Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Feb. 28, 2013	Apr. 01, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ANGIODYNAMICS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001275187
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Feb. 28, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--05-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		35,049,514

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 81,571	$ 51,567	$ 251,994	$ 164,097
Cost of sales	40,370	22,153	127,247	69,307
Gross profit	41,201	29,414	124,747	94,790
Operating expenses
Research and development	5,793	4,574	19,881	15,289
Sales and marketing	18,520	15,802	55,734	47,958
General and administrative	6,046	4,434	19,854	13,371
Amortization of intangibles	4,314	2,320	11,961	6,914
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	630		827
Acquisition, restructuring and other items, net	5,157	5,041	9,943	7,372
Medical device excise tax	683		683
Total operating expenses	41,143	32,171	118,883	90,904
Operating income (loss)	58	(2,757)	5,864	3,886
Other income (expenses)
Interest income		305	103	800
Interest expense	(1,271)	(102)	(3,986)	(329)
Other expense	(608)	(326)	(1,824)	(1,565)
Total other income (expenses)	(1,879)	(123)	(5,707)	(1,094)
(Loss) income before income tax (benefit) provision	(1,821)	(2,880)	157	2,792
Income tax (benefit) provision	(829)	(1,112)	(99)	858
Net (loss) income	$ (992)	$ (1,768)	$ 256	$ 1,934
(Loss) earnings per share
Basic	$ (0.03)	$ (0.07)	$ 0.01	$ 0.08
Diluted	$ (0.03)	$ (0.07)	$ 0.01	$ 0.08
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	34,834	25,129	34,787	25,114
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	34,834	25,129	35,315	25,289

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (992)	$ (1,768)	$ 256	$ 1,934
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities		203	184	(73)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap	187	(3)	(871)	(60)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(157)	15	(34)	(98)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	30	215	(721)	(231)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(69)	(74)	254	49
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(39)	141	(467)	(182)
Total comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$ (1,031)	$ (1,627)	$ (211)	$ 1,752

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,625	$ 23,508
Escrow receivable		2,500
Marketable securities, at fair value	2,154	14,070
Total cash, cash equivalents, escrow receivable and marketable securities	18,779	40,078
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $963 and $933, respectively	45,110	48,588
Inventories	61,973	55,823
Deferred income taxes	6,754	4,923
Prepaid expenses and other	13,824	9,826
Total current assets	146,440	159,238
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT-AT COST, less accumulated depreciation	61,187	55,915
OTHER ASSETS	5,123	10,707
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, less accumulated amortization	219,238	147,266
GOODWILL	356,692	308,912
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, long term	7,268	39,198
PREPAID ROYALTIES	523	533
TOTAL ASSETS	796,471	721,769
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	23,664	29,200
Accrued liabilities	20,576	18,722
Current portion of long-term debt	7,500	7,500
Current portion of contingent consideration	9,121
Other current liabilities	5,969
Total current liabilities	66,830	55,422
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion	136,875	142,500
Contingent consideration, net of current portion	65,173
Other long term liabilities	236	327
Total liabilities	269,114	198,249
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 45,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 35,041,406 and 34,826,531 shares at February 28, 2013 and May 31, 2012, respectively	350	348
Additional paid-in capital	500,421	496,375
Retained earnings	30,431	30,175
Treasury stock, 142,305 shares, at cost	(2,104)	(2,104)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,741)	(1,274)
Total stockholders' equity	527,357	523,520
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 796,471	$ 721,769

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 963	$ 933
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	45,000,000	45,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	35,041,406	34,826,531
Common stock, shares outstanding	35,041,406	34,826,531
Treasury stock, shares	142,305	142,305

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 256	$ 1,934
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	18,571	9,461
Stock based compensation	3,372	2,998
Deferred income taxes	3,419	(247)
Amortization of acquired inventory basis step-up	3,845
Loss on discontinuance of product offering	1,576
Gain on sale of assets	(801)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	827
Tax effect on exercise of stock options and issuance of performance shares	(422)	(237)
Change in accounts receivable allowances	30	46
Other	119	277
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	3,927	372
Inventories	(9,468)	(277)
Prepaid expenses and other	398	(5,282)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(10,134)	3,457
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,515	12,502
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(7,708)	(1,879)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(24,624)
Other cash flows from investing activities	801	1,000
Acquisition of intangible and other assets	(650)	(500)
Collection of escrow receivable	2,500
Purchases of marketable securities	(5,134)	(118,323)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of marketable securities	16,989	94,262
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,826)	(25,440)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt	(5,625)	(205)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	1,096	3,312
Repurchase of shares		(2,104)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(4,529)	1,003
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(43)	(2)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6,883)	(11,937)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	23,508	45,984
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	16,625	34,047
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Contractual obligations for acquisition of fixed assets	1,878
Contractual obligations for acquisition of intangibles and business	$ 78,286

