Meridian Bioscience (VIVO) 10-K 30 Nov 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	VIVO
Entity Registrant Name	MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCE INC
Entity Central Index Key	794,172
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,846,049
Entity Public Float			$ 786,958,969

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Revenues	$ 194,830	$ 188,832	$ 188,686
Cost of Sales	72,948	71,589	67,642
Gross Profit	121,882	117,243	121,044
Operating Expenses:
Research and development	12,605	12,552	10,787
Selling and marketing	25,601	24,910	22,424
General and administrative	27,616	27,389	30,519
Total operating expenses	65,822	64,851	63,730
Operating Income	56,060	52,392	57,314
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	23	25	44
Other, net	(1,020)	(309)	4
Total other income (expense)	(997)	(284)	48
Earnings Before Income Taxes	55,063	52,108	57,362
Income Tax Provision	19,523	17,365	19,330
Net Earnings	$ 35,540	$ 34,743	$ 38,032
Earnings Per Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.85	$ 0.84	$ 0.92
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.85	$ 0.83	$ 0.91
Common shares used for basic earnings per common share	41,659	41,455	41,226
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares and units	353	458	669
Common shares used for diluted earnings per common share	42,012	41,913	41,895
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.80	$ 0.79	$ 0.76
Anti-dilutive Securities:
Common share options and restricted shares and units	551	272	254

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 35,540	$ 34,743	$ 38,032
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,639)	(436)	650
Comprehensive Income	$ 32,901	$ 34,307	$ 38,682

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 35,540	$ 34,743	$ 38,032
Non-cash items included in net earnings:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	3,470	3,523	3,354
Amortization of intangible assets	1,748	2,039	2,269
Amortization of deferred illumigene instrument costs	1,391	1,702	1,529
Stock-based compensation	3,324	3,557	2,502
Deferred income taxes	(122)	(140)	(1,823)
Loss on disposition and write-down of fixed assets and other assets	94	6	30
Change in current assets	(6,079)	(1,528)	(3,486)
Change in current liabilities	3,238	(5,996)	2,669
Other, net	205	356	(640)
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,809	38,262	44,436
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(4,613)	(5,306)	(3,234)
Proceeds from sale of building	1,138
Purchases of intangibles and other assets	(151)	(1,696)	(43)
Net cash used for investing activities	(3,626)	(7,002)	(3,277)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Dividends paid	(33,357)	(32,762)	(31,354)
Proceeds and tax benefits from exercises of stock options	2,614	1,009	2,752
Net cash used for financing activities	(30,743)	(31,753)	(28,602)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents	(1,514)	(742)	132
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents	6,926	(1,235)	12,689
Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period	43,047	44,282	31,593
Cash and Equivalents at End of Period	49,973	43,047	44,282
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 20,168	$ 19,952	$ 20,093

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents	$ 49,973	$ 43,047
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $248 in 2015 and $272 in 2014	26,254	23,232
Inventories	35,817	35,495
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,378	7,058
Deferred income taxes	3,431	3,916
Total current assets	122,853	112,748
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost:
Land	986	1,173
Buildings and improvements	30,056	29,146
Machinery, equipment and furniture	41,541	40,192
Construction in progress	1,139	652
Subtotal	73,722	71,163
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	46,230	43,553
Net property, plant and equipment	27,492	27,610
Other Assets:
Goodwill	22,349	23,193
Other intangible assets, net	5,931	7,813
Restricted cash	1,000	1,000
Deferred illumigene instrument costs, net	1,750	2,740
Deferred income taxes	1,523	1,483
Other assets	384	342
Total other assets	32,937	36,571
Total assets	183,282	176,929
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,646	4,966
Accrued employee compensation costs	5,132	4,761
Other accrued expenses	2,587	3,149
Income taxes payable	886	859
Total current liabilities	15,251	13,735
Non-Current Liabilities	$ 2,158	$ 2,165
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common shares, no par value; 71,000,000 shares authorized; 41,838,399 and 41,622,216 issued, respectively	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in capital	117,151	111,851
Retained earnings	51,052	48,869
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,330)	309
Total shareholders' equity	165,873	161,029
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 183,282	$ 176,929

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for accounts receivable	$ 248	$ 272
Preferred stock, par value
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares authorized	71,000,000	71,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	41,838,399	41,622,216

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Shares Issued [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 142,748		$ 102,443	$ 40,210	$ 95
Beginning balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2012		41,284
Cash dividends paid	(31,354)			(31,354)
Exercise of stock options	2,564		2,564
Exercise of stock options, Shares		226
Conversion of restricted stock units		8
Stock compensation expense	2,405		2,405
Net earnings	38,032			38,032
Foreign currency translation adjustment	650				650
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	155,045		107,412	46,888	745
Ending balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013		41,518
Cash dividends paid	(32,762)			(32,762)
Exercise of stock options	882		882
Exercise of stock options, Shares		78
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeitures		(1)
Conversion of restricted stock units		27
Stock compensation expense	3,557		3,557
Net earnings	34,743			34,743
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(436)				(436)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	161,029		111,851	48,869	309
Ending balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014		41,622
Cash dividends paid	(33,357)			(33,357)
Exercise of stock options	$ 1,976		1,976
Exercise of stock options, Shares	187	187
Conversion of restricted stock units		29
Stock compensation expense	$ 3,324		3,324
Net earnings	35,540			35,540
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,639)				(2,639)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 165,873		$ 117,151	$ 51,052	$ (2,330)
Ending balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2015		41,838

