Surmodics (SRDX) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'SRDX	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SURMODICS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000924717	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	13,594,564

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,444	$15,495
Available-for-sale securities	25,399	10,212
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $39 and $26 as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively	5,610	5,332
Inventories	2,758	3,328
Deferred tax assets	315	506
Prepaids and other	2,081	860
Current assets of discontinued operations	46	46
Total Current Assets	44,653	35,779
Property and equipment, net	12,689	12,845
Available-for-sale securities	17,420	32,397
Deferred tax assets	6,427	6,038
Intangible assets, net	3,317	3,688
Goodwill	8,010	8,010
Other assets, net	3,166	3,166
Total Assets	95,682	101,923
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,091	954
Accrued liabilities:	'	'
Compensation	1,216	2,271
Accrued other	767	1,149
Share repurchase accrual	'	1,004
Deferred revenue	42	43
Restructuring and other current liabilities	2	416
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	126	139
Total Current Liabilities	3,244	5,976
Deferred revenue, less current portion	159	160
Other long-term liabilities	1,646	1,970
Total Liabilities	5,049	8,106
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 17)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Series A Preferred stock- $.05 par value, 450,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock- $.05 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; 13,584,989 and 13,891,402 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	679	695
Additional paid-in capital	2,026	2,028
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-10	58
Retained earnings	87,938	91,036
Total Stockholders' Equity	90,633	93,817
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$95,682	$101,923

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$39	$26
Series A Preferred stock, par value	$0.05	$0.05
Series A Preferred stock, shares authorized	450,000	450,000
Series A Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Series A Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.05	$0.05
Common stock, shares authorized	45,000,000	45,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	13,584,989	13,891,402
Common stock, shares outstanding	13,584,989	13,891,402

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Royalties and license fees	$7,329	$6,951	$14,794	$14,467
Product sales	5,165	5,758	10,565	11,111
Research and development	1,110	986	2,128	1,968
Total revenue	13,604	13,695	27,487	27,546
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Product costs	1,696	1,945	3,700	3,904
Research and development	4,134	3,774	7,833	7,136
Selling, general and administrative	4,294	3,847	8,145	7,500
Total operating costs and expenses	10,124	9,566	19,678	18,540
Operating income from continuing operations	3,480	4,129	7,809	9,006
Other income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Investment income, net	66	56	152	127
Impairment loss on strategic investment	'	-129	'	-129
Gain on sales of strategic investments	'	119	681	1,293
Other income, net	125	163	125	165
Other income, net	191	209	958	1,456
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	3,671	4,338	8,767	10,462
Income tax provision	-1,212	-918	-2,678	-2,794
Income from continuing operations	2,459	3,420	6,089	7,668
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	682	'	682
Income from discontinued operations	'	682	'	682
Net income	$2,459	$4,102	$6,089	$8,350
Basic income per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.18	$0.23	$0.45	$0.52
Discontinued operations	$0	$0.05	$0	$0.05
Net income	$0.18	$0.28	$0.45	$0.57
Diluted income per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.18	$0.23	$0.44	$0.52
Discontinued operations	$0	$0.05	$0	$0.05
Net income	$0.18	$0.28	$0.44	$0.56
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	13,538	14,622	13,658	14,639
Diluted	13,824	14,914	13,925	14,871

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$2,459	$4,102	$6,089	$8,350
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities arising during the period	49	78	16	316
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income	-84	-228	-84	-229
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-35	-150	-68	87
Comprehensive income	$2,424	$3,952	$6,021	$8,437

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income	$6,089	$8,350
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:	'	'
Income from discontinued operations	'	-682
Depreciation and amortization	1,380	1,446
Stock-based compensation	2,462	1,238
Deferred taxes	-164	172
Gain on sales of available-for-sale securities and strategic investments	-806	-1,458
Impairment loss on investments	'	129
Excess tax (benefit) deficiency from stock-based compensation plans	-658	191
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-278	158
Inventories	570	160
Prepaids and other	-330	-191
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-1,770	-1,366
Income taxes	-559	-1,322
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	5,936	6,825
Investing Activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-798	-1,239
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-92,700	-26,091
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	92,514	25,980
Cash received from sales of strategic investments	681	2,286
Cash transferred to discontinued operations	-13	-86
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations	-316	850
Financing Activities:	'	'
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based compensation plans	658	-191
Issuance of common stock	329	233
Repurchase of common stock	-12,544	-2,681
Purchase of common stock to pay employee taxes	-1,114	-39
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	-12,671	-2,678
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	-7,051	4,997
Discontinued Operations:	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	-13	-86
Net cash provided by financing activities	13	86
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	'
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-7,051	4,997
Cash and Cash Equivalents:	'	'
Beginning of period	15,495	15,540
End of period	8,444	20,537
Supplemental Information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	3,401	3,945
Noncash transactions - acquisition of property and equipment on account	82	7
Noncash transactions - issuance of performance shares, restricted and deferred stock units	$3,007	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, needed to fairly present the financial results of SurModics, Inc. and subsidiaries (“SurModics” or the “Company”) for the periods presented. These financial statements include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. These estimates may be adjusted as more information becomes available, and any adjustment could be significant. The impact of any change in estimates is included in the determination of earnings in the period in which the change in estimate is identified. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire 2014 fiscal year.
	In accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Company has omitted footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the audited financial statements of the Company. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on December 11, 2013.