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Treasury Stock
Beginning Balance at May. 31, 2012	$ 523,520	$ 348	$ 496,375	$ 30,175	$ (1,274)	$ (2,104)
Beginning Balance, Shares at May. 31, 2012		34,826,531				(142,305)
Net income	256			256
Exercise of stock options	(113)		(113)
Exercise of stock options, Shares		300
Tax impact of stock option activity	(422)		(422)
Purchase of common stock under ESPP	1,211	2	1,209
Purchase of common stock under ESPP, Shares		123,556
Issuance of performance shares, Shares		91,019
Stock based compensation	3,372		3,372
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(467)				(467)
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2013	$ 527,357	$ 350	$ 500,421	$ 30,431	$ (1,741)	$ (2,104)
Ending Balance, Shares at Feb. 28, 2013		35,041,406				(142,305)

Consolidated Financial Statements

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2013

Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2013, the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended February 28, 2013 and the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012 have been prepared by us without audit. The consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2012 was derived from audited consolidated financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial position, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the period ended February 28, 2013 (and for all periods presented) have been made.

Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012, filed by us on August 14, 2012. Our most significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements included in the aforementioned Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2012. The results of operations in the fiscal periods ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the respective full fiscal years.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012 include the accounts of AngioDynamics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, RITA Medical Systems, LLC, AngioDynamics UK Limited, AngioDynamics Netherlands B.V., NM Holding Company, Inc. (Navilyst) since May 22, 2012 and Vortex Medical, Inc. since October 15, 2012, (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Effective June 1, 2012, we consider our business to be a single segment entity – the development, manufacture and sale on a global basis of medical devices for vascular access, surgery, peripheral vascular disease and oncology. Our chief operating decision maker (CEO) evaluates the various global product portfolios on a net sales basis. Executives reporting in to the CEO include those responsible for operations and supply chain management, research and development, sales, franchise marketing and certain corporate functions. The CEO evaluates profitability, investment and cash flow metrics on a consolidated worldwide basis due to shared infrastructure and resources. Prior to fiscal year 2013, our business was organized as two segments: Vascular and Oncology/Surgery, each under the direction of a general manager with direct responsibility for all sales, marketing and product development activities.

We have performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Acquisition of Microsulis Medical Ltd.

On March 22, 2012, we established a strategic relationship with Microsulis Medical Ltd. (“Microsulis”), a U.K.-based company specializing in minimally-invasive, microwave ablation technology for the coagulation of soft tissue.

The relationship included an initial $5 million investment in Microsulis through the purchase of senior preferred stock, representing a 14.3% ownership position, exclusive distribution rights to market and sell their microwave ablation systems in all markets outside the United States from May 2012 through December 2013, and an exclusive option to purchase at any time until September 22, 2013, substantially all of the global assets of Microsulis Medical, Ltd.

On February 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Microsulis, which we have accounted for as a business combination, for cash payments at closing totaling $10.0 million, which is subject to a working capital adjustment, a $5.0 million payment due on December 31, 2013 and potential additional cash consideration payable upon performance over the next nine years. We also assumed $1.6 million of liabilities.

The total estimated purchase consideration of $33.6 million includes the initial investment of $5.0 million, closing payments totaling $10.5 million, a $5.0 million payment due on December 31, 2013 and the estimated fair value of contingent consideration (Earn out) of $13.2 million. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration is based on projected net sales over the nine year period following the closing. The amount of the Earn out consideration that could be paid on net sales is not limited.

The estimated purchase consideration exceeds the fair value of the acquired net assets by $20.0 million and was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Core technologies are being amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 15 years. We incurred acquisition related costs of $33 thousand, which were expensed to “Acquisition, restructuring and other items, net” in the statement of income. We have not finalized the purchase accounting, which may be adjusted as further information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available. See Note B for additional information.