Consolidated Statements of Sha8

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.80	$ 0.79	$ 0.76

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Nature of Business (b) Principles of Consolidation - (c) Use of Estimates (d) Foreign Currency Translation (e) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments Our investment portfolio includes the following components: September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Cash and Other Cash and Other Overnight repurchase agreements $ 25,436 $ — $ 26,407 $ — Cash on hand – Restricted — 1,000 — 1,000 Unrestricted 24,537 — 16,640 — Total $ 49,973 $ 1,000 $ 43,047 $ 1,000 (f) Inventories illumi gene ® illumi gene We establish reserves against cost for excess and obsolete materials, finished goods whose shelf life may expire before sale to customers, and other identified exposures. Such reserves were $2,456 and $2,942 at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We estimate these reserves based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand and market conditions were to be less favorable than such estimates, additional inventory write-downs would be required and recorded in the period known. Such adjustments would negatively affect gross profit margin and overall results of operations. (g) Property, Plant and Equipment Buildings and improvements - 18 to 40 years Machinery, equipment and furniture - 3 to 10 years Computer equipment and software - 3 to 5 years (h) Intangible Assets - The change in goodwill was a decrease of $844 in fiscal 2015 and an increase of $78 in fiscal 2014. Both years reflect the effect of the Life Science segment’s Bioline Group and the currency translation adjustments thereon. A summary of Meridian’s acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows. 2015 2014 As of September 30, Gross Accum. Gross Accum. Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines $ 11,582 $ 10,906 $ 11,685 $ 10,568 Trademarks, licenses and patents 6,410 3,296 6,463 2,766 Customer lists and supply agreements 12,105 9,964 12,378 9,379 $ 30,097 $ 24,166 $ 30,526 $ 22,713 During fiscal 2014, we acquired the remaining licensing rights related to patents that are part of our illumi gene The actual aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1,748, $2,039 and $2,269, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: fiscal 2016 - $1,411, fiscal 2017 - $1,116, fiscal 2018 - $1,095, fiscal 2019 - $1,054 and fiscal 2020 - $880. Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that such assets may not be recoverable at their carrying value. Whether an event or circumstance triggers an impairment is determined by comparing an estimate of the asset’s future undiscounted cash flows to its carrying value. If impairment has occurred, it is measured by a fair-value based test. Our ability to recover the carrying value of our intangible assets, both identifiable intangibles and goodwill, is dependent upon the future cash flows of the related acquired businesses and assets. We make judgments and assumptions regarding future cash flows, including sales levels, gross profit margins, operating expense levels, working capital levels, and capital expenditures. With respect to identifiable intangibles and fixed assets, we also make judgments and assumptions regarding useful lives. We consider the following factors in evaluating events and circumstances for possible impairment: (i) significant under-performance relative to historical or projected operating results; (ii) negative industry trends; (iii) sales levels of specific groups of products (related to specific identifiable intangibles); (iv) changes in overall business strategies; and (v) other factors. If actual cash flows are less favorable than projections, this could trigger impairment of intangible assets and other long-lived assets. If impairment were to occur, this would negatively affect overall results of operations. No triggering events have been identified by the Company for fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013. (i) Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable Revenue for our Diagnostics segment includes revenue for our illumi gene We evaluate whether each deliverable in the arrangement is a separate unit of accounting. The significant deliverables are an instrument, instrument accessories (e.g., printer) and test kits. An instrument and instrument accessories are delivered to the customer prior to the start of the customer utilization period, in order to accommodate customer set-up and installation. There is de minimis illumi gene In markets where the test system is not sold via multiple deliverable arrangements, the cost of the instrument and instrument accessories is charged to cost of sales at the time of shipment and transfer of title to the customer. Revenue for the sales of instruments and instrument accessories and test kits is recognized upon shipment and transfer of title to the customers. In these markets, our illumi gene Our products are generally not subject to a customer right of return except for product recall events under the rules and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration or equivalent agencies outside the United States. In this circumstance, the costs to replace affected products would be accrued at the time a loss was probable and estimable. Life Science revenue for contract services may come from research and development services or manufacturing services, including process development work, or a combination of both. Revenue is recognized based on each of the deliverables in a given arrangement having distinct and separate customer pricing. Depending on the nature of the arrangement, revenue is recognized as services are performed and billed, upon completion and acceptance by the customer, or upon delivery of product and acceptance by the customer. Trade accounts receivable are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at invoiced amounts less provisions for distributor price adjustments under local contracts and doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of probable credit losses and is based on historical write-off experience and known conditions that would likely lead to non-payment. The allowance for doubtful accounts and related metrics, such as days’ sales outstanding, are reviewed monthly. Accounts with past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectibility. Customer invoices are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable that the invoices will not be paid. (j) Research and Development Costs (k) Income Taxes We account for uncertain tax positions using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach: (i) a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion; and (ii) a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon ultimate settlement. If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit is recorded. We recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a portion of our income tax provision in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4. (l) Stock-Based Compensation (m) Comprehensive Income (Loss) (n) Shipping and Handling Costs (o) Non-Income Government-Assessed Taxes (p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements (q) Reclassifications

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	(2) Inventories Inventories are comprised of the following: As of September 30, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 7,095 $ 5,674 Work-in-process 10,096 10,591 Finished goods - illumi gene 1,890 1,710 Finished goods - kits and reagents 16,736 17,520 Total $ 35,817 $ 35,495

