Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) 10-K 12 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 06, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document period end date	31-Dec-14
Amendment flag	FALSE
Document Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Current fiscal year end date	-2
Entity central index key	1123494
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity filer category	Accelerated Filer
Entity registrant name	HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity well known seasoned issuer	No
Entity common stock shares outstanding		33,164,780
Entity public float			$138,270,478
Non Affiliate Share Holding			30,389,116
Trading Symbol	HBIO

Statements_of_Financial_Positi

Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$14,134	$25,771
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $328 and $358, respectively	16,141	13,884
Inventories	20,531	15,777
Deferred income tax assets - current	1,515	1,547
Other receivables and other assets	4,742	3,771
Total current assets	57,063	60,750
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,190	4,375
Deferred income tax assets - non-current	11,056	13,116
Amortizable intangible assets, net	21,153	19,009
Goodwill	39,822	36,605
Other indefinite lived intangible assets	1,252	1,289
Other assets	380	316
Total Assets	135,916	135,460
Current liabilities:
Current portion, long-term debt	5,000	5,000
Accounts payable	6,294	4,682
Deferred revenue	655	640
Accrued income taxes payable	554	99
Deferred income tax liabilities - current	121	0
Accrued expenses	4,452	5,078
Other liabilities - current	1,023	586
Total current liabilities	18,099	16,085
Long-term debt	16,450	19,750
Deferred income tax liabilities - non-current	1,325	160
Other liabilities- non current	4,574	4,980
Total liabilities	40,448	40,975
Stockholders Equity Abstract
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 40,308,763 and 39,384,974 shares issued and 32,563,256 and 31,639,467 shares outstanding, respectively	397	390
Additional paid-in-capital	206,656	202,446
Accumulated deficit	-92,684	-95,039
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-8,233	-2,644
Treasury stock at cost, 7,745,507 common shares	-10,668	-10,668
Total stockholders' equity	95,468	94,485
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$135,916	$135,460

Statements_of_Financial_Positi1

Statements of Financial Position (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$328	$358
Preferred Stock Par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock - Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock- Shares Authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock- Shares Issued	40,308,763	39,384,974
Common Stock- Shares Outstanding	32,563,256	31,639,467
Treasury Stock common shares	7,745,507	7,745,507

Statements_of_Operations

Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues	$108,663	$105,171	$111,171
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	59,319	57,475	58,831
Gross profit	49,344	47,696	52,340
Sales and marketing expenses	18,225	17,330	18,287
General and administrative expenses	16,826	17,887	18,121
Research and development expenses	4,880	4,154	4,344
HART transaction costs	0	2,048	696
Restructuring charges (credits)	1,027	2,150	310
Gain on sale of assets	810	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	2,578	2,590	2,752
Total Operating Expenses	42,726	46,159	44,510
Operating income	6,618	1,537	7,830
Other (expense) income:
Foreign exchange	-150	-139	-113
Interest expense	-990	-955	-584
Interest income	74	43	46
Other income (expense), net	-1,135	-51	-287
Other expense, net	-2,201	-1,102	-938
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	4,417	435	6,892
Total Income Tax Expense	2,062	-288	2,398
Income from continuing operations	2,355	723	4,494
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	-2,553	-2,124
Net income (loss)	$2,355	($1,830)	$2,370
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations	$0.07	$0.02	$0.16
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.08)	($0.07)
Basic earnings per common share	$0.07	($0.06)	$0.09
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations	$0.07	$0.02	$0.15
Discontinued operations	$0	($0.08)	($0.07)
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$0.07	($0.06)	$0.08
Weighted average common shares:
Basic	32,170,683	30,384,010	28,799,377
Diluted	33,236,569	31,913,799	29,792,107

Statement_of_Comprehensive_Inc

Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$2,355	($1,830)	$2,370
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,941	1,573	1,863
Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract]
Loss on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges	-99	-116	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income	130	67	0
Derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax total	31	-49	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Amount of net loss included in net periodic pension costs, net of tax expense of $52, $62 and $57 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-207	-243	-191
Net gain (loss), net of tax expense (benefits) of $29, $115 and ($357) in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	114	452	-1,195
Unrealized losses on pension benefit obligation, net of tax	321	695	-1,004
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, total	-5,589	2,219	859
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, total	($3,234)	$389	$3,229

Statement_of_Comprehensive_Inc1

Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Tax	$52	$62	$57
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	$29	$115	($357)

Statement_of_Shareholders_Equi

Statement of Shareholders Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Total stockholders' equity at begining of the year, Value at Dec. 31, 2011	$95,499	$362	$191,157	($79,630)	($5,722)	($10,668)
Beginning balance shares at Dec. 31, 2011	36,289,000
Stock option exercises during the year, Value	2,117	7	2,110	0	0	0
Stock issued during the year, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	192	1	191	0	0	0
Shares Withheld For Taxes- Value	-145	0	-145	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	3,321	0	3,321	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	2,370	0	0	2,370	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	859	0	0	0	859	0
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	648,000
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	60,028
Restricted Stock Unit Issuance	164,000
Shares Withheld For Taxes	-37,000
Total stockholders' equity at year end, Value at Dec. 31, 2012	104,213	370	196,634	-77,260	-4,863	-10,668
Ending balance shares at Dec. 31, 2012	37,124,000
Stock option exercises during the year, Value	4,051	20	4,031	0	0	0
Stock issued during the year, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	194	0	194	0	0	0
Shares Withheld For Taxes- Value	-1,083	0	-1,083	0	0	0
Stockholders Equity Note Spinoff Transaction	-15,949	0	0	-15,949	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	2,670	0	2,670	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-1,830	0	0	-1,830	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,219	0	0	0	2,219	0
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	2,135,000
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	56,938
Restricted Stock Unit Issuance	282,000
Shares Withheld For Taxes	-213,000
Total stockholders' equity at year end, Value at Dec. 31, 2013	94,485	390	202,446	-95,039	-2,644	-10,668
Ending balance shares at Dec. 31, 2013	39,385,000
Stock option exercises during the year, Value	2,160	7	2,153	0	0	0
Stock issued during the year, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	228	0	228	0	0	0
Shares Withheld For Taxes- Value	-327	0	-327	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	2,156	0	2,156	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	2,355	0	0	2,355	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-5,589	0	0	0	-5,589	0
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	695,000
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	57,848
Restricted Stock Unit Issuance	233,000
Shares Withheld For Taxes	-62,000
Total stockholders' equity at year end, Value at Dec. 31, 2014	$95,468	$397	$206,656	($92,684)	($8,233)	($10,668)
Ending balance shares at Dec. 31, 2014	40,309,000

Statements_of_Cash_Flows

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$2,355	($1,830)	$2,370
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	2,156	2,670	3,321
Depreciation	1,253	1,298	1,270
Receivable for the earn-out related to discontinued assets	0	-440	-1,344
(Gain) loss on sales of fixed assets	-810	0	-24
Non cash restructuring charge	-120	-46	-13
Amortization Of Catalog Costs	47	101	184
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	-67	172	-31
Amortization of intangible assets	2,578	2,590	2,752
Amortization of deferred financing costs	61	46	52
Deferrred Income Taxes	1,412	-2,441	-731
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	-735	436	1,154
Increase in inventories	-3,056	1,921	1,174
Increase in other receivables and other assets	-370	-1,020	-925
Increase in trade accounts payable	1,069	-41	-905
(Decrease) increase in accrued income taxes	-269	323	213
Increase in accrued expenses	-345	847	-485
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue	28	146	-48
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	-836	-672	78
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,351	4,060	8,062
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-2,005	-1,622	-1,769
Additions to catalog costs	0	-57	-62
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	1,141	66	33
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations	0	1,784	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-12,653	0	-2,878
Net cash used in investing activities	-13,517	171	-4,676
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Repayments of debt	-5,500	-2,750	-3,850
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	2,200	14,550	500
Transfer of cash and cash equivalents to HART	0	-15,041	0
Payments of debt issuance costs	0	-312	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	2,066	3,621	2,287
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-1,234	68	-1,063
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,237	791	442
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-11,637	5,090	2,765
Cash and cash equivalents at the begining of period	25,771	20,681	17,916
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	14,134	25,771	20,681
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest	997	892	577
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$843	$1,479	$1,519

Organiziation

Organiziation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Disclosure [Abstract]
Organization Disclosure [Text Block]	1. Organization
	Harvard Bioscience, Inc. ( “Harvard Bioscience” or “the Company”) is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of scientific instruments, systems and lab consumables used to advance life science for basic research, drug discovery, clinical and environmental testing. The Company’s products are sold to thousands of researchers in over 100 countries through its global sales organization, catalogs, websites, and through distributors including GE Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., VWR and other specialized distributors. The Company has sales and manufacturing operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Spain, France, Canada and China.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Text Block]	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a)
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	(b)
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of management estimates. Such estimates include the determination and establishment of certain accruals and provisions, including those for inventory obsolescence, catalog cost amortization periods, income tax and reserves for bad debts. In addition, certain estimates are required in order to determine the value of assets and liabilities associated with acquisitions. Estimates are also required to evaluate the value and recoverability of existing long-lived and intangible assets, including goodwill. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	(c)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	(d)
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of collectability of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances and other factors that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.
	(e)
	Inventories
	The Company values its inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase (first-in, first-out method) and/or manufacture the inventories or the current estimated market value of the inventories. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision to write down excess and obsolete inventories to its estimated net realizable value if less than cost, based primarily on historical inventory usage and estimated forecast of product demand.
	(f)
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
		Buildings			40	years
		Machinery and equipment	3	-	10	years
		Computer equipment and software	3	-	7	years
		Furniture and fixtures	5	-	10	years
		Automobiles	3	-	6	years
	Property and equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
	(g)
	Catalog Costs
	Significant costs of product catalog design, development and production are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the catalog (usually one to three years).
	(h)
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition are reflected in the period in which the judgement occurs.
	(i)
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is generally their local currency. All assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates in effect at period-end. Income and expenses are translated at rates which approximate those in effect on the transaction dates. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net income.
	(j)
	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method unless the effect is antidilutive. Since the Company is reporting discontinued operations, it used income from continuing operations as the control number in determining whether those potential dilutive securities are dilutive or antidilutive.
	(k)
	Comprehensive Income
	The Company follows the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220, “Comprehensive Income”. FASB ASC 220 requires companies to report all changes in equity during a period, resulting from net income (loss) and transactions from non-owner sources, in a financial statement in the period in which they are recognized. The Company has chosen to disclose comprehensive income, which encompasses net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments, gains and losses on derivatives, the underfunded status of its pension plans, and pension minimum additional liability adjustments, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
	(l)
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”. The Company recognizes product revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, delivery has occurred, and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. Sales of some of its products include provisions to provide additional services such as installation and training. Revenues on these products are recognized when the additional services have been performed. Service agreements on its equipment are typically sold separately from the sale of the equipment. Revenues on these service agreements are recognized ratably over the life of the agreement, typically one year, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 605-20, “Revenue Recognition—Services”.
	The Company accounts for shipping and handling fees and costs in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 605-45-45, “Revenue Recognition—Principal Agent Considerations”, which requires all amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling to be classified as revenues. The costs incurred related to shipping and handling is classified as cost of product revenues. Warranties and product returns are estimated and accrued for at the time sales are recorded. The Company has no obligations to customers after the date products are shipped or installed, if applicable, other than pursuant to warranty obligations and service or maintenance contracts. The Company provides for the estimated amount of future returns upon shipment of products or installation, if applicable, based on historical experience.
	(m)
	Valuation of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
	The determination of the fair value of intangible assets, which represents a significant portion of the purchase price in the Company’s acquisitions, requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) the fair value; and (ii) whether such intangibles are amortizable or not amortizable and, if the former, the period and the method by which the intangibles asset will be amortized. The Company estimates the fair value of acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from identifiable assets of acquired businesses. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the present value of the assets at the dates of acquisitions. At December 31, 2014, amortizable intangible assets include existing technology, trade names, distribution agreements, customer relationships and patents. These amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 7 to 15 years, 10 to 15 years, 4 to 5 years, 5 to 15 years and 5 to 15 years, respectively.
	(n)
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and unamortizable intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”.
	The Company conducted its annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step of the impairment analysis compares the Company’s fair value to its carrying value to determine if there is any indication of impairment. Step two of the analysis compares the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation for business combination. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess. For indefinite-lived intangible assets if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset, the Company would write down the indefinite-lived intangible asset to fair value.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company compared its carrying value to its overall market capitalization, noting the fair value of the Company significantly exceeded the carrying value. The Company concluded that none of its goodwill was impaired.
	The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually and when events occur or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.  Events or circumstances that might require an interim evaluation include unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors, unanticipated technological changes or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts. At December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that none of its indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired.
	(o)
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company assesses recoverability of its long-lived assets that are held for use, such as property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets or an asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or the asset group. Cash flow projections are based on trends of historical performance and management’s estimate of future performance. If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. At December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that none of its long-lived assets were impaired.
	(p)
	Derivatives
	The Company uses interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings.
	The Company only enters into derivative contracts that it intends to designate as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.
	In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship.
(q)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of those instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its carrying value and is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with the debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar debt instruments of comparable maturity.
Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels:

Level 1 includes instruments for which quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the Company at the measurement date.