Acquisition of Vortex Medical Inc.

On October 15, 2012, we acquired all the outstanding capital stock of Vortex Medical, Inc., a privately-held company focused on the development and commercialization of medical devices for venous drainage and the removal of thrombus, or blood clots, from occluded blood vessels. Vortex’s principal product is the AngioVac ^® system, which includes the AngioVac Cannula and Circuit. The AngioVac Cannula has a proprietary balloon-actuated, expandable, funnel-shaped distal tip that enhances flow, prevents clogging of the cannula and facilitates en bloc, or whole removal of undesirable intravascular material. Both the AngioVac Cannula and Circuit are FDA-cleared for use during extracorporeal bypass for up to 6 hours. An application for CE Mark approval has been filed.

The total estimated purchase consideration of $75.3 million included an upfront payment of $15.1 million and the estimated fair value of contingent (Earn out) consideration of $60.3 million. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration is based on projected Angio Vac net sales in the ten year period following the closing. The amount of the Earn out consideration that could be paid on Angio Vac net sales is not limited.

The estimated purchase consideration exceeded the fair value of the acquired net assets by $29.6 million and was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Core technologies are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of approximately 15 years as revenues are earned from the sales of related products. We incurred acquisition related costs of $565 thousand, which were expensed to “Acquisition, restructuring and other items, net” in the statement of income. We have not finalized the purchase accounting, which may be adjusted as further information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available. See Note B for additional information.

Regulatory Matters

On May 27, 2011, we received a Warning Letter from FDA in connection with its inspection of our Queensbury, NY manufacturing facility. In the Warning Letter, FDA cited deficiencies in the response letter we provided FDA pertaining to the inspection that occurred from January 4 to January 13, 2011. The deficiencies related to our internal procedures for medical device reporting, corrections and removals and complaint handling. We responded to the Warning Letter and completed corrective and preventive actions to address the observations noted.

In December 2011, we initiated a comprehensive Quality Call to Action Program to review and augment our Quality Management Systems at our Queensbury facility. To accelerate implementation of the program, we engaged a team of external regulatory and quality experts and reallocated a significant number of engineering and product development resources to support this corporate initiative. From inception of the Quality Call to Action Program through the third fiscal quarter of 2013, we have incurred $3.2 million in direct costs associated with the program.

On February 10, 2012, we received from FDA a Form 483, List of Investigational Observations, in connection with its inspection of our Queensbury facility from November 14, 2011 to February 10, 2012. The Form 483 contained 12 observations related to, among other things, our CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) system, MDR (Medical Device Reporting), complaint investigation, corrections and removals, acceptance criteria and training. Some of the observations contained in the Form 483 were repeat observations from the May 27, 2011 Warning Letter.

On February 13, 2012, we received from FDA a Form 483 in connection with its inspection of our Fremont facility from January 12, 2012 to February 13, 2012. The Form 483 contained six observations related to, among other things, our CAPA system, design controls, risk management and training. We provided responses to FDA within 15 business days of our receipt of the Form 483s.

On September 24, 2012, we received from FDA a Form 483 in connection with its subsequent inspection of our Queensbury, NY facility from September 6 to September 14, and September 19 to September 24. This re-inspection followed our response to the original Form 483 issued by FDA on February 13, 2012. The Form 483 contained 5 observations related to 510(k) decisions, complaint investigations, acceptance criteria, corrective and preventive actions and training. All but one of the observations in the Form 483 related to events that occurred before the date that we had indicated to FDA in our previous responses that our corrective and remediation activities related to our Quality Call to Action would be completed. We provided responses to FDA within 15 business days of our receipt of the Form 483.

On November 28, 2012, FDA completed an inspection of our Manchester, GA facility and no Form 483 observations were issued.

In May 2011, we submitted to FDA an application for an Investigational Device Exemption for a clinical trial to study the use of NanoKnife in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In June 2012, we submitted an amendment to our application to address matters raised by FDA in the course of their review of the application and to propose an expanded and enhanced controlled, randomized trial protocol. In August 2012, we received a disapproval letter from FDA requesting additional information and certain protocol changes. We intend to continue to work with FDA to address the matters raised in the August letter.