Bank Credit Arrangements

Bank Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bank Credit Arrangements	(3) Bank Credit Arrangements We have a $30,000 credit facility with a commercial bank, which expires in April 2018. This credit facility is collateralized by our business assets, except for those of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which totaled approximately $156,000 at September 30, 2015. There were no borrowings outstanding on this credit facility at September 30, 2015 or September 30, 2014. Available borrowings under this credit facility were $30,000 at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014. In connection with this bank credit facility, we are required to comply with financial covenants that limit the amount of debt obligations and require a minimum amount of tangible net worth. We are in compliance with all covenants. We are also required to maintain a cash compensating balance with the bank in the amount of $1,000, pursuant to this bank credit facility and are in compliance with this requirement.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(4) Income Taxes (a) Earnings before income taxes, and the related provision for income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 50,653 $ 48,350 $ 53,963 Foreign 4,410 3,758 3,399 Total earnings before income taxes $ 55,063 $ 52,108 $ 57,362 Provision (credit) for income taxes - Federal - Current $ 16,152 $ 15,021 $ 18,311 Temporary differences Fixed asset basis differences and depreciation 50 108 121 Intangible asset basis differences and amortization (421 ) (210 ) (339 ) Currently non-deductible expenses and reserves 217 50 (425 ) Stock-based compensation 126 59 (282 ) Tax credit carryforwards 250 225 (717 ) Other, net 19 66 43 Subtotal 16,393 15,319 16,712 State and local 2,236 1,762 2,013 Foreign 894 284 605 Total income tax provision $ 19,523 $ 17,365 $ 19,330 (b) The following is a reconciliation between the statutory U.S. income tax rate and the effective rate derived by dividing the provision for income taxes by earnings before income taxes: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Computed income taxes at statutory rate $ 19,264 35.0 % $ 18,238 35.0 % $ 20,078 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from - State and local income taxes 1,365 2.5 1,061 2.0 1,270 2.2 Net benefit on foreign dividend — — (274 ) (0.5 ) (84 ) (0.2 ) Foreign tax rate differences (217 ) (0.4 ) (430 ) (0.8 ) (18 ) — Qualified domestic production incentives (1,197 ) (2.2 ) (1,175 ) (2.3 ) (1,621 ) (2.8 ) Other, net 308 0.6 (55 ) (0.1 ) (295 ) (0.5 ) $ 19,523 35.5 % $ 17,365 33.3 % $ 19,330 33.7 % (c) The components of net deferred tax assets were as follows: As of September 30, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets - Valuation reserves and non-deductible expenses $ 1,931 $ 1,984 Stock compensation expense not deductible 3,221 3,328 Net operating loss carryforwards 348 544 Tax credit carryforwards 242 492 Inventory basis differences 1,186 1,340 Other 8 8 Subtotal 6,936 7,696 Less valuation allowance (15 ) (8 ) Deferred tax assets 6,921 7,688 Deferred tax liabilities - Fixed asset basis differences and depreciation (995 ) (951 ) Intangible asset basis differences and amortization (972 ) (1,338 ) Deferred tax liabilities (1,967 ) (2,289 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 4,954 $ 5,399 For income tax purposes, we have tax benefits related to operating loss carryforwards in the countries of Australia, Belgium and Singapore, which have no expiration date, on which we have recorded deferred tax assets. We also have tax benefits related to tax credit carryforwards in the U.S., which expire in fiscal 2022, on which we have recorded deferred tax assets. The realization of deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in these countries. We have considered the levels of currently anticipated pre-tax income in foreign jurisdictions in assessing the required level of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Taking into consideration historical and current operating results, and other factors, we believe that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset for foreign jurisdictions will be realized except for Singapore, for which a full valuation allowance has been recorded. The amount of the net deferred tax asset considered realizable in foreign jurisdictions, however, could be reduced in future years if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced. Undistributed earnings reinvested indefinitely in our non-U.S. operations were approximately $10,000 and $8,000 at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. U.S. deferred tax liabilities of approximately $1,800 and $1,300 on such earnings, after consideration of foreign tax credits, have not been recorded as of September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. As described in Note 1, we utilize a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions, assuming full knowledge of all relevant facts by the applicable tax authorities. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 related to such positions was $275 and $372, respectively, of which the full amounts would favorably affect the effective tax rate if recognized. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of our income tax provision. During fiscal 2015 we decreased our tax provision by approximately $19 for such interest and penalties, while during fiscal 2014 they resulted in an approximate $26 increase in our tax provision. We had approximately $37 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at September 30, 2015 compared to $56 accrued at September 30, 2014. The amount of our liability for uncertain tax positions expected to be paid or settled in the next 12 months is uncertain. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 Unrecognized income tax benefits beginning of year $ 372 $ 208 Additions for tax positions related to the current year — 11 Additions for tax positions of prior years 9 153 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (28 ) — Tax examination and other settlements (78 ) — Unrecognized income tax benefits at end of year $ 275 $ 372 We are subject to examination by the tax authorities in the U.S. (both federal and state) and the countries of Australia, Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy and Singapore. In the U.S., open tax years are for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014. In countries outside the U.S., open tax years generally range from fiscal 2010 and forward. However, in Australia, Belgium and Singapore, the utilization of local net operating loss carryforwards extends the statute of limitations for examination well into the foreseeable future.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	(5) Employee Benefits (a) Savings and Investment Plan (b) Stock-Based Compensation Plans Each of the 2004 Plan and 2012 Plan authorized the granting of new shares for options, restricted shares or restricted share units for up to 3,000 shares, with the non-granted portion of the 2004 Plan permitted to be carried forward and added to the 2012 Plan authorized limit. As of September 30, 2015, we have granted 1,503 and 903 shares under the 2004 Plan and 2012 Plan, respectively, thereby resulting in a remaining authorized limit of 3,594 shares. Options may be granted at exercise prices not less than 100% of the closing market value of the underlying common shares on the date of grant and have maximum terms up to ten years. Vesting schedules for options, restricted shares and restricted share units are established at the time of grant and may be set based on future service periods, achievement of performance targets or a combination thereof. All options contain provisions restricting their transferability and limiting their exercise in the event of termination of employment or the disability or death of the optionee. We recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments made to employees, based upon the fair value of the share-based payment on the date of the grant. During fiscal 2012, we granted approximately 110 restricted share units (with a grant date fair value of $17.57 per share) and 1,035 options (with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.66 per option) to certain executive management employees to incentivize the achievement of Company revenue targets in advance of planned expectations. These awards could only be earned if specified cumulative revenue thresholds were achieved, with the three measurement dates for ratably earning one-third of the grant being (i) the 21-month period ended June 30, 2013; (ii) the 33-month period ended June 30, 2014; and (iii) the 45-month period ended June 30, 2015. With the exception of the final tranche of these awards being held by our Executive Chairman at the time of his death in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, no expense was recognized for these restricted share units and options, and as a result of none of the cumulative thresholds being met, these restricted share units and options have been cancelled. During fiscal 2013, we granted approximately 204 restricted share units (with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $19.38 per share) to certain employees, generally with half of each employee’s grant being time-vested restricted share units vesting in total on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining half being subject to attainment of a specified earnings target for fiscal 2013. While dividend equivalents were paid on these units throughout fiscal 2013, the target for fiscal 2013 was not met and the performance-based portion of the restricted share units granted during fiscal 2013 have been cancelled. During fiscal 2014, we granted approximately 270 restricted share units (with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $24.82 per share) to certain employees, generally with half of each employee’s grant being time-vested restricted share units vesting in total on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining half being subject to attainment of a specified earnings target for fiscal 2014. While dividend equivalents were paid on these units throughout fiscal 2014, the target for fiscal 2014 was not met and, with the exception of these awards being held by our Executive Chairman at the time of his death in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the performance-based portion of the restricted share units granted during fiscal 2014 have been cancelled. Similar to previous years, during fiscal 2015, we granted approximately 270 restricted share units (with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $17.91 per share) to certain employees, generally with half of each employee’s grant being time-vested restricted share units vesting in total on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining half being subject to attainment of a specified earnings target for fiscal 2015. While dividend equivalents were paid on these units throughout fiscal 2015, the target for fiscal 2015 was not met and the performance-based portion of these restricted share units granted during fiscal 2015 have been cancelled. Additionally, during fiscal 2015 in connection with the extension of an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, we granted to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (i) 25 restricted share units (with a grant date fair value of $16.50 per share) to be earned only if specified revenue and earnings per share targets were achieved for fiscal 2015; and (ii) 100 time-vested options (with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.73 per share, as included in the options table below), with half vesting September 30, 2015 and half vesting September 30, 2016. As a result of the fiscal 2015 performance targets being achieved, the restricted share units have been earned and the related compensation expense recorded in fiscal 2015. Giving effect to these grants, cancellations and certain other activities for restricted shares and restricted share units throughout the years, including conversions to common shares, forfeitures, and new hire and employee promotion grants, approximately 440 restricted share units remain outstanding as of September 30, 2015, with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $19.76 per share, a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.68 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $7,466. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the approximate 75 restricted shares and units that vested during fiscal 2015 was $22.90 per share. The amount of stock-based compensation expense reported was $3,324, $3,557 and $2,502 in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fiscal 2015 expense is comprised of $591 related to stock options and $2,733 related to restricted shares and units; the fiscal 2014 expense is comprised of $486 related to stock options and $3,071 related to restricted shares and units; and the fiscal 2013 expense is comprised of $336 related to stock options, $2,069 related to restricted shares and units, and $97 related to the granting of unrestricted common shares to two executive officers. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for these stock-based compensation arrangements was $1,250, $1,185 and $850, for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2015, we expect future stock compensation expense for unvested options and unvested restricted stock units to total $277 and $2,029, respectively, which will be recognized during fiscal years 2016 through 2019. We recognize compensation expense only for the portion of shares that we expect to vest. As such, we apply estimated forfeiture rates to our compensation expense calculations. These rates have been derived using historical forfeiture data, stratified by several employee groups. During fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded $86, $108 and $93, respectively, in stock compensation expense to adjust estimated forfeiture rates to actual. We have elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine grant-date fair value for stock options, with the following assumptions: (i) expected share price volatility based on the average of Meridian’s historical volatility over the options’ expected lives and implied volatility based on the value of tradable call options; (ii) expected life of options based on contractual lives, employees’ historical exercise behavior and employees’ historical post-vesting employment termination behavior; (iii) risk-free interest rates based on treasury rates that correspond to the expected lives of the options; and (iv) dividend yield based on the expected yield on underlying Meridian common stock. Year ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rates 2.07 % 1.80% 0.88% Dividend yield 3.7 % 3.5% 4.1% Life of option 6.33 yrs. 6.29 yrs. 6.23 yrs. Share price volatility 33 % 33% 36% Forfeitures (by employee group) 0%-15 % 0%-14% 0%-10% A summary of the status of our stock option plans at September 30, 2015 and changes during the year is presented in the table and narrative below: Options Wtd Avg Wtd Avg Aggregate Outstanding beginning of period 1,142 $ 19.11 Grants 247 17.48 Exercises (187 ) 13.28 Forfeitures (12 ) 20.11 Cancellations (374 ) 17.78 Outstanding end of period 816 $ 20.54 4.86 $ 341 Exercisable end of period 677 $ 20.98 4.02 $ 308 A summary of the status of our nonvested options as of September 30, 2015, and changes during the year ended September 30, 2015, is presented below: Options Weighted- Nonvested beginning of period 360 $ 4.78 Granted 247 3.95 Vested (131 ) 4.36 Forfeitures (1 ) 5.03 Cancelled (336 ) 4.58 Nonvested end of period 139 $ 4.18 The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted was $3.95, $5.48 and $4.19 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $850, $1,110 and $2,483, for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of options that vested during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $571, $701 and $712, respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $2,478, $567 and $2,258 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Tax (expense) benefits recorded to additional paid-in capital from option exercises totaled ($502), $315 and $306 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Non-Current Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-Current Liabilities	(6) Non-Current Liabilities The Company and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are parties to an employment agreement and a supplemental benefit agreement, under which we are obligated to provide certain post-retirement benefits. These obligations total $1,399 and $1,247 at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. In addition, we are required by the governments of certain of the foreign countries in which we operate to maintain a level of reserves for potential future severance indemnity. These reserves total $668 and $831 at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

