value of its cost-method investment for impairment and whether any events or circumstances are identified that would significantly harm the fair value of the investment. The primary indicators the Company utilizes to identify these events and circumstances are the investee's ability to remain in business, such as the investee's liquidity and rate of cash use, and the investee’s ability to secure additional funding and the value of that additional funding. In the event a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary, the Company will record an other-than-temporary impairment charge in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). As the inputs utilized for the Company's periodic impairment assessment are not based on observable market data, this cost-method investment is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. To determine the fair value of this investment, the Company uses all available financial information related to the entities, including information based on recent or pending third-party equity investments in these entities. In certain instances, a cost-method investment's fair value is not estimated as there are no identified events or changes in the circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment and to do so would be impractical.

INVENTORY_NET

INVENTORY, NET	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
INVENTORIES, NET	NOTE 4 — INVENTORIES, NET
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined according to the standard cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out method.  The Company routinely assesses its on-hand inventory for timely identification and measurement of obsolete, slow-moving or otherwise impaired inventory. Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Parts and supplies	$	19,339	$	19,354
	Work-in-progress	5,364		8,687
	Finished goods	9,020		8,575
		$	33,723	$	36,616

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	NOTE 5 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The ASC describes a fair value hierarchy based on the following three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable:
	Level 1 –	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 –	Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3 –	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	The Company determines the fair value of its investment portfolio assets by obtaining non-binding market prices from its third-party portfolio managers on the last day of the quarter, whose sources may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value.  There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 measurements for the three month period ended March 31, 2015.
	The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 Using
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money Market funds	$	3,574	$	—	$	—	$	3,574
	Government sponsored debt securities	—		10,005		—		10,005
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	—		6,003		—		6,003
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money Market funds	$	3,569	$	—	$	—	$	3,569
	Government sponsored debt securities	—		9,989		—		$	9,989
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	—		5,986		—		$	5,986

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE 6 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.  This goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	In connection with the closure of the manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Australia in the third quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a write-down of goodwill of $1.2 million. The amount of goodwill the Company included in the carrying amount of the disposed manufacturing business in Brisbane, Australia was based upon the relative fair value of that facility compared to the portion of the reporting unit that was retained.
	The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill during the period are as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of year	$	49,619		$	50,738
	Allocation in disposal of Brisbane, Australia business (See Note 2)	—			(1,159		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			40
	Balance at end of period	$	49,619		$	49,619
	The current in-process research and development project is related to the Company's acquisition of GenturaDx, the foundation of our ARIESTM System, in 2012 and is scheduled to be completed and commercialized in 2015.  The estimated aggregate costs to complete this project are between $1.0 million and $3.0 million. The Company’s intangible assets are reflected in the table below (in thousands, except weighted average lives):
		Finite-lived									Indefinite-lived
		Technology, trade secrets and know-how			Customer lists and contracts			Other identifiable intangible assets			IP R&D		Total
	2014
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	29,676		$	7,952		$	1,880		$	40,100	$	79,608
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	28			6			10			—		44
	Balance at December 31, 2014	29,704			7,958			1,890			40,100		79,652
	Less: accumulated amortization:
	Accumulated amortization balance at December 31, 2013	(16,272		)	(2,326		)	(715		)	—		(19,313		)
	Amortization expense	(3,025		)	(753		)	(135		)	—		(3,913		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(28		)	(6		)	(10		)	—		(44		)
	Accumulated amortization balance at December 31, 2014	(19,325		)	(3,085		)	(860		)	—		(23,270		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,379		$	4,873		$	1,030		$	40,100	$	56,382
	Weighted average life (in years)	10			11			11
	2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	29,704		$	7,958		$	1,890		$	40,100	$	79,652
	Removal of fully amortized assets	(702		)	(161		)	(238		)	—		(1,101		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	29,002			7,797			1,652			40,100		78,551
	Less: accumulated amortization:
	Accumulated amortization balance at December 31, 2014	(19,325		)	(3,085		)	(860		)	—		(23,270		)
	Amortization expense	(683		)	(186		)	(33		)			(902		)
	Removal of fully amortized assets	702			161			238			—		1,101
	Accumulated amortization balance at March 31, 2015	(19,306		)	(3,110		)	(655		)	—		(23,071		)
	Net balance at March 31, 2015	$	9,696		$	4,687		$	997		$	40,100	$	55,480
	Weighted average life (in years)	10			11			11
	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	2015 (nine months)	$	2,330
	2016	3,100
	2017	2,144
	2018	1,954
	2019	1,954
	Thereafter	3,898
		15,380
	IP R&D	40,100
		$	55,480
	If the current in-process research and development project is completed and commercialized in 2015 as expected, the estimated amortization expense for 2016 through 2019 will be approximately $3.6 million per year and approximately $25.6 million thereafter.