We will continue to work closely with FDA to resolve any outstanding issues. Unless the items raised in the previously disclosed Warning Letters and Form 483s are corrected to FDA’s satisfaction or we come to some other arrangement with FDA finally resolving such matters, we may be subject to additional regulatory or legal action, including the issuance of warning letters, injunction, seizure or recall of products, imposition of fines or penalties or operating restrictions on our facilities. Such actions could significantly disrupt our ongoing business and operations and have a material adverse impact on our financial position and operating results.

Expiration of our Distribution Agreement Amendment for LC Bead

The Supply and Distribution Agreement with Biocompatibles UK Limited, which granted us exclusive distribution rights to LC Beads in the United States, expired on December 31, 2011. LC Bead sales were $4.2 million and $21.3 million in the three and nine months ending February 29, 2012, respectively.

Acquisition, restructuring and other items, net

Navilyst Acquisition Costs

Closure of UK facility

During the first fiscal quarter of 2012, we made the decision to close our Cambridge, UK facility and transfer the production of lasers to our Queensbury, NY facility. We completed the transfer in January 2013. The total cost of this project was approximately $3.3 million. The income statements for the three month periods ending February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012 include charges of $920 thousand and $368 thousand, respectively, for costs incurred associated with this closure. The income statements for the nine month periods ending February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012 include charges of $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for costs incurred associated with this closure. The charge is included in “Acquisition, restructuring and other items, net” in the income statement.

Discontinuance of Benephit Product Offering

During the third fiscal quarter of 2013, we made the decision to discontinue our Benephit product offering. Accordingly, we recorded $1.6 million of expenses during the quarter, consisting of $1.4 million of intangible asset impairment and $0.2 million for inventory obsolescence. These costs are included in “Acquisition, restructuring and other items, net” in the statement of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	Feb. 28, 2013
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Comprehensive income	In June 2011 and December 2011, the FASB updated the disclosure requirements for comprehensive income. The updated guidance requires companies to disclose the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. The updated guidance is effective annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal year 2013). We have provided the disclosure in a separate statement herein. The adoption of this guidance had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill impairment	In September 2011, the FASB updated the accounting guidance related to testing goodwill for impairment. This update permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value before applying the two-step goodwill impairment model that is currently in place. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit’s fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the quantitative assessment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. This update is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (our fiscal year 2013) however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment	In July 2012, the FASB updated the accounting guidance related to testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This update permits an entity to first make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. The more-likely-than—not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50%. This update is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 (our fiscal year 2014) however early adoption is permitted, provided that the entity has not yet performed its annual impairment test or issued its financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Offsetting assets and liabilities	In December 2011 and January 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to disclosures on offsetting assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The newly issued accounting standard requires an entity to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions executed under a master netting, or similar, arrangement and was issued to enable users of financial statements to understand the effects or potential effects of those arrangements on its financial position. This guidance is required to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 (our fiscal year 2014). Since the guidance only impacts disclosure requirements, its adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income	In February 2013, the FASB expanded the disclosure requirements related to changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). The new guidance requires disclosure of the amount of income (or loss) reclassified out of AOCI to each respective line item on the statement of income where net income is presented. The guidance allows disclosure of the reclassification either in the notes to the financial statements or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements. This requirement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 (fourth quarter of our fiscal year 2013). Since the guidance only impacts disclosure requirements, its adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 28, 2012 Observations	Oct. 15, 2012 Hour	Sep. 24, 2012 Observations	Feb. 13, 2012 Observations	Feb. 10, 2012 Observations	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013 ReportingUnit	Feb. 29, 2012	May 31, 2012 ReportingUnit	Feb. 28, 2013 Core Technologies [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Vortex Medical [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]	Feb. 01, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]	Mar. 22, 2012 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member] Maximum [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member] Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in company													$ 5,000,000
Ownership Percentage													14.30%
Up front payment												15,105,000	10,566,000	10,000,000
Working capital adjustments													5,000,000	5,000,000
Acquisition payment due date														Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities assumed												661,000	1,634,000	1,600,000
Total estimated purchase consideration												75,292,000	33,550,000
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price payable													5,000,000	5,000,000
Contingent consideration												60,302,000	13,164,000
Goodwill												29,630,000	19,955,000
Amortized estimated useful lives											15 years					15 years	10 years
Acquisition of related cost								33,000				565,000	667,000
Fair value of the acquired net assets												29,630,000	19,955,000
Consolidated Financial Statements (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments								1		2
Time for extracorporeal bypass
Period for estimating contingent consideration								10 years
Costs for quality call to action program								3,200,000
Number of observations	0		5	6	12
Number of business days to provide response to FDA								15 days
LC Bead sales							4,200,000		21,300,000
Transaction and severance costs related to acquisition						1,300,000		5,200,000
Estimated cost of project								3,300,000
Costs incurred associated with closure of facility						920,000	368,000	1,500,000	1,300,000
Ownership percentage in investment															14.30%
Investment in company													5,000,000
Product offering discontinunance expense								1,600,000
Intangible assets impairment								1,400,000
Inventory obsolescence								$ 200,000