Reportable Segments and Major C

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data	(7) Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data Our reportable segments are Diagnostics and Life Science, with segmentation between the two determined based upon the nature of products and the types of customers. The Diagnostics segment consists of manufacturing operations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the sale and distribution of diagnostic test kits domestically and abroad. The Life Science segment consists of manufacturing operations in Memphis, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; London, England; Luckenwalde, Germany; and Sydney, Australia, and the sale and distribution of bulk antigens, antibodies, PCR/qPCR reagents, nucleotides, competent cells and bioresearch reagents domestically and abroad, including sales and business development offices in Singapore and Beijing, China to further pursue growing revenue opportunities in Asia. The Life Science segment also includes the contract development and manufacture of cGMP clinical grade proteins and other biologicals for use by biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies engaged in research for new drugs and vaccines. Revenues from individual customers constituting 10% or more of consolidated net revenues are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Customer A $ 29,155 (15 )% $ 28,278 (15 )% $ 35,082 (19 )% Customer B $ 25,276 (13 )% $ 22,780 (12 )% $ 25,457 (13 )% Accounts receivable from these two Diagnostics distributor customers accounted for 21% and 15% of consolidated accounts receivable at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The Company’s international revenues totaled $52,313, $57,051, and $56,224 in fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our diagnostic focus product families – C. difficile, H. pylori illumi pro ™ illumi gene Significant revenue information by country for the Diagnostics and Life Science segments is as follows. Revenues are attributed to the geographic area based on the location to which the product is delivered. Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 120,599 $ 112,917 $ 114,935 Italy 7,090 8,469 7,427 Japan 2,603 2,097 3,937 United Kingdom 1,964 1,942 2,141 France 1,603 1,841 1,936 Holland 1,326 1,613 1,764 Canada 1,315 1,359 1,248 Belgium 1,289 1,241 1,285 Other countries 8,325 10,021 9,956 Total Diagnostics $ 146,114 $ 141,500 $ 144,629 Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 21,918 $ 18,864 $ 17,527 United Kingdom 5,782 5,647 5,590 Germany 5,699 7,232 6,465 Australia 3,590 4,063 3,454 China 2,107 776 557 France 2,026 1,633 1,440 Other countries 7,594 9,117 9,024 Total Life Science $ 48,716 $ 47,332 $ 44,057 Identifiable assets for our Italian distribution organization were $8,497 and $10,861 at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At September 30, 2015, identifiable assets for the Bioline Group’s operations in the U.K., Germany and Australia totaled approximately $15,647, $6,909 and $3,891, respectively; and totaled $14,985, $7,713 and $4,171, respectively, at September 30, 2014. Segment information for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Diagnostics Life Science Elim (1) Total Fiscal Year 2015 - Net revenues - Third-party $ 146,114 $ 48,716 $ — $ 194,830 Inter-segment 334 1,300 (1,634 ) — Operating income 43,305 12,888 (133 ) 56,060 Depreciation and amortization 4,099 2,510 — 6,609 Capital expenditures 3,112 1,501 — 4,613 Goodwill 1,250 21,099 — 22,349 Other intangible assets 2,364 3,567 — 5,931 Total assets 119,939 63,670 (327 ) 183,282 Fiscal Year 2014 - Net revenues – Third-party $ 141,500 $ 47,332 $ — $ 188,832 Inter-segment 432 1,009 (1,441 ) — Operating income 41,629 10,861 (98 ) 52,392 Depreciation and amortization 4,283 2,981 — 7,264 Capital expenditures 4,176 1,130 — 5,306 Goodwill 1,250 21,943 — 23,193 Other intangible assets 2,756 5,057 — 7,813 Total assets 109,350 67,834 (255 ) 176,929 Fiscal Year 2013 - Net revenues – Third-party $ 144,629 $ 44,057 $ — $ 188,686 Inter-segment 533 1,223 (1,756 ) — Operating income 46,735 10,627 (48 ) 57,314 Depreciation and amortization 4,328 2,824 — 7,152 Capital expenditures 2,031 1,203 — 3,234 Goodwill 1,250 21,865 — 23,115 Other intangible assets 1,561 6,496 — 8,057 Total assets 111,719 65,393 (364 ) 176,748 (1) Eliminations consist of intersegment transactions. A reconciliation of segment operating expenses to consolidated earnings before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Segment operating income $ 56,060 $ 52,392 $ 57,314 Interest income 23 25 44 Other, net (1,020 ) (309 ) 4 Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 55,063 $ 52,108 $ 57,362 Transactions between segments are accounted for at established intercompany prices for internal and management purposes with all intercompany amounts eliminated in consolidation.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(8) Commitments and Contingencies (a) Royalty Commitments (b) Purchase Commitments (c) Operating Lease Commitments (d) Litigation (e) Indemnifications

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	(9) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The sum of the earnings per common share may not equal the corresponding annual amounts due to interim quarter rounding. For the Quarter Ended in Fiscal 2015 December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 Net revenues $ 48,013 $ 51,545 $ 48,204 $ 47,068 Gross profit 29,237 32,521 30,331 29,793 Net earnings 7,901 10,070 9,102 8,467 Basic earnings per common share 0.19 0.24 0.22 0.20 Diluted earnings per common share 0.19 0.24 0.22 0.20 Cash dividends per common share 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 For the Quarter Ended in Fiscal 2014 December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 Net revenues $ 44,794 $ 50,134 $ 47,212 $ 46,692 Gross profit 28,007 31,593 29,242 28,401 Net earnings 7,426 10,300 8,835 8,182 Basic earnings per common share 0.18 0.25 0.21 0.20 Diluted earnings per common share 0.18 0.24 0.21 0.20 Cash dividends per common share 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.20

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	(10) Subsequent Events We evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2015 and there were no material subsequent events that required recognition or additional disclosure in these financial statements. During November 2015, we made a minority investment in Oasis Diagnostics ®

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II Meridian Bioscience, Inc. and Subsidiaries Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Dollars in thousands) Years Ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Description Balance at Charged to Deductions Other (a) Balance at Year Ended September 30, 2015: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 272 $ 73 $ (41 ) $ (56 ) $ 248 Inventory realizability reserves 2,942 208 (590 ) (104 ) 2,456 Valuation allowances – deferred taxes 8 7 — — 15 Year Ended September 30, 2014: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 233 $ 116 $ (68 ) $ (9 ) $ 272 Inventory realizability reserves 2,499 1,325 (834 ) (48 ) 2,942 Valuation allowances – deferred taxes 296 8 (296 ) — 8 Year Ended September 30, 2013: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 574 $ (116 ) $ (239 ) $ 14 $ 233 Inventory realizability reserves 2,271 1,132 (938 ) 34 2,499 Valuation allowances – deferred taxes 450 150 (289 ) (15 ) 296 (a) Balances reflect the effects of currency translation.