Level 2 includes instruments for which the valuations are based on 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 data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 includes valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
(r)
Stock-based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation”, which requires it to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock units  and employee stock purchases (“employee stock purchases”) related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended, the “ESPP”). The Company issues new shares upon stock option exercises, upon vesting of the restricted stock units and under the Company’s ESPP.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company values stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units at grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”). The determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by its stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to its expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors.
The fair value of restricted stock units are based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and are recorded as compensation expense ratably over the applicable service period, which ranges from one to four years. Unvested restricted stock units are forfeited in the event of termination of employment with the Company.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized under FASB ASC 718 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, the employee stock purchase plan, and the restricted stock units and was recorded as a component of cost of product revenues, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses and discontinued operations.
(s)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” a new accounting standard that provides for a comprehensive model to use in the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under this standard, revenue will be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard will be effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2017 fiscal year. The Company is assessing the new standard and has not yet determined the impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Text Block]	(s)
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” a new accounting standard that provides for a comprehensive model to use in the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under this standard, revenue will be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard will be effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2017 fiscal year. The Company is assessing the new standard and has not yet determined the impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Concentrations

Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Concentrations Disclosure [Abstract]
Concentrations Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Concentrations
	No customer accounted for more than 10% of the revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
					December 31,
					2014		2013
					(in thousands)
		Finished goods		$	10,138	$	7,039
		Work in process			946		752
		Raw materials			9,447		7,986
			Total	$	20,531	$	15,777

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Land, buildings and leasehold improvements	$	2,595	$	3,082
	Machinery and equipment		10,102		9,471
	Computer equipment and software		6,322		4,927
	Furniture and fixtures		1,125		1,281
	Automobiles		56		59
			20,200		18,820
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-15,010		-14,445
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	5,190	$	4,375

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquisitions Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Acquisitions
	The Company completed two acquisitions during 2014.
	Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
	On October 1, 2014, the Company, through its wholly-owned Biochrom Limited subsidiary, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH (“MCS”), which has its principal offices in Germany, for approximately $11.2 million, including a working capital adjustment. The Company funded the acquisition from its existing cash balances.
	MCS is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology instrumentation for extracellular recording and stimulation. This acquisition is complementary to the in vitro electrophysiology line currently offered by the Company’s wholly-owned Warner Instruments subsidiary.
	The aggregate purchase price for this acquisition was preliminarily allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired as follows:
			(in thousands)
	Tangible assets	$	5,442
	Liabilities assumed		-1,207
	Net assets		4,235
	Goodwill and intangible assets:
	Goodwill		3,745
	Trade name		1,008
	Customer relationships		1,204
	Developed technology		2,452
	Non-compete agreements		148
	Deferred tax liabilities		-1,603
	Total goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax		6,954
	Acquisition purchase price	$	11,189
	Goodwill recorded as a result of the acquisition of MCS is not deductible for tax purposes.
	The results of operations for MCS have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and are not material.
	The following consolidated pro forma information is based on the assumption that the acquisition of MCS occurred on January 1, 2013. Accordingly, the historical results have been adjusted to reflect amortization expense that would have been recognized on such a pro forma basis. The unaudited pro forma information is presented for comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations which would have been reported had we completed the acquisition during these periods or which might be reported in the future.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Pro Forma
	Revenues	$	114,066	$	114,300
	Net income		2,600		-672
	Triangle BioSystems, Inc.
	On October 1, 2014, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Triangle BioSystems, Inc. (“TBSI”), which has its principal offices in North Carolina, for approximately $2.2 million, including a working capital adjustment. The Company funded the acquisition from borrowings under its credit facility.
	TBSI is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of wireless neural interface equipment to aid in vivo neuroscience research, especially in the fields of electrophysiology, psychology, neurology and pharmacology. This acquisition is complementary to the behavioral neuroscience lines currently offered by the Company’s wholly-owned Panlab and Coulbourn subsidiaries.
	The aggregate purchase price for this acquisition was preliminarily allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired as follows:
			(in thousands)
	Tangible assets	$	1,278
	Liabilities assumed		-530
	Net assets		748
	Goodwill and intangible assets:
	Goodwill		946
	Trade name		143
	Customer relationships		308
	Developed technology		363
	Non-compete agreements		30
	Deferred tax liabilities		-325
	Total goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax		1,465
	Acquisition purchase price	$	2,213
	The results of operations for TBSI have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and are not material. The Company considers this acquisition immaterial for the purposes of proforma financial statement disclosures. Goodwill recorded as a result of the acquisition of TBSI is not deductible for tax purposes.
	Direct acquisition costs recorded in other expense, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations were $1.1 million, $0 and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Discontinued Operations
	UBI
	In September 2008, the Company completed the sale of assets of its Union Biometrica Division (“UBI”) including its German subsidiary, Union Biometrica GmbH, to UBIO Acquisition Company. During 2013, the Company received earn-out payments, including interest, from UBIO Acquisition Company, of $1.8 million related to the 2008 acquisition. The Company received its final payment under the earn-out obligation from UBIO Acquisition Company in October 2013.
	HART
	On November 1, 2013, the spin-off of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. (“HART”) from the Company was completed. Through the spin-off date, the historical operations of HART were reported as continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations of the Company. Following the spin-off, the historical operations of HART have been reclassified and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. As a result of the spin-off and related separation, HART became an independent company that operates the regenerative medicine business previously owned by Harvard Bioscience. The spin-off was completed through the distribution to Harvard Bioscience’s stockholders of record all of the shares of common stock of HART (the “Distribution”).  In the Distribution, the Company distributed to its stockholders one share of HART common stock for every four shares of Harvard Bioscience common stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 21, 2013, the record date for the Distribution. Fractional shares of HART common stock were not included in the distribution. Instead, Registrar & Transfer Company aggregated fractional shares into whole shares, sold the whole shares in the open market and distributed the aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales pro rata to each holder who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the Distribution.
	Effective with the spin-off, the Company contributed $15.0 million in cash to HART to fund its operations. In addition, the Company transferred approximately $0.9 million in assets, made up primarily of property, plant and equipment, to HART as part of the spin-off.
	In connection with the spin-off of HART, certain required adjustments were made to the Company’s outstanding equity compensation awards under its employee benefit plans. Each outstanding option to purchase Harvard Bioscience common stock was converted on the date of the Distribution into both an adjusted Harvard Bioscience option to purchase Harvard Bioscience common stock and an option to purchase HART common stock. Black-Scholes valuation modeling was used to determine the value that each Harvard Bioscience option had lost at the time of the Distribution and to ensure the holder maintained such lost value, 80% of such lost value was provided back to the holder by making appropriate adjustments to the share amount and exercise price of the existing Harvard Bioscience option and 20% of such lost value was provided back to the holder through the issuance of an option to purchase HART common stock. Similar to the adjustment of the existing Harvard Bioscience options, with respect to each unvested Harvard Bioscience restricted stock unit outstanding at the time of the Distribution, such Harvard Bioscience restricted stock unit was converted on the date of the Distribution into both an adjusted Harvard Bioscience restricted stock unit and a HART restricted stock unit.  The market prices of Harvard Bioscience and HART common stock were used to determine the value that each Harvard Bioscience restricted stock unit lost at the time of the Distribution and then to ensure the holder maintained such lost value, 80% of such lost value was provided back to the holder by making the appropriate increases of the share amount of the existing Harvard Bioscience restricted stock unit and 20% of such lost value was provided back to the holder through the issuance of a HART restricted stock unit. The share amounts and exercise prices of the adjusted Harvard Bioscience options and HART options, as well as the share amounts of the adjusted Harvard Bioscience restricted stock units and HART restricted stock units, were each adjusted and set in a manner to ensure the intrinsic value held by the holder pertaining to the existing Harvard Bioscience award was maintained immediately following the Distribution and was determined such that tax was not triggered under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.   As part of these required adjustments, the Company issued approximately 1.7 million options and approximately 0.1 million restricted stock units to holders of its outstanding equity compensation awards.
	In connection with the spin-off, on October 31, 2013, the Company entered into various commercial agreements with HART which contain many of the key terms, conditions and arrangements related to the Distribution.  A description of certain of these agreements can be found in Note 20.
	Harvard Bioscience intends for the Distribution and related separation, taken together, to qualify as a reorganization pursuant to which no gain or loss is recognized by Harvard Bioscience or its stockholders for federal income tax purposes under Sections 355, 368(a)(1)(D) and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. On June 28, 2013, Harvard Bioscience received a Supplemental Ruling to the Private Letter Ruling dated March 22, 2013 from the IRS to the effect that, among other things, the spin-off will qualify as a transaction that is tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code continuing in effect.  Harvard Bioscience has also received an opinion from its outside tax advisor to such effect. In connection with the ruling and the opinion, Harvard Bioscience made certain representations regarding it and its business.  The Company has agreed that it will not take or fail to take any action which prevents or could reasonably be expected to prevent the tax-free status of the spin-off. HART has agreed to certain restrictions that are intended to preserve the tax-free status of the contribution and the Distribution. HART may take certain actions otherwise prohibited by these covenants if Harvard Bioscience receives a private letter ruling from the IRS or if HART obtains, and provides to Harvard Bioscience, an opinion from a U.S. tax counsel or accountant of recognized national standing, in either case, acceptable to Harvard Bioscience in its sole and absolute discretion to the effect that such action would not jeopardize the tax-free status of the contribution and the Distribution. These covenants include restrictions on HART’s:
	• issuance or sale of stock or other securities (including securities convertible into HART’s stock but excluding certain compensatory arrangements);
	• sales of assets outside the ordinary course of business; and
	• entering into any other corporate transaction which would cause HART to undergo a 50% or greater change in HART’s stock ownership.
	In addition, current U.S. federal income tax law creates a presumption that the spin-off of HART would be taxable to the Company, but not its stockholders, if such spin-off is part of a “plan or series of related transactions” pursuant to which one or more persons acquire directly or indirectly stock representing a 50% or greater interest (by vote or value) in the Company or HART. Acquisitions that occur during the four-year period that begins two years before the date of the spin-off are presumed to occur pursuant to a plan or series of related transactions, unless it is established that the acquisition is not pursuant to a plan or series of transactions that includes the spin-off. U.S. Treasury regulations currently in effect generally provide that whether an acquisition and a spin-off are part of a plan is determined based on all of the facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, specific factors described in the U.S. Treasury regulations. In addition, the U.S. Treasury regulations provide several “safe harbors” for acquisitions that are not considered to be part of a plan. These rules will limit the Company’s ability during the two-year period following the spin-off to enter into certain transactions that may be advantageous to the Company and its stockholders, particularly issuing equity securities to satisfy financing needs, repurchasing equity securities, disposing of certain assets, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, and, under certain circumstances, acquiring businesses or assets with equity securities or agreeing to be acquired.
	The following table sets forth the impact of discontinued operations on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, UBI	$	440	$	1,344
	(Loss) from discontinued operations, HART		-4,861		-4,664
	Income tax (benefit)		-1,868		-1,196
	(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	-2,553	$	-2,124

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
											Weighted
											Average
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13			Life	(a)
			(in thousands)
	Amortizable intangible assets:		Gross			Accumulated Amortization		Gross		Accumulated Amortization
	Existing technology	$	15,538		$	-11,198	$	13,464	$	-11,091	7.3	Years
	Trade names		7,114			-2,557		6,178		-2,185	10.8	Years
	Distribution agreements/customer relationships		22,730			-10,681		21,827		-9,447	10.3	Years
	Patents		256			-49		271		-8	4.2	Years
	Total amortizable intangible assets		45,638		$	-24,485		41,740	$	-22,731
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Goodwill		39,822					36,605
	Other indefinite-lived intangible assets		1,252					1,289
	Total goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets		41,074					37,894
	Total intangible assets	$	86,712				$	79,634
	(a) Weighted average life as of December 31, 2014.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
				(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	36,200
		Effect of change in currency translation		405
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	36,605
		Goodwill arising from business combinations		4,691
		Effect of change in currency translation		-1,474
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	39,822
	Intangible asset amortization expense was $2.6 million, $2.6 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense of existing amortizable intangible assets is currently estimated to be $2.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2015, $2.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2016, $2.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2017, $2.1 million for the year ending December 31, 2018 and $2.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2019.

Restructuring_and_Other_Exit_C

Restructuring and Other Exit Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring And Other Exit Costs Disclosure [Text Block]	9. Restructuring and Other Exit Costs
	2014 Restructuring Plan
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, management of Harvard Bioscience initiated a plan to relocate certain distribution and manufacturing operations in order to create organizational efficiencies and reduce operating expenses. The 2014 restructuring plan included plans to relocate the distribution operations of the Company’s Denville subsidiary from New Jersey to North Carolina, as well as consolidating the manufacturing operations of its Biochrom subsidiary to its headquarters in Holliston, MA. The Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.7 million representing severance costs. Additional charges related to this plan are expected to be incurred through the third quarter of 2015, and include, but are not limited to, contract termination costs, as well as moving and employee relocation costs. Payments related to this plan are expected to be made through the end of 2015. Activity and liability balances related to these charges were as follows:
			Severance Costs
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	655
	Cash payments		-29
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2014	$	626
	2013 Restructuring Plans
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the management of Harvard Bioscience initiated a plan to realign global operations to improve organizational efficiencies and reduce operating expenses throughout the Company. The plan included an approximately 13% reduction in the workforce, as well as the elimination of the position of Chief Operating Officer. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of approximately $0.4 millions and $2.1 million, respectively, representing severance and other costs. No further charges are expected to be incurred on this matter. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no remaining liability related to this plan on its balance sheet. Activity and liability balances related to these charges were as follows:
			Severance and			Fixed Asset
			Related Costs			Write Offs			Other		Total
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges - 2013	$	2,100		$	-		$	-	$	2,100
	Cash payments		-666			-			-		-666
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013		1,434			-			-		1,434
	Restructuring charges		199			13			293		505
	Non-cash reversal of restructuring charges		-117			-13			-		-130
	Cash payments		-1,516			-			-293		-1,809
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2014	$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-
	As part of the fourth quarter 2013 restructuring plan, the Company decided to close one of its facilities in the United Kingdom. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the facility was sold. The gain of $0.8 million was recorded in a separate line in the Company’s statements of operations within operating expenses.
	During the third quarter of 2013, the management of Harvard Bioscience initiated a plan to reduce operating expenses at one of its foreign subsidiaries. No further charges are expected to be incurred on this matter. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no remaining liability related to this plan on its balance sheet. Activity and liability balances related to these charges were as follows:
			Severance
			and Related Costs
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	96
	Cash payments		-96
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013	$	-
	2012 Restructuring Plan
	During 2012, the management of Harvard Bioscience initiated a plan to reduce operating expenses at one of its foreign subsidiaries. The Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.3 million representing severance payments. No further charges are expected to be incurred on this matter. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no remaining liability related to this plan on its balance sheet. Activity and liability balances related to these charges were as follows:
			Severance
			and Related Costs		Other		Total
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	312	$	11	$	323
	Cash payments		-179		-		-179
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2012		133		11		144
	Cash payments		-84		-11		-95
	Non-cash reversal of restructuring charges		-46		-		-46
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013		3		-		3
	Non-cash reversal of restructuring charges		-3		-		-3
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2014	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Aggregate net restructuring charges relating to the 2014 restructuring plan, 2013 restructuring plans and the 2012 restructuring plan were as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	1,027		$	2,150		$	310