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOM

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note	NOTE 7 — OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Other comprehensive loss represents a measure of all changes in equity that result from recognized transactions and other economic events other than those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. Other comprehensive loss for the Company includes foreign currency translation adjustments and net unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale investments.
	The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Items			Available for Sale Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(727	)	$	(17	)	$	(744	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(474		)	21			(453		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(474		)	21			(453		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(1,201	)	$	4		$	(1,197	)
	The following table presents the tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive (loss) income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Before Tax			Tax Benefit			Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(474	)	$	—		$	(474	)
	Unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments	33			(12		)	21
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(441	)	$	(12	)	$	(453	)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	NOTE 8 — EARNINGS PER SHARE
	A reconciliation of the denominators used in computing per share net income, or EPS, is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	7,453	$	5,966
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average common stock outstanding	41,873		41,209
	Effect of dilutive securities: stock options and awards	321		616
	Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	42,194		41,825
	Basic net income per share	$	0.18	$	0.14
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.18	$	0.14
	Basic net income per share is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  Stock options to acquire approximately 0.7 million and 0.3 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively were excluded from the computations of diluted EPS because the effect of including those stock options would have been anti-dilutive.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	NOTE 9 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company’s stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was as follows:
	Stock Options (shares in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	825		$	18.84
	Granted	917		15.93
	Exercised	(15	)	7.48
	Cancelled or expired	—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,727		$	17.39
	The Company had $9.0 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options at March 31, 2015 that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.74 years..
	The Company’s restricted share activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was as follows:
	Restricted Stock Awards (shares in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Price
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	1,098		$	19.63
	Granted	266		15.93
	Vested	(299	)	19.21
	Cancelled or expired	(6	)	19.77
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015	1,059		$	18.82
	Restricted Stock Units (in thousands)	Shares
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	658
	Granted	70
	Vested	(51	)
	Cancelled or expired	(101	)
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015	576
	As of March 31, 2015, there was $21.2 million and $4.3 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to RSAs and RSUs, respectively. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.06 years for the RSAs and 2.45 years for the RSUs. The Company issues a small number of cash settled restricted stock units pursuant to the Company's equity incentive plan in certain foreign countries. These grants do not result in the issuance of common stock and are considered immaterial by the Company.
	The following are the stock-based compensation costs recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Cost of revenue	$	234		$	207
	Research and development	247			400
	Selling, general and administrative	1,098			1,022
	Stock-based compensation costs reflected in net income	$	1,579		$	1,629

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES

ACCRUED LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
ACCRUED WARRANTY COSTS	NOTE 10 — ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued Liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Compensation and employee benefits	$	4,289		$	9,960
	Income and other taxes	1,437			870
	Warranty costs	406			488
	Other	2,271			2,800
		$	8,403		$	14,118
	Sales of certain of the Company's systems are subject to a warranty.  System warranties typically extend for a period of 12 months from the date of installation not to exceed 24 months from the date of shipment.  The Company estimates the amount of warranty claims on sold products that may be incurred based on current and historical data.  The actual warranty expense could differ from the estimates made by the Company based on product performance.  Warranty expenses are evaluated and adjusted periodically.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the warranty accrual (in thousands):
	Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2014	$	488
	Warranty adjustments/settlements	(184		)
	Accrual for warranty costs	102
	Accrued warranty costs at March 31, 2015	$	406