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Business	(a) Nature of Business
Principles of Consolidation	(b) Principles of Consolidation -
Use of Estimates	(c) Use of Estimates
Foreign Currency Translation	(d) Foreign Currency Translation
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments	(e) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments Our investment portfolio includes the following components: September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Cash and Other Cash and Other Overnight repurchase agreements $ 25,436 $ — $ 26,407 $ — Cash on hand – Restricted — 1,000 — 1,000 Unrestricted 24,537 — 16,640 — Total $ 49,973 $ 1,000 $ 43,047 $ 1,000
Inventories	(f) Inventories illumi gene ® illumi gene We establish reserves against cost for excess and obsolete materials, finished goods whose shelf life may expire before sale to customers, and other identified exposures. Such reserves were $2,456 and $2,942 at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We estimate these reserves based on assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand and market conditions were to be less favorable than such estimates, additional inventory write-downs would be required and recorded in the period known. Such adjustments would negatively affect gross profit margin and overall results of operations.
Property, Plant and Equipment	(g) Property, Plant and Equipment Buildings and improvements - 18 to 40 years Machinery, equipment and furniture - 3 to 10 years Computer equipment and software - 3 to 5 years
Intangible Assets	(h) Intangible Assets - The change in goodwill was a decrease of $844 in fiscal 2015 and an increase of $78 in fiscal 2014. Both years reflect the effect of the Life Science segment’s Bioline Group and the currency translation adjustments thereon. A summary of Meridian’s acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows. 2015 2014 As of September 30, Gross Accum. Gross Accum. Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines $ 11,582 $ 10,906 $ 11,685 $ 10,568 Trademarks, licenses and patents 6,410 3,296 6,463 2,766 Customer lists and supply agreements 12,105 9,964 12,378 9,379 $ 30,097 $ 24,166 $ 30,526 $ 22,713 During fiscal 2014, we acquired the remaining licensing rights related to patents that are part of our illumi gene The actual aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1,748, $2,039 and $2,269, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: fiscal 2016 - $1,411, fiscal 2017 - $1,116, fiscal 2018 - $1,095, fiscal 2019 - $1,054 and fiscal 2020 - $880. Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that such assets may not be recoverable at their carrying value. Whether an event or circumstance triggers an impairment is determined by comparing an estimate of the asset’s future undiscounted cash flows to its carrying value. If impairment has occurred, it is measured by a fair-value based test. Our ability to recover the carrying value of our intangible assets, both identifiable intangibles and goodwill, is dependent upon the future cash flows of the related acquired businesses and assets. We make judgments and assumptions regarding future cash flows, including sales levels, gross profit margins, operating expense levels, working capital levels, and capital expenditures. With respect to identifiable intangibles and fixed assets, we also make judgments and assumptions regarding useful lives. We consider the following factors in evaluating events and circumstances for possible impairment: (i) significant under-performance relative to historical or projected operating results; (ii) negative industry trends; (iii) sales levels of specific groups of products (related to specific identifiable intangibles); (iv) changes in overall business strategies; and (v) other factors. If actual cash flows are less favorable than projections, this could trigger impairment of intangible assets and other long-lived assets. If impairment were to occur, this would negatively affect overall results of operations. No triggering events have been identified by the Company for fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable	(i) Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable Revenue for our Diagnostics segment includes revenue for our illumi gene We evaluate whether each deliverable in the arrangement is a separate unit of accounting. The significant deliverables are an instrument, instrument accessories (e.g., printer) and test kits. An instrument and instrument accessories are delivered to the customer prior to the start of the customer utilization period, in order to accommodate customer set-up and installation. There is de minimis illumi gene In markets where the test system is not sold via multiple deliverable arrangements, the cost of the instrument and instrument accessories is charged to cost of sales at the time of shipment and transfer of title to the customer. Revenue for the sales of instruments and instrument accessories and test kits is recognized upon shipment and transfer of title to the customers. In these markets, our illumi gene Our products are generally not subject to a customer right of return except for product recall events under the rules and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration or equivalent agencies outside the United States. In this circumstance, the costs to replace affected products would be accrued at the time a loss was probable and estimable. Life Science revenue for contract services may come from research and development services or manufacturing services, including process development work, or a combination of both. Revenue is recognized based on each of the deliverables in a given arrangement having distinct and separate customer pricing. Depending on the nature of the arrangement, revenue is recognized as services are performed and billed, upon completion and acceptance by the customer, or upon delivery of product and acceptance by the customer. Trade accounts receivable are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at invoiced amounts less provisions for distributor price adjustments under local contracts and doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of probable credit losses and is based on historical write-off experience and known conditions that would likely lead to non-payment. The allowance for doubtful accounts and related metrics, such as days’ sales outstanding, are reviewed monthly. Accounts with past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectibility. Customer invoices are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable that the invoices will not be paid.
Research and Development Costs	(j) Research and Development Costs
Income Taxes	(k) Income Taxes We account for uncertain tax positions using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach: (i) a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion; and (ii) a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon ultimate settlement. If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit is recorded. We recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a portion of our income tax provision in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4.
Stock-Based Compensation	(l) Stock-Based Compensation
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(m) Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Shipping and Handling Costs	(n) Shipping and Handling Costs
Non-Income Government-Assessed Taxes	(o) Non-Income Government-Assessed Taxes
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(p) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Reclassifications	(q) Reclassifications

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents	Our investment portfolio includes the following components: September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Cash and Other Cash and Other Overnight repurchase agreements $ 25,436 $ — $ 26,407 $ — Cash on hand – Restricted — 1,000 — 1,000 Unrestricted 24,537 — 16,640 — Total $ 49,973 $ 1,000 $ 43,047 $ 1,000
Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	A summary of Meridian’s acquired intangible assets subject to amortization, as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows. 2015 2014 As of September 30, Gross Accum. Gross Accum. Manufacturing technologies, core products and cell lines $ 11,582 $ 10,906 $ 11,685 $ 10,568 Trademarks, licenses and patents 6,410 3,296 6,463 2,766 Customer lists and supply agreements 12,105 9,964 12,378 9,379 $ 30,097 $ 24,166 $ 30,526 $ 22,713

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventories	Inventories are comprised of the following: As of September 30, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 7,095 $ 5,674 Work-in-process 10,096 10,591 Finished goods - illumi gene 1,890 1,710 Finished goods - kits and reagents 16,736 17,520 Total $ 35,817 $ 35,495

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Earnings Before Income Taxes, and Related Provision for Income Taxes	(a) Earnings before income taxes, and the related provision for income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 50,653 $ 48,350 $ 53,963 Foreign 4,410 3,758 3,399 Total earnings before income taxes $ 55,063 $ 52,108 $ 57,362 Provision (credit) for income taxes - Federal - Current $ 16,152 $ 15,021 $ 18,311 Temporary differences Fixed asset basis differences and depreciation 50 108 121 Intangible asset basis differences and amortization (421 ) (210 ) (339 ) Currently non-deductible expenses and reserves 217 50 (425 ) Stock-based compensation 126 59 (282 ) Tax credit carryforwards 250 225 (717 ) Other, net 19 66 43 Subtotal 16,393 15,319 16,712 State and local 2,236 1,762 2,013 Foreign 894 284 605 Total income tax provision $ 19,523 $ 17,365 $ 19,330
Reconciliation Between the Statutory U.S. Income Tax Rate and Effective Rate Derived by Dividing the Provision for Income Taxes by Earnings Before Income Taxes	(b) The following is a reconciliation between the statutory U.S. income tax rate and the effective rate derived by dividing the provision for income taxes by earnings before income taxes: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Computed income taxes at statutory rate $ 19,264 35.0 % $ 18,238 35.0 % $ 20,078 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from - State and local income taxes 1,365 2.5 1,061 2.0 1,270 2.2 Net benefit on foreign dividend — — (274 ) (0.5 ) (84 ) (0.2 ) Foreign tax rate differences (217 ) (0.4 ) (430 ) (0.8 ) (18 ) — Qualified domestic production incentives (1,197 ) (2.2 ) (1,175 ) (2.3 ) (1,621 ) (2.8 ) Other, net 308 0.6 (55 ) (0.1 ) (295 ) (0.5 ) $ 19,523 35.5 % $ 17,365 33.3 % $ 19,330 33.7 %
Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets	(c) The components of net deferred tax assets were as follows: As of September 30, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets - Valuation reserves and non-deductible expenses $ 1,931 $ 1,984 Stock compensation expense not deductible 3,221 3,328 Net operating loss carryforwards 348 544 Tax credit carryforwards 242 492 Inventory basis differences 1,186 1,340 Other 8 8 Subtotal 6,936 7,696 Less valuation allowance (15 ) (8 ) Deferred tax assets 6,921 7,688 Deferred tax liabilities - Fixed asset basis differences and depreciation (995 ) (951 ) Intangible asset basis differences and amortization (972 ) (1,338 ) Deferred tax liabilities (1,967 ) (2,289 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 4,954 $ 5,399
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 Unrecognized income tax benefits beginning of year $ 372 $ 208 Additions for tax positions related to the current year — 11 Additions for tax positions of prior years 9 153 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (28 ) — Tax examination and other settlements (78 ) — Unrecognized income tax benefits at end of year $ 275 $ 372