Long_Term_Debt

Long Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long Term Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Long Term Debt
	On August 7, 2009, the Company entered into an amended and restated $20.0 million revolving credit loan agreement with Bank of America, as agent, and Bank of America and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co as lenders (the “2009 Credit Agreement”). On September 30, 2011, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Loan Agreement (the “First Amendment”) with Bank of America as agent, and Bank of America and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co as lenders. The First Amendment extended the maturity date of the credit facility to August 7, 2013 and reduced the interest rate to the London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.0%. On October 4, 2012, the Company entered into the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Loan Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with Bank of America as agent, and Bank of America and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co as lenders. The Second Amendment extended the maturity date of the credit facility to August 7, 2014.
	On March 29, 2013, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, as agent, and Bank of America and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co as lenders, that amended and restated the 2009 Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement converted the Company’s existing outstanding revolving advances into a term loan in the principal amount of $15.0 million (the “Term Loan”), provides a revolving credit facility in the maximum principal amount of $25.0 million (“Revolving Line”) and provides a delayed draw term loan of up to $15.0 million (the “DDTL”) to fund capital contributions to the Company’s former subsidiary, HART. The maximum amount available under the Credit Agreement is $50.0 million as borrowings against the DDTL in excess of $10.0 million results in a dollar for dollar reduction in the Revolving Line capacity. The Revolving Line has a maturity date of March 29, 2016, while the Term Loan and DDTL have a maturity date of March 29, 2018.
	On October 31, 2013, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to reduce the DDTL from up to $15.0 million to up to $10.0 million and allow for an additional $5.0 million to be available for drawing as advances under the Revolving Line.
	Borrowings under the Term Loan and the DDTL shall bear interest at a rate based on either the effective London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for certain interest periods selected by the Company, or a daily floating rate based on the British Bankers’ Association (BBA) LIBOR as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR), plus in either case, a margin of 3.0%. The Revolving Line shall bear interest at a rate based on either the effective LIBOR for certain interest periods selected by the Company, or a daily floating rate based on the BBA LIBOR, plus in either case, a margin of 2.5%. The Company was required to fix the rate of interest on at least 50% of the Term Loan and the DDTL through the purchase of interest rate swaps. The Term Loan and DDTL each have interest payments due at the end of the applicable LIBOR period, or monthly with respect to BBA LIBOR borrowings, and principal payments due quarterly. The Revolving Line has interest payments due at the end of the applicable LIBOR period, or monthly with respect to BBA LIBOR borrowings.
	The loans evidenced by the Credit Agreement, or the Loans, are guaranteed by all of the Company’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and the guarantors. The Loans are subject to restrictive covenants under the Credit Agreement, and financial covenants that require the Company and its subsidiaries to maintain certain financial ratios on a consolidated basis, including a maximum leverage, minimum fixed charge coverage and minimum working capital. Prepayment of the Loans is allowed by the Credit Agreement at any time during the terms of the Loans. The Loans also contain limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness and requires lender approval for acquisitions funded with cash, promissory notes and/or other consideration in excess of $6.0 million and for acquisitions funded solely with equity in excess of $10.0 million.
	As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had borrowings of $21.5 million and $24.8 million, respectively, outstanding under its Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement, was subject to covenant and working capital borrowing restrictions and had available borrowing capacity under its Credit Agreement of $11.8 million.
	As of December 31, 2014, the weighted effective interest rates on the Company’s Term Loan, DDTL and Revolving Line borrowings were 3.96%, 3.55% and 2.67%, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s borrowings were comprised of:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Long-term debt:
	Term loan	$	9,750	$	12,750
	DDTL		7,500		9,500
	Revolving line		4,200		2,500
	Total debt		21,450		24,750
	Less: current installments		-5,000		-5,000
	Long-term debt	$	16,450	$	19,750
	The aggregate amounts of debt maturing during the next five years are as follows:
				(in thousands)
		2015	$	5,000
		2016		9,200
		2017		5,000
		2018		2,250
		2019		-
		Total	$	21,450

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Derivatives
	The Company uses interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments.
	By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company owes the counterparty and, therefore, the Company is not exposed to the counterparty’s credit risk in those circumstances. The Company minimizes counterparty credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with carefully selected major financial institutions based upon their credit profile.
	Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates. The market risk associated with interest-rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
	The Company assesses interest rate risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. The Company maintains risk management control systems to monitor interest rate risk attributable to both the Company’s outstanding or forecasted debt obligations as well as the Company’s offsetting hedge positions. The risk management control systems involve the use of analytical techniques, including cash flow sensitivity analysis, to estimate the expected impact of changes in interest rates on the Company’s future cash flows.
	The Company uses variable-rate London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) debt to finance its operations. The debt obligations expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. Management believes that it is prudent to limit the variability of a portion of its interest payments. To meet this objective, management enters into LIBOR based interest rate swap agreements to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in the benchmark interest rate of LIBOR. These swaps change the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the debt obligations to fixed cash flows. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company receives LIBOR based variable interest rate payments and makes fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating the equivalent of fixed-rate debt for the notional amount of its debt hedged. In accordance with its Credit Agreement, the Company was required to fix the rate of interest on at least 50% of its Term Loan and the DDTL through the purchase of interest rate swaps. On June 5, 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract with an original notional amount of $15.0 million and a maturity date of March 29, 2018 in order to hedge the risk of changes in the effective benchmark interest rate (LIBOR) associated with the Company’s Term Loan. On November 29, 2013, the Company entered into a second interest rate swap contract with an original notional amount of $5.0 million and a maturity date of March 29, 2018 in order to hedge the risk of changes in the effective benchmark interest rate (LIBOR) associated with the DDTL. The notional amount of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2014 was $13.5 million. The Term Loan swap contract converted specific variable-rate debt into fixed-rate debt and fixed the LIBOR rate associated with the Term Loan at 0.96% plus a bank margin of 3.0%. The DDTL swap contract converted specific variable-rate debt into fixed-rate debt and fixed the LIBOR rate associated with the Term Loan at 0.93% plus a bank margin of 3.0%.The interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging.
	The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
						31-Dec-14		31-Dec-14
						Notional Amount		Fair Value (a)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815			Balance sheet classification		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swap			Other liabilities-non current	$	13,500	$	-18
						31-Dec-13		31-Dec-13
						Notional Amount		Fair Value (a)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815			Balance sheet classification		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swap			Other liabilities-non current	$	17,500	$	-49
		(a) See Note 12 for the fair value measurements related to these financial instruments.
	All of the Company’s derivative instruments are designated as hedging instruments.
	The Company has structured its interest rate swap agreements to be 100% effective and as a result, there was no impact to earnings resulting from hedge ineffectiveness. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments that effectively offset the variability of cash flows associated with variable-rate, long-term debt obligations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). These amounts subsequently are reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment of the hedged interest payments in the same period in which the related interest affects earnings. The Company’s interest rate swap agreement was deemed to be fully effective in accordance with ASC 815, and, as such, unrealized gains and losses related to these derivatives were recorded as AOCI.
	The following table summarizes the effect of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments and their classification within comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Derivatives in Hedging Relationships	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swaps	$	-99		$	-116	$	-
	The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Details about AOCI Components	Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)							Location of gain or (loss)
		Year Ended December 31,							reclassified from AOCI
		2014			2013		2012		into income (effective portion)
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swaps	$	-130		$	-67	$	-	Interest expense
	As of December 31, 2014, $0.1 million of deferred losses on derivative instruments accumulated in AOCI are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months. Transactions and events expected to occur over the next twelve months that will necessitate reclassifying these derivatives’ losses to earnings include the repricing of variable-rate debt. There were no cash flow hedges discontinued during 2014 or 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	12. Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value measurement is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:
	Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.
	The following tables present the fair value hierarchy for those liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	-	$	18	$	-	$	18
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	-	$	49	$	-	$	49
	The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial liabilities. The Company’s financial liabilities carried at fair value include derivative instruments used to hedge the Company’s interest rate risks. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements was based on LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases Disclosure [Abstract]
Leases Disclosure [Text Block]	13. Leases
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 (the “Third Amendment”) amending the terms of the lease on the Company’s corporate headquarters in Holliston, MA. The Third Amendment extended the term of the lease through August 31, 2024, while also expanding the Company’s rentable square feet in the building by approximately 22,000 square feet to a total of approximately 83,000 square feet. The commencement date of the Third Amendment was October 1, 2014.
	The Company has noncancelable operating leases for office and warehouse space expiring at various dates through 2019 and thereafter. Rent expense, which is recorded on a straight-line basis, was approximately $1.7 million, $1.3 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments for operating leases, with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
			Operating
			Leases
			(in thousands)
	2015	$	2,094
	2016		1,603
	2017		1,579
	2018		1,550
	2019		1,353
	Thereafter		5,867
	Net minimum lease payments	$	14,046

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Accrued compensation and payroll	$	1,616	$	1,349
	Accrued professional fees		735		927
	Accrued severance		626		1,434
	Warranty costs		240		305
	Other		1,235		1,063
	Total	$	4,452	$	5,078

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax [Abstract]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Text Block]	15. Income Tax
	Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal and state	$	27	$	47	$	70
	Foreign		424		413		1,705
			451		460		1,775
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal and state		1,793		-594		931
	Foreign		-182		-154		-308
			1,611		-748		623
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,062	$	-288	$	2,398
	Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to pre-tax continuing operations income as a result of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	1,503	$	147	$	2,343
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Permanent differences, net		-93		482		-25
	Foreign tax rate differential		-364		-64		-435
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-		31		135
	Non-deductible stock compensation expense		67		1		254
	Impact of prior year pension deductions		-		-294		-
	Tax credits		-385		-615		-127
	Change in valuation allowance allocated to income
	tax expense (benefit)		1,346		31		281
	Other		-12		-7		-28
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,062	$	-288	$	2,398
	Income tax expense (benefit) is based on the following pre-tax income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Domestic	$	1,846	$	-2,549	$	681
	Foreign		2,571		2,984		6,211
	Total	$	4,417	$	435	$	6,892
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities from continuing operations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	45	$	65
	Inventory		1,416		1,405
	Operating loss and credit carryforwards		12,803		12,978
	Accrued expenses		188		409
	Pension liabilities		889		985
	Contingent consideration		2,806		2,593
	Other accrued liabilities		1,832		1,867
	Total gross deferred assets		19,979		20,302
	Less: valuation allowance		-2,423		-1,249
	Deferred tax assets	$	17,556	$	19,053
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets	$	6,021	$	4,242
	Property, plant and equipment		27		70
	Other accrued liabilities		383		238
	Total deferred tax liabilities		6,431		4,550
	Net deferred tax assets	$	11,125	$	14,503
	The amounts recorded as deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 represent the amount of tax benefits of existing deductible temporary differences and carryforwards that are more likely than not to be realized through the generation of sufficient future taxable income within the carryforward period. Significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain of its U.S. foreign tax credits would expire unused and therefore recorded an increase to the valuation allowance of $1.3 million related to these credit carryforwards. The Company also provided valuation allowances for net deferred tax assets in several state and foreign jurisdictions and certain credit carryforwards.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income of approximately $25.4 million. The operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2015. Furthermore, the Company had foreign operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income of approximately $4.9 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company also had federal and state general business and minimum tax credit carryforwards available to reduce future federal and state regular income taxes of approximately $5.2 million, which begin to expire in 2016. Approximately $5.5 million of net operating losses are subject to an annual limitation of $0.7 million imposed by change in ownership provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As mentioned above, certain of these net operating loss and credit carryforwards have full valuation allowances set up against them.
	Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $51.9 million, $49.2 million, and $46.0 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Undistributed foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no related provision for U.S federal and state income taxes has been provided. It is impracticable to estimate the total tax liability, if any, which would be created by the future distribution of these earnings.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was $12.7 million and $23.6 million, respectively. These funds are not available for domestic operations unless the funds are repatriated. If the Company planned to or did repatriate these funds then U.S. federal and state income taxes would have to be recorded on such amounts. The Company currently has no plans and does not intend to repatriate any of its undistributed foreign earnings. The foreign earnings are considered permanently reinvested and will be used for foreign acquisitions, capital investments and operations. In October 2014, the Company acquired all issued and outstanding shares of MCS, a German manufacturer, and utilized approximately $11.2 million of foreign cash on hand to do so. In February 2012, the Company acquired all issued and outstanding shares of AHN, a German manufacturer, and utilized approximately $2.0 million of foreign cash on hand. In 2014, the Company also used $0.4 million of foreign cash on hand for capital improvements at AHN. Also in January 2015 the Company acquired all issued and outstanding shares of HEKA Elektronik (see Note 25) utilizing approximately $6.0 million of foreign cash on hand.
			(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	191
Additions based on tax positions of prior years		-
Balance at December 31, 2013		191
Additions based on tax positions of acquired entities		59
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	250
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010. During 2013, the Company closed its IRS audit for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. There were no material adjustments. During 2014 the company closed its audit for tax years 2009 and 2010 by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue with no material adjustments. The Company’s Canadian subsidiary was under audit by the Canadian Revenue Agency for the 2011 tax year. This audit was closed in February 2015 with no adjustments. The Company is not aware of any tax audits in other major jurisdictions.
During 2013, the Company spun off its HART subsidiary. All related carryforward tax attributes remained with Harvard Bioscience.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Text Block]	16. Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company sponsors profit sharing retirement plans for its U.S. employees, which includes employee savings plans established under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the “401(k) Plans”). The 401(k) Plans cover substantially all full-time employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. Contributions to the profit sharing retirement plans are at the discretion of management. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company contributed approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, to the 401(k) Plans.
	Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, or UK, Harvard Apparatus Limited and Biochrom, maintain contributory, defined benefit or defined contribution pension plans for substantially all of their employees. As of December 31, 2014, the principal employer of the Harvard Apparatus Limited pension plan was changed from Harvard Apparatus Limited to Biochrom. As of December 31, 2014, these defined benefit pension plans were closed to new employees, as well as closed to the future accrual of benefits for existing employees. The provisions of FASB ASC 715-20 require that the funded status of the Company’s pension plans be recognized in its balance sheet. FASB ASC 715-20 does not change the measurement or income statement recognition of these plans, although it does require that plan assets and benefit obligations be measured as of the balance sheet date. The Company has historically measured the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the balance sheet date.
	The components of the Company’s defined benefit pension expense were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	-		$	288		$	314
	Interest cost		893			797			819
	Expected return on plan assets		-649			-524			-570
	Net amortization loss		259			305			248
	Curtailment gain		-			-197			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	503		$	669		$	811
	The measurement date is December 31 for these plans. The funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	20,403	$	19,643
	Service cost		-		272
	Interest cost		893		797
	Participants' contributions		5		56
	Actuarial loss (gain)		1,628		-329
	Benefits paid		-457		-431
	Currency translation adjustment		-1,302		395
	Balance at end of year	$	21,170	$	20,403
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	15,540	$	13,704
	Actual return on plan assets		1,119		1,125
	Participants' contributions		5		56
	Employer contributions		1,546		801
	Benefits paid		-457		-431
	Currency translation adjustment		-1,029		285
	Balance at end of year	$	16,724	$	15,540
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Funded status	$	-4,446	$	-4,863
	Unrecognized net loss		N/A		N/A
	Net amount recognized	$	-4,446	$	-4,863
	The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $21.2 million and $19.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets	$	889	$	985
	Other long term liabilities		-4,446		-4,863
	Net amount recognized	$	-3,557	$	-3,878
	The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax consist of:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Underfunded status of pension plans	$	-3,557	$	-3,878
	Net amount recognized	$	-3,557	$	-3,878
	The weighted average assumptions used in determining the net pension cost for these plans follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Discount rate		4.43%		4.43%		4.09%
	Expected return on assets		4.15%		3.79%		4.02%
Rate of compensation increase		0.00%		2.99%		3.51%
The discount rate assumptions used for pension accounting reflect the prevailing rates available on high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with terms that match the average expected duration of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan obligations. The Company uses the iBoxx AA 15yr+ index, which matches the average duration of its pension plan liability of approximately 15 years. With the current base of assets in the pension plans, a 0.1% increase/decrease in the discount rate assumption would decrease/increase annual pension expense by approximately $89,000.
The Company’s mix of pension plan investments among asset classes also affects the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s actual asset mix approximated its target mix. Differences between actual and expected returns are recognized in the calculation of net periodic pension (income)/cost over the average remaining expected future working lifetime, which is approximately 15 years, of active plan participants. With the current base of assets, a 0.1% increase/decrease in the asset return assumption would decrease/increase annual pension expense by approximately $17,000.
The fair value and asset allocations of the Company’s pension benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 measurement dates were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
Asset category:
Equity securities	$	8,145		49%	$	7,404		48%
Debt securities		7,260		43%		6,061		39%
Cash and cash equivalents		1,319		8%		1,488		9%
Other		-		0%		587		4%
Total	$	16,724		100%	$	15,540		100%
Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels. The fair values of the plan assets by fair value hierarchy level as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	$	1,319	$	1,488
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		15,405		13,465
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		-		587
Total	$	16,724	$	15,540
Level 1 assets consist of cash and cash equivalents held in the pension plans at December 31, 2014. The Level 2 assets primarily consist of investments in private investment funds that are valued using the net asset values provided by the trust or fund, including an insurance contract. Although these funds are not traded in an active market with quoted prices, the investments underlying the net asset value are based on quoted prices. Level 3 assets consist of an investment in a longevity fund which invests in a portfolio of physical life insurance settlements that are valued using the net asset values provided by the fund. Since June 2011, the fund has been closed to all activity. Due to the illiquidity and inactivity of the fund, during the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company wrote down its Level 3 investment by an additional $0.6 million, which reduced its value to $0.
The following table presents a summary of changes in the Company’s Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	587	$	768
Purchases during the year		-		-
Unrealized loss		-587		-181
Balance at end of year	$	-	$	587
The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.8 million to its pension plans during 2015.
The benefits expected to be paid from the pension plans are $0.5 million in 2015, $0.8 million in 2016, $0.6 million in 2017, $0.6 million in 2018 and $0.7 million in 2019. The expected benefits to be paid in the five years from 2020—2024 are $4.7 million. The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingent_Lia