Key_Accounting_Policies

Key Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Key Accounting Policies	'
	2. Key Accounting Policies
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) shipment has occurred or delivery has occurred if the terms specify destination; (3) the sales price is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. When there are additional performance requirements, revenue is recognized when all such requirements have been satisfied. Under revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, the Company recognizes each separable deliverable as it is earned.
	The Company derives its revenue from three primary sources: (1) royalties and license fees from licensing its proprietary drug delivery and surface modification technologies and in vitro diagnostic formats to customers; (2) the sale of reagent chemicals to licensees and the sale of stabilization products, antigens, substrates and surface coatings to the diagnostic and biomedical research markets; and (3) research and commercial development fees generated on customer projects.
	Royalties and license fees. The Company licenses technology to third parties and collects royalties. Royalty revenue is generated when a customer sells products incorporating the Company’s licensed technologies. Royalty revenue is recognized as licensees report it to the Company, and payment is typically submitted concurrently with the report. For stand-alone license agreements, up-front license fees are recognized over the term of the related licensing agreement. Minimum royalty fees are recognized in the period earned.
	Revenue related to a performance milestone is recognized upon the achievement of the milestone, as defined in the respective agreements and provided the following conditions have been met:
		•	The milestone payment is non-refundable;
		•	The milestone involved a significant degree of risk, and was not reasonably assured at the inception of the arrangement;
		•	Accomplishment of the milestone involved substantial effort;
		•	The amount of the milestone payment is commensurate with the related effort and risk; and
		•	A reasonable amount of time passed between the initial license payment and the first and subsequent milestone payments.
	If these conditions have not been met, the milestone payment is deferred and recognized over the term of the agreement.
	Product sales. Product sales to third parties consist of direct and distributor sales and are recognized at the time of shipment. The Company’s sales terms provide no right of return outside of the standard warranty policy. Payment terms are generally set at 30-45 days.
	Research and development. The Company performs third-party research and development activities, which are typically provided on a time and materials basis. Generally, revenue for research and development is recorded as performance progresses under the applicable contract.
	Arrangements with multiple deliverables. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables require the Company to:
	(i) disclose whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated;
	(ii) allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices (“ESP”) of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”); and
	(iii) allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.
	The Company accounts for revenue using a multiple attribution model in which consideration allocated to research and development activities is recognized as performed, and milestone payments are recognized when the milestone events are achieved, when such activities and milestones are deemed substantive. Accordingly, in situations where a unit of accounting includes both a license and research and development activities, and when a license does not have stand-alone value, the Company applies a multiple attribution model in which consideration allocated to the license is recognized ratably, consideration allocated to research and development activities is recognized as performed and milestone payments are recognized when the milestone events are achieved, when such activities and milestones are deemed substantive.
	The Company enters into license and development arrangements that may consist of multiple deliverables which could include a license(s) to SurModics’ technology, research and development activities, manufacturing services, and product sales based on the needs of its customers. For example, a customer may enter into an arrangement to obtain a license to SurModics’ intellectual property which may also include research and development activities, and supply of products manufactured by SurModics. For these services provided, SurModics could receive upfront license fees upon signing of an agreement and granting the license, fees for research and development activities as such activities are performed, milestone payments contingent upon advancement of the product through development and clinical stages to successful commercialization, fees for manufacturing services and supply of product, and royalty payments based on customer sales of product incorporating SurModics’ technology. The Company’s license and development arrangements generally do not have refund provisions if the customer cancels or terminates the agreement. Typically all payments made are non-refundable.
	The Company is required to evaluate each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement for separability. The Company is then required to allocate revenue to each separate deliverable using a hierarchy of VSOE, TPE, or ESP. In many instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be a result of the Company infrequently selling each element separately or having a limited history with multiple element arrangements. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to establish a selling price of each element based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately.
	When the Company is unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses ESP in its allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. ESP is generally used for highly customized offerings.
	The Company determines ESP for undelivered elements by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, competitive landscape and past pricing arrangements with similar features. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with the Company’s management, taking into consideration the marketing strategies for each business unit.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Accounting Standards to be Adopted
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued amended guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, similar to a tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exits. The guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exits, with certain exceptions. This accounting guidance is effective prospectively for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, with early adoption permitted. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact, its adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation or cash flows.
	No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective has had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	3. Discontinued Operations
	Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the results of operations, cash flows, assets and liabilities of SurModics SMP, LLC (“SurModics Pharmaceuticals”), which were previously reported in the Pharmaceuticals segment as a separate operating segment, are classified as discontinued operations.
	On November 1, 2011, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to sell substantially all of the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiary, SurModics Pharmaceuticals, to Evonik Degussa Corporation (“Evonik”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the entire portfolio of products and services of SurModics Pharmaceuticals, including the Company’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP”) development and manufacturing facility located in Birmingham, Alabama, were sold. The Company retained all accounts receivable and the majority of liabilities associated with SurModics Pharmaceuticals incurred prior to closing. The sale (the “Pharma Sale”) closed on November 17, 2011. The total consideration received from the Pharma Sale was $30.0 million in cash. As part of the Pharma Sale, SurModics agreed not to compete in the restricted business (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) for a period of five years and to indemnify Evonik against specified losses in connection with SurModics Pharmaceuticals, including certain contingent consideration obligations related to the acquisition by SurModics Pharmaceuticals of the portfolio of intellectual property and drug delivery projects from PR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“PR Pharma”) SurModics retained responsibility for repayment obligations related to an agreement with various governmental authorities associated with creation of jobs in Alabama. These obligations were settled or terminated in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2013 with payments totaling $325,000 repaid to the governmental authorities and a gain of $1.3 million recognized in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
	The following is a summary of the operating results of SurModics Pharmaceuticals discontinued operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		March 31,					March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—	$	1,015		$	—	$	1,015
	Income tax provision		—		(333	)		—		(333	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	—	$	682		$	—	$	682
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		March 31,		September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Other current assets	$	46	$	46
	Current assets of discontinued operations		46		46
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	46	$	46
	Other current liabilities payable	$	126	$	139
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations		126		139
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	126	$	139
	The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of March 31, 2014 are based on accruals associated with the Southern Research Institute (“SRI”) litigation matter and a related deferred tax asset balance. See Note 17 for further discussion of the SRI litigation matter.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	4. Fair Value Measurements
	The accounting guidance on fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance is applicable for all financial assets and financial liabilities and for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and risk of nonperformance.
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	Accounting guidance on fair value measurements requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1 — Quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	The Company’s Level 2 assets consist of money market funds, U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, U.S. government agency securities, government agency and municipal securities and certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. Fair market values for these assets are based on quoted vendor prices and broker pricing where all significant inputs are observable. The Company performs limited tests of the quoted vendor prices based on available U.S. Treasury security pricing on government websites as a means of validating the third party pricing. To ensure the accuracy of quoted vendor prices and broker pricing, the Company performs regular reviews of investment returns to industry benchmarks and sample tests of individual securities to validate quoted vendor prices with other available market data.
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose fair value measurements are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar valuation techniques, as well as significant management judgment or estimation.
	There were no Level 3 assets at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, September 30, 2013 or March 31, 2013 and there was no Level 3 activity during the first six months of fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013.
	In valuing assets and liabilities, the Company is required to maximize the use of quoted market prices and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company did not significantly change its valuation techniques from prior periods.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	In instances where the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability. The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
		Active Markets		Other		Unobservable		Value as of
		for Identical		Observable		Inputs		March 31,
		Instruments		Inputs		(Level 3)		2014
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	7,602	$	—	$	7,602
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	U.S. government and government agency obligations		—		25,066		—		25,066
	Mortgage-backed securities		—		5,223		—		5,223
	Municipal bonds		—		1,834		—		1,834
	Asset-backed securities		—		6,380		—		6,380
	Corporate bonds		—		4,316		—		4,316
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	50,421	$	—	$	50,421
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
		Active Markets		Other		Unobservable		Value as of
		for Identical		Observable		Inputs		September 30,
		Instruments		Inputs		(Level 3)		2013
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	4,402	$	—	$	4,402
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	U.S. government and government agency obligations		—		22,890		—		22,890
	Mortgage-backed securities		—		8,216		—		8,216
	Municipal bonds		—		3,059		—		3,059
	Asset-backed securities		—		3,537		—		3,537
	Corporate bonds		—		4,907		—		4,907
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	47,011	$	—	$	47,011
	Valuation Techniques
	The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets are as follows:
	Cash equivalents — These assets are classified as Level 2 and are carried at historical cost which is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short time between origination of the instrument and its expected realization.
	Available-for-sale debt securities — These securities are classified as Level 2 and include various types of debt securities. These securities are valued based on quoted vendor prices in active markets underlying the securities.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	5. Investments
	Investments consist principally of U.S. government and government agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities and corporate and municipal debt securities and are classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, excluded from the condensed consolidated statements of income and reported in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income as well as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, except for other-than-temporary impairments, which are reported as a charge to current earnings. A loss would be recognized when there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the fair value of any individual security classified as available-for-sale, with the associated net unrealized loss reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to other income (loss). This adjustment results in a new cost basis for the investment. Interest earned on debt securities, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is included in other income (loss). Realized gains and losses from the sales of debt securities, which are included in other income (loss), are determined using the specific identification method.
	The amortized cost, unrealized holding gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		March 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agency obligations	$	25,084	$	10	$	(28	)	$	25,066
	Mortgage-backed securities		5,226		43		(46	)		5,223
	Municipal bonds		1,827		10		(3	)		1,834
	Asset-backed securities		6,375		13		(8	)		6,380
	Corporate bonds		4,321		6		(11	)		4,316
	Total	$	42,833	$	82	$	(96	)	$	42,819
		September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agency obligations	$	22,889	$	28	$	(27	)	$	22,890
	Mortgage-backed securities		8,149		118		(51	)		8,216
	Municipal bonds		3,049		15		(5	)		3,059
	Asset-backed securities		3,539		6		(8	)		3,537
	Corporate bonds		4,896		17		(6	)		4,907
	Total	$	42,522	$	184	$	(97	)	$	42,609
	As of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, the Company concluded that the unrealized losses related to the available-for-sale securities shown above were not other-than-temporary as the Company does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, before recovery of their amortized cost.
	The amortized cost and fair value of investments by contractual maturity at March 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Debt securities due within:
	One year	$	25,394	$	25,399
	One to five years		11,207		11,194
	Five years or more		6,232		6,226
	Total	$	42,833	$	42,819
	The following table summarizes sales of available-for-sale securities:
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		March 31,				March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Proceeds from sales	$	89,647	$	25,175	$	92,514		$	25,980
	Gross realized gains	$	125	$	161	$	126		$	165
	Gross realized losses	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	—