Employee Benefits (Tables)

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to Determine Grant-date Fair Value for Stock Options	We have elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine grant-date fair value for stock options, with the following assumptions: (i) expected share price volatility based on the average of Meridian’s historical volatility over the options’ expected lives and implied volatility based on the value of tradable call options; (ii) expected life of options based on contractual lives, employees’ historical exercise behavior and employees’ historical post-vesting employment termination behavior; (iii) risk-free interest rates based on treasury rates that correspond to the expected lives of the options; and (iv) dividend yield based on the expected yield on underlying Meridian common stock. Year ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rates 2.07 % 1.80% 0.88% Dividend yield 3.7 % 3.5% 4.1% Life of option 6.33 yrs. 6.29 yrs. 6.23 yrs. Share price volatility 33 % 33% 36% Forfeitures (by employee group) 0%-15 % 0%-14% 0%-10%
Summary of Stock Option Plans	A summary of the status of our stock option plans at September 30, 2015 and changes during the year is presented in the table and narrative below: Options Wtd Avg Wtd Avg Aggregate Outstanding beginning of period 1,142 $ 19.11 Grants 247 17.48 Exercises (187 ) 13.28 Forfeitures (12 ) 20.11 Cancellations (374 ) 17.78 Outstanding end of period 816 $ 20.54 4.86 $ 341 Exercisable end of period 677 $ 20.98 4.02 $ 308
Summary of Nonvested Options	A summary of the status of our nonvested options as of September 30, 2015, and changes during the year ended September 30, 2015, is presented below: Options Weighted- Nonvested beginning of period 360 $ 4.78 Granted 247 3.95 Vested (131 ) 4.36 Forfeitures (1 ) 5.03 Cancelled (336 ) 4.58 Nonvested end of period 139 $ 4.18

Reportable Segments and Major25

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Consolidated Net Revenues	Revenues from individual customers constituting 10% or more of consolidated net revenues are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Customer A $ 29,155 (15 )% $ 28,278 (15 )% $ 35,082 (19 )% Customer B $ 25,276 (13 )% $ 22,780 (12 )% $ 25,457 (13 )%
Significant Revenue Information by Country for Diagnostics and Life Science Reportable Segments	Significant revenue information by country for the Diagnostics and Life Science segments is as follows. Revenues are attributed to the geographic area based on the location to which the product is delivered. Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 120,599 $ 112,917 $ 114,935 Italy 7,090 8,469 7,427 Japan 2,603 2,097 3,937 United Kingdom 1,964 1,942 2,141 France 1,603 1,841 1,936 Holland 1,326 1,613 1,764 Canada 1,315 1,359 1,248 Belgium 1,289 1,241 1,285 Other countries 8,325 10,021 9,956 Total Diagnostics $ 146,114 $ 141,500 $ 144,629 Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 21,918 $ 18,864 $ 17,527 United Kingdom 5,782 5,647 5,590 Germany 5,699 7,232 6,465 Australia 3,590 4,063 3,454 China 2,107 776 557 France 2,026 1,633 1,440 Other countries 7,594 9,117 9,024 Total Life Science $ 48,716 $ 47,332 $ 44,057
Segment Information	Segment information for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Diagnostics Life Science Elim (1) Total Fiscal Year 2015 - Net revenues - Third-party $ 146,114 $ 48,716 $ — $ 194,830 Inter-segment 334 1,300 (1,634 ) — Operating income 43,305 12,888 (133 ) 56,060 Depreciation and amortization 4,099 2,510 — 6,609 Capital expenditures 3,112 1,501 — 4,613 Goodwill 1,250 21,099 — 22,349 Other intangible assets 2,364 3,567 — 5,931 Total assets 119,939 63,670 (327 ) 183,282 Fiscal Year 2014 - Net revenues – Third-party $ 141,500 $ 47,332 $ — $ 188,832 Inter-segment 432 1,009 (1,441 ) — Operating income 41,629 10,861 (98 ) 52,392 Depreciation and amortization 4,283 2,981 — 7,264 Capital expenditures 4,176 1,130 — 5,306 Goodwill 1,250 21,943 — 23,193 Other intangible assets 2,756 5,057 — 7,813 Total assets 109,350 67,834 (255 ) 176,929 Fiscal Year 2013 - Net revenues – Third-party $ 144,629 $ 44,057 $ — $ 188,686 Inter-segment 533 1,223 (1,756 ) — Operating income 46,735 10,627 (48 ) 57,314 Depreciation and amortization 4,328 2,824 — 7,152 Capital expenditures 2,031 1,203 — 3,234 Goodwill 1,250 21,865 — 23,115 Other intangible assets 1,561 6,496 — 8,057 Total assets 111,719 65,393 (364 ) 176,748 (1) Eliminations consist of intersegment transactions.
Pre-tax Earnings Table	A reconciliation of segment operating expenses to consolidated earnings before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2013 Segment operating income $ 56,060 $ 52,392 $ 57,314 Interest income 23 25 44 Other, net (1,020 ) (309 ) 4 Consolidated earnings before income taxes $ 55,063 $ 52,108 $ 57,362

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data	For the Quarter Ended in Fiscal 2015 December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 Net revenues $ 48,013 $ 51,545 $ 48,204 $ 47,068 Gross profit 29,237 32,521 30,331 29,793 Net earnings 7,901 10,070 9,102 8,467 Basic earnings per common share 0.19 0.24 0.22 0.20 Diluted earnings per common share 0.19 0.24 0.22 0.20 Cash dividends per common share 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 For the Quarter Ended in Fiscal 2014 December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 Net revenues $ 44,794 $ 50,134 $ 47,212 $ 46,692 Gross profit 28,007 31,593 29,242 28,401 Net earnings 7,426 10,300 8,835 8,182 Basic earnings per common share 0.18 0.25 0.21 0.20 Diluted earnings per common share 0.18 0.24 0.21 0.20 Cash dividends per common share 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.20

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Event	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)Event	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)Event
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Currency losses related to a foreign subsidiary intercompany loan being marked-to-market	$ 1,174,000
Inventory Valuation Reserves	2,456,000	$ 2,942,000
Intangible Assets Impairments	0	0	$ 0
Indefinite-Lived intangible assets other than goodwill	0
Changes in Goodwill	(844,000)	78,000
Amortization of intangible assets	1,748,000	$ 2,039,000	$ 2,269,000
2,016	1,411,000
2,017	1,116,000
2,018	1,095,000
2,019	1,054,000
2,020	$ 880,000
Triggering events for impairment analysis | Event	0	0	0
Accrued distributor price adjustments	$ 5,581,000	$ 4,220,000
Expected instrument utilization period	3 years
Period of review of accounts individually	90 days
Likelihood percentage of tax benefit being recognized upon ultimate settlement	50.00%
Tax benefits recognized from uncertain tax positions measurement	We account for uncertain tax positions using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach (i) a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion; and (ii) a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon ultimate settlement.
Licensing Rights [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Licensing rights acquired	$ 1,638,000
Weighted average amortization period	8 years 6 months
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	18 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	40 years
Machinery, Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Machinery, Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash on hand - Restricted	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Total	49,973	43,047	$ 44,282	$ 31,593
Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Overnight repurchase agreements	25,436	26,407
Cash on hand - Unrestricted	24,537	16,640
Total	49,973	43,047
Other Assets [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash on hand - Restricted	1,000	1,000
Total	$ 1,000	$ 1,000

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 30,097	$ 30,526
Accumulated Amortization	24,166	22,713
Manufacturing Technologies, Core Products and Cell Lines [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	11,582	11,685
Accumulated Amortization	10,906	10,568
Trademarks, Licenses and Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	6,410	6,463
Accumulated Amortization	3,296	2,766
Customer Lists and Supply Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	12,105	12,378
Accumulated Amortization	$ 9,964	$ 9,379