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	17. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any such material claims or proceedings.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Text Block]	18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax are as follows:
			Foreign currency		Derivatives
			translation		qualifying as		Defined benefit
	(in thousands)		adjustments		hedges		pension plans		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	-290	$	-	$	-4,573	$	-4,863
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1,573		-116		452		1,909
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		-		67		243		310
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		1,573		-49		695		2,219
	Balance at December 31, 2013		1,283		-49		-3,878		-2,644
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		-5,941		-99		114		-5,926
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		-		130		207		337
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income		-5,941		31		321		-5,589
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	-4,658	$	-18	$	-3,557	$	-8,233
	The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
							Affected line item in the				Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)						Statements of Operations				2014		2013		2012
	Amounts Reclassified From AOCI
		Derivatives qualifying as hedges
			Realized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges				Interest expense			$	130	$	67	$	-
			Income tax				Income tax (benefit) expense				-		-		-
											130		67		-
		Defined benefit pension plans
			Amortization of net losses included in net periodic pension costs				General and administrative expenses				259		305		248
			Income tax				Income tax (benefit) expense				-52		-62		-57
											207		243		191
		Total reclassifications								$	337	$	310	$	191

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Stock Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital Stock Disclosure [Text Block]	19. Capital Stock
	Common Stock
	On February 5, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2008. Initially, these rights will not be exercisable and will trade with the shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the Shareholder Rights Plan, the rights generally will become exercisable if a person becomes an “acquiring person” by acquiring 20% or more of the common stock of the Company or if a person commences a tender offer that could result in that person owning 20% or more of the common stock of the Company. If a person becomes an acquiring person, each holder of a right (other than the acquiring person) would be entitled to purchase, at the then-current exercise price, such number of shares of preferred stock which are equivalent to shares of the Company’s common stock having a value of twice the exercise price of the right. If the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after any such event, each holder of a right would then be entitled to purchase, at the then-current exercise price, shares of the acquiring company’s common stock having a value of twice the exercise price of the right.
	Preferred Stock
	The Company’s Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 5.0 million shares of preferred stock and to determine the price privileges and other terms of the shares. The Board of Directors may exercise this authority without any further approval of stockholders. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no preferred stock issued or outstanding.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	In 2000, the Company approved the ESPP. Under this ESPP, participating employees can authorize the Company to withhold a portion of their base pay during consecutive six-month payment periods for the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock. At the conclusion of the period, participating employees can purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the beginning or end of the period. Shares are issued under the ESPP for the six-month periods ending June 30 and December 31. Under this plan, 750,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance of which 585,188 shares were issued as of December 31, 2014. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company issued 57,848, 56,938 and 60,028 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock under the ESPP.
	Stock-Based Payment Awards
	The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, which requires it to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchases related to the ESPP.
	FASB ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units, on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in its consolidated statements of income.
	Upon adoption of FASB ASC 718, the Company elected to retain its method of valuation for stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by its stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to its expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors. The Company records stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for all awards granted since the adoption of FASB ASC 718.
	Stock Option Plans
	1996 Stock Option and Grant Plan
	In 1996, the Company adopted the 1996 Stock Option and Grant Plan (the “1996 Stock Plan”) pursuant to which the Board of Directors could grant stock options to employees, directors and consultants. The 1996 Stock Plan authorized grants of options to purchase 4,072,480 shares of authorized but unissued common stock. In 2000, the 1996 Stock Plan was replaced by the 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2014, there were no options to purchase shares outstanding under the 1996 Stock Plan.
	Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
	The Third Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors on April 13, 2011. Such amendment to the Plan was approved by the stockholders at the Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting. The Plan made the following changes, among others, to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Second A&R Plan”):
	
	the aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance under the Second A&R Plan was increased by 3,700,000 shares to 13,067,675 shares of Common Stock;
	
	the current limitation that no more than 3,750,000 shares of restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, and performance share awards may be issued under the Second A&R Plan was replaced with a fungible share provision deducting from shares available for grant under the Plan 1.79 shares for each share that underlies an award granted under the Company’s Plan for deferred stock awards of restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, performance share awards or other awards under the Company’s Plan for which the full value of such share is transferred by the Company to the award recipient; and
	
	other clarifying and updating changes.
	The Company currently has 15,008,929 shares of its common stock reserved for the issuance of awards under the Plan, which includes the 13,067,675 shares described above plus the shares underlying the adjustment awards issued related to the spin-off of HART in accordance with the Plan. As of December 31, 2014, there were options to purchase 6,263,112 shares, and 306,397 restricted stock units outstanding.
	Through December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, incentive stock options to purchase 10,218,057, 10,218,057 and 8,990,395 shares and non-qualified stock options to purchase 12,143,374, 11,028,074 and 8,906,684 shares, respectively, had been granted to employees and directors under the Stock Plans. Generally, both the incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options become fully vested over a range of one to four-year periods.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 1,115,300, 3,349,052 and 1,220,934 options, respectively, were granted to employees and directors at exercise prices equal to or greater than fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 116,400, 259,931 and 349,295 restricted stock units, respectively, were granted to certain employees and directors under the Plan.
	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is based upon net income divided by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of stock options and restricted stock units into common stock using the treasury method. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share consists of the following:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Basic		32,170,683		30,384,010		28,799,377
	Effect of assumed conversion of employee and director stock options and restricted stock units		1,065,886		1,529,789		992,730
	Diluted		33,236,569		31,913,799		29,792,107
	Excluded from the shares used in calculating the diluted earnings per common share in the above table are options to purchase approximately 2,526,441, 2,547,580 and 4,700,033 shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as the impact of these shares would be anti-dilutive.
	General Option Information
	The following is a summary of stock option and the restricted stock unit activity:
				Stock Options					Restricted Stock Units
							Weighted
				Stock			Average		Restricted
				Options			Exercise		Stock Units			Grant Date
				Outstanding			Price		Outstanding			Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2011			8,519,575		$	4.52		539,450		$	4.32
		Granted		1,220,934			3.6		349,295			3.57
		Exercised		-648,000			3.94		-			-
		Vested (RSUs)		-			-		-164,090			-
		Cancelled / forfeited		-1,014,000			6.36		-47,462			4.21
	Balance at December 31, 2012			8,078,509			4.25		677,193			3.97
		Granted		3,349,052			4.44		259,931			4.62
		Exercised		-3,410,483			3.2		-			-
		Vested (RSUs)		-			-		-281,650			-
		Cancelled / forfeited		-1,326,233			5.26		-191,501			4.07
	Balance at December 31, 2013			6,690,845			3.42		463,973			4.32
		Granted		1,115,300			4.18		116,400			4.12
		Exercised		-695,173			3.08		-			-
		Vested (RSUs)		-			-		-233,098			-
		Cancelled / forfeited		-847,860			4.67		-40,878			4.36
	Balance at December 31, 2014			6,263,112		$	3.42		306,397		$	4.3
	For 2013 and included in the table above are grants of 1,715,164 options and 135,650 restricted stock units related to the spin-off of HART. Pursuant to the spin-off, share amounts and exercise prices of Harvard Bioscience options, as well as share amounts of Harvard Bioscience restricted stock units were adjusted so that the intrinsic value held by the holder pertaining to the existing option or award was maintained immediately following the spin-off.
	The Company’s policy is to issue stock available from its registered but unissued stock pool through its transfer agent to satisfy stock option exercises and vesting of the restricted stock units.
	The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2014 (Aggregate Intrinsic Value, in thousands):
				Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
						Weighted							Weighted
						Average		Weighted					Average		Weighted
		Range of		Shares		Remaining		Average		Aggregate		Shares	Remaining		Average		Aggregate
	Exercise		Outstanding at		Contractual Life		Exercise		Intrinsic		Exercisable at	Contractual Life		Exercise		Intrinsic
	Price		Dec. 31, 2014		in Years		Price		Value		Dec. 31, 2014	in Years		Price		Value
$	1.43-2.15		253,654		3.58	$	1.8	$	982		253,654	3.58	$	1.8	$	982
	2.28-2.28		927,715		4.39		2.28		3,145		927,715	4.39		2.28		3,145
	2.45-2.45		6,586		0.43		2.45		21		6,586	0.43		2.45		21
	2.56-2.56		776,155		7.08		2.56		2,414		374,256	7.08		2.56		1,164
	2.59-3.54		567,417		3.35		3.08		1,470		567,417	3.35		3.08		1,470
	3.64-3.64		713,170		8		3.64		1,448		213,765	8		3.64		434
	3.71-3.99		451,166		2.69		3.88		808		431,166	2.38		3.88		772
	4.04-4.04		717,449		6.05		4.04		1,169		568,483	6.05		4.04		927
	4.07-4.10		16,000		9.36		4.08		25		-	-		-		-
	4.12-4.89		1,833,800		9.13		4.24		2,622		76,875	8.9		4.31		105
$	1.43-4.89		6,263,112		6.47	$	3.42	$	14,104		3,419,917	4.79	$	3.03	$	9,020
The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $5.67 as of December 31, 2014, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The weighted average exercise prices above were adjusted to reflect the effect of the spin-off of HART on the Company’s outstanding options. Pursuant to the spin-off, share amounts and exercise prices of Harvard Bioscience options were adjusted so that the intrinsic value held by the holder pertaining to the existing option was maintained immediately following the spin-off. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.8 million, $5.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The total number of in-the-money options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2014 was 3,419,917.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the total compensation costs related to unvested awards not yet recognized is $3.5 million and the weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 2.18 years.
Valuation and Expense Information under Stock-Based-Payment Accounting
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock units and the employee stock purchase plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was allocated as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Cost of product revenues	$	132		$	131		$	87
Sales and marketing		343			223			154
General and administrative		1,620			2,200			2,990
Research and development		61			45			25
Discontinued operations		-			71			65
Total stock-based compensation	$	2,156		$	2,670		$	3,321
The Company did not capitalize any stock-based compensation.
The weighted-average estimated fair value per share of stock options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.18, $2.41 and $1.84, respectively, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Volatility	55.78	%		57.18	%		55.09	%
Risk-free interest rate	1.8	%		1.42	%		0.8	%
Expected holding period (in years)	5.76	years		5.67	years		5.98	years
Dividend Yield	-	%		-	%		-	%
The Company used historical volatility to calculate the expected volatility as of December 31, 2014. Historical volatility was determined by calculating the mean reversion of the daily adjusted closing stock price. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed U.S. Treasury bill interest rates (risk-free) appropriate for the term of the Company’s stock options. The expected holding period of stock options represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding and were based on historical experience. The vesting period ranges from one to four years and the contractual life is ten years.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for annualized estimated forfeitures of 7.05%, 6.54% and 5.38%, respectively. Stock-based-payment accounting requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	20. Related Party Transactions
	In connection with the HART spin-off, the Company entered into various commercial agreements with HART.  These agreements include: (i) a Separation and Distribution Agreement to effect the separation and spin-off distribution and provide other agreements to govern the Company’s relationship with HART after the spin-off; (ii) an Intellectual Property Matters Agreement, which governs various intellectual property related arrangements between the Company and HART, including the separation of intellectual property rights between the Company and HART, as well as certain related cross-licenses between the two companies; (iii) a Product Distribution Agreement, which provides that each company will become the exclusive distributor for the other party for products such other party develops for sale in the markets served by the other; (iv) a Tax Sharing Agreement, which governs the Company’s and HART’s respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and other matters regarding taxes for periods before, during and after the spin-off; and (v) a Transition Services Agreement, which provides for certain services to be performed on a transitional basis by the Company to facilitate HART’s transition into a separate public reporting company. As part of the Transition Services Agreement, the Company provided certain support services to HART, for up to one year following the spin-off date, including, among others, accounting, payroll, human resources and information technology services, with the charges for the transition services generally intended to allow the Company to fully recover the costs directly associated with providing the services, plus all out-of-pocket costs and expenses. The Transition Services Agreement expired on November 1, 2014.
	The Company recorded revenues of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as a result of the exclusive distribution rights pursuant to the Product Distribution Agreement. The Company’s operating expenses were reduced by $0.1 million for both years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 as a result of the fees the Company charged to HART for services provided pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement. In addition, the Company’s rent expense was reduced by $0.2 million and $26,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as a result of sublease rent charged to HART pursuant to a sublease between the two companies.
	David Green, who is currently a Director of the Company and was also formerly the Company’s President and interim CEO, is currently the Chairman and CEO of HART.
	As part of the acquisitions of MCS and TBSI, the Company signed lease agreements with the former owners of the acquired companies. The principals of such former owners are currently employees of the Company. Pursuant to the lease agreements, the Company incurred rent expense of approximately $62,000 and $11,000 to the former owners of MCS and TBSI, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Related Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	21. Segment and Related Information
	Operating segments are determined by products and services provided by each segment, internal organization structure, the manner in which operations are managed, criteria used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to assess the segment performance, as well as resource allocation and the availability of discrete financial information. Following the spin-off of HART, the Company’s former Regenerative Medicine Device (“RMD”) segment, the Company has one operating segment. As such, segment results and consolidated results are the same.
	The following tables summarize selected financial information of the Company’s continuing operations by geographic location:
	Revenues originating from the following geographic areas consist of:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	United States	$	63,727	$	63,810	$	65,190
	United Kingdom		24,754		23,123		27,137
	Rest of the world		20,182		18,238		18,844
	Total revenues	$	108,663	$	105,171	$	111,171
	Long-lived assets by geographic area consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	United States	$	14,335	$	14,128
	United Kingdom		1,698		2,343
	Rest of the world		10,310		6,913
	Total long-lived assets (1)	$	26,343	$	23,384
	(1) Total long-lived assets includes property, plant and equipment, net and amortizable intangible assets, net.
	Net assets by geographic area consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	United States	$	43,556	$	37,497
	United Kingdom		15,607		32,214
	Rest of the world		36,305		24,774
	Total net assets	$	95,468	$	94,485

