Note 2 - Business Combinations (Details) - Summarized Results of Operations (LIFECODES [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
LIFECODES [Member]
Note 2 - Business Combinations (Details) - Summarized Results of Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 100,203	$ 93,510	$ 196,247	$ 189,762
Net loss	$ (787)	$ (10,416)	$ (8,547)	$ (22,022)

The pro forma net Income or Loss for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration