Mesa Laboratories (MLAB) 10-K 3 Jun 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	31-May-15	Sep. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MESA LABORATORIES INC /CO
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-28
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,576,678
Entity Public Float			$149,275,000
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	724004
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,034	$5,575
Accounts receivable, net	12,145	9,278
Inventories, net	12,420	7,771
Prepaid expenses and other	1,334	2,064
Deferred income taxes	1,689	1,878
Total current assets	29,622	26,566
Property, plant and equipment, net	9,598	7,680
Intangibles, net	33,231	25,417
Goodwill	44,869	37,866
Total assets	117,320	97,529
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,503	2,019
Accrued salaries and payroll taxes	4,105	3,567
Unearned revenues	1,314	1,886
Current portion of contingent consideration	1,220
Other accrued expenses	1,307	2,743
Income taxes payable	1,208
Current portion of long-term debt	3,000	0
Total current liabilities	14,657	10,215
Deferred income taxes	5,122	4,861
Long-term debt	23,250	16,500
Contingent consideration	812	1,620
Total liabilities	43,841	33,196
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,561,540 shares (March 31, 2015) and 3,490,628 shares (March 31, 2014)	17,751	15,796
Employee loans to purchase stock		-24
Retained earnings	55,962	48,561
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-234
Total stockholders’ equity	73,479	64,333
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$117,320	$97,529

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,561,540	3,490,628
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,561,540	3,490,628

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues
Product	$58,910	$44,539	$40,590
Service	12,420	8,185	5,845
Total revenues	71,330	52,724	46,435
Cost of revenues
Cost of products	23,128	16,062	15,489
Cost of services	4,810	4,974	2,084
Total cost of revenues	27,938	21,036	17,573
Gross profit	43,392	31,688	28,862
Operating expenses
Selling	7,176	6,119	4,630
General and administrative	17,058	11,464	9,117
Research and development	3,294	2,320	2,011
Total operating expenses	27,528	19,903	15,758
Operating income	15,864	11,785	13,104
Other (expense) income, net	-517	1,318	-126
Earnings before income taxes	15,347	13,103	12,978
Income taxes	5,764	4,103	4,528
Net income	$9,583	$9,000	$8,450
Net income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$2.72	$2.61	$2.52
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$2.63	$2.49	$2.35
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	3,521	3,445	3,357
Diluted (in Shares)	3,650	3,611	3,593

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Income	$9,583	$9,000	$8,450
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	-234
Total comprehensive income	$9,349	$9,000	$8,450

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Employee Loans [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$8,900	($396)	$35,411		$43,915
Shares (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2012	3,321,965
Common stock issued for conversion of stock options	1,101	-203			898
Common stock issued for conversion of stock options, shares (in Shares)	77,753				93,325
Purchase and retirement of common stock	-56	450	-496		-102
Purchase and retirement of common stock (in Shares)	-11,170
Dividends paid			-1,815		-1,815
Stock-based compensation	1,112				1,112
Tax impact on exercise of stock options	295				295
Net income			8,450		8,450
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	11,352	-149	41,550		52,753
Shares (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	3,388,548
Common stock issued for conversion of stock options	1,845				1,845
Common stock issued for conversion of stock options, shares (in Shares)	104,864				117,885
Purchase and retirement of common stock	-147	125			-22
Purchase and retirement of common stock (in Shares)	-2,784
Dividends paid			-1,989		-1,989
Stock-based compensation	840				840
Tax impact on exercise of stock options	1,906				1,906
Net income			9,000		9,000
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	15,796	-24	48,561		64,333
Shares (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	3,490,628				3,490,628
Common stock issued for conversion of stock options	1,504				1,504
Common stock issued for conversion of stock options, shares (in Shares)	70,912				82,178
Purchase and retirement of common stock	-28	24			-4
Dividends paid			-2,182		-2,182
Stock-based compensation	993				993
Tax impact on exercise of stock options	-514				-514
Foreign currency translation				-234	-234
Net income			9,583		9,583
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$17,751		$55,962	($234)	$73,479
Shares (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	3,561,540				3,561,540

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Parentheticals) (Common Stock [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, shares issued	11,266	13,021	15,572

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$9,583,000	$9,000,000	$8,450,000
Depreciation and amortization	5,656,000	3,844,000	3,432,000
Loss (gain) on dispositions, net	16,000	-420,000
Deferred income taxes	450,000	-43,000	-291,000
Stock-based compensation	993,000	840,000	1,112,000
Foreign currency adjustments	-176,000
Contingent consideration		-1,020,000
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions
Accounts receivable, net	-2,291,000	697,000	-1,510,000
Inventories, net	-3,164,000	-1,300,000	-228,000
Prepaid expenses and other	772,000	-1,479,000	-189,000
Accounts payable	410,000	754,000	437,000
Accrued liabilities and taxes payable	-861,000	1,192,000	189,000
Unearned revenues	-572,000	308,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,816,000	12,373,000	11,402,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions	-20,543,000	-22,758,000	-16,660,000
Proceeds from disposition		661,000
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-2,828,000	-1,041,000	-908,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-23,371,000	-23,138,000	-17,568,000
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	23,000,000	21,000,000	11,000,000
Payments on debt	-13,250,000	-8,500,000	-7,000,000
Dividends	-2,182,000	-1,989,000	-1,815,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,504,000	1,845,000	898,000
Purchase and retirement of common stock		-22,000	-102,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,072,000	12,334,000	2,981,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-58,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-3,541,000	1,569,000	-3,185,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	5,575,000	4,006,000	7,191,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2,034,000	5,575,000	4,006,000
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	3,345,000	4,714,000	4,778,000
Interest	499,000	133,000	116,000
Supplemental non-cash activity:
Employee loans issued for exercise of stock options			203,000
Repayment of employee loans for stock options	24,000	92,000	450,000
Contingent consideration as part of an acquisition	$412,000	$500,000	$2,140,000

Note_1_Description_of_Business

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	Mesa Laboratories, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado on March 26, 1982. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Mesa” are used in this report to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted. We pursue a strategy of focusing primarily on quality control products, which are sold into niche markets that are driven by regulatory requirements. We prefer markets that have limited competition where we can establish a commanding presence and achieve high gross margins. We are organized into three divisions across six physical locations. Our Instruments Division designs, manufactures and markets quality control instruments and disposable products utilized in connection with the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical device, industrial hygiene, environmental air sampling and semiconductor industries. Our Biological Indicators Division manufactures and markets biological indicators and distributes chemical indicators used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization processes, including steam, hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide and radiation, in the hospital, dental, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Our Continuous Monitoring Division designs, develops and markets systems which are used to monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and differential pressure to ensure that critical storage and processing conditions are maintained in hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, blood banks, pharmacies and a number of other laboratory and industrial environments.
	Basis of Presentation
	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.
	On October 1, 2012 our articles of incorporation were amended to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 8,000,000 to 25,000,000.
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when the four revenue recognition criteria are met, as follows:
	Product sales: Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the product. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon shipment (FOB Shipping Point). Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes.
	Services: Revenue is recognized upon completion of the work/services to be performed. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a contract and/or a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon completion and acceptance of the service or installation process. Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes.
	Shipping and handling
	Payments by customers to us for shipping and handling costs are included in revenues on the consolidated statements of income, while our expense is included in cost of revenues. Shipping and handling for inventory and materials purchased by us is included as a component of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, and in cost of revenues when the product is sold.
	Unearned Revenues
	Certain of our products have associated annual service contracts whereby we provide repair, technical support and various other maintenance services. In the event that these contracts are paid up front by the customer, the associated amounts are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the service period.
	Accrued Warranty Expense
	We provide limited product warranty on our products and, accordingly, accrue an estimate of the related warranty expense at the time of sale.
	Cash Equivalents
	We classify time deposits and other investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable
	We record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable balances and is charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, the level of past-due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and our relationships with, and the economic status of, our customers.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable. For the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our revenues and as of March 31, 2015, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance. Approximately 64% and 36% of our sales are to customers located in the United States and foreign countries, respectively.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, based on standards using the first-in, first-out method (“FIFO”) to determine cost. We evaluate standard costs annually, unless circumstances necessitate a mid-year evaluation for specific items. Our work in process and finished goods inventory includes raw materials, labor and overhead, which are estimated based on trailing twelve months of expense and standard labor hours for each product. Our biological indicator inventory is tracked by lot number, thus it is generally based on actual hours.
	We monitor inventory cost compared to selling price in order to determine if a lower of cost or market reserve is necessary. At year end we perform a complete physical inventory observation. Throughout the year, we estimate and maintain an inventory reserve, as needed, for such matters as obsolete inventory, shrink and scrap.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend the economic life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets, which are reviewed periodically and generally have the following ranges: buildings: 40 years or less; manufacturing equipment: seven years or less; and computer equipment: three years or less. Land is not depreciated and construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	We classify intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and (3) goodwill. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, our long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally ranging from three to sixteen years (See Note 5).
	When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying value by preparing estimates of revenues and the resulting gross profit and cash flows. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds the fair value. We use a variety of methodologies to determine the fair value of these assets, including discounted cash flow models, which are consistent with the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use.
	We test intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives, including trademarks, franchise rights and goodwill, for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. We perform these annual impairment reviews as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. We use a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments of indefinite-lived intangible assets, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, which are based on the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
	We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, prior to completing the impairment test described above. We must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the testing described above. Otherwise, there is no requirement to perform any further assessment.
	We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. Our operating segments consist of our Instruments, Continuous Monitoring and Biological Indicators. These operating segments are consistent with the way management runs our business. Our Instruments operating segment is subdivided into smaller business units. These business units are also our reporting units. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination.
	The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We typically use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
	We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill prior to completing the two-step process described above to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill and other intangible assets. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the two-step process. Otherwise, there is no requirement to perform any further assessment.
	Research & Development Costs
	Internal costs related to research and development efforts on existing or potential products are expensed as incurred. The costs of intangible assets that are purchased from others for use in research and development activities, and also have alternative future benefit, are capitalized and amortized over their expected useful life.
	Under certain agreements, we may receive advance payments from customers to perform research and development on their behalf. These payments are recovered by the customer through lower product prices and as such, are initially recorded as unearned revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As product is sold, this liability is reduced through revenues on the consolidated statements of income.
	Stock-based Compensation
	Equity classified stock-based compensation is measured at fair value, based on the closing stock price at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the service period, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, resulting in a compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest. We do not have any liability classified stock-based compensation. We allocate stock-based compensation expense to cost of revenues and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amount of our assets and liabilities. We monitor our deferred tax assets and evaluate the need for a valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. We also evaluate whether we have any uncertain tax positions and would record a reserve if we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position would not prevail with the applicable tax authorities. We have not recorded a valuation allowance or a reserve for uncertain tax positions. Any penalties and interest are included in other expense, net on the consolidated statements of income.
	Fair Value of Measurements
	Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and long-term debt. The carrying value of these financial instruments is considered to be representative of their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Our debt has a variable interest rate, so the carrying amount approximates fair value because interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued a jointly converged standard on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The issued guidance converges the criteria for reporting revenues, as well as requiring disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from these contracts. Companies can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative effective adjustment as of the date of adoption. The new standard is effective for our fiscal year (and interim periods within that year) ending March 31, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Note_2_Acquisitions_and_Dispos

Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions
	Acquisitions
	For the year ended March 31, 2015, our acquisitions of businesses (net of cash acquired) totaled $20,543,000, which consisted primarily of the following material acquisitions:
	PCD
	On October 15, 2014, we completed a business combination (the “PCD Acquisition”) with PCD-Process Challenge Devices, LLC (“PCD”) whereby we acquired substantially all the assets (other than cash and accounts receivable) and certain liabilities of PCD’s process challenge device business segment. The asset acquisition agreement (the “PCD Agreement”) includes provisions for both contingent consideration based upon the cumulative three year revenues of our process challenge device business subsequent to the acquisition and for a holdback payment (subject to a post-closing adjustment), payable at the one year anniversary of the closing date.
	Under the terms of the PCD Agreement, we are required to pay contingent consideration if the cumulative revenues for our process challenge device business for the three years subsequent to the acquisition meet certain levels. The potential consideration payable ranges from $0 to $1,500,000 and is based upon a sliding scale of three-year cumulative revenues between $9,900,000 and $12,600,000. Based upon both historical and projected growth rates, we recorded $300,000 of contingent consideration payable which represents our best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be paid. Any changes to the contingent consideration ultimately paid will result in additional income or expense in our consolidated statements of income. We will continue to monitor the results of our process challenge device business and we will adjust the contingent liability on a go forward basis, based on then current information. The contingent consideration is payable in three annual installments beginning in the third quarter of our year ending March 31, 2016.
	We expect to achieve savings and generate growth as we integrate the PCD operations and sales and marketing functions. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and, as a result, we recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and it was assigned to our Biological Indicators segment.
	The PCD Acquisition constituted the acquisition of a business and was recognized at fair value. We determined the estimated fair values using discounted cash flow analyses and estimates made by management. The following reflects our allocation of the consideration, subject to customary purchase price adjustments in accordance with the PCD Agreement (in thousands):
	Cash consideration	$	5,000
	Holdback payment liability		250
	Contingent consideration liability		300
	Aggregate consideration	$	5,550
	Inventories, net	$	137
	Property, plant and equipment, net		7
	Intangibles, net		3,678
	Goodwill		1,743
	Accrued expenses		(15	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	5,550
	The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of the PCD Acquisition from the acquisition date of October 15, 2014. The pro forma effects of the acquisition on the results of operations as if the acquisition had been completed on April 1, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues	$	73,068		$	56,541
	Net income		9,673			9,512
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.75		$	2.76
	Diluted		2.65			2.63
	BGI
	On April 15, 2014, we completed a business combination (the “BGI Acquisition”) whereby we acquired substantially all of the assets (other than cash and accounts receivable) and certain liabilities of BGI, Incorporated and BGI Instruments, Inc. (collectively “BGI”), a business focused on the sale of equipment primarily used for particulate air sampling. The purchase price for the acquired assets was $10,268,000.
	We expect to achieve savings and generate growth as we integrate the BGI operations and sales and marketing functions. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and, as a result, we recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes and it was assigned to our Instruments segment.
	The BGI Acquisition constituted the acquisition of a business and was recognized at fair value. We determined the estimated fair values using discounted cash flow analyses and estimates made by management. The following reflects our allocation of the consideration, subject to customary purchase price adjustments in accordance with the BGI Agreement (in thousands):
	Inventories, net	$	1,268
	Property, plant and equipment, net		47
	Intangibles, net		5,711
	Goodwill		3,295
	Accrued expenses		(53	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	10,268
	The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of the BGI Acquisition from the acquisition date of April 15, 2014. The pro forma effects of the acquisition on the results of operations as if the acquisition had been completed on April 1, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues	$	71,648		$	60,388
	Net income		9,661			11,141
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.74		$	3.23
	Diluted		2.65			3.09
	For the year ended March 31, 2014, our acquisitions of businesses (net of cash acquired) totaled $22,758,000, which consisted primarily of the following material acquisitions:
	Amega Scientific
	On November 6, 2013, we completed a business combination (the “Amega Acquisition”) whereby we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Amega Scientific Corporation’s (“Amega”) business which provides continuous monitoring systems to regulated industries. The asset acquisition agreement (the “Amega Agreement”) includes provisions for both contingent consideration based on the cumulative three year revenues of our Continuous Monitoring Division and for a holdback payment (subject to a post-closing adjustment), which was payable to the seller no later than November 6, 2014 less any losses incurred by the buyer, as defined.
	Under the terms of the Amega Agreement, we are required to pay contingent consideration if the cumulative revenues for our Continuous Monitoring Division for the three years subsequent to the acquisition meet certain levels. The potential consideration payable ranges from $0 to $10,000,000 and is based upon a sliding scale of three-year cumulative revenues between $31,625,000 and $43,500,000. Based upon both historical and projected growth rates, we recorded $500,000 of contingent consideration payable which represents our best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be paid. Any changes to the contingent consideration ultimately paid will result in additional income or expense in our consolidated statements of income. We will continue to monitor the results of our Continuous Monitoring Division and we will adjust the contingent liability on a go forward basis, based on then current information. The contingent consideration is payable in the third quarter of our year ending March 31, 2017.
	We expected to achieve savings and generate growth as we integrate the Amega operations and sales and marketing functions. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and, as a result, we recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes and it was assigned to our Continuous Monitoring segment.
	The Amega Acquisition constituted the acquisition of a business and was recognized at fair value. We determined the estimated fair values using discounted cash flow analyses and estimates made by management. The following reflects our allocation of the consideration, subject to customary purchase price adjustments in accordance with the Amega Agreement (in thousands):
	Cash consideration	$	11,268
	Holdback payment liability		1,000
	Contingent consideration liability		500
	Aggregate consideration	$	12,768
	The purchase price was allocated as follows:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	663
	Inventories, net		410
	Prepaid expenses and other		11
	Property, plant and equipment, net		115
	Intangibles, net		5,838
	Goodwill		6,827
	Accrued salaries and payroll taxes		(53	)
	Unearned revenues		(1,043	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	12,768
The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of the Amega Acquisition from the acquisition date of Nov 6, 2013. The pro forma effects of the acquisition on the results of operations as if the acquisition had been completed on April 1, 2013 and 2012, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
	Year Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenues	$	56,451		$	50,372
Net income		10,002			9,508
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	2.9		$	2.83
Diluted		2.77			2.65
Tempsys
On November 6, 2013, we completed a business combination (the “TempSys Acquisition”) whereby we acquired all of the common stock of TempSys, Inc. (“TempSys”), a company in the business of providing continuous monitoring systems to regulated industries, for $9,826,000 (subject to a post-closing adjustment).
We expected to achieve savings and generate growth as we integrate the TempSys operations and sales and marketing functions. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and, as a result, we recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and it was assigned to our Continuous Monitoring segment.
The TempSys Acquisition constituted the acquisition of a business and was recognized at fair value. We determined the estimated fair values using discounted cash flow analyses and estimates made by management. The following reflects our allocation of the consideration, subject to customary purchase price adjustments in accordance with the TempSys Agreement (in thousands):
The purchase price was allocated as follows:
Cash	$	57
Accounts receivable, net		838
Inventories, net		447
Prepaid expenses and other		21
Property, plant and equipment, net		25
Deferred income taxes		585
Intangibles, net		6,135
Goodwill		6,820
Accounts payable		(255	)
Accrued salaries and payroll taxes		(2,134	)
Unearned revenues		(485	)
Other accrued expenses		(135	)
Deferred income taxes		(2,093	)
Total purchase price allocation	$	9,826
The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of the Tempsys Acquisition from the acquisition date of Nov 6, 2013. The pro forma effects of the acquisition on the results of operations as if the acquisition had been completed on April 1, 2013 and 2012, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
	Year Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenues	$	55,129		$	49,705
Net income		9,132			8,100
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	2.65		$	2.41
Diluted		2.53			2.25
For the year ended March 31, 2013, our acquisitions of businesses totaled $16,660,000, which consisted primarily of the following acquisition:
Bios
On May 15, 2012, we completed a business combination (the “Bios Acquisition”) whereby we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Bios International Corporation (“Bios”), a New Jersey corporation. The asset acquisition agreement (the “Bios Agreement”) included a provision for contingent consideration based on revenues growth over a three year earn-out period.
Under the terms of the Bios Agreement, we were required to pay contingent consideration if the cumulative revenues related to the acquisition for the three years subsequent to the acquisition exceed $22,127,000. The potential future payment that we could have been required to make ranged from $0 to $6,710,000. Based upon historical growth rates, we initially recorded $2,140,000 of contingent consideration payable which represented our best estimate of the amount that would ultimately be paid. Based upon actual results and current run rates, during the year ended March 31, 2014, we revised our estimate of the ultimate contingent liability that would be paid, which resulted in reducing the contingent consideration payable to $1,120,000. This gain of $1,020,000 associated with the decrease in the contingent consideration payable is included in other income (expense), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended March 31, 2014. We finalized the contingent consideration and paid $1,120,000 in May 2015.
We expected to achieve significant savings and income growth as we integrated the Bios operations and sales and marketing functions. These factors, among others, contributed to a purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of net identifiable assets acquired and, as a result, we recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The goodwill is deductible for tax purposes and it was assigned to our Instruments segment.
The Bios Acquisition constituted the acquisition of a business and was recognized at fair value. We determined the estimated fair values using discounted cash flow analyses and estimates made by management. The following reflects our allocation of the consideration, subject to customary purchase price adjustments in accordance with the Bios Agreement (in thousands):
Cash consideration	$	16,660
Contingent purchase price liability		2,140
Aggregate consideration	$	18,800
The purchase price was allocated as follows:
Accounts receivable, net	$	478
Inventories, net		910
Other current assets		28
Property, plant and equipment		63
Intangible assets		8,200
Goodwill		9,190
Current liabilities		(69	)
Total purchase price allocation	$	18,800
The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of the Bios Acquisition from the acquisition date of May 15, 2012. The pro forma effects of the acquisition on the results of operations as if the acquisition had been completed on April 1, 2012 and 2011, are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
	Year Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
Revenues	$	47,216		$	46,498
Net income		8,471			8,102
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	2.52		$	2.47
Diluted		2.36			2.34
Dispositions
On August 12, 2013, we entered into an agreement whereby we sold our NuSonics product line for $661,000. The carrying value of this product line was $193,000 which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $468,000.