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE 11 — INCOME TAXES
	At the end of each interim reporting period, an estimate is made of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year.  The estimated full year’s effective tax rate is used to determine the income tax rate for each applicable interim reporting period.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 28.25%, including amounts recorded for discrete events. This differs from the statutory rate of 35% primarily because of the worldwide mix of consolidated earnings and losses before taxes and an assessment regarding the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets.  The Company’s tax expense reflects the full federal, various state, and foreign blended statutory rates.  The Company is utilizing its net operating losses in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands; currently expects a full year effective tax rate of less than 30%, and therefore cash taxes to be paid are expected to continue to be less than 10% of book tax expense.
	The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, and various states.  Due to net operating losses, the U.S., Canadian and Australian tax returns dating back to 2010 can still be reviewed by the taxing authorities.  The Company recorded liabilities of $9,200 associated with its uncertain tax positions in the first quarter of 2015.  No other material changes to this liability are expected within the next 12 months.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no material changes to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	On August 30, 2012, Abbott Laboratories, Inc. (Abbott) was named as a defendant in the complaint filed by ENZO Life Sciences, Inc. (ENZO) in U.S. District Court in Delaware for alleged infringement of U.S. Patent 7,064,197 as a result of Abbott's distribution of Luminex's xTAG® Respiratory Viral Panel.  Luminex and Abbott have entered into an agreement requiring Luminex to defend and indemnify Abbott for any alleged patent infringement resulting from its distribution of Luminex's Respiratory Viral Panel. The complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief.  Abbott filed an answer to the complaint on October 15, 2012.  On November 30, 2012, Luminex intervened in the lawsuit. On January 2, 2013 ENZO filed additional claims against Luminex, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent 7,064,197 resulting from Luminex's sale of its xTAG, FlexScript LDA, SelecTAG, and xMAP® Salmonella Serotyping Assay products and alleging infringement of U.S. Patent 8,097,405 resulting from Luminex's sale of MultiCode® products.  Luminex filed an answer to ENZO's additional claims on January 28, 2013.  On October 2, 2013, ENZO filed additional claims against Luminex, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent 6,992,180 resulting from Luminex’s sale of MultiCode products.  Luminex filed an answer to ENZO’s additional claims on October 21, 2013.  A trial date has not been set. The parties to the lawsuit have engaged in the discovery process.
	On November 1, 2013, Irori Technologies, Inc. (Irori) filed a complaint against Luminex in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patents 6,372,428, 6,416,714, and 6,352,854 resulting from Luminex’s sale of its xMAP and xTAG based products.   Luminex filed a motion to dismiss on January 9, 2014.  Irori filed its response to our motion to dismiss on February 7, 2014.  The court granted the motion to dismiss without prejudice on February 25, 2014.  On March 18, 2014, Irori filed an amended complaint, again alleging infringement of U.S. Patents 6,372,428, 6,416,714, and 6,352,854 resulting from Luminex’s sale of its xMAP and xTAG based products.  The complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief.  Luminex filed an answer to Irori’s amended complaint on April 2, 2014.  On June 10, 2014, Luminex filed with the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board a total of five petitions for inter partes review ("IPR") seeking to invalidate the claims of the three patents involved in the litigation.   On June 17, 2014 Luminex filed a motion to stay proceedings in the district court pending the USPTO’s resolution of the IPR of Irori’s patents.  Irori filed its opposition to the motion to stay on July 7, 2014, and Luminex filed a reply on July 14, 2014.  On July 16, 2014, the court granted Luminex’s motion to stay the case until the earlier of i) a determination by the United States Patent and Trademark Office that reexamination proceedings will not take place or ii) the conclusion of reexamination proceedings and appeals.  On December 11, 2014, the USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Board instituted review on all five IPR petitions that Luminex filed.
	On March 5, 2015 Luminex and Irori reached a settlement. The settlement amount was not material. On March 19, the district court dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice. On March 26, 2015, the IPR petitions were terminated.
	When and if it appears probable in management's judgment, and based upon consultation with outside counsel, that we will incur monetary damages or other costs in connection with any claims or proceedings, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, we record the estimated liability in the financial statements.  If only a range of estimated losses can be estimated, we record an amount within the range that, in management's judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, we record the liability at the low end of the range of estimates. Any such accrual would be charged to expense in the appropriate period.   We disclose significant contingencies when the loss is not probable and/or the amount of the loss is not estimable, when we believe there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred.  We recognize costs associated with legal proceedings in the period in which the services were provided. There can be no assurance that we will successfully defend these suits or that a judgment against us would not materially adversely affect our operating results.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NOTE 13 — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard on revenue recognition which outlines a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should 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 standard is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions and also requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