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Debts

Allowance for Doubtful Debts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance For Doubtful Debts Disclosure [Abstract]
Allowance For Doubtful Debts Disclosure [Text Block]	22. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. A rollforward of allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
			Charged (credited) to
			Beginning	Bad Debt	Charged to			Ending
			Balance	Expense (Recoveries)	Allowance (1)	Other (2)		Balance
			(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	302	-31	-77	-	$	194
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	194	172	-8	-	$	358
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	358	-67	56	-19	$	328
	(1) Consists of accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	(2) Consists of the effect of currency translation.

Warranties

Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Warranties Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranties Disclosure [Text Block]	23. Warranties
	Warranties are estimated and accrued at the time revenues are recorded. A rollforward of product warranties is as follows:
			Beginning				Ending
			Balance	Payments	Additions		Balance
			(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	144	-136	214	$	222
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	222	-179	262	$	305
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	305	-102	49	$	252

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) Disclosure [Text Block]	24. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
	The following quarterly 2014 and 2013 financial information has been restated to reflect HART’s operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The operations of HART have been combined with the Company’s other discontinued operations.
	Statement of Operations Data:
				First		Second		Third		Fourth		Fiscal
	2014			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
				(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	25,893	$	26,958	$	25,448	$	30,364	$	108,663
	Cost of revenues			14,132		14,680		14,006		16,501		59,319
		Gross profit		11,761		12,278		11,442		13,863		49,344
	Total operating expenses			10,427		10,540		10,017		11,742		42,726
	Operating income			1,334		1,738		1,425		2,121		6,618
	Other expense, net			-315		-468		-469		-949		-2,201
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes			1,019		1,270		956		1,172		4,417
	Income tax expense			300		248		323		1,191		2,062
	Income from continuing operations			719		1,022		633		-19		2,355
	Net income		$	719	$	1,022	$	633	$	-19	$	2,355
	Earnings per share:
		Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
		Basic earnings per common share	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
		Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
		Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
	Statement of Operations Data:
				First		Second		Third		Fourth		Fiscal
	2013			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
				(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	26,086	$	26,094	$	25,137	$	27,854	$	105,171
	Cost of revenues			13,826		14,005		13,838		15,806		57,475
		Gross profit		12,260		12,089		11,299		12,048		47,696
	Total operating expenses			10,934		11,343		10,885		12,997		46,159
	Operating income (loss)			1,326		746		414		-949		1,537
	Other expense, net			-95		-330		-358		-319		-1,102
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes			1,231		416		56		-1,268		435
	Income tax expense (benefit)			299		321		105		-1,013		-288
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			932		95		-49		-255		723
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			-836		-281		-935		-501		-2,553
	Net income (loss)		$	96	$	-186	$	-984	$	-756	$	-1,830
	Earnings (loss) per share:
		Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$	0.03	$	-	$	-	$	-0.01	$	0.02
		Discontinued operations		-0.03		-0.01		-0.03		-0.01		-0.08
		Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	-	$	-0.01	$	-0.03	$	-0.02	$	-0.06
		Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$	0.03	$	-	$	-	$	-0.01	$	0.02
		Discontinued operations		-0.03		-0.01		-0.03		-0.01		-0.08
		Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	-	$	-0.01	$	-0.03	$	-0.02	$	-0.06

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	25. Subsequent Event
	HEKA Elektronik
	On January 8, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH subsidiary, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of HEKA Elektronik (“HEKA”) for approximately $6.0 million. Included in the acquisition of HEKA are: HEKA Electronik Dr. Schulze GmbH, based in Lambrecht, Germany; HEKA Electronics Incorporated, based in Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada; and HEKA Instruments Incorporated, based in Bellmore, New York. The Company funded the acquisition from its existing cash balances.
	HEKA is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of sophisticated electrophysiology instrumentation and software for biomedical and industrial research applications. This acquisition is complementary to the electrophysiology line currently offered by the Company’s wholly-owned Warner Instruments and MCS subsidiaries.
	The Company is in the process of determining the fair value of the various tangible and intangible assets acquired as a result of this acquisition.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Text Block]	(s)
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” a new accounting standard that provides for a comprehensive model to use in the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under this standard, revenue will be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard will be effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2017 fiscal year. The Company is assessing the new standard and has not yet determined the impact to the consolidated financial statements.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block]	(a)
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block]	(b)
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of management estimates. Such estimates include the determination and establishment of certain accruals and provisions, including those for inventory obsolescence, catalog cost amortization periods, income tax and reserves for bad debts. In addition, certain estimates are required in order to determine the value of assets and liabilities associated with acquisitions. Estimates are also required to evaluate the value and recoverability of existing long-lived and intangible assets, including goodwill. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]	(c)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Policy Text Block]	(d)
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of collectability of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances and other factors that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.
Inventories [Policy Text Block]	(e)
	Inventories
	The Company values its inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase (first-in, first-out method) and/or manufacture the inventories or the current estimated market value of the inventories. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision to write down excess and obsolete inventories to its estimated net realizable value if less than cost, based primarily on historical inventory usage and estimated forecast of product demand.
Property, Plant and Equipment [Policy Text Block]	(f)
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
		Buildings			40	years
		Machinery and equipment	3	-	10	years
		Computer equipment and software	3	-	7	years
		Furniture and fixtures	5	-	10	years
		Automobiles	3	-	6	years
	Property and equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
Catalog Costs [Policy Text Block]	(g)
	Catalog Costs
	Significant costs of product catalog design, development and production are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the catalog (usually one to three years).
Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]	(h)
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition are reflected in the period in which the judgement occurs.
Foreign Currency Transaction [Policy Text Block]	(i)
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is generally their local currency. All assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates in effect at period-end. Income and expenses are translated at rates which approximate those in effect on the transaction dates. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net income.
Earnings Per Share [Policy Text Block]	(j)
	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method unless the effect is antidilutive. Since the Company is reporting discontinued operations, it used income from continuing operations as the control number in determining whether those potential dilutive securities are dilutive or antidilutive.
Comprehensive Income Loss [Policy Text Block]	(k)
	Comprehensive Income
	The Company follows the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220, “Comprehensive Income”. FASB ASC 220 requires companies to report all changes in equity during a period, resulting from net income (loss) and transactions from non-owner sources, in a financial statement in the period in which they are recognized. The Company has chosen to disclose comprehensive income, which encompasses net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments, gains and losses on derivatives, the underfunded status of its pension plans, and pension minimum additional liability adjustments, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]	(l)
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”. The Company recognizes product revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, delivery has occurred, and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. Sales of some of its products include provisions to provide additional services such as installation and training. Revenues on these products are recognized when the additional services have been performed. Service agreements on its equipment are typically sold separately from the sale of the equipment. Revenues on these service agreements are recognized ratably over the life of the agreement, typically one year, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 605-20, “Revenue Recognition—Services”.
	The Company accounts for shipping and handling fees and costs in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 605-45-45, “Revenue Recognition—Principal Agent Considerations”, which requires all amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling to be classified as revenues. The costs incurred related to shipping and handling is classified as cost of product revenues. Warranties and product returns are estimated and accrued for at the time sales are recorded. The Company has no obligations to customers after the date products are shipped or installed, if applicable, other than pursuant to warranty obligations and service or maintenance contracts. The Company provides for the estimated amount of future returns upon shipment of products or installation, if applicable, based on historical experience.
Intangible Assets Finite Lived [Policy Text Block]	(m)
	Valuation of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired in Business Combinations
	The determination of the fair value of intangible assets, which represents a significant portion of the purchase price in the Company’s acquisitions, requires the use of significant judgment with regard to (i) the fair value; and (ii) whether such intangibles are amortizable or not amortizable and, if the former, the period and the method by which the intangibles asset will be amortized. The Company estimates the fair value of acquisition-related intangible assets principally based on projections of cash flows that will arise from identifiable assets of acquired businesses. The projected cash flows are discounted to determine the present value of the assets at the dates of acquisitions. At December 31, 2014, amortizable intangible assets include existing technology, trade names, distribution agreements, customer relationships and patents. These amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 7 to 15 years, 10 to 15 years, 4 to 5 years, 5 to 15 years and 5 to 15 years, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]	(n)
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and unamortizable intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”.
	The Company conducted its annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step of the impairment analysis compares the Company’s fair value to its carrying value to determine if there is any indication of impairment. Step two of the analysis compares the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation for business combination. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess. For indefinite-lived intangible assets if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset, the Company would write down the indefinite-lived intangible asset to fair value.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company compared its carrying value to its overall market capitalization, noting the fair value of the Company significantly exceeded the carrying value. The Company concluded that none of its goodwill was impaired.
	The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually and when events occur or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.  Events or circumstances that might require an interim evaluation include unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors, unanticipated technological changes or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts. At December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that none of its indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired.
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]	(o)
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company assesses recoverability of its long-lived assets that are held for use, such as property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets or an asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or the asset group. Cash flow projections are based on trends of historical performance and management’s estimate of future performance. If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. At December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that none of its long-lived assets were impaired.
Derivatives [Policy Text Block]	(p)
	Derivatives
	The Company uses interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings.
	The Company only enters into derivative contracts that it intends to designate as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.
	In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]	(q)
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of those instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its carrying value and is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with the debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar debt instruments of comparable maturity.
	Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels:
	
	Level 1 includes instruments for which quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the Company at the measurement date.
	
	Level 2 includes instruments for which the valuations are based on 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 data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	
	Level 3 includes valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
Share-based Compensation [Policy Text Block]	(r)
	Stock-based Compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation”, which requires it to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock units  and employee stock purchases (“employee stock purchases”) related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended, the “ESPP”). The Company issues new shares upon stock option exercises, upon vesting of the restricted stock units and under the Company’s ESPP.
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company values stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units at grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”). The determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by its stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to its expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behaviors.
	The fair value of restricted stock units are based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and are recorded as compensation expense ratably over the applicable service period, which ranges from one to four years. Unvested restricted stock units are forfeited in the event of termination of employment with the Company.
	Stock-based compensation expense recognized under FASB ASC 718 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, the employee stock purchase plan, and the restricted stock units and was recorded as a component of cost of product revenues, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses and discontinued operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life [Table Text Block]		Buildings			40	years
		Machinery and equipment	3	-	10	years
		Computer equipment and software	3	-	7	years
		Furniture and fixtures	5	-	10	years
		Automobiles	3	-	6	years

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory [Table Text Block]					December 31,
					2014		2013
					(in thousands)
		Finished goods		$	10,138	$	7,039
		Work in process			946		752
		Raw materials			9,447		7,986
			Total	$	20,531	$	15,777

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Land, buildings and leasehold improvements	$	2,595	$	3,082
	Machinery and equipment		10,102		9,471
	Computer equipment and software		6,322		4,927
	Furniture and fixtures		1,125		1,281
	Automobiles		56		59
			20,200		18,820
	Less: accumulated depreciation		-15,010		-14,445
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	5,190	$	4,375

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions [Table Text Block]			(in thousands)
	Tangible assets	$	5,442
	Liabilities assumed		-1,207
	Net assets		4,235
	Goodwill and intangible assets:
	Goodwill		3,745
	Trade name		1,008
	Customer relationships		1,204
	Developed technology		2,452
	Non-compete agreements		148
	Deferred tax liabilities		-1,603
	Total goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax		6,954
	Acquisition purchase price	$	11,189
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Pro Forma
	Revenues	$	114,066	$	114,300
	Net income		2,600		-672
			(in thousands)
	Tangible assets	$	1,278
	Liabilities assumed		-530
	Net assets		748
	Goodwill and intangible assets:
	Goodwill		946
	Trade name		143
	Customer relationships		308
	Developed technology		363
	Non-compete agreements		30
	Deferred tax liabilities		-325
	Total goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax		1,465
	Acquisition purchase price	$	2,213

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, UBI	$	440	$	1,344
	(Loss) from discontinued operations, HART		-4,861		-4,664
	Income tax (benefit)		-1,868		-1,196
	(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	-2,553	$	-2,124