Note_3_Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3. Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials	$	10,366		$	5,758
	Work-in-process		530			272
	Finished goods		1,913			2,068
	Less reserve		(389	)		(327	)
		$	12,420		$	7,771

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	1,614		$	873
	Buildings		4,721			4,685
	Manufacturing equipment		6,797			6,054
	Computer equipment		1,845			1,487
	Other		1,343			393
			16,320			13,492
	Less accumulated depreciation		(6,722	)		(5,812	)
		$	9,598		$	7,680
	Depreciation expense for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $981,000, $865,000 and $831,000, respectively.

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill was as follows (in thousands):
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	1-Apr-13	$	9,279	$	14,361	$	--	$	23,640
	Acquisitions		--		579		13,647		14,226
	31-Mar-14		9,279		14,940		13,647		37,866
	Acquisitions		3,708		3,295		--		7,003
	31-Mar-15	$	12,987	$	18,235	$	13,647	$	44,869
	Other intangible assets are as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-15
		Carrying		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Useful Life
		Amount						(Years)
	Intellectual property	$	7,210	$	2,362	$	4,848		16-Oct
	Trade names		3,158		863		2,295		10-Mar
	Customer relationships		36,408		10,752		25,656		10-Jul
	Non-compete agreements		1,286		854		432		10-Mar
		$	48,062	$	14,831	$	33,231
		31-Mar-14
		Carrying		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Useful Life
		Amount						(Years)
	Intellectual property	$	7,027	$	1,641	$	5,386		16-Oct
	Trade names		2,648		519		2,129		10-Mar
	Customer relationships		24,612		7,326		17,286		10-Jul
	Non-compete agreements		1,286		670		616		10-Mar
		$	35,573	$	10,156	$	25,417
	The following is estimated amortization expense for the years ending March 31:
	(In thousands)
	2016	$	4,913
	2017		4,773
	2018		4,599
	2019		4,271
	2020		3,957
	Amortization expense for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $4,675,000, $2,979,000 and $2,601,000, respectively.

Note_6_LongTerm_Debt

Note 6 - Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6. Long-term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Line of credit (1.68% at March 31, 2015)	$	13,500		$	16,500
	Term loan (2.18% at March 31, 2015)		12,750			--
	Less: current portion		(3,000	)		--
	Long-term portion	$	23,250		$	16,500
	In February 2012, we entered into a three year agreement (the “Credit Facility”) for a $20,000,000 revolving line of credit (“Line of Credit”) and up to $1,000,000 of letters of credit, maturing in February 2015. Funds from the Credit Facility may be used for general working capital and corporate needs, retiring existing debt, or to support acquisitions and capital expenditures.
	In April 2014, the Credit Facility was amended to include a $15,000,000 term loan (the “Term Loan”) and to extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to June 30, 2017. As a result of the extended maturity date, the $16,500,000 outstanding as of March 31, 2014 was classified as long term on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Under the Line of Credit, indebtedness bears interest at either: (1) LIBOR, as defined, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 2%; or (2) the bank’s commercial bank floating rate (“CBFR”), which is the greater of the bank’s prime rate or one month LIBOR + 2.50%, adjusted down, from 1.25% to 0.50%. We elect the interest rate with each borrowing under the line of credit. In addition, there is an unused capacity fee of 0.15% to 0.30%. The adjustments and unused capacity fee depend on the ratio of funded debt (including amounts outstanding under the Term Loan) to our trailing four quarters of EBITDA, as defined, with four tiers ranging from a ratio of less than one to greater than two. Letter of credit fees are based on the applicable LIBOR rate.
	The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR, as defined, plus 2% and requires 11 quarterly principal payments (the first due date was July 15, 2014) in the amount of $750,000 with the remaining balance of principal and accrued interest due on April 15, 2017. The proceeds from the Term Loan were used to support acquisition financing and to repay amounts outstanding under the Line of Credit.
	The Credit Facility is secured by all of our assets and requires us to maintain a ratio of funded debt to our trailing four quarters of EBIDTA, as defined, of 2.5 to 1.0, and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.35 to 1.0. We were in compliance with these covenants at March 31, 2015.
	Subsequent to year end, we made a $750,000 required principal payment on the Term Loan and principal payments of $500,000 on the Line of Credit.
	Future contractual maturities of debt as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending March 31,
	2016	$	3,000
	2017		3,000
	2018		20,250
		$	26,250

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7. Stockholders' Equity
	Under applicable law, Colorado corporations are not permitted to retain treasury stock. The price paid for repurchased shares is allocated between common stock and retained earnings, based on management’s estimate of the original sales price of the underlying shares.
	In November, 2005, our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of our outstanding common stock. Under the program, shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices or in negotiated transactions off the market. Shares of common stock purchased will be cancelled and repurchases of shares of common stock will be funded through existing cash reserves. As of March 31, 2015, we have purchased 162,486 shares under this plan.
	Dividends per share paid by quarter were as follows:
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2013
	First quarter	$	0.15	$	0.14	$	0.13
	Second quarter		0.15		0.14		0.13
	Third quarter		0.16		0.15		0.14
	Fourth quarter		0.16		0.15		0.14

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans
	We adopted our 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2000. Participation is voluntary and employees are eligible the first day of the following month that an employee attains an age of 21 and one hour of service time. We match 50% of the employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s salary and those contributions are vested immediately. Prior to the year ended March 31, 2014, our Bozeman, Montana facility (“Bozeman’) operated on a separate 401(k) plan. That plan was adopted effective August 15, 1996. Participation was voluntary and employees were eligible to participate at age 21 and after one year of employment. Bozeman matched 100% of the employee’s contribution up to 4% of the employee’s salary and those contributions vested immediately. Bozeman also offered a Roth Savings Plan which was incorporated into their 401(k) Plan with identical requirements and contributions. The Bozeman 401(k) plan was merged into our plan during the year ended March 31, 2014. We contributed $330,000, $214,000 and $214,000, respectively, to all plans for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation
	We adopted stock option plans for the benefit of our employees and outside directors. Under terms of the plans, stock options are granted at an amount not less than 100% of the quoted market price of the underlying shares at the date of grant. Stock options are exercisable for terms of five to ten years and vest ratably over terms of four to seven years. All of our stock option plans have been approved by our shareholders.
	On August 8, 2014 we adopted The Mesa Laboratories, Inc. 2014 Equity Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which was subsequently approved by our shareholders on October 2, 2014 at our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The purpose of the 2014 Plan is to promote the success and enhance the value of the Company by linking the personal interests of our employees, officers and directors to those of our shareholders by providing such persons with an incentive for outstanding performance. A total of 1,100,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan and are subject to terms as set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the time of grant. As of March 31, 2015, we have 2,320 shares outstanding under the 2014 Plan.
	Under the December 8, 2006 plan (the “2006 Plan”), a total of 400,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and were subject to terms as set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the time of grant. On September 23, 2010, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan whereby the number of shares authorized for issuance was increased to 800,000. As a result of the approval of the 2014 Plan by our shareholders, no further awards will be made under the 2006 Plan and it will remain in effect only as long as awards previously made thereunder remain outstanding. As of March 31, 2015, we have 422,603 stock options outstanding under the 2006 Plan. On February 27, 2013, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 whereby we registered the additional 400,000 shares of common stock underlying stock options issuable under the 2006 Plan.
	Under the October 21, 1999 plan (the “1999 Plan”), a total of 300,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and were subject to terms as set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the time of grant. On October 18, 2004, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 1999 Plan to reserve an additional 200,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan. The 1999 Plan has expired and no new grants can be made under this plan. As of March 31, 2015, we have 12,325 stock options outstanding under the 1999 Plan.
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to stock-based compensation are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
			Year Ended March 31,
			2015				2014				2013
	Total cost of stock based compensation charged against income before income tax		$	993			$	840			$	1,112
	Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings			373				263				388
	Amount charged against net income		$	620			$	577			$	724
	Impact on net income per common share:
	Basic		$	0.18			$	0.17			$	0.22
	Diluted			0.17				0.16				0.2
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses assumptions noted in the following table. We use historical data to estimate volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rate. The risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yield is calculated based upon the dividend payments made during the prior four quarters as a percent of the average stock price for that period.
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Volatility	24.40%	-	27.10%	26%	-	28.70%	27.5	-	31.10%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	-	2.30%	0.80%	-	2.10%	0.6	-	1.00%
	Expected option life (years)	6	-	8	5	-	10	5	-	10
	Dividend yield		0.90%			1.10%			1.40%
	A summary of the option activity as of and for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Number of				Weighted-				Weighted-		Aggregate
			Shares				average				average		Intrinsic
							Exercise				Remaining		Value
							Price				Contractual		(000s)
											Term
	Outstanding at March 31, 2012			433,785			$	22.77				3.9	$	11,516
	Granted			116,080				49.97				5.9		--
	Forfeited			(40,375	)			32.87				--		--
	Expired			(40	)			18.98				--		--
	Exercised			(93,325	)			20.56				--		--
	Outstanding at March 31, 2013			416,125				29.87				3.7		9,529
	Granted			128,124				55.33				6.4		--
	Forfeited			(27,782	)			52.5				--		--
	Expired			(410	)			52.5				--		--
	Exercised			(117,885	)			22.17				--		--
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014			398,172				38.75				4.4		20,505
	Granted			147,720				88.62				7		--
	Forfeited			(26,466	)			64.62				--		--
	Expired			--				--				--		--
	Exercised			(82,178	)			28.87				--		--
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015			437,248				55.81				4.9		9,445
	Exercisable at March 31,
	2015			163,210				33.35				3.6		6,341
	2014			140,825				26.7				3.5		8,949
	2013			158,320				21				3		5,031
	A summary of the status of our unvested option shares as of and for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Unvested Shares				Weighted-average
							Grant-date Fair Value
	Unvested at March 31, 2012			284,875			$	7.28
	Options granted			116,065				12.43
	Options forfeited			(38,720	)			8.86
	Options vested			(104,415	)			6.69
	Unvested at March 31, 2013			257,805				9.55
	Options granted			128,124				15.9
	Options forfeited			(27,782	)			14.75
	Options vested			(100,800	)			8.53
	Unvested at March 31, 2014			257,347				11.86
	Options granted			147,720				24.49
	Options forfeited			(26,466	)			17.29
	Options vested			(104,563	)			10.36
	Unvested at March 31, 2015			274,038				18.42
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3,546,000, $6,287,000 and $2,742,000 during the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2015, there was $5,645,903 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options. As of March 31, 2015, we have 1,097,680 shares available for future option grants.
Effective November 30, 2012, as part of our Chief Financial Officer transition, 14,400 unvested options were modified to a) extend the expiration date to 10 years following the original grant date, b) allow them to be exercised through their expiration date, and c) accelerate the vesting such that all options will vest by November 30, 2014. This was a modification of the terms of an equity award and, accordingly, we treated this as an exchange of the original award for a new award. We recorded incremental compensation expense of approximately $240,000 for the year ended March 31, 2013, which is included in general and administrative expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Note_10_Income_Taxes