RESTRUCTURING_RESTRUCTURING_Ta

RESTRUCTURING RESTRUCTURING (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]
	2013 Restructuring Plan	Twelve Months Ended
		31-Dec-14
	Non-cash impairment charges:
	Inventory	$	1,183
	Property and equipment	494
	Goodwill	1,159
	Employee separation costs	154
	Facility exit costs	69
	Other	41
	Total charges	$	3,100
	Recorded to cost of revenue	1,218
	Recorded to restructuring costs	$	1,882

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Components of available-for-sale securities	Available-for-sale securities consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Estimated Fair Value
	Current:
	Cash equivalents	$	3,574	$	—	$	—		$	3,574
	Total current securities	3,574		—		—			3,574
	Noncurrent:
	Government sponsored debt securities	10,000		5		—			10,005
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	6,002		1		—			6,003
	Total noncurrent securities	16,002		6		—			16,008
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	19,576	$	6	$	—		$	19,582
	Available-for-sale securities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Estimated Fair Value
	Current:
	Cash equivalents	$	3,569	$	—	$	—		$	3,569
	Total current securities	3,569		—		—			3,569
	Noncurrent:
	Government sponsored debt securities	10,000		—		(11		)	9,989
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	6,002		—		(16		)	5,986
	Total noncurrent securities	16,002		—		(27		)	15,975
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	19,571	$	—	$	(27	)	$	19,544
Estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, by contractual maturity	The estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt securities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, was as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated Fair Value
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Due in one year or less	$	—	$	—
	Due after one year through two years	16,008		15,975
		$	16,008	$	15,975

INVENTORY_NET_Tables

INVENTORY, NET (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Parts and supplies	$	19,339	$	19,354
	Work-in-progress	5,364		8,687
	Finished goods	9,020		8,575
		$	33,723	$	36,616

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured on a recurring basis	The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015 Using
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money Market funds	$	3,574	$	—	$	—	$	3,574
	Government sponsored debt securities	—		10,005		—		10,005
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	—		6,003		—		6,003
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money Market funds	$	3,569	$	—	$	—	$	3,569
	Government sponsored debt securities	—		9,989		—		$	9,989
	Non-government sponsored debt securities	—		5,986		—		$	5,986

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill during the period are as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of year	$	49,619		$	50,738
	Allocation in disposal of Brisbane, Australia business (See Note 2)	—			(1,159		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			40
	Balance at end of period	$	49,619		$	49,619
Schedule of intangible assets	The current in-process research and development project is related to the Company's acquisition of GenturaDx, the foundation of our ARIESTM System, in 2012 and is scheduled to be completed and commercialized in 2015.  The estimated aggregate costs to complete this project are between $1.0 million and $3.0 million. The Company’s intangible assets are reflected in the table below (in thousands, except weighted average lives):
		Finite-lived									Indefinite-lived
		Technology, trade secrets and know-how			Customer lists and contracts			Other identifiable intangible assets			IP R&D		Total
	2014
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	29,676		$	7,952		$	1,880		$	40,100	$	79,608
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	28			6			10			—		44
	Balance at December 31, 2014	29,704			7,958			1,890			40,100		79,652
	Less: accumulated amortization:
	Accumulated amortization balance at December 31, 2013	(16,272		)	(2,326		)	(715		)	—		(19,313		)
	Amortization expense	(3,025		)	(753		)	(135		)	—		(3,913		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(28		)	(6		)	(10		)	—		(44		)
	Accumulated amortization balance at December 31, 2014	(19,325		)	(3,085		)	(860		)	—		(23,270		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,379		$	4,873		$	1,030		$	40,100	$	56,382
	Weighted average life (in years)	10			11			11
	2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	29,704		$	7,958		$	1,890		$	40,100	$	79,652
	Removal of fully amortized assets	(702		)	(161		)	(238		)	—		(1,101		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	29,002			7,797			1,652			40,100		78,551
	Less: accumulated amortization:
	Accumulated amortization balance at December 31, 2014	(19,325		)	(3,085		)	(860		)	—		(23,270		)
	Amortization expense	(683		)	(186		)	(33		)			(902		)
	Removal of fully amortized assets	702			161			238			—		1,101
	Accumulated amortization balance at March 31, 2015	(19,306		)	(3,110		)	(655		)	—		(23,071		)
	Net balance at March 31, 2015	$	9,696		$	4,687		$	997		$	40,100	$	55,480
	Weighted average life (in years)	10			11			11
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	2015 (nine months)	$	2,330
	2016	3,100
	2017	2,144
	2018	1,954
	2019	1,954
	Thereafter	3,898
		15,380
	IP R&D	40,100
		$	55,480

