Net gain on sale of vascular operations (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Vascular operation
Sale of non-core operations
Cash proceeds, net of litigation		$ (24,215,000)	$ 24,215,000
Transaction related expenses			2,253,000
Inventory and property, plant and equipment			2,369,000
Goodwill and intangible assets			7,574,000
Net gain on sale of vascular operation	12,019,000	12,019,000	12,019,000
Income tax expense			(3,498,000)
Net gain on sale of vascular operation, net of taxes			8,521,000
Settlement of litigation claim by former patent holders			$ 3,500,000