Note 6. Property And Equipment (Detail) - Property And Equipment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011
Land	$ 301	$ 67
Buildings and improvements	2,304	3,073
Leasehold improvements	16,154	17,757
Capital work-in-progress	4,131	6,754
Furniture and fixtures	1,966	3,992
Machinery and equipment	35,739	34,826
	76,381	120,872
Less accumulated depreciation	(11,719)	(62,656)
Property, plant and equipment – net	64,662	58,216
Instruments at Customer Sites [Member]
Machinery and equipment	$ 15,786	$ 54,403