Note 10 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10. Income Taxes
	Under current accounting standards, we must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. We measure the tax benefits recognized in our consolidated financial statements from such a position based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and are often ambiguous. As such, we are required to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of and guidance surrounding income tax law and regulations change over time and may result in changes to our subjective assumptions and judgments which can materially affect amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of income. Our assessment of tax positions as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, determined that there were no material uncertain tax positions. Our federal tax returns for all years after 2011, state tax returns after 2010 and foreign tax returns after 2011 are subject to future examination by tax authorities for all our tax jurisdictions. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in other expense and general and administration expense, respectively. During the year ended March 31, 2013, we amended several state income tax returns, resulting in tax refunds of $258,000. These tax refunds are included as an offset to income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2013.
	Earnings before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Domestic	$	14,896		$	13,103		$	12,978
	Foreign		451			--			--
		$	15,347		$	13,103		$	12,978
	The components of our provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Current tax provision
	Federal	$	4,186		$	4,031		$	4,440
	State		1,135			106			280
	Foreign		212			--			--
			5,533			4,137			4,720
	Deferred tax provision:
	Federal		252			(19	)		(180	)
	State		51			(15	)		(12	)
	Foreign		(72	)		--			--
			231			(34	)		(192	)
		$	5,764		$	4,103		$	4,528
	The components of net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Accrued employee-related expenses	$	252		$	298
	Allowances and reserves		346			701
	Stock option deductible differences		388			301
	Inventory		252			281
	Foreign tax credit mirror		285			--
	Currency translation adjustment		144			--
	Net operating loss		22			297
			1,689			1,878
	Long-term deferred tax liability:
	Property, plant and equipment		(1,478	)		(1,434	)
	Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,644	)		(3,453	)
	Net operating loss		--			26
			(5,122	)		(4,861	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,433	)	$	(2,983	)
	A reconciliation of our income tax provision and the amounts computed by applying statutory rates to income before income taxes is as follows:
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Federal income taxes at statutory rates	$	5,374		$	4,586		$	4,543
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		860			78			158
	Tax benefit of stock option exercises		209			5			197
	Section 199 manufacturing deduction		(317	)		(250	)		(357	)
	Research and development credit		(248	)		(159	)		(41	)
	Other		(114	)		(157	)		28
		$	5,764		$	4,103		$	4,528

Note_11_Net_Income_Per_Share

Note 11 - Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 11. Net Income Per Share
	Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed similarly to basic net income per share, except that it includes the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities were exercised.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the denominators used in the computation of net income per share - basic and diluted (in thousands, except share data):
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2013
	Net income available for stockholders	$	9,583	$	9,000	$	8,450
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock		3,521		3,445		3,357
	Dilutive effect of stock options		129		166		236
	Common stock and equivalents		3,650		3,611		3,593
	Net Income per share:
	Basic	$	2.72	$	2.61	$	2.52
	Diluted		2.63		2.49		2.35
	For the year ended March 31, 2015, 152,000 outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the stock options were greater than or equal to the average price of the common shares and, therefore, their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, no shares attributable to outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the stock options were greater than or equal to the average price of the common shares.

Note_12_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
	Under the terms of the Amega Agreement, we are required to pay contingent consideration (the “Amega Earn Out”) if the cumulative revenues for our Continuous Monitoring Division for the three years subsequent to the acquisition meet certain levels. The potential consideration payable ranges from $0 to $10,000,000 and is based upon a sliding scale of three-year cumulative revenues between $31,625,000 and $43,500,000. Based upon both historical and projected growth rates, we recorded $500,000 of contingent consideration payable which represented our best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be paid. Any changes to the contingent consideration ultimately paid will result in additional income or expense in our consolidated statements of income. We will continue to monitor the results of our Continuous Monitoring Division and we will adjust the contingent liability on a go forward basis, based on then current information. The contingent consideration is payable in the third quarter of our year ending March 31, 2017.
	In November 2014, Amega and its owner Anthony Amato (“Amato”) filed a complaint (Anthony Amato and Amega Scientific Corporation v. Mesa Laboratories, Inc., Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-03228) in the United States District Court for the district of Colorado asserting, among other items, that our termination of Amato as an employee impacted his ability to maximize the potential consideration payable under the Amega Earn Out and to exercise stock options that failed to vest. The plaintiffs seek an immediate maximum payout of $10,000,000 under the Amega Earn Out, the immediate acceleration of the 10,000 stock options granted Amato upon his initial employment along with other consequential damages in excess of $500,000, lost future earnings and punitive damages. In addition, Amato has alleged that we improperly withheld $704,065.86 from the holdback consideration under the Amega Agreement. In January 2015 we filed a motion to dismiss the complaint with prejudice. At this time, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, nor can we estimate a range of possible loss, if any. We do believe that we acted in a matter consistent with employment law and the provisions of the Amega Agreement and we intend to defend our position vigorously.
	Under the terms of the PCD Agreement, we are required to pay contingent consideration if the cumulative revenues for our process challenge device business for the three years subsequent to the acquisition meet certain levels. The potential consideration payable ranges from $0 to $1,500,000 and is based upon a sliding scale of three-year cumulative revenues between $9,900,000 and $12,600,000. Based upon both historical and projected growth rates, we recorded $300,000 of contingent consideration payable which represents our best estimate of the amount that will ultimately be paid. Any changes to the contingent consideration ultimately paid will result in additional income or expense in our consolidated statements of income. We will continue to monitor the results of our process challenge device business and we will adjust the contingent liability on a go forward basis, based on then current information. The contingent consideration is payable in three annual installments beginning in the third quarter of our year ending March 31, 2016.
	A company is required to collect and remit state sales tax from certain of its customers if that company is determined to have “nexus” in a particular state. The determination of nexus varies state by state and often requires knowledge of each jurisdiction’s tax case law. During the year ended March 31, 2013, we determined that there are states in which we most likely had established nexus during prior periods without properly collecting and remitting sales tax. We recorded an estimate of $100,000 associated with one specific state but we were unable to estimate our remaining exposure at that time. The ultimate amount due in remaining states will depend upon a number of factors, including the amount of sales that were made to customers who are either exempt or have already paid the tax, the number of years of exposure, and any penalties or interest that might be due. During the year ended March 31, 2014, we completed our analysis associated with the remaining states and we recorded an estimate of $1,408,000, which was included in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets and in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended March 31, 2014. That estimate was based upon facts and circumstances known at such time and our ultimate liability was subject to change as further analysis is completed and state sales tax returns are filed.
	During the year ended March 31, 2015 we successfully completed and filed several state sales tax returns which concluded our obligation for historical sales taxes in those states. In addition we continued to work through the process in the remaining states. As a result of this work, we determined that our exposure had increased above and beyond our original accrual and as a result, we recorded an additional accrual of $460,000 during the year ended March 31, 2015. We are hopeful that we are far enough in the process that we have accrued for the ultimate amount of liability that will be paid but our work was based upon facts and circumstances known at such time and our ultimately liability is subject to change as further analysis is completed and state sales tax returns are filed.

