Segment Revenue, Operating Income from Continuing Operations and Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 13,695	$ 12,210	$ 27,546	$ 24,126
Operating income from continuing operations	4,129	3,689	9,006	6,911
Depreciation and amortization	724	731	1,446	1,480
Medical Device
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	9,735	8,753	20,266	17,620
Operating income from continuing operations	4,785	4,121	10,625	8,053
Depreciation and amortization	311	354	628	718
In Vitro Diagnostics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	3,960	3,457	7,280	6,506
Operating income from continuing operations	1,267	1,271	2,018	2,177
Depreciation and amortization	218	194	433	389
Segment operating income
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations	6,052	5,392	12,643	10,230
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income from continuing operations	(1,923)	(1,703)	(3,637)	(3,319)
Depreciation and amortization	$ 195	$ 183	$ 385	$ 373