Acquisitions (Details) (Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 01, 2013
Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]
Summary of estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Accounts receivable	$ 364
Inventories	687
Other assets	443
Fixed assets	1,906
Intangibles	12,500
Goodwill	19,955
Total assets acquired	35,855
Deferred tax liabilities	(671)
Liabilities assumed	(1,634)	(1,600)
Total purchase price	33,550
Cash payment at closing	10,566	10,000
Cash payment for initial investment	5,000
Present value of deferred payment	4,820
Present value of contingent consideration liability	13,164
Total purchase price	$ 33,550

Acquisitions (Details 1) (Vortex Medical [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013
Vortex Medical [Member]
Summary of estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 339
Accounts receivable	203
Inventories	488
Other assets	7
Deferred tax assets	1,307
Intangibles	72,430
Goodwill	29,630
Total assets acquired	104,404
Deferred tax liabilities	(28,451)
Liabilities assumed	(661)
Total purchase price	75,292
Cash payment at closing	15,105
Present value of contingent consideration liability	60,302
Working capital adjustment	(115)
Total purchase price	$ 75,292

Acquisitions (Details 2) (Navilyst [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 22, 2012
Navilyst [Member]
Summary of estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,683
Accounts receivable	19,069
Inventories	26,851
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,504
Property, plant and equipment	34,017
Deferred tax assets	33,774
Goodwill	145,157	145,200
Intangibles	107,100	107,100
Other long-term assets	497
Total assets acquired	379,652
Liabilities assumed	(18,287)
Total net assets acquired	$ 361,365

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	May 22, 2012	May 31, 2012	May 22, 2012 Trademark-NAMIC [Member]	May 22, 2012 Biomedical Polymer Additive [Member]	May 22, 2012 Power Injectable Port [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Customer relationships [Member]	May 31, 2012 Customer relationships [Member]	May 22, 2012 Customer relationships [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Trademarks [Member]	May 31, 2012 Trademarks [Member]	May 22, 2012 Trademarks [Member]	May 22, 2012 In-process R&D acquired [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Technology [Member]	May 22, 2012 Technology [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Navilyst [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Navilyst [Member]	May 22, 2012 Navilyst [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Avista Capital Partners [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Vortex Medical [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]	Feb. 01, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]	Mar. 22, 2012 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member] Maximum [Member]	Feb. 28, 2013 Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member] Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of annual net sales, first limit																							10.00%
Annual net sales, first limit																							$ 150,000,000
Percentage of annual net sales, second limit																							12.50%
Annual net sales																							500,000,000
Percentage of annual net sales, third limit																							15.00%
Annual net sales, second limit																							150,000,000
Annual net sales, third limit																							500,000,000
Guaranteed minimum payments payable first anniversary																							8,350,000
Guaranteed minimum payments payable second anniversary																							8,000,000
Guaranteed minimum payments payable third anniversary																							8,000,000
Guaranteed minimum payments payable fourth anniversary																							8,000,000
Guaranteed minimum payments payable fifth anniversary																							7,650,000
Present value of contingent consideration liability																							60,302,000	13,164,000
Weighted average useful life								15 years			7 years				6 years												15 years	10 years
Increase in estimated purchase consideration																			145,157,000	145,157,000	145,200,000		29,630,000	19,955,000
Acquisition of related cost		33,000																					565,000	667,000
Issuance of common stock																						9,500,000
Senior secured term loan facility	150,000,000	150,000,000																			150,000,000
Closing price of stock																					$ 12.44
Total purchase price																					361,000,000		75,292,000	33,550,000
Common stock, outstanding shares, percentage																						27.00%
Acquired finite lived intangible assets										49,400,000			3,900,000			10,100,000
Intangible assets other than goodwill													32,500,000						107,100,000	107,100,000	107,100,000		72,430,000	12,500,000
Acquired intangible asset					28,600,000	12,100,000	3,000,000							15,100,000
Up front payment																					97,000,000		15,105,000	10,566,000	10,000,000
Investment in company																								5,000,000
Ownership percentage in investment																										14.30%
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price payable																								5,000,000	5,000,000
Additional cash consideration payable period																								9 years
Liabilities assumed																			18,287,000	18,287,000			661,000	1,634,000	1,600,000
Weighted average useful life								14 years 9 months 18 days	11 years 8 months 12 days		9 years 10 months 24 days	7 years 3 months 18 days					20 years	3 years		10 years			15 years				15 years
Cash payment for initial investment																								5,000,000
Transaction and severance costs related to acquisition	1,300,000	5,200,000																	1,300,000	5,200,000
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Purchase consideration placed in escrow			19,100,000
Purchase consideration placed in escrow in cash			14,000,000
Purchase consideration placed in escrow as common stock			415,000
Escrow receivable				2,500,000
Adjustment to purchase price period			1 year
Cash from escrow fund	$ 2,500,000

Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 20,711	$ 18,984
Work in process	10,773	9,504
Finished goods	30,489	27,335
Inventories	$ 61,973	$ 55,823

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Goodwill by segment
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 308,912
Adjustments to Navilyst purchase price	(1,805)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	356,692
Vortex Medical [Member]
Goodwill by segment
Acquisition	29,630
Microsulis Medical Ltd [Member]
Goodwill by segment
Acquisition	$ 19,955

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
Schedule of Intangible assets
Gross carrying value	$ 276,749	$ 193,254
Accumulated amortization	(57,511)	(45,988)
Net carrying value	219,238	147,266
Customer relationships [Member]
Schedule of Intangible assets
Gross carrying value	84,492	82,205
Accumulated amortization	(28,466)	(22,123)
Net carrying value	56,026	60,082
Weighted average useful life	14 years 9 months 18 days	11 years 8 months 12 days
Product technologies [Member]
Schedule of Intangible assets
Gross carrying value	147,180	55,540
Accumulated amortization	(22,988)	(18,839)
Net carrying value	124,192	36,701
Weighted average useful life	10 years 9 months 18 days	11 years 3 months 18 days
Licenses [Member]
Schedule of Intangible assets
Gross carrying value	6,302	6,152
Accumulated amortization	(4,298)	(3,711)
Net carrying value	2,004	2,441
Weighted average useful life	9 years	9 years 1 month 6 days
Trademarks [Member]
Schedule of Intangible assets
Gross carrying value	6,275	4,575
Accumulated amortization	(859)	(375)
Net carrying value	5,416	4,200
Weighted average useful life	9 years 10 months 24 days	7 years 3 months 18 days
Distributor relationships [Member]
Schedule of Intangible assets
Gross carrying value	900	1,140
Accumulated amortization	(900)	(940)
Net carrying value	0	200
Weighted average useful life	3 years	2 years 7 months 6 days
In-process R&D acquired [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	3,000	15,042
Net carrying value	3,000	15,042
Trademark-NAMIC [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	28,600	28,600
Net carrying value	$ 28,600	$ 28,600

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013 Segment ReportingUnit	May 31, 2012 ReportingUnit
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Terminal value of the reporting unit	6.0
Discount rate used in fair value calculation	13.50%
Number of reportable unit	1	2
Number of operating segment	1
Percentage of fair value, carrying value	5.00%
Estimated control premium used in fair value calculation	60.00%
Goodwill impairment	$ 0
Reduction in carrying value of goodwill	1,800,000
Change in carrying value of goodwill due to settlement	858,000
Deferred tax assets increase decrease	$ 947,000
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimates useful life of intangible assets other than goodwill	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimates useful life of intangible assets other than goodwill	3 years

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
Accrued liabilities
Payroll and related expenses	$ 6,858	$ 5,674
Deferred revenue	3,695	3,138
Accrued severance	2,164	2,087
Royalties	1,738	2,258
Sales and franchise taxes	960	1,092
Interest rate swap liability	873
Other	4,288	4,473
Total	$ 20,576	$ 18,722

Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior secured term loan facility	$ 150
Senior secured revolving credit facility	50
Bank credit agreement maturity period	5 Years
Percentage of quarterly repayment of term facility year one	5.00%
Percentage of quarterly repayment of term facility year two	5.00%
Percentage of quarterly repayment of term facility year three	15.00%
Percentage of quarterly repayment of term facility year four	25.00%
Percentage of quarterly repayment of term facility year five	50.00%
Percentage of increase in interest	2.00%
Net deferred financing costs	2.1
Notional amount of interest rate swap agreement	$ 100
Fixed interest rate payments	0.74%
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of increases leverage ratio base rate, minimum	2.00%
Percentage of increases leverage ratio base rate, maximum	2.75%
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of increases leverage ratio base rate, minimum	1.00%
Percentage of increases leverage ratio base rate, maximum	1.75%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of increase commitment fee	0.50%
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of increase commitment fee	0.30%

Income Taxes (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual)	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	70.30%	37.50%	70.30%	37.50%

Fair Value (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 114	$ 4,762
Marketable securities	2,154	14,070
Total Financial Assets	2,268	18,832
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	75,167
Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	873
Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	74,294
Corporate bond securities [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities	304	6,371
U.S. government agency obligations [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities	1,850	7,699
Money market funds [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	114	4,762
Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	114	4,762
Total Financial Assets	114	4,762
Level 1 [Member] \| Money market funds [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	114	4,762
Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities	304	12,220
Total Financial Assets	304	12,220
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	873
Level 2 [Member] \| Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	873
Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate bond securities [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities	304	6,371
Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. government agency obligations [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities		5,849
Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities	1,850	1,850
Total Financial Assets	1,850	1,850
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	74,294
Level 3 [Member] \| Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Total Financial Liabilities	74,294
Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. government agency obligations [Member]
Financial Assets
Marketable securities	$ 1,850	$ 1,850

Fair Value (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
Balance, May 31, 2012	$ 1,850
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings
Included in other comprehensive income
Purchases, issuances and settlements
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
Contingent liability for acquisition earn out	74,294
Balance, February 28, 2013	$ 76,144

Fair Value (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Summary showing the recurring fair value measurements of the contingent consideration liability
Revenue based payments	$ 74,294
Level 3 [Member] \| Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Summary showing the recurring fair value measurements of the contingent consideration liability
Revenue based payments	$ 74,300
Discount rate	4.00%
Level 3 [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Summary showing the recurring fair value measurements of the contingent consideration liability
Probability of payment	100.00%
Projected fiscal year of payment	2022
Level 3 [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Summary showing the recurring fair value measurements of the contingent consideration liability
Probability of payment	75.00%
Projected fiscal year of payment	2013

Fair Value (Details 3) (Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member], Vortex Medical [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013
Contingent Consideration Earn Out Liability [Member] \| Vortex Medical [Member]
Summary showing reconciliation of the contingent payments
Balance, May 31, 2012
Purchase price contingent consideration	73,500
Contingent payments
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	800
Balance, February 28, 2013	$ 74,300

Fair Value (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013
Fair Value (Textual) [Abstract]
Potential amount of undiscounted future contingent consideration	$ 93
Fair value of contingent milestone payments, long term portion	65.2
Fair value of contingent milestone payments, current portion	$ 9.1

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	May 31, 2012
Marketable securities
Amortized cost	$ 2,153	$ 14,255
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	15
Gross Unrealized Losses		(200)
Fair Value	2,154	14,070
U.S. government agency obligations [Member]
Marketable securities
Amortized cost	1,850	7,739
Gross Unrealized Gains		5
Gross Unrealized Losses		(45)
Fair Value	1,850	7,699
Corporate bond securities [Member]
Marketable securities
Amortized cost	303	6,516
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	10
Gross Unrealized Losses		(155)
Fair Value	$ 304	$ 6,371

Marketable Securities (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013 Investment	May 31, 2012 Investment
Marketable securities (Textual) [Abstract]
Investments in auction rate securities that failed auctions	$ 1.85	$ 1.85
Number of investments	2	2

Litigation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 08, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013 Lawsuit
Litigation (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of lawsuits against biolitec previously settled for which seeking defense and indemnification		2
Partial judgment granted	$ 23.2
Number of patent claims rejected		40 of 41 patent
Cardinal Health [Member]
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters
Number of employees in related litigation		3