Note_13_Comprehensive_Income

Note 13 - Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Note 13. Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), net of tax (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency Translation			AOCI
	Balance at March 31, 2012	$	--		$	--
	Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		--			--
	Balance at March 31, 2013		--			--
	Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		--			--
	Balance at March 31, 2014		--			--
	Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(234	)		(234	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(234	)	$	(234	)

Note_14_Segment_Information

Note 14 - Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 14. Segment Data
	We have three reporting segments: Biological Indicators, Instruments and Continuous Monitoring. The following tables set forth our segment information (in thousands):
		Year Ended March 31, 2015
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	Revenues	$	27,390	$	33,054	$	10,886	$	71,330
	Gross profit	$	17,142	$	20,763	$	5,487	$	43,392
	Selling expenses		1,551		3,441		2,184		7,176
		$	15,591	$	17,322	$	3,303		36,216
	Reconciling items (1)								(20,869	)
	Earnings before income taxes							$	15,347
		Year Ended March 31, 2014
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	Revenues	$	22,992	$	26,389	$	3,343	$	52,724
	Gross profit	$	13,187	$	16,904	$	1,597	$	31,688
	Selling expenses		1,350		3,954		815		6,119
		$	11,837	$	12,950	$	782		25,569
	Reconciling items (1)								(12,466	)
	Earnings before income taxes							$	13,103
		Year Ended March 31, 2013
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	Revenues	$	21,464	$	24,971	$	--	$	46,435
	Gross profit	$	12,365	$	16,497	$	--	$	28,862
	Selling expenses		1,552		3,078		--		4,630
		$	10,813	$	13,419	$	--		24,232
	Reconciling items (1)								(11,254	)
	Earnings before income taxes							$	12,978
	(1) Reconciling items include general and administrative, research and development, and other expenses.
	Revenues from external customers are attributed to individual countries based upon locations to which the product is shipped or exported, as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2013
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers
	United States	$	45,798	$	29,551	$	28,590
	Foreign		25,532		23,173		17,845
		$	71,330	$	52,724	$	46,435
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Total assets
	Biological Indicators	$	36,304	$	22,771
	Instruments		44,401		36,797
	Continuous Monitoring		31,558		28,578
	Corporate and administrative		5,057		9,383
		$	117,320	$	97,529
	All long-lived assets are located in the United States.

Note_15_Quarterly_Results_Unau

Note 15 - Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Note 15. Quarterly Results (unaudited)
	Quarterly financial information for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows (net income per share per quarter will not add up to reported annual earnings per share due to differences in average outstanding shares as reported on a quarterly basis) (in thousands, except per share data):
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2015	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	16,400	$	18,540	$	17,830	$	18,560
	Gross profit		9,705		11,123		11,052		11,512
	Net income		1,881		3,060		2,403		2,239
	Net Income per share – basic	$	0.54	$	0.87	$	0.68	$	0.63
	Net Income per share – diluted		0.51		0.84		0.66		0.61
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2014	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	11,218	$	12,676	$	13,116	$	15,714
	Gross profit		6,797		7,600		7,706		9,585
	Net income		1,860		1,932		1,746		3,462
	Net Income per share – basic	$	0.55	$	0.57	$	0.51	$	1
	Net Income per share – diluted		0.52		0.54		0.48		0.95
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2013	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	10,560	$	11,706	$	11,361	$	12,808
	Gross profit		6,456		7,248		6,947		8,211
	Net income		2,100		2,248		1,543		2,559
	Net Income per share – basic	$	0.63	$	0.67	$	0.46	$	0.76
	Net Income per share – diluted		0.59		0.64		0.44		0.71

Note_16_Subsequent_Events

Note 16 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 16. Subsequent Events
	In April 2015, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share of common stock, payable on June 15, 2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 29, 2015.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation
	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.
	On October 1, 2012 our articles of incorporation were amended to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 8,000,000 to 25,000,000.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when the four revenue recognition criteria are met, as follows:
	Product sales: Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the product. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon shipment (FOB Shipping Point). Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes.
	Services: Revenue is recognized upon completion of the work/services to be performed. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a contract and/or a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon completion and acceptance of the service or installation process. Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Shipping and handling
	Payments by customers to us for shipping and handling costs are included in revenues on the consolidated statements of income, while our expense is included in cost of revenues. Shipping and handling for inventory and materials purchased by us is included as a component of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, and in cost of revenues when the product is sold.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Unearned Revenues
	Certain of our products have associated annual service contracts whereby we provide repair, technical support and various other maintenance services. In the event that these contracts are paid up front by the customer, the associated amounts are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the service period
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accrued Warranty Expense
	We provide limited product warranty on our products and, accordingly, accrue an estimate of the related warranty expense at the time of sale
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash Equivalents
	We classify time deposits and other investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable
	We record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable balances and is charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, the level of past-due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and our relationships with, and the economic status of, our customers.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable. For the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our revenues and as of March 31, 2015, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance. Approximately 64% and 36% of our sales are to customers located in the United States and foreign countries, respectively.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, based on standards using the first-in, first-out method (“FIFO”) to determine cost. We evaluate standard costs annually, unless circumstances necessitate a mid-year evaluation for specific items. Our work in process and finished goods inventory includes raw materials, labor and overhead, which are estimated based on trailing twelve months of expense and standard labor hours for each product. Our biological indicator inventory is tracked by lot number, thus it is generally based on actual hours.
	We monitor inventory cost compared to selling price in order to determine if a lower of cost or market reserve is necessary. At year end we perform a complete physical inventory observation. Throughout the year, we estimate and maintain an inventory reserve, as needed, for such matters as obsolete inventory, shrink and scrap.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend the economic life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets, which are reviewed periodically and generally have the following ranges: buildings: 40 years or less; manufacturing equipment: seven years or less; and computer equipment: three years or less. Land is not depreciated and construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	We classify intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and (3) goodwill. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, our long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally ranging from three to sixteen years (See Note 5).
	When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying value by preparing estimates of revenues and the resulting gross profit and cash flows. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds the fair value. We use a variety of methodologies to determine the fair value of these assets, including discounted cash flow models, which are consistent with the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use.
	We test intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives, including trademarks, franchise rights and goodwill, for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. We perform these annual impairment reviews as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. We use a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments of indefinite-lived intangible assets, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, which are based on the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
	We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, prior to completing the impairment test described above. We must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the testing described above. Otherwise, there is no requirement to perform any further assessment.
	We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. Our operating segments consist of our Instruments, Continuous Monitoring and Biological Indicators. These operating segments are consistent with the way management runs our business. Our Instruments operating segment is subdivided into smaller business units. These business units are also our reporting units. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination.
	The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We typically use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
	We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill prior to completing the two-step process described above to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill and other intangible assets. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the two-step process. Otherwise, there is no requirement to perform any further assessment.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research & Development Costs
	Internal costs related to research and development efforts on existing or potential products are expensed as incurred. The costs of intangible assets that are purchased from others for use in research and development activities, and also have alternative future benefit, are capitalized and amortized over their expected useful life.
	Under certain agreements, we may receive advance payments from customers to perform research and development on their behalf. These payments are recovered by the customer through lower product prices and as such, are initially recorded as unearned revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As product is sold, this liability is reduced through revenues on the consolidated statements of income
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-based Compensation
	Equity classified stock-based compensation is measured at fair value, based on the closing stock price at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the service period, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, resulting in a compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest. We do not have any liability classified stock-based compensation. We allocate stock-based compensation expense to cost of revenues and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amount of our assets and liabilities. We monitor our deferred tax assets and evaluate the need for a valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. We also evaluate whether we have any uncertain tax positions and would record a reserve if we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position would not prevail with the applicable tax authorities. We have not recorded a valuation allowance or a reserve for uncertain tax positions. Any penalties and interest are included in other expense, net on the consolidated statements of income.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Measurements
	Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and long-term debt. The carrying value of these financial instruments is considered to be representative of their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Our debt has a variable interest rate, so the carrying amount approximates fair value because interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued a jointly converged standard on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The issued guidance converges the criteria for reporting revenues, as well as requiring disclosures sufficient to describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from these contracts. Companies can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative effective adjustment as of the date of adoption. The new standard is effective for our fiscal year (and interim periods within that year) ending March 31, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Note_2_Acquisitions_and_Dispos1

Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Cash consideration	$	5,000
	Holdback payment liability		250
	Contingent consideration liability		300
	Aggregate consideration	$	5,550
	Inventories, net	$	137
	Property, plant and equipment, net		7
	Intangibles, net		3,678
	Goodwill		1,743
	Accrued expenses		(15	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	5,550
	Inventories, net	$	1,268
	Property, plant and equipment, net		47
	Intangibles, net		5,711
	Goodwill		3,295
	Accrued expenses		(53	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	10,268
	Cash consideration	$	11,268
	Holdback payment liability		1,000
	Contingent consideration liability		500
	Aggregate consideration	$	12,768
	Accounts receivable, net	$	663
	Inventories, net		410
	Prepaid expenses and other		11
	Property, plant and equipment, net		115
	Intangibles, net		5,838
	Goodwill		6,827
	Accrued salaries and payroll taxes		(53	)
	Unearned revenues		(1,043	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	12,768
	Cash	$	57
	Accounts receivable, net		838
	Inventories, net		447
	Prepaid expenses and other		21
	Property, plant and equipment, net		25
	Deferred income taxes		585
	Intangibles, net		6,135
	Goodwill		6,820
	Accounts payable		(255	)
	Accrued salaries and payroll taxes		(2,134	)
	Unearned revenues		(485	)
	Other accrued expenses		(135	)
	Deferred income taxes		(2,093	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	9,826
	Cash consideration	$	16,660
	Contingent purchase price liability		2,140
	Aggregate consideration	$	18,800
	Accounts receivable, net	$	478
	Inventories, net		910
	Other current assets		28
	Property, plant and equipment		63
	Intangible assets		8,200
	Goodwill		9,190
	Current liabilities		(69	)
	Total purchase price allocation	$	18,800
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues	$	73,068		$	56,541
	Net income		9,673			9,512
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.75		$	2.76
	Diluted		2.65			2.63
		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenues	$	71,648		$	60,388
	Net income		9,661			11,141
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.74		$	3.23
	Diluted		2.65			3.09
		Year Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	56,451		$	50,372
	Net income		10,002			9,508
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.9		$	2.83
	Diluted		2.77			2.65
		Year Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues	$	55,129		$	49,705
	Net income		9,132			8,100
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.65		$	2.41
	Diluted		2.53			2.25
		Year Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	Revenues	$	47,216		$	46,498
	Net income		8,471			8,102
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	2.52		$	2.47
	Diluted		2.36			2.34