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]											Weighted
											Average
			31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13			Life	(a)
			(in thousands)
	Amortizable intangible assets:		Gross			Accumulated Amortization		Gross		Accumulated Amortization
	Existing technology	$	15,538		$	-11,198	$	13,464	$	-11,091	7.3	Years
	Trade names		7,114			-2,557		6,178		-2,185	10.8	Years
	Distribution agreements/customer relationships		22,730			-10,681		21,827		-9,447	10.3	Years
	Patents		256			-49		271		-8	4.2	Years
	Total amortizable intangible assets		45,638		$	-24,485		41,740	$	-22,731
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Goodwill		39,822					36,605
	Other indefinite-lived intangible assets		1,252					1,289
	Total goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets		41,074					37,894
	Total intangible assets	$	86,712				$	79,634
	(a) Weighted average life as of December 31, 2014.
Goodwill Rollforward [Table Text Block]				(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	36,200
		Effect of change in currency translation		405
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	36,605
		Goodwill arising from business combinations		4,691
		Effect of change in currency translation		-1,474
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	39,822

Restructuring_and_Other_Exit_C1

Restructuring and Other Exit Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Plan Table [Table Text Block]			Severance Costs
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	655
	Cash payments		-29
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2014	$	626
			Severance and			Fixed Asset
			Related Costs			Write Offs			Other		Total
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges - 2013	$	2,100		$	-		$	-	$	2,100
	Cash payments		-666			-			-		-666
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013		1,434			-			-		1,434
	Restructuring charges		199			13			293		505
	Non-cash reversal of restructuring charges		-117			-13			-		-130
	Cash payments		-1,516			-			-293		-1,809
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2014	$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-
			Severance
			and Related Costs
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	96
	Cash payments		-96
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013	$	-
			Severance
			and Related Costs
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	96
	Cash payments		-96
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013	$	-
			Severance
			and Related Costs		Other		Total
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	312	$	11	$	323
	Cash payments		-179		-		-179
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2012		133		11		144
	Cash payments		-84		-11		-95
	Non-cash reversal of restructuring charges		-46		-		-46
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2013		3		-		3
	Non-cash reversal of restructuring charges		-3		-		-3
	Restructuring balance at December 31, 2014	$	-	$	-	$	-
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	1,027		$	2,150		$	310

Long_Term_Debt_Tables

Long Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long Term Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The aggregate amounts of debt maturing during the next five years are as follows:
				(in thousands)
		2015	$	5,000
		2016		9,200
		2017		5,000
		2018		2,250
		2019		-
		Total	$	21,450
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Long-term debt:
	Term loan	$	9,750	$	12,750
	DDTL		7,500		9,500
	Revolving line		4,200		2,500
	Total debt		21,450		24,750
	Less: current installments		-5,000		-5,000
	Long-term debt	$	16,450	$	19,750

Derivative_Tables

Derivative (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
						31-Dec-14			31-Dec-14
						Notional Amount			Fair Value (a)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815			Balance sheet classification		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swap			Other liabilities-non current	$	13,500		$	-18
						31-Dec-13			31-Dec-13
						Notional Amount			Fair Value (a)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815			Balance sheet classification		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swap			Other liabilities-non current	$	17,500		$	-49
		(a) See Note 12 for the fair value measurements related to these financial instruments.
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in AOCI [Table Text Block]	Derivatives in Hedging Relationships	Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swaps	$	-99		$	-116		$	-
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Details about AOCI Components	Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)								Location of gain or (loss)
		Year Ended December 31,								reclassified from AOCI
		2014			2013			2012		into income (effective portion)
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swaps	$	-130		$	-67		$	-	Interest expense
							Affected line item in the				Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)						Statements of Operations				2014		2013		2012
	Amounts Reclassified From AOCI
		Derivatives qualifying as hedges
			Realized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges				Interest expense			$	130	$	67	$	-
			Income tax				Income tax (benefit) expense				-		-		-
											130		67		-
		Defined benefit pension plans
			Amortization of net losses included in net periodic pension costs				General and administrative expenses				259		305		248
			Income tax				Income tax (benefit) expense				-52		-62		-57
											207		243		191
		Total reclassifications								$	337	$	310	$	191

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]		Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	-	$	18	$	-	$	18
		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	-	$	49	$	-	$	49

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]			Operating
			Leases
			(in thousands)
	2015	$	2,094
	2016		1,603
	2017		1,579
	2018		1,550
	2019		1,353
	Thereafter		5,867
	Net minimum lease payments	$	14,046

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Accrued compensation and payroll	$	1,616	$	1,349
	Accrued professional fees		735		927
	Accrued severance		626		1,434
	Warranty costs		240		305
	Other		1,235		1,063
	Total	$	4,452	$	5,078

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Current income tax expense:
	Federal and state	$	27	$	47	$	70
	Foreign		424		413		1,705
			451		460		1,775
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal and state		1,793		-594		931
	Foreign		-182		-154		-308
			1,611		-748		623
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,062	$	-288	$	2,398
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	1,503	$	147	$	2,343
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	Permanent differences, net		-93		482		-25
	Foreign tax rate differential		-364		-64		-435
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-		31		135
	Non-deductible stock compensation expense		67		1		254
	Impact of prior year pension deductions		-		-294		-
	Tax credits		-385		-615		-127
	Change in valuation allowance allocated to income
	tax expense (benefit)		1,346		31		281
	Other		-12		-7		-28
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,062	$	-288	$	2,398
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	Domestic	$	1,846	$	-2,549	$	681
	Foreign		2,571		2,984		6,211
	Total	$	4,417	$	435	$	6,892
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	45	$	65
	Inventory		1,416		1,405
	Operating loss and credit carryforwards		12,803		12,978
	Accrued expenses		188		409
	Pension liabilities		889		985
	Contingent consideration		2,806		2,593
	Other accrued liabilities		1,832		1,867
	Total gross deferred assets		19,979		20,302
	Less: valuation allowance		-2,423		-1,249
	Deferred tax assets	$	17,556	$	19,053
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets	$	6,021	$	4,242
	Property, plant and equipment		27		70
	Other accrued liabilities		383		238
	Total deferred tax liabilities		6,431		4,550
	Net deferred tax assets	$	11,125	$	14,503
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]			(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	191
	Additions based on tax positions of prior years		-
	Balance at December 31, 2013		191
	Additions based on tax positions of acquired entities		59
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	250

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Costs Of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	-		$	288		$	314
	Interest cost		893			797			819
	Expected return on plan assets		-649			-524			-570
	Net amortization loss		259			305			248
	Curtailment gain		-			-197			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	503		$	669		$	811
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	20,403	$	19,643
	Service cost		-		272
	Interest cost		893		797
	Participants' contributions		5		56
	Actuarial loss (gain)		1,628		-329
	Benefits paid		-457		-431
	Currency translation adjustment		-1,302		395
	Balance at end of year	$	21,170	$	20,403
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	15,540	$	13,704
	Actual return on plan assets		1,119		1,125
	Participants' contributions		5		56
	Employer contributions		1,546		801
	Benefits paid		-457		-431
	Currency translation adjustment		-1,029		285
	Balance at end of year	$	16,724	$	15,540
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Funded status	$	-4,446	$	-4,863
	Unrecognized net loss		N/A		N/A
	Net amount recognized	$	-4,446	$	-4,863
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets	$	889	$	985
	Other long term liabilities		-4,446		-4,863
	Net amount recognized	$	-3,557	$	-3,878
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Underfunded status of pension plans	$	-3,557	$	-3,878
	Net amount recognized	$	-3,557	$	-3,878
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Discount rate		4.43%		4.43%		4.09%
	Expected return on assets		4.15%		3.79%		4.02%
	Rate of compensation increase		0.00%		2.99%		3.51%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Asset category:
	Equity securities	$	8,145		49%	$	7,404		48%
	Debt securities		7,260		43%		6,061		39%
	Cash and cash equivalents		1,319		8%		1,488		9%
	Other		-		0%		587		4%
	Total	$	16,724		100%	$	15,540		100%
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	$	1,319	$	1,488
	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		15,405		13,465
	Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		-		587
	Total	$	16,724	$	15,540
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block]			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	587	$	768
	Purchases during the year		-		-
	Unrealized loss		-587		-181
	Balance at end of year	$	-	$	587

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]			Foreign currency		Derivatives
			translation		qualifying as		Defined benefit
	(in thousands)		adjustments		hedges		pension plans		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	-290	$	-	$	-4,573	$	-4,863
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1,573		-116		452		1,909
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		-		67		243		310
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)		1,573		-49		695		2,219
	Balance at December 31, 2013		1,283		-49		-3,878		-2,644
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications		-5,941		-99		114		-5,926
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		-		130		207		337
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income		-5,941		31		321		-5,589
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	-4,658	$	-18	$	-3,557	$	-8,233
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Details about AOCI Components	Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)								Location of gain or (loss)
		Year Ended December 31,								reclassified from AOCI
		2014			2013			2012		into income (effective portion)
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate swaps	$	-130		$	-67		$	-	Interest expense
							Affected line item in the				Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)						Statements of Operations				2014		2013		2012
	Amounts Reclassified From AOCI
		Derivatives qualifying as hedges
			Realized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges				Interest expense			$	130	$	67	$	-
			Income tax				Income tax (benefit) expense				-		-		-
											130		67		-
		Defined benefit pension plans
			Amortization of net losses included in net periodic pension costs				General and administrative expenses				259		305		248
			Income tax				Income tax (benefit) expense				-52		-62		-57
											207		243		191
		Total reclassifications								$	337	$	310	$	191

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Stock Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units Activity Rollforward [Table Text Block]				Stock Options					Restricted Stock Units
							Weighted
				Stock			Average		Restricted
				Options			Exercise		Stock Units			Grant Date
				Outstanding			Price		Outstanding			Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2011			8,519,575		$	4.52		539,450		$	4.32
		Granted		1,220,934			3.6		349,295			3.57
		Exercised		-648,000			3.94		-			-
		Vested (RSUs)		-			-		-164,090			-
		Cancelled / forfeited		-1,014,000			6.36		-47,462			4.21
	Balance at December 31, 2012			8,078,509			4.25		677,193			3.97
		Granted		3,349,052			4.44		259,931			4.62
		Exercised		-3,410,483			3.2		-			-
		Vested (RSUs)		-			-		-281,650			-
		Cancelled / forfeited		-1,326,233			5.26		-191,501			4.07
	Balance at December 31, 2013			6,690,845			3.42		463,973			4.32
		Granted		1,115,300			4.18		116,400			4.12
		Exercised		-695,173			3.08		-			-
		Vested (RSUs)		-			-		-233,098			-
		Cancelled / forfeited		-847,860			4.67		-40,878			4.36
	Balance at December 31, 2014			6,263,112		$	3.42		306,397		$	4.3
Table Of Assumptions [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Volatility	55.78	%		57.18	%		55.09	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.8	%		1.42	%		0.8	%
	Expected holding period (in years)	5.76	years		5.67	years		5.98	years
	Dividend Yield	-	%		-	%		-	%
Stock Based Compensation Expense Activity By Function [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Cost of product revenues	$	132		$	131		$	87
	Sales and marketing		343			223			154
	General and administrative		1,620			2,200			2,990
	Research and development		61			45			25
	Discontinued operations		-			71			65
	Total stock-based compensation	$	2,156		$	2,670		$	3,321
Basic and Diluted Shares [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Basic		32,170,683		30,384,010		28,799,377
	Effect of assumed conversion of employee and director stock options and restricted stock units		1,065,886		1,529,789		992,730
	Diluted		33,236,569		31,913,799		29,792,107
Schedule of Summary of Outstanding and Exercisable Options [Table Text Block]				Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
						Weighted							Weighted
						Average		Weighted					Average		Weighted
		Range of		Shares		Remaining		Average		Aggregate		Shares	Remaining		Average		Aggregate
		Exercise		Outstanding at		Contractual Life		Exercise		Intrinsic		Exercisable at	Contractual Life		Exercise		Intrinsic
		Price		Dec. 31, 2014		in Years		Price		Value		Dec. 31, 2014	in Years		Price		Value
	$	1.43-2.15		253,654		3.58	$	1.8	$	982		253,654	3.58	$	1.8	$	982
		2.28-2.28		927,715		4.39		2.28		3,145		927,715	4.39		2.28		3,145
		2.45-2.45		6,586		0.43		2.45		21		6,586	0.43		2.45		21
		2.56-2.56		776,155		7.08		2.56		2,414		374,256	7.08		2.56		1,164
		2.59-3.54		567,417		3.35		3.08		1,470		567,417	3.35		3.08		1,470
		3.64-3.64		713,170		8		3.64		1,448		213,765	8		3.64		434
		3.71-3.99		451,166		2.69		3.88		808		431,166	2.38		3.88		772
		4.04-4.04		717,449		6.05		4.04		1,169		568,483	6.05		4.04		927
		4.07-4.10		16,000		9.36		4.08		25		-	-		-		-
		4.12-4.89		1,833,800		9.13		4.24		2,622		76,875	8.9		4.31		105
	$	1.43-4.89		6,263,112		6.47	$	3.42	$	14,104		3,419,917	4.79	$	3.03	$	9,020

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Related Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	Revenues originating from the following geographic areas consist of:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
			(in thousands)
	United States	$	63,727	$	63,810	$	65,190
	United Kingdom		24,754		23,123		27,137
	Rest of the world		20,182		18,238		18,844
	Total revenues	$	108,663	$	105,171	$	111,171
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Long-lived assets by geographic area consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	United States	$	14,335	$	14,128
	United Kingdom		1,698		2,343
	Rest of the world		10,310		6,913
	Total long-lived assets (1)	$	26,343	$	23,384
	(1) Total long-lived assets includes property, plant and equipment, net and amortizable intangible assets, net.
Net Assets By Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	Net assets by geographic area consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2014		2013
			(in thousands)
	United States	$	43,556	$	37,497
	United Kingdom		15,607		32,214
	Rest of the world		36,305		24,774
	Total net assets	$	95,468	$	94,485

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Debts_T

Allowance for Doubtful Debts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance For Doubtful Debts Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Credit Losses for Financing Receivables, Current [Table Text Block]			Charged (credited) to
			Beginning	Bad Debt	Charged to			Ending
			Balance	Expense (Recoveries)	Allowance (1)	Other (2)		Balance
			(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	302	-31	-77	-	$	194
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	194	172	-8	-	$	358
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	358	-67	56	-19	$	328
	(1) Consists of accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	(2) Consists of the effect of currency translation.