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	6. Inventories
	Inventories are principally stated at the lower of cost or market using the specific identification method and include direct labor, materials and overhead. Inventories consisted of the following components:
		March 31,		September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	1,037	$	1,378
	Finished products		1,721		1,950
	Total	$	2,758	$	3,328

Other_Assets

Other Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	7. Other Assets
	Other assets consist principally of strategic investments as follows:
		March 31,		September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	CeloNova BioSciences, Inc.	$	1,500	$	1,500
	ThermopeutiX, Inc.		1,185		1,185
	ViaCyte, Inc.		479		479
	Other		2		2
	Other assets, net	$	3,166	$	3,166
	In February 2011, the stent technology of Nexeon MedSystems, Inc. (“Nexeon”) was acquired by CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. (“CeloNova”). Prior to the acquisition by CeloNova, Nexeon created a wholly-owned subsidiary, Nexeon Stent, to hold the company’s stent-related assets. Nexeon distributed to its stockholders the Nexeon Stent stock which was exchanged for Series B-1 preferred shares of CeloNova. CeloNova is a privately-held Texas-based medical technology company that is marketing a variety of medical products. The Company’s investment in CeloNova, which is accounted for under the cost method, represents less than a 2% ownership interest. The Company does not exert significant influence over CeloNova’s operating or financial activities.
	The Company has invested a total of $1.2 million in ThermopeutiX, Inc. (“ThermopeutiX”), a California-based early stage company developing novel medical devices for the treatment of vascular and neurovascular diseases. In addition to the investment, SurModics has licensed its hydrophilic and hemocompatible coating technologies to ThermopeutiX for use with its devices. The Company’s investment in ThermopeutiX, which is accounted for under the cost method, represents an ownership interest of less than 20%. The Company does not exert significant influence over ThermopeutiX’s operating or financial activities.
	The Company has invested a total of $5.3 million in ViaCyte, Inc. (“ViaCyte”), a privately-held California-based biotechnology firm that is developing a unique treatment for diabetes using coated islet cells, the cells that produce insulin in the human body. In fiscal 2006, the Company determined that its investment in ViaCyte was impaired and that the impairment was other than temporary. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4.7 million. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded an additional other-than-temporary impairment loss on this investment totaling $0.1 million based on a current financing round and market valuations. The balance of the investment of $0.5 million, which is accounted for under the cost method, represents less than a 1% ownership interest. The Company does not exert significant influence over ViaCyte’s operating or financial activities.
	The Company had invested a total of $2.5 million in Vessix Vascular, Inc. (“Vessix”) and recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss on this investment totaling $2.4 million in fiscal 2010, based on market valuations and a pending financing round for Vessix. Vessix was purchased by Boston Scientific Corporation in November 2012. The Company recorded a gain of approximately $1.2 million in the condensed consolidated statements of income gains on sale of strategic investments line, on the sale of this investment in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. In the first six months of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a $0.7 million gain upon achievement by Vessix of a clinical milestone. In addition, a sales milestone amount totaling less than $0.1 million has been received in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Total remaining potential maximum additional proceeds of $3.4 million may be received in fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2017 depending on Vessix’s achievement of future sales milestones. No amounts have been recorded associated with these future milestones given the level of uncertainty that exists. Any potential additional income will be recognized once the milestones are achieved.
	The total carrying value of cost method investments is reviewed quarterly for changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events that suggest the Company’s investment may not be recoverable. The fair value of cost method investments is not adjusted if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a material adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.
	The Company recognized revenue of less than $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from activity with companies in which it had a strategic investment. The Company recognized revenue of less than $0.1 million and approximately $0.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from activity with companies in which it had a strategic investment.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	8. Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist principally of acquired patents and technology, customer relationships, licenses and trademarks. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded amortization expense of $0.2 million for each period. For the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded amortization expense of $0.4 million for each period.
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		March 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Weighted Average		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net
		Original Life (Years)		Amount		Amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer lists		9	$	4,857	$	(3,543	)	$	1,314
	Core technology		8		530		(442	)		88
	Patents and other		16.8		2,256		(921	)		1,335
	Subtotal				7,643		(4,906	)		2,737
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks				580		—			580
	Total			$	8,223	$	(4,906	)	$	3,317
		September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)	Weighted Average		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net
		Original Life (Years)		Amount		Amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer lists		9	$	4,857	$	(3,274	)	$	1,583
	Core technology		8		530		(409	)		121
	Patents and other		16.8		2,256		(852	)		1,404
	Subtotal				7,643		(4,535	)		3,108
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks				580		—			580
	Total			$	8,223	$	(4,535	)	$	3,688
	Based on the intangible assets in service as of March 31, 2014, estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2014 and each of the next five fiscal years is as follows (Dollars in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	371
	2015		731
	2016		594
	2017		183
	2018		137
	2019		137
	Future amortization amounts presented above are estimates. Actual future amortization expense may be different, as a result of future acquisitions, impairments, changes in amortization periods, or other factors.

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	9. Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value assigned to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed in connection with a company’s acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject, at a minimum, to annual tests for impairment in accordance with accounting guidance for goodwill. The carrying amount of goodwill is evaluated annually, and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired.
	The $8.0 million of goodwill at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 is related to the In Vitro Diagnostics reporting unit and represents the gross value from the acquisition of BioFX Laboratories, Inc. (“BioFX”) in 2007. The goodwill was not impaired based on the outcome of the fiscal 2013 annual impairment test, and there have been no events or circumstances that have occurred in the first six months of fiscal 2014 associated with the In Vitro Diagnostics reporting unit to indicate that the goodwill may be impaired.