Note_3_Inventories_Tables

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials	$	10,366		$	5,758
	Work-in-process		530			272
	Finished goods		1,913			2,068
	Less reserve		(389	)		(327	)
		$	12,420		$	7,771

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi1

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	1,614		$	873
	Buildings		4,721			4,685
	Manufacturing equipment		6,797			6,054
	Computer equipment		1,845			1,487
	Other		1,343			393
			16,320			13,492
	Less accumulated depreciation		(6,722	)		(5,812	)
		$	9,598		$	7,680

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible1

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	1-Apr-13	$	9,279	$	14,361	$	--	$	23,640
	Acquisitions		--		579		13,647		14,226
	31-Mar-14		9,279		14,940		13,647		37,866
	Acquisitions		3,708		3,295		--		7,003
	31-Mar-15	$	12,987	$	18,235	$	13,647	$	44,869
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)	31-Mar-15
		Carrying		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Useful Life
		Amount						(Years)
	Intellectual property	$	7,210	$	2,362	$	4,848		16-Oct
	Trade names		3,158		863		2,295		10-Mar
	Customer relationships		36,408		10,752		25,656		10-Jul
	Non-compete agreements		1,286		854		432		10-Mar
		$	48,062	$	14,831	$	33,231
		31-Mar-14
		Carrying		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Useful Life
		Amount						(Years)
	Intellectual property	$	7,027	$	1,641	$	5,386		16-Oct
	Trade names		2,648		519		2,129		10-Mar
	Customer relationships		24,612		7,326		17,286		10-Jul
	Non-compete agreements		1,286		670		616		10-Mar
		$	35,573	$	10,156	$	25,417
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)
	2016	$	4,913
	2017		4,773
	2018		4,599
	2019		4,271
	2020		3,957

Note_6_LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]		March 31,			March 31,
		2015			2014
	Line of credit (1.68% at March 31, 2015)	$	13,500		$	16,500
	Term loan (2.18% at March 31, 2015)		12,750			--
	Less: current portion		(3,000	)		--
	Long-term portion	$	23,250		$	16,500
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Year ending March 31,
	2016	$	3,000
	2017		3,000
	2018		20,250
		$	26,250

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_Tab

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2013
	First quarter	$	0.15	$	0.14	$	0.13
	Second quarter		0.15		0.14		0.13
	Third quarter		0.16		0.15		0.14
	Fourth quarter		0.16		0.15		0.14

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation1

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]			Year Ended March 31,
			2015				2014				2013
	Total cost of stock based compensation charged against income before income tax		$	993			$	840			$	1,112
	Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings			373				263				388
	Amount charged against net income		$	620			$	577			$	724
	Impact on net income per common share:
	Basic		$	0.18			$	0.17			$	0.22
	Diluted			0.17				0.16				0.2
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Volatility	24.40%	-	27.10%	26%	-	28.70%	27.5	-	31.10%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	-	2.30%	0.80%	-	2.10%	0.6	-	1.00%
	Expected option life (years)	6	-	8	5	-	10	5	-	10
	Dividend yield		0.90%			1.10%			1.40%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			Number of				Weighted-				Weighted-		Aggregate
			Shares				average				average		Intrinsic
							Exercise				Remaining		Value
							Price				Contractual		(000s)
											Term
	Outstanding at March 31, 2012			433,785			$	22.77				3.9	$	11,516
	Granted			116,080				49.97				5.9		--
	Forfeited			(40,375	)			32.87				--		--
	Expired			(40	)			18.98				--		--
	Exercised			(93,325	)			20.56				--		--
	Outstanding at March 31, 2013			416,125				29.87				3.7		9,529
	Granted			128,124				55.33				6.4		--
	Forfeited			(27,782	)			52.5				--		--
	Expired			(410	)			52.5				--		--
	Exercised			(117,885	)			22.17				--		--
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014			398,172				38.75				4.4		20,505
	Granted			147,720				88.62				7		--
	Forfeited			(26,466	)			64.62				--		--
	Expired			--				--				--		--
	Exercised			(82,178	)			28.87				--		--
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015			437,248				55.81				4.9		9,445
	Exercisable at March 31,
	2015			163,210				33.35				3.6		6,341
	2014			140,825				26.7				3.5		8,949
	2013			158,320				21				3		5,031
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]			Unvested Shares				Weighted-average
							Grant-date Fair Value
	Unvested at March 31, 2012			284,875			$	7.28
	Options granted			116,065				12.43
	Options forfeited			(38,720	)			8.86
	Options vested			(104,415	)			6.69
	Unvested at March 31, 2013			257,805				9.55
	Options granted			128,124				15.9
	Options forfeited			(27,782	)			14.75
	Options vested			(100,800	)			8.53
	Unvested at March 31, 2014			257,347				11.86
	Options granted			147,720				24.49
	Options forfeited			(26,466	)			17.29
	Options vested			(104,563	)			10.36
	Unvested at March 31, 2015			274,038				18.42

Note_10_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Domestic	$	14,896		$	13,103		$	12,978
	Foreign		451			--			--
		$	15,347		$	13,103		$	12,978
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Current tax provision
	Federal	$	4,186		$	4,031		$	4,440
	State		1,135			106			280
	Foreign		212			--			--
			5,533			4,137			4,720
	Deferred tax provision:
	Federal		252			(19	)		(180	)
	State		51			(15	)		(12	)
	Foreign		(72	)		--			--
			231			(34	)		(192	)
		$	5,764		$	4,103		$	4,528
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Accrued employee-related expenses	$	252		$	298
	Allowances and reserves		346			701
	Stock option deductible differences		388			301
	Inventory		252			281
	Foreign tax credit mirror		285			--
	Currency translation adjustment		144			--
	Net operating loss		22			297
			1,689			1,878
	Long-term deferred tax liability:
	Property, plant and equipment		(1,478	)		(1,434	)
	Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,644	)		(3,453	)
	Net operating loss		--			26
			(5,122	)		(4,861	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,433	)	$	(2,983	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Federal income taxes at statutory rates	$	5,374		$	4,586		$	4,543
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		860			78			158
	Tax benefit of stock option exercises		209			5			197
	Section 199 manufacturing deduction		(317	)		(250	)		(357	)
	Research and development credit		(248	)		(159	)		(41	)
	Other		(114	)		(157	)		28
		$	5,764		$	4,103		$	4,528

Note_11_Net_Income_Per_Share_T

Note 11 - Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2013
	Net income available for stockholders	$	9,583	$	9,000	$	8,450
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock		3,521		3,445		3,357
	Dilutive effect of stock options		129		166		236
	Common stock and equivalents		3,650		3,611		3,593
	Net Income per share:
	Basic	$	2.72	$	2.61	$	2.52
	Diluted		2.63		2.49		2.35

Note_13_Comprehensive_Income_T

Note 13 - Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]		Foreign Currency Translation			AOCI
	Balance at March 31, 2012	$	--		$	--
	Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		--			--
	Balance at March 31, 2013		--			--
	Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		--			--
	Balance at March 31, 2014		--			--
	Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(234	)		(234	)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(234	)	$	(234	)

Note_14_Segment_Information_Ta

Note 14 - Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31, 2015
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	Revenues	$	27,390	$	33,054	$	10,886	$	71,330
	Gross profit	$	17,142	$	20,763	$	5,487	$	43,392
	Selling expenses		1,551		3,441		2,184		7,176
		$	15,591	$	17,322	$	3,303		36,216
	Reconciling items (1)								(20,869	)
	Earnings before income taxes							$	15,347
		Year Ended March 31, 2014
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	Revenues	$	22,992	$	26,389	$	3,343	$	52,724
	Gross profit	$	13,187	$	16,904	$	1,597	$	31,688
	Selling expenses		1,350		3,954		815		6,119
		$	11,837	$	12,950	$	782		25,569
	Reconciling items (1)								(12,466	)
	Earnings before income taxes							$	13,103
		Year Ended March 31, 2013
		Biological		Instruments		Continuous Monitoring		Total
		Indicators
	Revenues	$	21,464	$	24,971	$	--	$	46,435
	Gross profit	$	12,365	$	16,497	$	--	$	28,862
	Selling expenses		1,552		3,078		--		4,630
		$	10,813	$	13,419	$	--		24,232
	Reconciling items (1)								(11,254	)
	Earnings before income taxes							$	12,978
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]		Year Ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2013
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers
	United States	$	45,798	$	29,551	$	28,590
	Foreign		25,532		23,173		17,845
		$	71,330	$	52,724	$	46,435
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Total assets
	Biological Indicators	$	36,304	$	22,771
	Instruments		44,401		36,797
	Continuous Monitoring		31,558		28,578
	Corporate and administrative		5,057		9,383
		$	117,320	$	97,529