Inventories - Components of Inv

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 7,095	$ 5,674
Work-in-process	10,096	10,591
Total	35,817	35,495
Illumigene Instruments [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Finished goods	1,890	1,710
Kits and Reagents [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Finished goods	$ 16,736	$ 17,520

Bank Credit Arrangements - Addi

Bank Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit facility with a commercial bank	$ 30,000,000
Expiration date of credit facility	Apr. 30, 2018
Credit facility, collateralized	$ 156,000,000
Borrowings outstanding under credit facility	0	$ 0
Available borrowings under credit facility	30,000,000	$ 30,000,000
Cash compensating balance	$ 1,000,000

Income Taxes - Earnings Before

Income Taxes - Earnings Before Income Taxes and Related Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 50,653	$ 48,350	$ 53,963
Foreign	4,410	3,758	3,399
Earnings Before Income Taxes	55,063	52,108	57,362
Federal -
Current	16,152	15,021	18,311
Temporary differences
Fixed asset basis differences and depreciation	50	108	121
Intangible asset basis differences and amortization	(421)	(210)	(339)
Currently non-deductible expenses and reserves	217	50	(425)
Stock-based compensation	126	59	(282)
Tax credit carryforwards	250	225	(717)
Other, net	19	66	43
Subtotal	16,393	15,319	16,712
State and local	2,236	1,762	2,013
Foreign	894	284	605
Income Tax Provision	$ 19,523	$ 17,365	$ 19,330

Income Taxes - Reconciliation B

Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between the Statutory U.S. Income Tax Rate and Effective Rate Derived by Dividing the Provision for Income Taxes by Earnings Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed income taxes at statutory rate	$ 19,264	$ 18,238	$ 20,078
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from -
State and local income taxes	1,365	1,061	1,270
Net benefit on foreign dividend		(274)	(84)
Foreign tax rate differences	(217)	(430)	(18)
Qualified domestic production incentives	(1,197)	(1,175)	(1,621)
Other, net	308	(55)	(295)
Income Tax Provision	$ 19,523	$ 17,365	$ 19,330
Computed income taxes at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, rate	2.50%	2.00%	2.20%
Net benefit on foreign dividend, rate		(0.50%)	(0.20%)
Foreign tax rate differences, rate	(0.40%)	(0.80%)
Qualified domestic production incentives, rate	(2.20%)	(2.30%)	(2.80%)
Other, net, rate	0.60%	(0.10%)	(0.50%)
Total, rate	35.50%	33.30%	33.70%

Income Taxes - Components of Ne

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred tax assets -
Valuation reserves and non-deductible expenses	$ 1,931	$ 1,984
Stock compensation expense not deductible	3,221	3,328
Net operating loss carryforwards	348	544
Tax credit carryforwards	242	492
Inventory basis differences	1,186	1,340
Other	8	8
Subtotal	6,936	7,696
Less valuation allowance	(15)	(8)
Deferred tax assets	6,921	7,688
Deferred tax liabilities -
Fixed asset basis differences and depreciation	(995)	(951)
Intangible asset basis differences and amortization	(972)	(1,338)
Deferred tax liabilities	(1,967)	(2,289)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 4,954	$ 5,399

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings	$ 10,000	$ 8,000
Deferred tax liabilities	1,800	1,300
Amount unrecognized tax that affect income tax rate if recognized	275	372
Increase (decrease) in tax provision for interest and penalties	(19)	26
Payment of interest and penalties, accrued	$ 37	$ 56
Uncertain tax positions expected to be paid or settled	12 months
Domestic [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2012, 2013 and 2014
Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2010 and forward

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized income tax benefits beginning of year	$ 372	$ 208
Additions for tax positions related to the current year		11
Additions for tax positions of prior years	9	153
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(28)
Tax examination and other settlements	(78)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at end of year	$ 275	$ 372

Employee Benefits - Additional

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Stock_Plan$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)Officers$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2012$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of employers contribution as percentage of employees contribution	50.00%
Maximum percentage of employers contribution on eligible compensation	3.00%
Discretionary and matching contributions to plan	$ 1,567,000	$ 1,542,000	$ 1,539,000
Number of active stock-based compensation plan | Stock_Plan	2
Minimum rate of payroll deduction	1.00%
Maximum rate of payroll deduction	15.00%
Additional rate of match by Meridian	5.00%
Granted, Shares | shares	247
Options granted, authorizing limit | shares	3,594
Rate of exercise price of underlying common shares	100.00%
Weighted average grant-date fair value | $ / shares	$ 3.95	$ 5.48	$ 4.19
Measurement dates for ratably earning one-third of the grant				21 months
Measurement dates for ratably earning one-third of the grant, period two				33 months
Measurement dates for ratably earning one-third of the grant, period three				45 months
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 0
Weighted average remaining vesting period	1 year 8 months 5 days
Number of restricted shares and units vested | shares	75
Stock-based compensation	$ 3,324,000	$ 3,557,000	$ 2,502,000
Total income tax benefit recognized in stock-based compensation arrangements	$ 1,250,000	$ 1,185,000	850,000
Stock compensation expense expected period for recognition	2016 through 2019
Number of executive officers granted unrestricted common shares | Officers		2
Stock compensation expense to adjust estimated forfeiture rates to actual	$ 86,000	$ 108,000	93,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	850,000	1,110,000	2,483,000
Total grant-date fair value of options that vested	571,000	701,000	712,000
Cash received from options exercised	2,478,000	567,000	2,258,000
Tax (expense) benefits recorded to additional paid-in capital from option exercises	$ (502,000)	$ 315,000	$ 306,000
Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted share units granted | shares	270	270	204
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 22.90
Ratable earnings in equal installments, percentage	33.33%
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted share units granted | $ / shares	$ 17.91	$ 24.82	$ 19.38
Restricted shares and restricted share units outstanding | shares	440
Weighted average grant date fair value of outstanding restricted shares and restricted share units | $ / shares	$ 19.76
Intrinsic value of restricted shares and restricted share units	$ 7,466,000
Stock-based compensation	2,733,000	$ 3,071,000	$ 2,069,000
Stock-based compensation	$ 2,029,000
Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Shares [Member] | Certain Executive Management Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted share units granted | shares				110
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares				$ 17.57
Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Shares [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Amended And Restated Employment Agreement [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted share units granted | shares	25
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 16.50
2004 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for grant | shares	3,000
Granted, Shares | shares	1,503
Maximum terms	10 years
2012 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for grant | shares	3,000
Granted, Shares | shares	903
Maximum terms	10 years
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 591,000	$ 486,000	336,000
Stock-based compensation	$ 277,000
Stock Options [Member] | Certain Executive Management Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares | shares				1,035
Weighted average grant-date fair value | $ / shares				$ 4.66
Unrestricted Common Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation			$ 97,000
Time Vested Stock Options [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Amended And Restated Employment Agreement [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares | shares	100
Weighted average grant-date fair value | $ / shares	$ 3.73

Employee Benefits - Black-Schol

Employee Benefits - Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to Determine Grant-date Fair Value for Stock Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rates	2.07%	1.80%	0.88%
Dividend yield	3.70%	3.50%	4.10%
Life of option	6 years 3 months 29 days	6 years 3 months 15 days	6 years 2 months 23 days
Share price volatility	33.00%	33.00%	36.00%
Forfeitures (by employee group) Minimum	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Forfeitures (by employee group) Maximum	15.00%	14.00%	10.00%