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation	'
	10. Stock-based Compensation
	The Company has stock-based compensation plans under which it grants stock options, restricted stock awards, performance share awards and restricted stock units. Accounting guidance requires all share-based payments to be recognized as an operating expense, based on their fair values, over the requisite service period.
	The Company’s stock-based compensation expenses were allocated to the following expense categories:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Product costs	$	4		$	7		$	8		$	10
	Research and development		46			64			98			87
	Selling, general and administrative		1,599			775			2,356			1,141
	Total	$	1,649		$	846		$	2,462		$	1,238
	As of March 31, 2014, approximately $3.9 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years. The unrecognized compensation costs of $3.9 million above include $1.4 million based on payout levels associated with performance share awards that are currently anticipated to be fully expensed because the performance conditions are expected to be met at or near target levels.
	Stock Option Awards
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted. The weighted average per share fair values of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $7.61 and $9.99, respectively. The weighted average per share fair values of stock options granted during the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $8.72 and $8.69, respectively. The assumptions used as inputs in the model were as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rates		1.2	%		0.7	%		1.2	%		0.6	%
	Expected life (years)		4.1			4.8			4.6			4.8
	Expected volatility		37.1	%		49.1	%		44.5	%		49.2	%
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
	The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury’s rates for U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the award. The expected life of options granted is determined based on the Company’s experience. Expected volatility is based on the Company’s stock price movement over a period approximating the expected term. Based on management’s judgment, dividend rates are expected to be zero for the expected life of the options. The Company also estimates forfeitures of options granted, which are based on historical experience.
	Non-qualified stock options are granted at fair market value on the date of grant. Non-qualified stock options expire in seven to ten years or upon termination of employment or service as a Board member. Non-qualified stock options generally become exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares on each of the first four anniversaries following the grant date with Board member options vesting on a prorated basis within the one-year period following the grant date.
	The total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months and six months ended March 31, 2014 was $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months and six months ended March 31, 2013 was less than $0.1 million in each period. The intrinsic value represents the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the respective fiscal period end.
	The Company modified stock option awards granted to Board members in the three months ended March 31, 2014, which resulted in acceleration of the stock option vesting period. The modification changed the vesting period to pro-rata over a 12-month service period and resulted in an increase to stock option related expense of $0.6 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2014.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	The Company has entered into restricted stock agreements with certain key employees, covering the issuance of common stock (“Restricted Stock”). Under accounting guidance these shares are considered to be non-vested shares. The Restricted Stock is released to the key employees if they are employed by the Company at the end of the vesting period. Compensation has been recognized for the estimated fair value of the common shares and is being charged to income over the vesting term. The stock-based compensation table above includes Restricted Stock expenses recognized related to these awards, which totaled $0.2 million during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and less than $0.1 million during the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. During the three months ended on March 31, 2014, the Company granted an award of $0.2 million to the former Chairman of its Board of Directors in connection with his retirement from the Board and in recognition of his contributions to the Company during his years of service.
	Performance Share Awards
	The Company has entered into performance share agreements with certain key employees, covering the issuance of common stock (“Performance Shares”). The Performance Shares vest upon the achievement of all or a portion of certain performance objectives, which must be achieved during the performance period. Performance objectives selected by the Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) were cumulative earnings per share and cumulative revenue for the three-year performance periods for fiscal 2011 (2011 – 2013), fiscal 2012 (2012 – 2014), fiscal 2013 (2013 – 2015) and fiscal 2014 (2014 – 2016). Assuming that the minimum performance level is attained, the number of shares that may actually vest will vary based on performance from 20% (minimum) to 200% (maximum). Shares will be issued to participants as soon as practicable following the end of the performance periods subject to Committee approval and verification of results. The fiscal 2011 awards were finalized in the three months ended December 31, 2013 and resulted in issuance of 122,053 shares (maximum was 137,066 shares) based on the performance objective results. The compensation cost related to the number of shares to be granted under each performance period is fixed on the grant date, which is the date the performance period begins. Compensation is recognized in each period based on management’s best estimate of the achievement level of the specified performance objectives for Performance Shares. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized expenses of $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in each period. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recognized expenses of $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The stock-based compensation table above includes the Performance Shares expenses.
	The fair values of the Performance Shares, at target, were $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million for grants awarded in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The aggregate number of shares that could be awarded to key employees if the minimum, target and maximum performance goals are met, based upon the fair value at the date of grant is as follows:
	Performance Period	Minimum			Target			Maximum
		Shares			Shares			Shares
	Fiscal 2012 - 2014		12,499			62,497			124,994
	Fiscal 2013 - 2015		8,551			42,753			85,506
	Fiscal 2014 - 2016		7,861			39,303			78,606
	1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Under the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“Stock Purchase Plan”), the Company is authorized to issue up to 400,000 shares of common stock. All full-time and part-time employees can choose to have up to 10% of their annual compensation withheld, with a limit of $25,000, to purchase the Company’s common stock at purchase prices defined within the provisions of the Stock Purchase Plan. As of March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were less than $0.1 million of employee contributions in each period included in accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Stock compensation expense recognized related to the Stock Purchase Plan for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled less than $0.1 million in each period. The stock-based compensation table above includes the Stock Purchase Plan expenses.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Company has awarded 24,834 restricted stock units (“RSU”) in fiscal 2014 and 2013 under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan to non-employee directors with forfeiture of 3,417 RSU’s in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The RSU awards were modified in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to vest pro-rata over a 12-month service period. This modification resulted in a total expense of $0.2 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2014. RSU awards are not considered issued or outstanding common stock of the Company until they vest. The estimated fair value of the RSU awards was calculated based on the closing market price of SurModics’ common stock on the date of grant. Compensation has been recognized for the estimated fair value of the common shares and is being charged to income over the vesting term. Directors can also elect to receive their cash retainers for services to the Board of Directors and its committees in the form of deferred stock units (“DSU”). Certain directors elected this option beginning on January 1, 2013 which has resulted in 9,349 DSUs issued with a total value of $219,000. The DSUs are fully vested. The stock-based compensation table above includes RSU and DSU expenses recognized related to these awards, which totaled $0.3 million and $0.4 million during the three months and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and less than $0.1 million in each period during the three and six months ended March 31, 2013.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	11. Restructuring Charges
	The Company did not incur any restructuring charges during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	In September 2013 (fiscal 2013), the Company announced a realignment of its business to enhance focus on key growth initiatives. As a result of the organizational change, the Company eliminated approximately 6% of its workforce. These employee terminations occurred across various functions, and the reorganization plan was completed by the end of fiscal 2013. The Company recorded total pre-tax restructuring charges of $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, which consisted of severance pay and benefits expenses.
	The following table summarizes the restructuring accrual activity:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Employee			Facility-			Total
		Severance			Related
		and Benefits			Costs
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	399		$	17		$	416
	Cash payments		(399	)		(15	)		(414	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—		$	2		$	2
	The remaining restructuring accrual balance is expected to be paid within the next 12 months and is recorded as a current liability within other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014.

Revolving_Credit_Facility

Revolving Credit Facility	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Revolving Credit Facility	'
	12. Revolving Credit Facility
	On November 4, 2013, the Company entered into a three-year $20.0 million secured revolving credit facility. The Company’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of its and its subsidiaries’ assets, other than intellectual property and real estate. Borrowings under the credit facility, if any, will bear interest at a benchmark rate plus a margin ranging from 1.375% to 2.00% based on the Company’s leverage ratio. A facility fee is payable on unused commitments at a rate of 0.20% per annum. In connection with the credit facility, the Company is required to maintain financial covenants related to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum EBITDA amount and nonfinancial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has no debt outstanding and was in compliance with all financial covenants.

Income_Per_Share_Data

Income Per Share Data	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Income Per Share Data	'
	13. Income Per Share Data
	Basic income per common share is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing income by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The Company’s only potentially dilutive common shares are those that result from dilutive common stock options, non-vested stock relating to restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance shares.
	The following table sets forth the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands):
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	2,459	$	3,420	$	6,089	$	7,668
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		13,538		14,622		13,658		14,639
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, non-vested restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares		286		292		267		232
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		13,824		14,914		13,925		14,871
	The calculation of weighted average diluted shares outstanding excludes outstanding stock options associated with the right to purchase 0.2 million and 0.3 million shares of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 0.4 million and 0.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on diluted income per share.
	During the first six months of fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 485,577 shares of common stock for a total of $11.5 million under the then-existing share repurchase authorization of the Board. The entire authorized amount has been used as of March 31, 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	14. Income Taxes
	The Company recorded income tax provisions associated with income from continuing operations of $1.2 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 33.0% and 21.2%, respectively. The Company recorded income tax provisions associated with income from continuing operations of $2.7 million and $2.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 30.5% and 26.7%, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35.0% and the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 reflects the impact of state income taxes, permanent tax items and discrete tax benefits. Discrete tax benefits aggregated less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The discrete tax items in the fiscal 2013 periods include a one-time capital gain carryback benefit and retroactive federal R&D tax credits that aggregated $0.4 million. The three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects the impact of gains from certain debt securities in our available-for-sale investment portfolio and the three months ended March 31, 2013 reflects the impact of gains on the sale of OctoPlus N.V. (“OctoPlus”) and certain debt securities in our available-for-sale investment portfolio. The six months ended March 31, 2014 reflects the impact of a gain related to a Vessix contingent consideration payment and certain debt securities in our available-for-sale investment portfolio. The six months ended March 31, 2013 reflects the impact of gains on the sale of Vessix, OctoPlus and certain debt securities in our available-for-sale investment portfolio. Each of these gains has had a tax expense recognized which has been offset by the reversal of capital loss valuation allowances.
	The Company did not have any discontinued operations activity in the three and six months ended March 31, 2014. The Company recorded an income tax expense from discontinued operations of $0.3 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013 with the effective tax rate applied to discontinued operations of 32.8%.
	The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively, are $0.9 million and $1.0 million. Currently, the Company does not expect the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next 12 months with the above balances classified on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other long-term liabilities. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense.
	The Company files income tax returns, including returns for its subsidiaries, in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state jurisdictions. Uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014 the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax return for fiscal 2012. U.S. income tax returns for years prior to fiscal 2010 are no longer subject to examination by federal tax authorities. For tax returns for state and local jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to examination for tax years generally before fiscal 2003.