Note_15_Quarterly_Results_Unau1

Note 15 - Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2015	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	16,400	$	18,540	$	17,830	$	18,560
	Gross profit		9,705		11,123		11,052		11,512
	Net income		1,881		3,060		2,403		2,239
	Net Income per share – basic	$	0.54	$	0.87	$	0.68	$	0.63
	Net Income per share – diluted		0.51		0.84		0.66		0.61
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2014	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	11,218	$	12,676	$	13,116	$	15,714
	Gross profit		6,797		7,600		7,706		9,585
	Net income		1,860		1,932		1,746		3,462
	Net Income per share – basic	$	0.55	$	0.57	$	0.51	$	1
	Net Income per share – diluted		0.52		0.54		0.48		0.95
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2013	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	10,560	$	11,706	$	11,361	$	12,808
	Gross profit		6,456		7,248		6,947		8,211
	Net income		2,100		2,248		1,543		2,559
	Net Income per share – basic	$	0.63	$	0.67	$	0.46	$	0.76
	Net Income per share – diluted		0.59		0.64		0.44		0.71

Note_1_Description_of_Business1

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Number of Physical Locations in which Entity is Organized	6
Common Stock, Shares Authorized (in Shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000	25,000,000	8,000,000
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | UNITED STATES | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	64.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Foreign Countries [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	36.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	16 years
Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years

Note_2_Acquisitions_and_Dispos2

Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	31-May-15	Aug. 12, 2013	Oct. 15, 2014	Nov. 06, 2013	15-May-12	Apr. 15, 2014
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$20,543,000	$22,758,000	$16,660,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	812,000	1,620,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		-1,020,000
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses		661,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Bios [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Payments for Previous Acquisition				1,120,000
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] | Bios [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability								2,140,000
Nusonics Product Line Business [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses					661,000
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Carrying Value					193,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax					468,000
Minimum [Member] | PCD Acquisition [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration						9,900,000
Minimum [Member] | Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration							31,625,000
Maximum [Member] | PCD Acquisition [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration						12,600,000
Maximum [Member] | Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration							43,500,000
PCD Acquisition [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Agreement Holdback Payment Period from Effective Date Less Any Losses Incurred by Buyer Payable to Seller						3 years
Business Acquisition Earn Out Period for Determination of Contingent Consideration						1 year
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low						0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High						1,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability						300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net						5,550,000
BGI [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net									10,268,000
Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Agreement Holdback Payment Period from Effective Date Less Any Losses Incurred by Buyer Payable to Seller							3 years
Business Acquisition Earn Out Period for Determination of Contingent Consideration							3 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low							0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High							10,000,000	10,000,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability							500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net							12,768,000
TempSys [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired							16,660,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net							9,826,000
Bios [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Earn Out Period for Determination of Contingent Consideration							3 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low								0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High								6,710,000
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration								22,127,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		1,120,000						2,140,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net								18,800,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		$1,020,000

Note_2_Acquisitions_and_Dispos3

Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 15, 2014	Nov. 06, 2013	15-May-12	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 15, 2014
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability				$812,000	$1,620,000
Goodwill				44,869,000	37,866,000	23,640,000
PCD Acquisition [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Cash consideration	5,000,000
Holdback payment liability	250,000
Contingent consideration liability	300,000
Aggregate consideration	5,550,000
Inventories, net	137,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,000
Intangibles, net	3,678,000
Goodwill	1,743,000
Accrued expenses	-15,000
Total purchase price allocation	5,550,000
BGI [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Inventories, net							1,268,000
Property, plant and equipment, net							47,000
Intangibles, net							5,711,000
Goodwill							3,295,000
Accrued expenses							-53,000
Total purchase price allocation							10,268,000
Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Cash consideration		11,268,000
Holdback payment liability		1,000,000
Contingent consideration liability		500,000
Aggregate consideration		12,768,000
Accounts receivable, net		663,000
Inventories, net		410,000
Prepaid expenses and other		11,000
Property, plant and equipment, net		115,000
Intangibles, net		5,838,000
Goodwill		6,827,000
Accrued salaries and payroll taxes		-53,000
Unearned revenues		-1,043,000
Total purchase price allocation		12,768,000
TempSys [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net		838,000
Inventories, net		447,000
Prepaid expenses and other		21,000
Property, plant and equipment, net		25,000
Deferred income taxes		585,000
Intangibles, net		6,135,000
Goodwill		6,820,000
Accounts payable		-255,000
Accrued salaries and payroll taxes		-2,134,000
Unearned revenues		-485,000
Accrued expenses		-135,000
Deferred income taxes		-2,093,000
Total purchase price allocation		9,826,000
Cash		57,000
Bios [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Cash consideration			16,660,000
Contingent consideration liability			2,140,000		1,120,000
Aggregate consideration			18,800,000
Accounts receivable, net			478,000
Inventories, net			910,000
Other current assets			28,000
Property, plant and equipment, net			63,000
Intangibles, net			8,200,000
Goodwill			9,190,000
Current liabilities			-69,000
Total purchase price allocation			$18,800,000

Note_2_Acquisitions_and_Dispos4

Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Adjusted Pro Forma Effect of Acquisitions on the Results of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
PCD Acquisition [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Adjusted Pro Forma Effect of Acquisitions on the Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$73,068	$56,541
Net income	9,673	9,512
Basic	$2.75	$2.76
Diluted	$2.65	$2.63
BGI [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Adjusted Pro Forma Effect of Acquisitions on the Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	71,648	60,388
Net income	9,661	11,141
Basic	$2.74	$3.23
Diluted	$2.65	$3.09
Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Adjusted Pro Forma Effect of Acquisitions on the Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenues		56,451	50,372
Net income		10,002	9,508
Basic		$2.90	$2.83
Diluted		$2.77	$2.65
TempSys [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Adjusted Pro Forma Effect of Acquisitions on the Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenues		55,129	49,705
Net income		9,132	8,100
Basic		$2.65	$2.41
Diluted		$2.53	$2.25
Bios [Member]
Note 2 - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) - Adjusted Pro Forma Effect of Acquisitions on the Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenues			47,216	46,498
Net income			$8,471	$8,102
Basic			$2.52	$2.47
Diluted			$2.36	$2.34

Note_3_Inventories_Details_Sum

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Summary of Inventories (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$10,366	$5,758
Work-in-process	530	272
Finished goods	1,913	2,068
Less reserve	-389	-327
	$12,420	$7,771

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi2

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$981,000	$865,000	$831,000

Note_4_Property_Plant_and_Equi3

Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$16,320	$13,492
Less accumulated depreciation	-6,722	-5,812
	9,598	7,680
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,614	873
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,721	4,685
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	6,797	6,054
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,845	1,487
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Note 4 - Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$1,343	$393

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible2

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$4,675,000	$2,979,000	$2,601,000

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible3

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$37,866	$23,640
Acquisitions	7,003	14,226
Goodwill	44,869	37,866
Biological Indicators [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	9,279	9,279
Acquisitions	3,708
Goodwill	12,987	9,279
Instruments [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	14,940	14,361
Acquisitions	3,295	579
Goodwill	18,235	14,940
Continuous Monitoring [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	13,647
Acquisitions		13,647
Goodwill	$13,647	$13,647

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible4

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Other Intangible Assets (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	48,062	35,573
Accumulated Amortization	14,831	10,156
Net	33,231	25,417
Minimum [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years	7 years
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	16 years	16 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	16 years
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	7,210	7,027
Accumulated Amortization	2,362	1,641
Net	4,848	5,386
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	3,158	2,648
Accumulated Amortization	863	519
Net	2,295	2,129
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	36,408	24,612
Accumulated Amortization	10,752	7,326
Net	25,656	17,286
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	1,286	1,286
Accumulated Amortization	854	670
Net	432	616

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Intangible5

Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Amortization Expense (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2016	$4,913
2017	4,773
2018	4,599
2019	4,271
2020	$3,957

Note_6_LongTerm_Debt_Details

Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 29, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit (in Dollars)	16,500,000
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Minimum [Member] | Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base CBFR Using One Month LIBOR [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	-1.25%
Minimum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.15%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity Fee Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA High End of Range	2
Debt Instrument Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.35
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base CBFR Using One Month LIBOR [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	-0.50%
Maximum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.30%
Line of Credit Facility Unused Capacity Fee Ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA Low End of Range	1
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base CBFR Using One Month LIBOR [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Basis Spread on Variable Rate Used to Calculate Commercial Bank Floating Rate	2.50%
Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term		3 years
Debt Instrument Covenant Ratio of Funded Debt to Consolidated EBIDTA	2.5
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)		20,000,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit (in Dollars)	500,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)		1,000,000
Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross (in Dollars)			15,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Number of Quarterly Payments	11
Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment, Principal (in Dollars)	750,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)	750,000

Note_6_LongTerm_Debt_Details_L

Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$26,250
Less: current portion	-3,000	0
Long-term portion	23,250	16,500
Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	13,500	16,500
Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$12,750

Note_6_LongTerm_Debt_Details_L1

Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt (Parentheticals)	Mar. 31, 2015
Line of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Line of credit, interest rate at end of period	1.68%
Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Term loan, interest rate at end of period	2.18%

Note_6_LongTerm_Debt_Details_F

Note 6 - Long-Term Debt (Details) - Future Contractual Maturities of Debt (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Contractual Maturities of Debt [Abstract]
2016	$3,000
2017	3,000
2018	20,250
	$26,250

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_Det

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Details)	112 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2005
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		300,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	162,486

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_Det1

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends per Share (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
First Quarter [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Paid	$0.15	$0.14	$0.13
Second Quarter [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Paid	$0.15	$0.14	$0.13
Third Quarter [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Paid	$0.16	$0.15	$0.14
Fourth Quarter [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Paid	$0.16	$0.15	$0.14

Note_8_Employee_Benefit_Plans_

Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Age of Employees Covered	21
Defined Contribution Plan Service Time of Employees Covered	1 hour
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	6.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized (in Dollars)	$330,000	$214,000	$214,000
Bozeman [Member]
Note 8 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Age of Employees Covered	21
Defined Contribution Plan Service Time of Employees Covered	1 year
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	100.00%