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOM1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Items			Available for Sale Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(727	)	$	(17	)	$	(744	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(474		)	21			(453		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(474		)	21			(453		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(1,201	)	$	4		$	(1,197	)
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive (loss) income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
		Before Tax			Tax Benefit			Net of Tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(474	)	$	—		$	(474	)
	Unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments	33			(12		)	21
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(441	)	$	(12	)	$	(453	)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation of the denominators used in computing per share net income, or EPS, is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	7,453	$	5,966
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average common stock outstanding	41,873		41,209
	Effect of dilutive securities: stock options and awards	321		616
	Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	42,194		41,825
	Basic net income per share	$	0.18	$	0.14
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.18	$	0.14

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock options activity	The Company’s stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was as follows:
	Stock Options (shares in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	825		$	18.84
	Granted	917		15.93
	Exercised	(15	)	7.48
	Cancelled or expired	—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,727		$	17.39
Restricted shares activity	The Company’s restricted share activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was as follows:
	Restricted Stock Awards (shares in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Price
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	1,098		$	19.63
	Granted	266		15.93
	Vested	(299	)	19.21
	Cancelled or expired	(6	)	19.77
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015	1,059		$	18.82
	Restricted Stock Units (in thousands)	Shares
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	658
	Granted	70
	Vested	(51	)
	Cancelled or expired	(101	)
	Non-vested at March 31, 2015	576
Stock-based compensation costs recognized in consolidated statements of income	The following are the stock-based compensation costs recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Cost of revenue	$	234		$	207
	Research and development	247			400
	Selling, general and administrative	1,098			1,022
	Stock-based compensation costs reflected in net income	$	1,579		$	1,629

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Tables

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Compensation and employee benefits	$	4,289		$	9,960
	Income and other taxes	1,437			870
	Warranty costs	406			488
	Other	2,271			2,800
		$	8,403		$	14,118
Changes in warranty accrual	The following table summarizes the changes in the warranty accrual (in thousands):
	Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2014	$	488
	Warranty adjustments/settlements	(184		)
	Accrual for warranty costs	102
	Accrued warranty costs at March 31, 2015	$	406

RESTRUCTURING_Details

RESTRUCTURING (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$1,159	$2,836
Employee Separation Costs		154
Facility Exit Costs	69
Other Restructuring Costs		41
Total Restructuring Charges		3,100
Restructuring Charges Included In Cost Of Revenue		1,218
Restructuring Charges And Associated Cost		1,882
Inventories [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		1,183
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		494
Goodwill [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		($1,159)	$0