Amounts_Reclassified_Out_of_Ac

Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	15. Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) totaled $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, on a pre-tax basis for each of the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The amounts reclassified out of AOCI are associated with unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities that were realized on the sale of the securities and are presented in other income, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segments	'
	16. Operating Segments
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, who is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. For financial accounting and reporting purposes, the Company reports its results for the two reportable segments as follows: (1) the Medical Device unit, which is comprised of surface modification coating technologies to improve access, deliverability, and predictable deployment of medical devices, as well as drug delivery coating technologies to provide site-specific drug delivery from the surface of a medical device, with end markets that include coronary, peripheral, and neuro-vascular, and urology, among others, and (2) the In Vitro Diagnostics unit, which consists of component products and technologies for diagnostic test kits and biomedical research applications, with products that include protein stabilization reagents, substrates, antigens and surface coatings.
	The tables below present segment revenue, operating income and depreciation and amortization, as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Medical Device	$	10,482		$	9,735		$	21,031		$	20,266
	In Vitro Diagnostics		3,122			3,960			6,456			7,280
	Total revenue	$	13,604		$	13,695		$	27,487		$	27,546
	Operating income:
	Medical Device	$	5,282		$	4,785		$	10,610		$	10,625
	In Vitro Diagnostics		633			1,267			1,303			2,018
	Total segment operating income		5,915			6,052			11,913			12,643
	Corporate		(2,435	)		(1,923	)		(4,104	)		(3,637	)
	Total operating income	$	3,480		$	4,129		$	7,809		$	9,006
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Medical Device	$	287		$	311		$	581		$	628
	In Vitro Diagnostics		213			218			427			433
	Corporate		184			195			372			385
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	684		$	724		$	1,380		$	1,446
	The Corporate category includes expenses for administrative corporate functions, such as executive, corporate accounting, legal, human resources and Board of Directors related, that have not been fully allocated to the Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostics segments. Corporate also includes expenses, such as litigation, which are not specific to a segment and thus not allocated to the operating segments.
	Asset information by segment is not presented because the Company does not provide its chief operating decision maker assets by segment, as the data is not readily available.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	17. Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation. From time to time, the Company has been, and may become, involved in various legal actions involving its operations, products and technologies, including intellectual property and employment disputes. The outcomes of these legal actions are not within the Company’s complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, including injunctions barring the sale of products that are the subject of the lawsuit, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures or result in lost revenue. The Company records a liability in the consolidated financial statements for these actions when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a loss is possible but not known or probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed. In most cases, significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded.
	Southern Research Institute (“SRI”) Litigation. On July 31, 2009, the Company’s SurModics Pharmaceuticals subsidiary was named as a defendant in litigation pending in the circuit court of Jefferson County, Alabama, between SRI and two of SRI’s former employees (the “Plaintiffs”). In the litigation, the Plaintiffs allege that they contributed to or invented certain intellectual property while they were employed at SRI, and pursuant to SRI’s policies then in effect, they are entitled to, among other things, a portion of the purchase price consideration paid by the Company to SRI as part of the Company’s acquisition of SurModics Pharmaceuticals (the “purchase price claim”) pursuant to a stock purchase agreement made effective on July 31, 2007 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). The Plaintiffs have also alleged that they are entitled to a portion of the intellectual property income derived from license agreements with certain customers of SurModics Pharmaceuticals that make use of patents to which the Plaintiffs invented or contributed (the “royalty claim”). In April 2014, the Alabama Court granted summary judgment in favor of the Company and SRI dismissing (a) all of the claims of one of the Plaintiffs, and (b) the claims of the remaining Plaintiff relating to the purchase price claim. In connection with the royalty claim, the Alabama Court concluded that two license agreements that were entered into with certain customers of SurModics Pharmaceuticals resulted in intellectual property income and that the remaining Plaintiff is entitled to a portion of such income. The Company and the remaining Plaintiff continue to disagree about the exact amount, if any, owed by the Company in connection with the royalty claim. Based on the facts known to date, the Company has recorded a $100,000 expense in connection with the royalty claim in discontinued operations for the year ended September 30, 2013. There are two named inventors on the patent on which the royalty claim is based, one of which is the remaining Plaintiff and the other is not a party to the litigation. Once the amount, if any, of the royalty claim is finally adjudicated, the Company will pay the remaining Plaintiff and the other inventor the amount attributable to such claim. The Company has not recorded additional accruals as the probability of the outcome is currently not determinable and any potential loss is not estimable. Unless this matter is resolved, the parties are expected to proceed to trial in June 2014. The Company plans to vigorously defend its position in this case. Following the Pharma Sale, the Company remains responsible for this litigation and has agreed to indemnify Evonik against certain losses, including those that may be incurred in connection with this litigation.
	Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company has certain rights of indemnification against losses (including without limitation, damages, expenses and costs) incurred as a result of the litigation described above. The Company had recorded cumulative unreimbursed legal expenses totaling $1.3 million as of June 30, 2013, related to this litigation, within selling, general and administrative expenses from continuing operations in the condensed consolidated statements of income. In June 2011, the Company sued SRI in United States District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking a judicial declaration regarding the scope of the Company’s indemnification rights under the Stock Purchase Agreement. In April 2013, the District Court entered a judgment in the Company’s favor requiring SRI to indemnify the Company for prior and future legal expenditures related to this matter. On July 30, 2013, the Company and SRI entered into a settlement and release agreement resolving the litigation relating to indemnification rights. The settlement and release agreement does not relate to claims for indemnification under the Stock Purchase Agreement for any substantive liability, judgment, or settlement in or related to the ongoing litigation in Alabama discussed above. The Company received payment of $1.0 million associated with the historical cumulative unreimbursed legal expenses and recognized the receipt as an expense offset in the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2013. This settlement included $0.6 million of legal expenses incurred prior to fiscal 2013. Additionally, under the settlement and release agreement, the Company will be reimbursed for 75% of the legal fees, costs and expenses that the Company may incur in the future in connection with the Alabama litigation that are not considered excessive.
	InnoRx, Inc. In January 2005, the Company entered into a merger agreement whereby SurModics acquired all of the assets of InnoRx, Inc. (“InnoRx”), an early stage company developing drug delivery devices and therapies for the ophthalmology market. SurModics will be required to issue up to approximately 480,059 additional shares of its common stock to the stockholders of InnoRx upon the successful completion of the remaining development and commercial milestones involving InnoRx technology acquired in the transaction. The Company has not recorded any accrual for this contingency as of March 31, 2014 as the milestones have not been achieved and the probability of achievement is low.
	InnoCore Technologies BV. In March 2006, the Company entered into a license agreement whereby SurModics obtained an exclusive license to a drug delivery coating for licensed products within the vascular field which included peripheral, coronary and neurovascular biodurable stent product. The license requires an annual minimum payment of 200,000 euros (equivalent to $275,000 using a euro to US $ exchange rate of 1.3752 as of March 31, 2014) until the last patent expires which is currently estimated to be September 2027. The total minimum future payments associated with this license are approximately $3.7 million. The license is currently utilized with one of SurModics’ drug delivery customers.
	PR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In November 2008, SurModics Pharmaceuticals acquired certain contracts and assets of PR Pharma to enhance its portfolio of drug delivery technologies for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The Company agreed to indemnify Evonik, for a period of five years, for up to $2.5 million of contingent consideration obligations to the sellers of PR Pharma related to a future patent issuance milestone when it sold substantially all of the SurModics Pharmaceuticals assets to Evonik on November 17, 2011. The Company has not recorded any accrual for this contingency as of March 31, 2014 as the milestone has not been achieved and the probability of achievement is low.