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation2

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 27, 2013	Oct. 18, 2004	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 23, 2010	Dec. 08, 2006	Oct. 21, 1999
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Exercise Price of Option Granted as Percentage of Bid Price of Underlying Shares		100.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		437,248	398,172	416,125			433,785
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)		$3,546,000	$6,287,000	$2,742,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)		5,645,903
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		1,097,680
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number of Nonvested Options Modified	14,400
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost (in Dollars)				$240,000
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		5 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period		10 years
The 2014 Plan [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance		1,100,000
Shares, Outstanding		2,320
The 2006 Plan [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized								800,000	400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		422,603
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized					400,000
The 1999 Plan [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized										300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		12,325
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized						200,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		6 years	5 years	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		7 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		8 years	10 years	10 years

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation3

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Allocation of Share-Based Compensation (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Allocation of Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Total cost of stock based compensation charged against income before income tax	$993	$840	$1,112
Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings	373	263	388
Amount charged against net income	$620	$577	$724
Impact on net income per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.17	$0.22
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.16	$0.20

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation4

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Valuation Assumptions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Expected option life (years)	10 years
Dividend yield		0.90%	1.10%	1.40%
Minimum [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Volatility		24.40%	26.00%	27.50%
Risk-free interest rate		1.90%	0.80%	0.60%
Expected option life (years)		6 years	5 years	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
Volatility		27.10%	28.70%	31.10%
Risk-free interest rate		2.30%	2.10%	1.00%
Expected option life (years)		8 years	10 years	10 years

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation5

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Option Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Summary of Option Activity [Abstract]
Number of Shares	437,248	398,172	416,125	433,785
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$55.81	$38.75	$29.87	$22.77
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 328 days	4 years 146 days	3 years 255 days	3 years 328 days
Aggregate Intrinsice Value	$9,445	$20,505	$9,529	$11,516
Exercisable at March 31,
Number of Shares Exercisable	163,210	140,825	158,320
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$33.35	$26.70	$21
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	3 years 219 days	3 years 6 months	3 years
Aggregate Intrinsice Value, Exercisable	$6,341	$8,949	$5,031
Number of Shares Granted	147,720	128,124	116,080
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$88.62	$55.33	$49.97
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Granted	7 years	6 years 146 days	5 years 328 days
Number of Shares Forfeited	-26,466	-27,782	-40,375
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$64.62	$52.50	$32.87
Number of Shares Expired		-410	-40
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired		$52.50	$18.98
Number of Shares Exercised	-82,178	-117,885	-93,325
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$28.87	$22.17	$20.56

Note_9_StockBased_Compensation6

Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Unvested Options (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012
Summary of Unvested Options [Abstract]
Unvested Shares	274,038		257,805	257,347	284,875
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.42		$9.55	$11.86	$7.28
Unvested Shares, Granted	147,720	128,124	116,080
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$24.49	$15.90	$12.43
Unvested Shares, Forfeited	-26,466	-27,782	-38,720
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$17.29	$14.75	$8.86
Unvested Shares, Vested	-104,563	-100,800	-104,415
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$10.36	$8.53	$6.69

Note_10_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes Receivable	$258,000

Note_10_Income_Taxes_Details_E

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details) - Earnings before Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	$14,896	$13,103	$12,978
Foreign	451
	$15,347	$13,103	$12,978

Note_10_Income_Taxes_Details_P

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provisions for Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Current tax provision
Federal	$4,186	$4,031	$4,440
State	1,135	106	280
Foreign	212
	5,533	4,137	4,720
Deferred tax provision:
Federal	252	-19	-180
State	51	-15	-12
Foreign	-72
	231	-34	-192
	$5,764	$4,103	$4,528

Note_10_Income_Taxes_Details_C

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax assets:
Accrued employee-related expenses	$252	$298
Allowances and reserves	346	701
Stock option deductible differences	388	301
Inventory	252	281
Foreign tax credit mirror	285
Currency translation adjustment	144
Property, plant and equipment	-1,478	-1,434
Goodwill and intangible assets	-3,644	-3,453
	-5,122	-4,861
	1,689	1,878
Net deferred tax liability	-3,433	-2,983
Other Current Assets [Member]
Current deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss	22	297
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Current deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss		$26

Note_10_Income_Taxes_Details_I

Note 10 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Reconciliation (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal income taxes at statutory rates	$5,374	$4,586	$4,543
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	860	78	158
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	209	5	197
Section 199 manufacturing deduction	-317	-250	-357
Research and development credit	-248	-159	-41
Other	-114	-157	28
	$5,764	$4,103	$4,528

Note_11_Net_Income_Per_Share_D

Note 11 - Net Income Per Share (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	152,000

Note_11_Net_Income_Per_Share_D1

Note 11 - Net Income Per Share (Details) - Computation of Net Income per Share - Basic & Diluted (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	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, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Computation of Net Income per Share - Basic & Diluted [Abstract]
Net income available for stockholders (in Dollars)	$2,239	$2,403	$3,060	$1,881	$3,462	$1,746	$1,932	$1,860	$2,559	$1,543	$2,248	$2,100	$9,583	$9,000	$8,450
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock													3,521	3,445	3,357
Dilutive effect of stock options													129	166	236
Common stock and equivalents													3,650	3,611	3,593
Net Income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.68	$0.87	$0.54	$1	$0.51	$0.57	$0.55	$0.76	$0.46	$0.67	$0.63	$2.72	$2.61	$2.52
Diluted (in Dollars per share)													$2.63	$2.49	$2.35

Note_12_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 06, 2013	Oct. 15, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	15-May-12
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability				$812,000	$1,620,000
Number of States Due Sales Tax						1
Lost Future Earnings and Punitive Damages [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Anthony Amato and Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	500,000
Improperly Withholding Amount [Member] | Anthony Amato and Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	704,065.86
General and Administrative Expense [Member] | Other Accrued Expenses [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Sales and Excise Tax Payable				460,000	1,408,000	100,000
Minimum [Member] | Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration		31,625,000
Minimum [Member] | PCD [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration			9,900,000
Maximum [Member] | Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration		43,500,000
Maximum [Member] | PCD [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Revenue Required in Three Years Subsequent to Acquisition for Payment of Contingent Consideration			12,600,000
Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Earn Out Period for Determination of Contingent Consideration		3 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low		0					0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High		10,000,000					10,000,000
Business Acquisition Agreement Holdback Payment Period from Effective Date Less Any Losses Incurred by Buyer Payable to Seller		3 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		500,000
PCD [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Earn Out Period for Determination of Contingent Consideration			3 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low			0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High			1,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			300,000
Anthony Amato and Amega Scientific Corporation [Member]
Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$10,000,000
Loss Contingency,Expected Immeditate Accelaration of Stock Option Granted (in Shares)	10,000

Note_13_Comprehensive_Income_D

Note 13 - Comprehensive Income (Details) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	($234)
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	-234
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	-234
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	($234)

Note_14_Segment_Information_De

Note 14 - Segment Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note_14_Segment_Information_De1

Note 14 - Segment Information (Details) - Operating Segment Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	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, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$18,560	$17,830	$18,540	$16,400	$15,714	$13,116	$12,676	$11,218	$12,808	$11,361	$11,706	$10,560	$71,330		$52,724		$46,435
Gross profit	11,512	11,052	11,123	9,705	9,585	7,706	7,600	6,797	8,211	6,947	7,248	6,456	43,392		31,688		28,862
Selling expenses													7,176		6,119		4,630
Gross profit after deducting selling expense and impairment of intangible asset													36,216		25,569		24,232
Reconciling items													-20,869	[1]	-12,466	[1]	-11,254	[1]
Earnings before income taxes													15,347		13,103		12,978
Biological Indicators [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues													27,390		22,992		21,464
Gross profit													17,142		13,187		12,365
Selling expenses													1,551		1,350		1,552
Gross profit after deducting selling expense and impairment of intangible asset													15,591		11,837		10,813
Instruments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues													33,054		26,389		24,971
Gross profit													20,763		16,904		16,497
Selling expenses													3,441		3,954		3,078
Gross profit after deducting selling expense and impairment of intangible asset													17,322		12,950		13,419
Continuous Monitoring [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues													10,886		3,343
Gross profit													5,487		1,597
Selling expenses													2,184		815
Gross profit after deducting selling expense and impairment of intangible asset													$3,303		$782
[1]	Reconciling items include general and administrative, research and development, and other expenses.

Note_14_Segment_Information_De2

Note 14 - Segment Information (Details) - Revenues from External Customers (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	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, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$18,560	$17,830	$18,540	$16,400	$15,714	$13,116	$12,676	$11,218	$12,808	$11,361	$11,706	$10,560	$71,330	$52,724	$46,435
UNITED STATES
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
Revenues from unaffiliated customers													45,798	29,551	28,590
Foreign [Member]
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
Revenues from unaffiliated customers													$25,532	$23,173	$17,845

Note_14_Segment_Information_De3

Note 14 - Segment Information (Details) - Operating Segment Asset Reconciliation (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total assets
Total assets	$117,320	$97,529
Biological Indicators [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	36,304	22,771
Instruments [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	44,401	36,797
Continuous Monitoring [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	31,558	28,578
Corporate Segment [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	$5,057	$9,383

Note_15_Quarterly_Results_Unau2

Note 15 - Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Financial Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	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, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$18,560	$17,830	$18,540	$16,400	$15,714	$13,116	$12,676	$11,218	$12,808	$11,361	$11,706	$10,560	$71,330	$52,724	$46,435
Gross profit	11,512	11,052	11,123	9,705	9,585	7,706	7,600	6,797	8,211	6,947	7,248	6,456	43,392	31,688	28,862
Net income	$2,239	$2,403	$3,060	$1,881	$3,462	$1,746	$1,932	$1,860	$2,559	$1,543	$2,248	$2,100	$9,583	$9,000	$8,450
Net Income per share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.68	$0.87	$0.54	$1	$0.51	$0.57	$0.55	$0.76	$0.46	$0.67	$0.63	$2.72	$2.61	$2.52
Net Income per share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.61	$0.66	$0.84	$0.51	$0.95	$0.48	$0.54	$0.52	$0.71	$0.44	$0.64	$0.59

Note_16_Subsequent_Events_Deta

Note 16 - Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 16 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.16