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$19,576,000		$19,571,000
Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	6,000		0
Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		-27,000
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	6,003,000		5,986,000
Government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	10,005,000		9,989,000
Estimated Fair Value	19,582,000		19,544,000
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale-securities	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, debt maturities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	0		0
Due after one year through two years	16,008,000		15,975,000
Total estimated fair value of available-for-sale debt securities	16,008,000		15,975,000
Ownership percentage in cost method investment	20.00%
Money Market Funds [Member]
Components of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,574,000		3,569,000
Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		0
Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		0
Estimated Fair Value	3,574,000		3,569,000
Total Current Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Components of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,574,000		3,569,000
Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		0
Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		0
Estimated Fair Value	3,574,000		3,569,000
Non-current government sponsored debt securities
Components of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	10,000,000		10,000,000
Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	5,000		0
Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		-11,000
Estimated Fair Value			9,989,000
Non-Current Non-Government Sponsored Debt Securities [Member]
Components of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	6,002,000		6,002,000
Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	1,000		0
Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		-16,000
Estimated Fair Value			5,986,000
Total Non-Current Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Components of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	16,002,000		16,002,000
Gains in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	6,000		0
Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain	0		-27,000
Estimated Fair Value	16,008,000		15,975,000
Investment in Private Company 1 [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, debt maturities [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property	900,000			5,400,000
Investment in Private Company 2 [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, debt maturities [Abstract]
Amount of investments in a private company	$1,000,000

INVENTORY_NET_Details

INVENTORY, NET (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Parts and supplies	$19,339	$19,354
Work-in-progress	5,364	8,687
Finished goods	9,020	8,575
Inventory, net	$33,723	$36,616

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amounts included in asset accounts [Abstract]
Money Market funds	$3,574	$3,569
Government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	10,005	9,989
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	6,003	5,986
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	6,003	5,986
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Amounts included in asset accounts [Abstract]
Money Market funds	3,574	3,569
Government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	0	0
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	0	0
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Amounts included in asset accounts [Abstract]
Money Market funds	0	0
Government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	10,005	9,989
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	6,003	5,986
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	6,003	5,986
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Amounts included in asset accounts [Abstract]
Money Market funds	0	0
Government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	0	0
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	0	0
Non-government sponsored debt securities fair value disclosure	$0	$0

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$1,159,000		$2,836,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	49,619,000		50,738,000	50,738,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0			40,000
Balance at end of period	49,619,000			49,619,000
Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	79,652,000		79,608,000	79,608,000
Removal of fully amortized assets	-1,101,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				44,000
Balance, ending	78,551,000			79,652,000
Less: accumulated amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance	-23,270,000		-19,313,000	-19,313,000
Amortization expense	-902,000		-1,020,000	-3,913,000
Removal of amortization of fully amortized assets	1,101,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-44,000
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	-23,071,000			-23,270,000
Net balance	55,480,000			56,382,000
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter [Abstract]
2015 (nine months)	2,330,000
2015	3,100,000
2016	2,144,000
2017	1,954,000
2018	1,954,000
Thereafter	3,898,000
Total	15,380,000
IP R&D	40,100,000
Total	55,480,000
Intangible Assets Amortization Expense, In-process Research and Development, Years Two-Five	3,600,000
Intangible Assets Amortization Expense In process Research and Development After Year Five	25,600,000
In-process Research and Development [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	40,100,000		40,100,000	40,100,000
Removal of fully amortized assets	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments				0
Balance, ending	40,100,000			40,100,000
Less: accumulated amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance	0		0	0
Amortization expense				0
Removal of amortization of fully amortized assets	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments				0
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	0			0
Net balance	40,100,000			40,100,000
Technology, Trade Secrets, and Know-how [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	29,704,000		29,676,000	29,676,000
Removal of fully amortized assets	-702,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				28,000
Balance, ending	29,002,000			29,704,000
Less: accumulated amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance	-19,325,000		-16,272,000	-16,272,000
Amortization expense	-683,000			-3,025,000
Removal of amortization of fully amortized assets	702,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-28,000
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	-19,306,000			-19,325,000
Net balance	9,696,000			10,379,000
Weighted average life (in years)	10 years			10 years
Customer Lists and Contracts [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	7,958,000		7,952,000	7,952,000
Removal of fully amortized assets	-161,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				6,000
Balance, ending	7,797,000			7,958,000
Less: accumulated amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance	-3,085,000		-2,326,000	-2,326,000
Amortization expense	-186,000			-753,000
Removal of amortization of fully amortized assets	161,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-6,000
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	-3,110,000			-3,085,000
Net balance	4,687,000			4,873,000
Weighted average life (in years)	11 years			11 years
Other Identifiable Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	1,890,000		1,880,000	1,880,000
Removal of fully amortized assets	-238,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				10,000
Balance, ending	1,652,000			1,890,000
Less: accumulated amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization, beginning balance	-860,000		-715,000	-715,000
Amortization expense	-33,000			-135,000
Removal of amortization of fully amortized assets	238,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments				-10,000
Accumulated amortization, ending balance	-655,000			-860,000
Net balance	997,000			1,030,000
Weighted average life (in years)	11 years			11 years
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Research and Development Expense, Estimated	1,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Research and Development Expense, Estimated	3,000,000
Goodwill [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$0			($1,159,000)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOM2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Balance at December 31, 2014	($744)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-453
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-453	-233
Balance at March 31, 2015	-1,197
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Balance at December 31, 2014	-17
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	21
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	21
Balance at March 31, 2015	4
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Balance at December 31, 2014	-727
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-474
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-474
Balance at March 31, 2015	($1,201)