Key_Accounting_Policies_Polici

Key Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) shipment has occurred or delivery has occurred if the terms specify destination; (3) the sales price is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. When there are additional performance requirements, revenue is recognized when all such requirements have been satisfied. Under revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, the Company recognizes each separable deliverable as it is earned.
	The Company derives its revenue from three primary sources: (1) royalties and license fees from licensing its proprietary drug delivery and surface modification technologies and in vitro diagnostic formats to customers; (2) the sale of reagent chemicals to licensees and the sale of stabilization products, antigens, substrates and surface coatings to the diagnostic and biomedical research markets; and (3) research and commercial development fees generated on customer projects.
Royalties and license fees	'
	Royalties and license fees. The Company licenses technology to third parties and collects royalties. Royalty revenue is generated when a customer sells products incorporating the Company’s licensed technologies. Royalty revenue is recognized as licensees report it to the Company, and payment is typically submitted concurrently with the report. For stand-alone license agreements, up-front license fees are recognized over the term of the related licensing agreement. Minimum royalty fees are recognized in the period earned.
	Revenue related to a performance milestone is recognized upon the achievement of the milestone, as defined in the respective agreements and provided the following conditions have been met:
		•	The milestone payment is non-refundable;
		•	The milestone involved a significant degree of risk, and was not reasonably assured at the inception of the arrangement;
		•	Accomplishment of the milestone involved substantial effort;
		•	The amount of the milestone payment is commensurate with the related effort and risk; and
		•	A reasonable amount of time passed between the initial license payment and the first and subsequent milestone payments.
	If these conditions have not been met, the milestone payment is deferred and recognized over the term of the agreement.
Product sales	'
	Product sales. Product sales to third parties consist of direct and distributor sales and are recognized at the time of shipment. The Company’s sales terms provide no right of return outside of the standard warranty policy. Payment terms are generally set at 30-45 days.
Research and development	'
	Research and development. The Company performs third-party research and development activities, which are typically provided on a time and materials basis. Generally, revenue for research and development is recorded as performance progresses under the applicable contract.
Arrangements with multiple deliverables	'
	Arrangements with multiple deliverables. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables require the Company to:
	(i) disclose whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated;
	(ii) allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices (“ESP”) of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) or third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”); and
	(iii) allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.
	The Company accounts for revenue using a multiple attribution model in which consideration allocated to research and development activities is recognized as performed, and milestone payments are recognized when the milestone events are achieved, when such activities and milestones are deemed substantive. Accordingly, in situations where a unit of accounting includes both a license and research and development activities, and when a license does not have stand-alone value, the Company applies a multiple attribution model in which consideration allocated to the license is recognized ratably, consideration allocated to research and development activities is recognized as performed and milestone payments are recognized when the milestone events are achieved, when such activities and milestones are deemed substantive.
	The Company enters into license and development arrangements that may consist of multiple deliverables which could include a license(s) to SurModics’ technology, research and development activities, manufacturing services, and product sales based on the needs of its customers. For example, a customer may enter into an arrangement to obtain a license to SurModics’ intellectual property which may also include research and development activities, and supply of products manufactured by SurModics. For these services provided, SurModics could receive upfront license fees upon signing of an agreement and granting the license, fees for research and development activities as such activities are performed, milestone payments contingent upon advancement of the product through development and clinical stages to successful commercialization, fees for manufacturing services and supply of product, and royalty payments based on customer sales of product incorporating SurModics’ technology. The Company’s license and development arrangements generally do not have refund provisions if the customer cancels or terminates the agreement. Typically all payments made are non-refundable.
	The Company is required to evaluate each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement for separability. The Company is then required to allocate revenue to each separate deliverable using a hierarchy of VSOE, TPE, or ESP. In many instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be a result of the Company infrequently selling each element separately or having a limited history with multiple element arrangements. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to establish a selling price of each element based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately.
	When the Company is unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses ESP in its allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. ESP is generally used for highly customized offerings.
	The Company determines ESP for undelivered elements by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, competitive landscape and past pricing arrangements with similar features. The determination of ESP is made through consultation with the Company’s management, taking into consideration the marketing strategies for each business unit.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Accounting Standards to be Adopted
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued amended guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, similar to a tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exits. The guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exits, with certain exceptions. This accounting guidance is effective prospectively for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, with early adoption permitted. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact, its adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operation or cash flows.
	No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective has had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Operating Results from Discontinued Operations	'
	The following is a summary of the operating results of SurModics Pharmaceuticals discontinued operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		March 31,					March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—	$	1,015		$	—	$	1,015
	Income tax provision		—		(333	)		—		(333	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	—	$	682		$	—	$	682
Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	'
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		March 31,		September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Other current assets	$	46	$	46
	Current assets of discontinued operations		46		46
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	46	$	46
	Other current liabilities payable	$	126	$	139
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations		126		139
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	126	$	139

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
		Active Markets		Other		Unobservable		Value as of
		for Identical		Observable		Inputs		March 31,
		Instruments		Inputs		(Level 3)		2014
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	7,602	$	—	$	7,602
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	U.S. government and government agency obligations		—		25,066		—		25,066
	Mortgage-backed securities		—		5,223		—		5,223
	Municipal bonds		—		1,834		—		1,834
	Asset-backed securities		—		6,380		—		6,380
	Corporate bonds		—		4,316		—		4,316
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	50,421	$	—	$	50,421
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total Fair
		Active Markets		Other		Unobservable		Value as of
		for Identical		Observable		Inputs		September 30,
		Instruments		Inputs		(Level 3)		2013
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	—	$	4,402	$	—	$	4,402
	Available-for-sale debt securities:
	U.S. government and government agency obligations		—		22,890		—		22,890
	Mortgage-backed securities		—		8,216		—		8,216
	Municipal bonds		—		3,059		—		3,059
	Asset-backed securities		—		3,537		—		3,537
	Corporate bonds		—		4,907		—		4,907
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	—	$	47,011	$	—	$	47,011

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Amortized Cost, Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The amortized cost, unrealized holding gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		March 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agency obligations	$	25,084	$	10	$	(28	)	$	25,066
	Mortgage-backed securities		5,226		43		(46	)		5,223
	Municipal bonds		1,827		10		(3	)		1,834
	Asset-backed securities		6,375		13		(8	)		6,380
	Corporate bonds		4,321		6		(11	)		4,316
	Total	$	42,833	$	82	$	(96	)	$	42,819
		September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agency obligations	$	22,889	$	28	$	(27	)	$	22,890
	Mortgage-backed securities		8,149		118		(51	)		8,216
	Municipal bonds		3,049		15		(5	)		3,059
	Asset-backed securities		3,539		6		(8	)		3,537
	Corporate bonds		4,896		17		(6	)		4,907
	Total	$	42,522	$	184	$	(97	)	$	42,609
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments by Contractual Maturity	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of investments by contractual maturity at March 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Debt securities due within:
	One year	$	25,394	$	25,399
	One to five years		11,207		11,194
	Five years or more		6,232		6,226
	Total	$	42,833	$	42,819
Sales of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The following table summarizes sales of available-for-sale securities:
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		March 31,				March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Proceeds from sales	$	89,647	$	25,175	$	92,514		$	25,980
	Gross realized gains	$	125	$	161	$	126		$	165
	Gross realized losses	$	—	$	—	$	(1	)	$	—

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following components:
		March 31,		September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	1,037	$	1,378
	Finished products		1,721		1,950
	Total	$	2,758	$	3,328

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Assets Consist Principally of Strategic Investments	'
	Other assets consist principally of strategic investments as follows:
		March 31,		September 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014		2013
	CeloNova BioSciences, Inc.	$	1,500	$	1,500
	ThermopeutiX, Inc.		1,185		1,185
	ViaCyte, Inc.		479		479
	Other		2		2
	Other assets, net	$	3,166	$	3,166

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		March 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Weighted Average		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net
		Original Life (Years)		Amount		Amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer lists		9	$	4,857	$	(3,543	)	$	1,314
	Core technology		8		530		(442	)		88
	Patents and other		16.8		2,256		(921	)		1,335
	Subtotal				7,643		(4,906	)		2,737
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks				580		—			580
	Total			$	8,223	$	(4,906	)	$	3,317
		September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in thousands)	Weighted Average		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Net
		Original Life (Years)		Amount		Amortization
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer lists		9	$	4,857	$	(3,274	)	$	1,583
	Core technology		8		530		(409	)		121
	Patents and other		16.8		2,256		(852	)		1,404
	Subtotal				7,643		(4,535	)		3,108
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Trademarks				580		—			580
	Total			$	8,223	$	(4,535	)	$	3,688
Estimated Amortization Expenses	'
	Based on the intangible assets in service as of March 31, 2014, estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2014 and each of the next five fiscal years is as follows (Dollars in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	371
	2015		731
	2016		594
	2017		183
	2018		137
	2019		137