Employee Benefits - Summary of

Employee Benefits - Summary of Stock Option Plans (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Outstanding beginning of period, Options | shares	1,142
Grants, Options | shares	247
Exercises, Options | shares	(187)
Forfeitures, Options | shares	(12)
Cancellations, Options | shares	(374)
Outstanding end of period, Options | shares	816
Exercisable end of period, Options | shares	677
Outstanding beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 19.11
Grants, Weighted Average Exercise Price	17.48
Exercises, Weighted average exercise price	13.28
Forfeitures, Weighted average exercise price	20.11
Cancellations, Weighted average exercise price	17.78
Outstanding end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	20.54
Exercisable end of period, Weighted average exercise price	$ 20.98
Outstanding end of period, Weighted Average remaining life	4 years 10 months 10 days
Exercisable end of period, Weighted Average remaining life	4 years 7 days
Outstanding end of period, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 341
Exercisable end of period, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 308

Employee Benefits - Summary o40

Employee Benefits - Summary of Nonvested Options (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Nonvested beginning of period, Options	360
Granted, Options	247
Vested, Options	(131)
Forfeitures, Options	(1)
Cancelled, Options	(336)
Nonvested end of period, Options	139	360
Nonvested beginning of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 4.78
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	3.95	$ 5.48	$ 4.19
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	4.36
Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	5.03
Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	4.58
Nonvested end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 4.18

Non-Current Liabilities - Addit

Non-Current Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Non Current Liabilities [Line Items]
Reserves for potential future severance indemnity	$ 668	$ 831
Non Qualified Defined Benefit Plan [Member]
Other Non Current Liabilities [Line Items]
Post-retirement benefits obligations	$ 1,399	$ 1,247

Reportable Segments and Major42

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data - Consolidated Net Revenues (Detail) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member] - Revenues [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Customer A [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 29,155	$ 28,278	$ 35,082
Concentration percentage	15.00%	15.00%	19.00%
Customer B [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 25,276	$ 22,780	$ 25,457
Concentration percentage	13.00%	12.00%	13.00%

Reportable Segments and Major43

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Customer	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	$ 183,282	$ 176,929	$ 176,748
Italy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	8,497	10,861
United Kingdom [Member] | Bioline Group [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	15,647	14,985
Germany [Member] | Bioline Group [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	6,909	7,713
Australia [Member] | Bioline Group [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Identifiable assets	$ 3,891	$ 4,171
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Two Diagnostic Distributor Customers [Member] | Consolidated Accounts Receivable [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of major customers | Customer	2
Concentration risk percentage	21.00%	15.00%
Foreign Customers, Combined International for Diagnostics and Life Science [Member] | Two Diagnostic Distributor Customers [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 52,313	$ 57,051	$ 56,224
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	59.00%	58.00%	59.00%
Third-Party Vendor [Member] | Revenues [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	14.00%	14.00%	14.00%

Reportable Segments and Major44

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data - Significant Revenue Information by Country for Diagnostics and Life Science Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Diagnostics [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 146,114	$ 141,500	$ 144,629
Diagnostics [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	120,599	112,917	114,935
Diagnostics [Member] | Italy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	7,090	8,469	7,427
Diagnostics [Member] | Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	2,603	2,097	3,937
Diagnostics [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,964	1,942	2,141
Diagnostics [Member] | France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,603	1,841	1,936
Diagnostics [Member] | Holland [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,326	1,613	1,764
Diagnostics [Member] | Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,315	1,359	1,248
Diagnostics [Member] | Belgium [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,289	1,241	1,285
Diagnostics [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	8,325	10,021	9,956
Life Science [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	48,716	47,332	44,057
Life Science [Member] | United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	21,918	18,864	17,527
Life Science [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	5,782	5,647	5,590
Life Science [Member] | Germany [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	5,699	7,232	6,465
Life Science [Member] | Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	3,590	4,063	3,454
Life Science [Member] | China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	2,107	776	557
Life Science [Member] | France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	2,026	1,633	1,440
Life Science [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 7,594	$ 9,117	$ 9,024

Reportable Segments and Major45

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data - Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenues	$ 47,068	$ 48,204	$ 51,545	$ 48,013	$ 46,692	$ 47,212	$ 50,134	$ 44,794	$ 194,830	$ 188,832	$ 188,686
Operating income									56,060	52,392	57,314
Depreciation and amortization									6,609	7,264	7,152
Capital expenditures									4,613	5,306	3,234
Goodwill	22,349				23,193				22,349	23,193	23,115
Other intangible assets	5,931				7,813				5,931	7,813	8,057
Total assets	183,282				176,929				183,282	176,929	176,748
Inter-segment [Member] | Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenues									334	432	533
Inter-segment [Member] | Life Science [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenues									1,300	1,009	1,223
Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenues									(1,634)	(1,441)	(1,756)
Operating income									(133)	(98)	(48)
Total assets	(327)				(255)				(327)	(255)	(364)
Operating Segments [Member] | Diagnostics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenues									146,114	141,500	144,629
Operating income									43,305	41,629	46,735
Depreciation and amortization									4,099	4,283	4,328
Capital expenditures									3,112	4,176	2,031
Goodwill	1,250				1,250				1,250	1,250	1,250
Other intangible assets	2,364				2,756				2,364	2,756	1,561
Total assets	119,939				109,350				119,939	109,350	111,719
Operating Segments [Member] | Life Science [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenues									48,716	47,332	44,057
Operating income									12,888	10,861	10,627
Depreciation and amortization									2,510	2,981	2,824
Capital expenditures									1,501	1,130	1,203
Goodwill	21,099				21,943				21,099	21,943	21,865
Other intangible assets	3,567				5,057				3,567	5,057	6,496
Total assets	$ 63,670				$ 67,834				$ 63,670	$ 67,834	$ 65,393

Reportable Segments and Major46

Reportable Segments and Major Concentration Data - Pre-tax Earnings Table (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment operating income	$ 56,060	$ 52,392	$ 57,314
Interest income	23	25	44
Other, net	(1,020)	(309)	4
Earnings Before Income Taxes	$ 55,063	$ 52,108	$ 57,362

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Royalty percentage of the sales of licensed products, Minimum	1.00%
Royalty percentage of the sales of licensed products, Maximum	14.00%
Annual royalty expenses	$ 3,106,000	$ 3,482,000	$ 3,611,000
2,016	8,226,000
2,017	237,000
Thereafter	0
Expenses under operating leases	1,797,000	1,951,000	$ 1,744,000
2,016	1,632,000
2,017	1,395,000
2,018	787,000
2,019	240,000
2,020	89,000
Payments for indemnifications	0	0
Liabilities for indemnifications	$ 0	$ 0

Quarterly Financial Data - Summ

Quarterly Financial Data - Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Revenues	$ 47,068	$ 48,204	$ 51,545	$ 48,013	$ 46,692	$ 47,212	$ 50,134	$ 44,794	$ 194,830	$ 188,832	$ 188,686
Gross profit	29,793	30,331	32,521	29,237	28,401	29,242	31,593	28,007	121,882	117,243	121,044
Net earnings	$ 8,467	$ 9,102	$ 10,070	$ 7,901	$ 8,182	$ 8,835	$ 10,300	$ 7,426	$ 35,540	$ 34,743	$ 38,032
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ 0.24	$ 0.19	$ 0.20	$ 0.21	$ 0.25	$ 0.18	$ 0.85	$ 0.84	$ 0.92
Diluted earnings per common share	0.20	0.22	0.24	0.19	0.20	0.21	0.24	0.18	0.85	0.83	0.91
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.80	$ 0.79	$ 0.76

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 272	$ 233	$ 574
Charged to Costs and Expenses	73	116	(116)
Deductions	(41)	(68)	(239)
Other	(56)	(9)	14
Balance at End of Period	248	272	233
Inventory Realizability Reserves [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	2,942	2,499	2,271
Charged to Costs and Expenses	208	1,325	1,132
Deductions	(590)	(834)	(938)
Other	(104)	(48)	34
Balance at End of Period	2,456	2,942	2,499
Valuation Allowances - Deferred Taxes [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	8	296	450
Charged to Costs and Expenses	7	8	150
Deductions		(296)	(289)
Other			(15)
Balance at End of Period	$ 15	$ 8	$ 296