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_LOSS_INCOM3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	($474)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax benefit	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-474
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments, before tax	33
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments, tax benefit	-12
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	21
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	-441
Other comprehensive (loss) income, tax benefit	-12
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	($453)	($233)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income	$7,453	$5,966
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted average common stock outstanding	41,873,000	41,209,000
Effect of dilutive securities: stock options and awards	321,000	616,000
Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	42,194,000	41,825,000
Basic net income per share	$0.18	$0.14
Diluted net income per share	$0.18	$0.14
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive restricted stock awards, stock options	674,001	261,493

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock options, additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation costs	$9
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition (in years)	3 years 8 months 27 days
Stock Options [Member]
Stock options, outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	825
Granted (in shares)	917
Exercised (in shares)	-15
Cancelled or expired (in shares)	0
Options outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	1,727
Stock options, additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted-average price, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$18.84
Weighted-average price, granted (in dollars per share)	$15.93
Weighted average price, exercised (in dollars per share)	$7.48
Weighted-average price, cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)	$0
Weighted-average price, end of period (in dollars per share)	$17.39
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock options, additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation costs	21.2
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition (in years)	3 years 22 days
Equity instruments other than options, nonvested [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares)	1,098
Granted (in shares)	266
Vested (in shares)	-299
Cancelled or expired (in shares)	-6
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares)	1,059
Equity instruments other than options, additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Non-vested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$19.63
Granted (in dollars per share)	$15.93
Vested (in dollars per share)	$19.21
Cancelled or expired (in dollars per share)	$19.77
Non-vested, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$18.82
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock options, additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation costs	$4.30
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition (in years)	2 years 5 months 12 days
Equity instruments other than options, nonvested [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares)	658
Granted (in shares)	70
Vested (in shares)	-51
Cancelled or expired (in shares)	-101
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares)	576

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cost of revenue
Share-based Compensation, allocation and classification in income statements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation costs	$234	$207
Research and development
Share-based Compensation, allocation and classification in income statements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation costs	247	400
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation, allocation and classification in income statements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation costs	1,098	1,022
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation, allocation and classification in income statements [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation costs	$1,579	$1,629

ACCRUED_LIABILITIES_Details

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Employee Benefits, Current	$4,289	$9,960
Accrued Income And Other Taxes	1,437	870
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	2,271	2,800
Accrued Liabilities, Current	8,403	14,118
Accrued warranty costs [Roll Forward]
Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2014	488
Warranty adjustments/settlements	-184
Accrual for warranty costs	102
Accrued warranty costs at March 31, 2015	$406

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective tax rate, including amounts recorded for discrete events (in hundredths)	28.25%
Statutory rate (in hundredths)	35.00%
Maximum rate for cash taxes expected to be paid (in hundredths)	10.00%
Increase decrease in estimated amount of liability associated with its uncertain tax position	$9,200
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Effective tax rate, including amounts recorded for discrete events (in hundredths)		30.00%