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Expenses	'
	The Company’s stock-based compensation expenses were allocated to the following expense categories:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Product costs	$	4		$	7		$	8		$	10
	Research and development		46			64			98			87
	Selling, general and administrative		1,599			775			2,356			1,141
	Total	$	1,649		$	846		$	2,462		$	1,238
Assumptions Used in Stock Option Plans	'
	The assumptions used as inputs in the model were as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rates		1.2	%		0.7	%		1.2	%		0.6	%
	Expected life (years)		4.1			4.8			4.6			4.8
	Expected volatility		37.1	%		49.1	%		44.5	%		49.2	%
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
Schedule of Fair Value at the Date of Grant	'
	The aggregate number of shares that could be awarded to key employees if the minimum, target and maximum performance goals are met, based upon the fair value at the date of grant is as follows:
	Performance Period	Minimum			Target			Maximum
		Shares			Shares			Shares
	Fiscal 2012 - 2014		12,499			62,497			124,994
	Fiscal 2013 - 2015		8,551			42,753			85,506
	Fiscal 2014 - 2016		7,861			39,303			78,606

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Accrual Activities	'
	The following table summarizes the restructuring accrual activity:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Employee			Facility-			Total
		Severance			Related
		and Benefits			Costs
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	399		$	17		$	416
	Cash payments		(399	)		(15	)		(414	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	—		$	2		$	2

Income_Per_Share_Data_Tables

Income Per Share Data (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Components of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share Computation	'
	The following table sets forth the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands):
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	2,459	$	3,420	$	6,089	$	7,668
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		13,538		14,622		13,658		14,639
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, non-vested restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares		286		292		267		232
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		13,824		14,914		13,925		14,871

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Revenue, Operating Income and Depreciation and Amortization	'
	The tables below present segment revenue, operating income and depreciation and amortization, as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		March 31,						March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Medical Device	$	10,482		$	9,735		$	21,031		$	20,266
	In Vitro Diagnostics		3,122			3,960			6,456			7,280
	Total revenue	$	13,604		$	13,695		$	27,487		$	27,546
	Operating income:
	Medical Device	$	5,282		$	4,785		$	10,610		$	10,625
	In Vitro Diagnostics		633			1,267			1,303			2,018
	Total segment operating income		5,915			6,052			11,913			12,643
	Corporate		(2,435	)		(1,923	)		(4,104	)		(3,637	)
	Total operating income	$	3,480		$	4,129		$	7,809		$	9,006
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Medical Device	$	287		$	311		$	581		$	628
	In Vitro Diagnostics		213			218			427			433
	Corporate		184			195			372			385
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	684		$	724		$	1,380		$	1,446

Key_Accounting_Policies_Additi

Key Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Product sales payment terms, general minimum	'30 days
Product sales payment terms, general maximum	'45 days

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 17, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Government Authorities in Alabama [Member]	Government Authorities in Alabama [Member]	Government Authorities in Alabama [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total consideration received from the Pharma Sale	$30,000,000	'	'	'
Restricted time period for competition	'5 years	'	'	'
Payment on settlement of retained liability	'	325,000	325,000	'
Gain (Loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	'	'	$1,300,000

Discontinued_Operations_Operat

Discontinued Operations - Operating Results from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	$1,015	'	$1,015
Income tax provision	'	-333	'	-333
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	$682	'	$682

Discontinued_Operations_Assets

Discontinued Operations - Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Other current assets	$46	$46
Current assets of discontinued operations	46	46
Total assets of discontinued operations	46	46
Other current liabilities payable	126	139
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	126	139
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$126	$139

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	$0	$0	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	$0	$0	$0	$0
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	50,421	'	47,011	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | U.S. government and government agency obligations [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	25,066	'	22,890	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	5,223	'	8,216	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	6,380	'	3,537	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. government and government agency obligations [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	50,421	'	47,011	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. government and government agency obligations [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	25,066	'	22,890	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	5,223	'	8,216	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	6,380	'	3,537	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. government and government agency obligations [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	7,602	'	4,402	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	7,602	'	4,402	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	1,834	'	3,059	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	1,834	'	3,059	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	4,316	'	4,907	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	4,316	'	4,907	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Available-for-sale debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total assets measured at fair value	'	'	'	'

Investments_Amortized_Cost_Unr

Investments - Amortized Cost, Unrealized Holding Gains (Losses) and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$42,833	$42,522
Unrealized Gains	82	184
Unrealized Losses	-96	-97
Fair Value	42,819	42,609
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,827	3,049
Unrealized Gains	10	15
Unrealized Losses	-3	-5
Fair Value	1,834	3,059
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	4,321	4,896
Unrealized Gains	6	17
Unrealized Losses	-11	-6
Fair Value	4,316	4,907
U.S. government and government agency obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	25,084	22,889
Unrealized Gains	10	28
Unrealized Losses	-28	-27
Fair Value	25,066	22,890
Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,226	8,149
Unrealized Gains	43	118
Unrealized Losses	-46	-51
Fair Value	5,223	8,216
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,375	3,539
Unrealized Gains	13	6
Unrealized Losses	-8	-8
Fair Value	$6,380	$3,537

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized cost	'
Debt securities due within one year	$25,394
Debt securities due within one to five years	11,207
Debt securities due within five years or more	6,232
Total	42,833
Fair value	'
Debt securities due within one year	25,399
Debt securities due within one to five years	11,194
Debt securities due within five years or more	6,226
Total	$42,819

Investments_Sales_of_Available

Investments - Sales of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales	$89,647	$25,175	$92,514	$25,980
Gross realized gains	125	161	126	165
Gross realized losses	'	'	($1)	'

Inventories_Components_of_Inve

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$1,037	$1,378
Finished products	1,721	1,950
Total	$2,758	$3,328

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Other

Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets Consist Principally of Strategic Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets, net	$3,166	$3,166
CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets, net	1,500	1,500
ThermopeutiX, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets, net	1,185	1,185
ViaCyte, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets, net	479	479
Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Other assets, net	$2	$2

Other_Assets_Additional_Inform

Other Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2006

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. [Member]

Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

ThermopeutiX, Inc. [Member]

ViaCyte, Inc. [Member]

ViaCyte, Inc. [Member]

ViaCyte, Inc. [Member]

ViaCyte, Inc. [Member]

Investment In Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

Investment In Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

Investment In Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

Investment In Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

Investment In Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

Investment In Vessix Vascular, Inc. [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Clinical milestone [Member]

Sales milestone [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Schedule of Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company's ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

20.00%

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss on investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,200,000

'

$100,000

$5,300,000

$4,700,000

'

'

$2,500,000

$2,400,000

'

'

'

Cost method of investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of investment

806,000

1,458,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Milestone payment to be received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

100,000

'

Potential proceeds on achievement of future milestones

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

Revenue recognized from activity with companies in which it had strategic investment

'

$100,000

$100,000

$100,000

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$0.20	$0.20	$0.40	$0.40

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Weighted Average Original Life (Years)	'0 years	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$8,223	$8,223
Definite lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-4,906	-4,535
Definite lived intangible assets, Net	3,317	3,688
Customer Lists [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Weighted Average Original Life (Years)	'9 years	'9 years
Definite lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	4,857	4,857
Definite lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-3,543	-3,274
Definite lived intangible assets, Net	1,314	1,583
Core Technology [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Weighted Average Original Life (Years)	'8 years	'8 years
Definite lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	530	530
Definite lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-442	-409
Definite lived intangible assets, Net	88	121
Patents and Other [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Weighted Average Original Life (Years)	'16 years 9 months 18 days	'16 years 9 months 18 days
Definite lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	2,256	2,256
Definite lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-921	-852
Definite lived intangible assets, Net	1,335	1,404
Definite-lived intangible assets [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Weighted Average Original Life (Years)	'0 years	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	7,643	7,643
Definite lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-4,906	-4,535
Definite lived intangible assets, Net	2,737	3,108
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Weighted Average Original Life (Years)	'0 years	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	580	580
Definite lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets, Net	$580	$580