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Warranties Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranty Rollforward Disclosure [Table Text Block]			Beginning				Ending
			Balance	Payments	Additions		Balance
			(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	144	-136	214	$	222
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	222	-179	262	$	305
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	305	-102	49	$	252

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]				First		Second		Third		Fourth		Fiscal
	2014			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
				(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	25,893	$	26,958	$	25,448	$	30,364	$	108,663
	Cost of revenues			14,132		14,680		14,006		16,501		59,319
		Gross profit		11,761		12,278		11,442		13,863		49,344
	Total operating expenses			10,427		10,540		10,017		11,742		42,726
	Operating income			1,334		1,738		1,425		2,121		6,618
	Other expense, net			-315		-468		-469		-949		-2,201
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes			1,019		1,270		956		1,172		4,417
	Income tax expense			300		248		323		1,191		2,062
	Income from continuing operations			719		1,022		633		-19		2,355
	Net income		$	719	$	1,022	$	633	$	-19	$	2,355
	Earnings per share:
		Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
		Basic earnings per common share	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
		Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
		Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	0.02	$	-	$	0.07
				First		Second		Third		Fourth		Fiscal
	2013			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
				(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	26,086	$	26,094	$	25,137	$	27,854	$	105,171
	Cost of revenues			13,826		14,005		13,838		15,806		57,475
		Gross profit		12,260		12,089		11,299		12,048		47,696
	Total operating expenses			10,934		11,343		10,885		12,997		46,159
	Operating income (loss)			1,326		746		414		-949		1,537
	Other expense, net			-95		-330		-358		-319		-1,102
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes			1,231		416		56		-1,268		435
	Income tax expense (benefit)			299		321		105		-1,013		-288
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			932		95		-49		-255		723
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			-836		-281		-935		-501		-2,553
	Net income (loss)		$	96	$	-186	$	-984	$	-756	$	-1,830
	Earnings (loss) per share:
		Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$	0.03	$	-	$	-	$	-0.01	$	0.02
		Discontinued operations		-0.03		-0.01		-0.03		-0.01		-0.08
		Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	-	$	-0.01	$	-0.03	$	-0.02	$	-0.06
		Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$	0.03	$	-	$	-	$	-0.01	$	0.02
		Discontinued operations		-0.03		-0.01		-0.03		-0.01		-0.08
		Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	-	$	-0.01	$	-0.03	$	-0.02	$	-0.06

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policy (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Automobiles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	6 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Automobiles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment useful life	3 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years 3 months 18 days
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years 9 months 18 days
Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years
Distribution Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Distribution Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years 3 months 18 days
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years 2 months 12 days
Patents [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Patents [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years

Concentrations_Narratives_Deta

Concentrations (Narratives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Customers	Customers	Customers
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Customer	Revenues: No customer accounted for more than 10% of the revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Number Of Customers With Benchmark Contribution Of More Than 10%	0	0	0
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Customer	Receivables: At December 31, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable.
Number Of Customers With Benchmark Contribution Of More Than 10%	0	0

Inventories_Details_1

Inventories (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished Goods	$10,138	$7,039
Work in Process	946	752
Raw Materials	9,447	7,986
Total Inventories, Net	$20,531	$15,777

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$20,200,000	$18,820,000
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-15,010,000	-14,445,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,190,000	4,375,000
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,595,000	3,082,000
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	10,102,000	9,471,000
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	6,322,000	4,927,000
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,125,000	1,281,000
Automobiles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$56,000	$59,000

Acquisitions_Narratives_Detail

Acquisitions (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	NumberOfBusinesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Direct Acquisition Costs In Income Statement	$1.10	$0	$0.30
Number of businesses acquired	2

Acquisitions_Details_1

Acquisitions (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 02, 2014
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tangible Assets Acquired			$5,442
Liabilities Assumed			-1,207
Net Tangible Assets Acquired			4,235
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			3,745
Deferred Tax Liabilities			1,603
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Total Intangible Assets Amount Including Goodwill			6,954
Total Acquisition Purchase Price			11,189
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity 1 [Abstract]
Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price 1			11,189
Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue	114,066	114,300
Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Net Income Loss	2,600	-672
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH [Member] | Unpatented Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			2,452
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			1,204
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			1,008
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH [Member] | Non compete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			148
Triangle BioSystems, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tangible Assets Acquired			1,278
Liabilities Assumed			-530
Net Tangible Assets Acquired			748
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			946
Deferred Tax Liabilities			325
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Total Intangible Assets Amount Including Goodwill			1,465
Total Acquisition Purchase Price			2,213
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity 1 [Abstract]
Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price 1			2,213
Triangle BioSystems, Inc. [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			308
Triangle BioSystems, Inc. [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			143
Triangle BioSystems, Inc. [Member] | Patented Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			363
Triangle BioSystems, Inc. [Member] | Non compete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			$30

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013	Oct. 21, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent						$0	($2,553,000)	($2,124,000)
Assets transferred as part of HART spin-off		900,000
Transfer of cash and cash equivalents to HART		-15,000,000				0	-15,041,000	0
Date of Separation Plan Completed		1-Nov-13
Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year			21-Oct-13
Spin-off distribution ratio spinnee to spinnor		1 for 4
Date Entered Into Commerical Agreements With Spinnee	31-Oct-13
Lost Value Adjustment Maintained To Share And Exercise Price Of Existing Options		80.00%
Percent Lost Value Provided Back To Option Holder		20.00%
Lost Value Adjustment To Share Amount Of Existing Outstanding Restricted Stock Units		80.00%
Percent Lost Value Provided Back To Restricted Stock Unit Holder		20.00%
Options Granted due to the Spin-off of HART		1,700,000					1,715,164
Restricted Stock Units Granted due to the Spin-off of HART		100,000					135,650
Date of Private Letter Ruling					22-Mar-13
Date of Supplemental Ruling to Private Letter Ruling				28-Jun-13
Percent of Acquired Stock to Create Taxable Spin-off		50.00%
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations						0	1,784,000	0
Union Biometrica Division [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent						440,000	1,344,000
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations						1,800,000
Harvard Apparatus Regnerative Technology [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent						-4,861,000	-4,664,000
Income Taxes [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent						($1,868,000)	($1,196,000)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$2,578,000	$2,590,000	$2,752,000
Estimated Amortization Expense Next Twelve Months	2,600,000
Estimated Amortization Expense Year 2	2,500,000
Estimated Amortization Expense Year 3	2,300,000
Estimated Amortization Expense Year 4	2,100,000
Estimated Amortization Expense Year 5	$2,000,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$45,638	$41,740
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-24,485	-22,731
Goodwill	39,822	36,605	36,200
Other indefinite lived intangible assets	1,252	1,289
Total goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets	41,074	37,894
Total intangible assets	86,712	79,634
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	15,538	13,464
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-11,198	-11,091
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years 3 months 18 days
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	7,114	6,178
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-2,557	-2,185
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years 9 months 18 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	22,730	21,827
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-10,681	-9,447
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years 3 months 18 days
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	256	271
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($49)	($8)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years 2 months 12 days

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$36,605	$36,200
Acquired during the period	4,691	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments related to goodwill balance	-1,474	405
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$39,822	$36,605

Restructuring_and_Other_Exit_C2

Restructuring and Other Exit Cots (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)	$1,027	$2,150	$310
Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)			323
Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)		495
Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)	505	2,100
Restructuring number of positions eliminated, percent	13.00%
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)			312
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)		78
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)		96
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)	199	2,100
Fixed Assets Write Off [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)		307
Fixed Assets Write Off [Member] | Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)	13
Other Costs [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)			11
Other Costs [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)		110
Other Costs [Member] | Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges (credits)	$293

Restructuring_and_Other_Exit_C3

Restructuring and Other Exit Costs (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges (credits)	$1,027	$2,150	$310
Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	3	144
Restructuring charges (credits)			323
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash		-95	-179
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-3	-46
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	3	144
Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	45
Restructuring charges (credits)		495
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	-45	-213
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment		-237
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	45
Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	1,434
Restructuring charges (credits)	505	2,100
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	-1,809	-666
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-130
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	1,434
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	3	133
Restructuring charges (credits)			312
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash		-84	-179
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-3	-46
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	3	133
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	45
Restructuring charges (credits)		78
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	-45	-33
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment		0
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	45
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges (credits)		96
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash		-96
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance		0
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	1,434
Restructuring charges (credits)	199	2,100
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	-1,516	-666
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-117
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	1,434
Employee Severance [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2014 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges (credits)	655
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	-29
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	626
Fixed Assets Write Off [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges (credits)		307
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	0	0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment		-307
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	0
Fixed Assets Write Off [Member] | Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges (credits)	13
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-13
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0
Other Costs [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2012 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	0	11
Restructuring charges (credits)			11
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash		-11	0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0	0
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	0	11
Other Costs [Member] | Restructuring Plan 2011 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring charges (credits)		110
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	0	-180
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment		70
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	0	0
Other Costs [Member] | Restructuring Plan December 2013 [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring charges (credits)	293
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	-293
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0
Restructuring Reserve, Ending Balance	$0

Long_Term_Debt_Narratives_Deta

Long Term Debt (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Aug. 07, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Agreement [Line Items]
Previous Approved Credit Facility		$20,000,000
Secured Debt			24,750,000		24,750,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				50,000,000
Minimum percentage of Term Loan and the DDTL that company was required to fix the rate of interest on			50.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity			11,800,000
Interest Rate In Excess Of LIBOR On Credit Facility		3.00%
DDTL Threshold For Dollar For Dollar Reduction In Revolving Line				10,000,000
Transfer Of Delayed Draw Down Term Loan Capacity To Revolver Capacity	5,000,000
Lender Approval To Fund Acquisition With Cash Promissory Note In Excess Of Threshold			6,000,000
Lender Approval To Fund Acquisition With Equity In Excess Of Threshold			10,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Agreement [Line Items]
Secured Debt			4,200,000	25,000,000	2,500,000
Maturity Dates				29-Mar-16
Basis Spread Over LIBOR				2.50%
Interest Rate As Of Reporting Date			2.67%
Term Loan [Member]
Credit Agreement [Line Items]
Secured Debt			9,750,000	15,000,000	12,750,000
Maturity Dates				29-Mar-18
Basis Spread Over LIBOR				3.00%
Interest Rate As Of Reporting Date			3.96%
Delayed Drawdown Term Loan [Member]
Credit Agreement [Line Items]
Secured Debt			7,500,000	15,000,000	9,500,000
Maturity Dates				29-Mar-18
Maximum Borrowings Available Under The Current Credit Agreement	$10,000,000
Interest Rate As Of Reporting Date			3.55%

Long_Term_Debt_Details_1

Long Term Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	$24,750	$24,750
Current portion, long-term debt	-5,000	-5,000
Long-term debt	16,450	19,750
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	4,200	2,500	25,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	9,750	12,750	15,000
Delayed Drawdown Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	$7,500	$9,500	$15,000

Long_Term_Debt_Details_2

Long Term Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Term Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt repayments of principal in the next twelve months	$5,000
Debt repayments of principal in Year Two	9,200
Debt repayments of principal in Year Three	5,000
Debt repayments of principal in Year Four	2,250
Debt repayments of principal in Year Five	0
Long-term Debt	$21,450

Derivative_Narratives_Details

Derivative (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Jun. 05, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum percentage of Term Loan and the DDTL that company was required to fix the rate of interest on	50.00%
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Swaps	$13,500,000
Deferred losses on derivative instruments accumulated in AOCI expected to be reclassified to earnings	100,000
Derivative Interest Rate Swap Effective Percentage	100.00%
Delayed Drawdown Term Loan [Member]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Swaps		5,000,000
LIBOR Fixed Rate	0.93%
Term Loan [Member]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Swaps			$15,000,000
LIBOR Fixed Rate	0.96%

Derivative_Details_1

Derivative (Details 1) (Other liabilities-non current [Member], Derivatives qualifying as hedges [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other liabilities-non current [Member] | Derivatives qualifying as hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	$13,500		$17,500
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	($18)	[1]	($49)
[1]	(a) See Note ##FVM for the fair value measurements related to these financial instruments.

Derivative_Details_2

Derivative (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	($99)	($116)
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	-130	-67
Derivatives qualifying as hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	-99	-116	0
Derivatives qualifying as hedges [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	($130)	($67)	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Derivatives qualifying as hedges [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$18	$49
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	18	49
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$0	$0

Leases_Narratives_Details

Leases (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	sqft
Leases Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$1.70	$1.30	$1.30
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	83,000
Lease Expiration Date	31-Aug-24
Expansion Area Of Real Estate Property	22,000

Leases_Details_1

Leases (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,094
2016	1,603
2017	1,579
2018	1,550
2019	1,353
Thereafter	5,867
Operating Leases, Total Future Minimum Payments Due	$14,046

Accrued_Expenses_Details_1

Accrued Expenses (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Employee Related Liabilities Current	$1,616	$1,349
Accrued Professional Fees Current	735	927
Accrued Severance Current	626	1,434
Product Warranty Accrual Current	240	305
Other Accrued Liabilities Current	1,235	1,063
Total Accrued Expenses	$4,452	$5,078

Income_Tax_Narratives_Details

Income Tax (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 03, 2012
Income Tax [Abstract]
US Federal Income Tax Rate	34.00%
Change In Valuation Allowances For Deferred Tax Assets	$1,300,000
Net Operating Loss Carryforward Federal And State	25,400,000
Net Operating Loss Carryforward Foreign	4,900,000
Tax Credit Carryforwards	5,200,000
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Subject To Annual Limitation	5,500,000
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Annual Limitation	700,000
Undistributed Foreign Earnings	51,900,000	49,200,000	46,000,000
Cash In Foreign Subsidiaries	12,700,000	23,600,000
Cash Held In Foreign Subsidiaries Used For Foreign Capital Improvements	400,000
Additions Based On Tax Positions Of Prior Years	59,000	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	250,000	191,000		191,000
AHN Biotechnologie GmbH Acquisition [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash Held In Foreign Subsidiaries Used For Acquisitions					$2,000,000

Income_Tax_Details_1

Income Tax (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Expense (benefit) Attributable To Income From Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current Federal And State Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations									$27	$47	$70
Current Foreign Income Tax Expense (benefit) From Continuing Operations									424	413	1,705
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total									451	460	1,775
Deferred Federal And State Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations									1,793	-594	931
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-182	-154	-308
Deferred Income Taxes Amount									1,611	-748	623
Income Tax Expense, Total	1,191	323	248	300	-1,013	105	321	299	2,062	-288	2,398
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Computed "Expected" Income Tax Expense									1,503	147	2,343
Net Change In Income Tax Expense Benefit Resulting From Permanent Differences									-93	482	-25
Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Resulting From Foreign Tax Rate Differential									-364	-64	-435
Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Resulting From State Income Taxes, Net Of Federal Income Tax Benefit									0	31	135
Income Tax Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost									67	1	254
Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Resulting From Adjustment Of Prior Year Tax Accruals									0	-294	0
Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits									-385	-615	-127
Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Resulting From Change In Valuation Allowance Allocated To Income Tax Expense Benefit									1,346	31	281
Increase (Decrease) In Income Taxes Resulting From Other									-12	-7	-28
Income Tax Expense, Total	1,191	323	248	300	-1,013	105	321	299	2,062	-288	2,398
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Income From Continuing Operations, Domestic									1,846	-2,549	681
Income from continuing operations, Foreign									2,571	2,984	6,211
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$1,172	$956	$1,270	$1,019	($1,268)	$56	$416	$1,231	$4,417	$435	$6,892