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Am

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$371
2015	731
2016	594
2017	183
2018	137
2019	$137

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$8,010	$8,010
In Vitro Diagnostics [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$8,000	$8,000

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb

Stock-based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expenses	$1,649	$846	$2,462	$1,238
Product costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expenses	4	7	8	10
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expenses	46	64	98	87
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expenses	$1,599	$775	$2,356	$1,141

Stockbased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2000

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2000

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Former Chairman of the Board [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Fiscal 2014 (2014 - 2016) [Member]

Fiscal 2013 (2013 - 2015) [Member]

Fiscal 2012 (2012 - 2014) [Member]

Fiscal 2011 (2011 - 2013) [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) [Member]

Employee [Member]

Employee [Member]

Employee [Member]

Board Of Director [Member]

Board Of Director [Member]

Board Of Director [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Fiscal 2014 (2014 - 2016) [Member]

Fiscal 2013 (2013 - 2015) [Member]

Fiscal 2012 (2012 - 2014) [Member]

2009 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Nonqualified Stock Options [Member]

Nonqualified Stock Options [Member]

Nonqualified Stock Options [Member]

Nonqualified Stock Options [Member]

Nonqualified Stock Options [Member]

Nonqualified Stock Options [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Stock Based Compensation Activity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested awards

'

$3,900,000

'

$3,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs related to non-vested awards

'

'

'

'2 years 1 month 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance Share Awards Fully Expensed

'

1,400,000

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average per share fair value of stock options

'

$7.61

$9.99

$8.72

$8.69

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend yield

'

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent of non-qualified stock options vesting on each of the anniversary dates of the grant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

100.00%

'

'

Vesting Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Employee non-qualified stock options generally become exercisable with respect to 25% of the shares on each of the first four anniversaries following the grant date

'

'

'Board member options vest on a prorated basis within the one-year period following the grant date.

'

'

Stock option expiration term upon expiration of employment or service

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'10 years

'

'7 years

'10 years

Total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised

'

900,000

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option related expense

'

600,000

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock expense

'

200,000

'

200,000

'

200,000

'

'

'

100,000

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance period start year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2014

'2013

'2012

'2011

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance period end year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2016

'2015

'2014

'2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance Shares, time period

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance share awards, estimated vesting percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

200.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

122,053

137,066

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expense recognized related to Performance Shares

'

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of performance shares for grants awarded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

900,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock authorized, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual compensation withheld

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual compensation withheld, maximum limit

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock compensation expenses recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stock units awarded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,834

24,834

9,349

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stock units forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,417

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of deferred stock units issued value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

219,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expenses

'

$1,649,000

$846,000

$2,462,000

$1,238,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$200,000

'

'

'

'

$300,000

$400,000

$100,000

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The RSU awards were modified in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to vest pro-rata over a 12-month service period.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockbased_Compensation_Assump

Stock-based Compensation - Assumptions Used in Stock Option Plans (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rates	1.20%	0.70%	1.20%	0.60%
Expected life (years)	'4 years 1 month 6 days	'4 years 9 months 18 days	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'4 years 9 months 18 days
Expected volatility	37.10%	49.10%	44.50%	49.20%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockbased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Fair Value at the Date of Grant (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fiscal 2012 - 2014 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Minimum Shares	12,499
Target Shares	62,497
Maximum Shares	124,994
Fiscal 2013 - 2015 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Minimum Shares	8,551
Target Shares	42,753
Maximum Shares	85,506
Fiscal 2014 - 2016 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Minimum Shares	7,861
Target Shares	39,303
Maximum Shares	78,606

Restructuring_Charges_Addition

Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$0	$0	$0	$0	'
Percentage of eliminated work force	'	'	'	'	6.00%
Pre-Tax Restructuring Charges	'	'	'	'	$0.50

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct

Restructuring Charges - Restructuring Accrual Activities (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	$416
Cash payments	-414
Ending Balance	2
Employee Severance and Benefits [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	399
Cash payments	-399
Ending Balance	'
Facility-Related Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	17
Cash payments	-15
Ending Balance	$2

Revolving_Credit_Facility_Addi

Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 04, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility initiation date	4-Nov-13	'
Revolving credit facility amount	$20,000,000	'
Credit facility fee percentage	0.20%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period	'3 years	'
Debt Outstanding	'	$0
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility interest rate	1.38%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility interest rate	2.00%	'

Income_Per_Share_Data_Componen

Income Per Share Data - Components of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share Computation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$2,459	$3,420	$6,089	$7,668
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	13,538	14,622	13,658	14,639
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, non-vested restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares	286	292	267	232
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	13,824	14,914	13,925	14,871

Income_Per_Share_Data_Addition

Income Per Share Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding excluded outstanding stock options	200,000	300,000	400,000	500,000
Common stock repurchased, Shares	'	'	485,577	'
Common stock repurchased	'	'	$11.50	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax provisions associated with income from continuing operations	$1,212,000	$918,000	$2,678,000	$2,794,000	'
Effective tax rates	33.00%	21.20%	30.50%	26.70%	'
U.S. federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'
Permanent tax and discrete tax benefits	100,000	400,000	200,000	600,000	'
Federal R&D tax credits	'	400,000	'	400,000	'
Income tax expense from discontinued operations	0	300,000	0	300,000	'
Effective tax rate applied to discontinued operations	'	32.80%	'	32.80%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties	900,000	'	900,000	'	1,000,000
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next 12 months	$0	'	$0	'	'

Amounts_Reclassified_Out_of_Ac1

Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Detail) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Pre-Tax [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Pre-Tax [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI pre-tax basis	$0.10	$0.30	$0.10	$0.30

Operating_Segments_Additional_

Operating Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	2

Operating_Segments_Segment_Rev

Operating Segments - Segment Revenue, Operating Income and Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$13,604	$13,695	$27,487	$27,546
Operating income	3,480	4,129	7,809	9,006
Depreciation and amortization	684	724	1,380	1,446
Medical Device [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	287	311	581	628
In Vitro Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	213	218	427	433
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	5,915	6,052	11,913	12,643
Operating Segments [Member] | Medical Device [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	10,482	9,735	21,031	20,266
Operating income	5,282	4,785	10,610	10,625
Operating Segments [Member] | In Vitro Diagnostics [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	3,122	3,960	6,456	7,280
Operating income	633	1,267	1,303	2,018
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	-2,435	-1,923	-4,104	-3,637
Depreciation and amortization	$184	$195	$372	$385

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended					12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)		Patents [Member]	SRI Litigation [Member]	SRI Litigation [Member]	Prior to Fiscal 2013 [Member]
							Inventor	USD ($)	USD ($)
							Plaintiff
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Litigation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$100,000	'
Number of inventors on patent royalty claim	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Number of plaintiffs	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Unreimbursed legal expenses	1,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment received on unreimbursed legal expenses	'	1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Legal expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	600,000
Reimbursement of legal fee, Percentage	'	'	'	'	75.00%	'	'	'	'
Additional shares of common stock to stockholders	'	'	480,059	480,059	'	'	'	'	'
License agreement commencement date	'	'	'2006-03	'2006-03	'	'	'	'	'
Annual minimum payments for licenses	'	'	275,000	200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Exchange rate relating to license payment	'	'	$1.38	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments associated with license	'	'	3,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Patent expiry date	'	'	'	'	'	'2027-09	'	'	'
Additional maximum amount payable on successful achievement of specified milestones to sellers of PR Pharma	'	'	2,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Indemnification period	'	'	'5 years	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'
Accrual for contingency	'	'	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'