Income_Tax_Details_2

Income Tax (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Accounts Receivable	$45	$65
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	1,416	1,405
Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss And Credits Carryforwards	12,803	12,978
Deferred Tax Assets, Accrued Expenses	188	409
Deferred Tax Assets, Pension Liabilities	889	985
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves And Accruals, Contingencies	2,806	2,593
Deferred Tax Assets, Other Accrued Liabilities	1,832	1,867
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	19,979	20,302
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-2,423	-1,249
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	17,556	19,053
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets	6,021	4,242
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	27	70
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	383	238
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	6,431	4,550
Net Deferred Tax Assets	11,125	14,503
Reconciliation Of Uncertain Tax Liabilities [abstract]
Beginning Balance	191		191
Additions Based On Tax Positions Of Prior Years	59	0	0
Ending Balance	$250	$191

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	$500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	800,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	700,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	4,700,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Support, Methodology and Source Data	The discount rate assumptions used for pension accounting reflect the prevailing rates available on high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with terms that match the average expected duration of the Companybs defined benefit pension plan obligations. The Company uses the iBoxx AA 15yr+ index, which matches the average duration of its pension plan liability of approximately 15B years. With the current base of assets in the pension plans, a 0.1% increase/decrease in the discount rate assumption would decrease/increase annual pension expense by approximately $##D.
Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan Payments In Current Fiscal Year	500,000	600,000	500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	21,200,000	19,500,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	800,000
Fair Value Impairment Of Pension Assets	600,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Support, Methodology and Source Data	The discount rate assumptions used for pension accounting reflect the prevailing rates available on high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with terms that match the average expected duration of the Companybs defined benefit pension plan obligations. The Company uses the iBoxx AA 15yr+ index, which matches the average duration of its pension plan liability of approximately 15B years. With the current base of assets in the pension plans, a 0.1% increase/decrease in the discount rate assumption would decrease/increase annual pension expense by approximately $##D.
Defined Benefit Plan Increase (Decrease) In Discount Rate Percentage	0.10%
Defined Benefit Plan Average Pension Plan Liability	15 years
Defined Benefit Plan Increase (Decrease) In Discount Rate Value	89,000
Defined Benefit Plan Increase (Decrease) In Asset Return Percentage	0.10%
Defined Benefit Plan Average Remaining Work Lifetime	15 years
Defined Benefit Plan Increase (Decrease) In Asset Return Value	17,000
Defined Benefit Plan Payments In Current Fiscal Year	1,546,000	801,000
Unrealized losses on pension benefit obligation, net of tax	($321,000)	($695,000)	$1,004,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Service Cost	$0	$288	$314
Interest Cost	893	797	819
Expected Return on Plan Assets	-649	-524	-570
Net Amortization Loss	259	305	248
Curtailment Gain	0	-197	0
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total	503	669	811
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	20,403	19,643
Service Cost for Defined Benefit Plan	0	272
Interest Cost	893	797	819
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	5	56
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	1,628	-329
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-457	-431
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation	-1,302	395
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	21,170	20,403	19,643
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	15,540	13,704
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	1,119	1,125
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants	5	56
Defined Benefit Plan Payments In Current Fiscal Year	1,546	801
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	-457	-431
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets	-1,029	285
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	16,724	15,540	13,704
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan Funded Status Of Plan	-4,446	-4,863
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Deferred Income Taxes On Pension Liabilities	889	985
Pension Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	-4,446	-4,863
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet	-3,557	-3,878
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	($3,557)	($3,878)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details1

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	4.43%	4.43%	4.09%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	4.15%	3.79%	4.02%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase	0.00%	2.99%	3.51%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details2

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$16,724	$15,540	$13,704
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,319	1,488
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	15,405	13,465
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	587
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,145	7,404
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	49.00%	48.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets			768
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,260	6,061
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	43.00%	39.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,319	1,488
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	8.00%	9.00%
Other Assets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0	$587
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%	4.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details3

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets			$13,704
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	16,724	15,540	13,704
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	587
Defined Benefit Plan Purchases During Year	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan Unrealized Loss Gain	-587	-181
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0	$587

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Opening Balance	($2,644)	($4,863)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications	-5,926	1,909
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	337	310	191
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, total	-5,589	2,219	859
Closing Balance	-8,233	-2,644	-4,863
Foreign currency translation adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Opening Balance	1,283	-290
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications	-5,941	1,573
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, total	-5,941	1,573
Closing Balance	-4,658	1,283
Derivatives qualifying as hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Opening Balance	-49	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications	-99	-116
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	130	67
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, total	31	-49
Closing Balance	-18	-49
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Opening Balance	-3,878	-4,573
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications	114	452
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	207	243
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, total	321	695
Closing Balance	($3,557)	($3,878)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivatives Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, net tax	($130)	($67)	$0
Pension Plan Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, net tax	-207	-243	-191
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	-337	-310	-191
Interest Expense [Member]
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivatives Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before tax	130	67	0
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension Plan Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before tax	259	305	248
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Member]
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivatives Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, tax	0	0	0
Pension Plan Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, tax	($52)	($62)	($57)

Capital_Stock_Narratives_Detai

Capital Stock (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			180 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 1996
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Offering Date	85.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares Authorized	750,000			750,000
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	57,848	56,938	60,028	585,188
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	15,008,929	13,067,675		15,008,929
Increase In Number Of Shares Authorized For Issuance Under Stock Option And Incentive Plan	3,700,000			3,700,000
Limitation Of Number Of Awards That Can Be Issued Under Stock Option And Incentive Plan	3,750,000			3,750,000
Fungible Shares Issuance Ratio	179.00%
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	116,400	259,931	349,295
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,526,441	2,547,580	4,700,033
Percentage Of Outstanding Common Stock	20.00%			20.00%
Shares Authorized For Issuance Under 1996 Stock Option And Incentive Plan						4,072,480
Incentive Stock Options Granted To Date	10,218,057	10,218,057	8,990,395	10,218,057
Non Qualified Stock Options Granted To Date	12,143,374	11,028,074	8,906,684	12,143,374
Common Stock Market Value Per Share On Reporting Date	$5.67			$5.67
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$1.80	$5.10	$0.30
In The Money Stock Options Exercisable At The Reporting Date	3,419,917			3,419,917
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$3.50			$3.50
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 2 months 4 days
Annualized Estimated Forfeiture Rate	7.05%	6.54%	5.38%
Weighted Average Estimated Black Scholes Value Of Option Grants	$2.18	$2.41	$1.84
Options Granted due to the Spin-off of HART		1,715,164			1,700,000
Restricted Stock Units Granted due to the Spin-off of HART		135,650			100,000
Preferred Stock - Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000		5,000,000

Capital_Stock_Details_1

Capital Stock (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital Stock Disclosure [Abstract]
Opening Balance Stock Options Outstanding	6,690,845	8,078,509	8,519,575
Begining Balance Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.42	$4.25	$4.52
Increase In Number Of Shares Authorized For Issuance Under Stock Option And Incentive Plan	3,700,000
Options, Grants in Period, Gross	1,115,300	3,349,052	1,220,934
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$4.18	$4.44	$3.60
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	-695,000	-2,135,000	-648,000
Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period	-847,860	-1,326,233	-1,014,000
Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.67	$5.26	$6.36
Closing Balance Stock Options Outstanding	6,263,112	6,690,845	8,078,509
Closing Balance Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.42	$3.42	$4.25
Begining Balance Restricted Stock Units Outstanding	463,973	677,193	539,450
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	116,400	259,931	349,295
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-233,098	-281,650	-164,090
Closing Balance Restricted Stock Units Outstanding	306,397	463,973	677,193
Begining Balance Grant Date Fair Value Of Restricted Stock Units	$4.32	$3.97	$4.32
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$4.12	$4.62	$3.57
Closing Balance Grant Date Fair Value Of Restricted Stock Units	$4.30	$4.32	$3.97
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	55.78%	57.18%	55.09%
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.80%	1.42%	0.80%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 9 months 3 days	5 years 8 months 1 day	5 years 11 months 23 days
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.08	$3.20	$3.94
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$4.36	$4.07	$4.21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-40,878	-191,501	-47,462
Preferred Stock - Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Stock Issued During Period Gross Stock Options Exercised	695,173	3,410,483	648,000

Capital_Stock_Details_2

Capital Stock (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$2,156	$2,670	$3,321
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment [Abstract]
Basic	32,170,683	30,384,010	28,799,377
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	1,065,886	1,529,789	992,730
Diluted	33,236,569	31,913,799	29,792,107
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	132	131	87
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	61	45	25
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	343	223	154
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	1,620	2,200	2,990
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$0	$71	$65

Capital_Stock_Details_3

Capital Stock (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	6,263,112	6,690,845	8,078,509	8,519,575
One Dollar Forty Three Cents To Two Dollars Fifteen Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	253,654
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 6 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$982
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	253,654
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 6 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	982
Two Dollars Twenty Eight Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	927,715
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 4 months 20 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	3,145
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	927,715
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 4 months 20 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	3,145
Two Dollars Fourty Five Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	6,586
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	0 years 5 months 4 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	6,586
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	0 years 5 months 4 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	21
Two Dollars Fifty Six Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	776,155
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 0 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	2,414
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	374,256
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 0 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	1,164
Two Dollars Fifty Nine Cents To Three Dollars Fifty Four Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	567,417
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 4 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	1,470
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	567,417
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 4 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	1,470
Three Dollars Sixty Four Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	713,170
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 0 months 0 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.64
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	1,448
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	213,765
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 0 months 0 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.64
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	434
Three Dollars Sixty Eight Cents To Three Dollars Ninety Nine Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	451,166
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 8 months 8 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.88
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	808
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	431,166
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 4 months 17 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.88
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	772
Four Dollars Four Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	717,449
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 0 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.04
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	1,169
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	568,483
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 0 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.04
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	927
Four Dollars Seven Cents To Four Dollars Ten Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	16,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 4 months 9 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	25
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	0
Four Dollars Twelve Cents To Four Dollars Eighty Nine Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,833,800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 1 month 17 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	2,622
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	76,875
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	105
One Dollar Forty Three Cents To Four Dollars Eighty Nine Cents [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	6,263,112
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 5 months 19 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.42
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	14,104
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	3,419,917
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 9 months 14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.03
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$9,020

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$1,700,000	$1,300,000	$1,300,000
HART Sublease Rent	200,000	26,000
Transition Services Charged to HART	100,000	100,000
Distribution Revenues From Spinnee	200,000	100,000
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	62,000
Triangle BioSystems, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$11,000

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment and Related Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$30,364	$25,448	$26,958	$25,893	$27,854	$25,137	$26,094	$26,086	$108,663	$105,171	$111,171

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$30,364	$25,448	$26,958	$25,893	$27,854	$25,137	$26,094	$26,086	$108,663	$105,171	$111,171
Net Assets	95,468				94,485				95,468	94,485
Long-lived assets, net	26,343				23,384				26,343	23,384
Segment, Geographical, United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									63,727	63,810	65,190
Net Assets	43,556				37,497				43,556	37,497
Long-lived assets, net	14,335				14,128				14,335	14,128
Segment, Geographical, United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									24,754	23,123	27,137
Net Assets	15,607				32,214				15,607	32,214
Long-lived assets, net	1,698				2,343				1,698	2,343
Rest Of The World [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									20,182	18,238	18,844
Net Assets	36,305				24,774				36,305	24,774
Long-lived assets, net	10,310				6,913				10,310	6,913
Total [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									108,663	105,171	111,171
Net Assets	95,468				94,485				95,468	94,485
Long-lived assets, net	$26,343				$23,384				$26,343	$23,384

Allowance_for_doubtful_debts_D

Allowance for doubtful debts (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves Roll Forward [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$358	$194	$302
Charged To Bad Debt Expense	-67	172	-31
Charged To Allowance	56	-8	-77
Valuation Allowances And Reserves Currency Translation	-19	0	0
Ending Balance	$328	$358	$194

Warranties_Details_1

Warranties (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranty, Beginning Balance	$305	$222	$144
Warranty payments	-102	-179	-136
Warranty additions	49	262	214
Warranty, Ending Balance	$252	$305	$222

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings per common share	$0	$0.02	$0.03	$0.02	($0.02)	($0.03)	($0.01)	$0		$0.07	($0.06)	$0.09
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$0	$0.02	$0.03	$0.02	($0.02)	($0.03)	($0.01)	$0		$0.07	($0.06)	$0.08
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations	$0	$0.02	$0.03	$0.02	($0.01)	$0	$0	$0.03		$0.07	$0.02	$0.16
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	($0.03)	($0.01)	($0.03)		$0	($0.08)	($0.07)
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations	$0	$0.02	$0.03	$0.02	($0.01)	$0	$0	$0.03		$0.07	$0.02	$0.15
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)	($0.03)	($0.01)	($0.03)		$0	($0.08)	($0.07)
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$30,364	$25,448	$26,958	$25,893	$27,854	$25,137	$26,094	$26,086		$108,663	$105,171	$111,171
Cost of revenues (exclusive of items shown separately below)	16,501	14,006	14,680	14,132	15,806	13,838	14,005	13,826		59,319	57,475	58,831
Gross profit	13,863	11,442	12,278	11,761	12,048	11,299	12,089	12,260		49,344	47,696	52,340
Total operating expenses	11,742	10,017	10,540	10,427	12,997	10,885	11,343	10,934		42,726	46,159	44,510
Operating income	2,121	1,425	1,738	1,334	-949	414	746	1,326		6,618	1,537	7,830
Other expense, net	-949	-469	-468	-315	-319	-358	-330	-95		-2,201	-1,102	-938
Income From Continuing Operations, Total	1,172	956	1,270	1,019	-1,268	56	416	1,231		4,417	435	6,892
Total Income Tax Expense	1,191	323	248	300	-1,013	105	321	299		2,062	-288	2,398
Net income (loss)	-19	633	1,022	719	-756	-984	-186	96		2,355	-1,830	2,370
Income from continuing operations	-19	633	1,022	719	-255	-49	95	932		2,355	723	4,494
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$0	$0	$0	$0	($501)	($935)	($281)	($836)	($281)	$0	($2,553)

Subsequent_Events_Narratives_D

Subsequent Events (Narratives) (Details) (HEKA Elektronik [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 08, 2015
HEKA Elektronik [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash Paid For Acquisitions	$6