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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 08, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document period end date	Dec. 31, 2011
Amendment flag	false
Document Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Current fiscal year end date	--12-11
Entity central index key	0001123494
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity filer category	Accelerated Filer
Entity registrant name	HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity well known seasoned issuer	No
Entity common stock shares outstanding		28,752,670
Entity public float			$ 131,065,905
Non Affiliate Share Holding			24,590,226

Statement of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 17,916	$ 19,704
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $302 and $273, respectively	15,078	15,440
Inventories	18,160	15,832
Deferred income tax assets - current	3,908	5,441
Other receivables and other assets	2,501	2,149
Total current assets	57,563	58,566
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,086	3,146
Deferred income tax assets - non-current	7,925	6,125
Amortizable intangible assets, net	22,367	21,908
Goodwill	34,209	33,416
Other indefinite lived intangible assets	1,269	1,276
Other assets	215	360
Total assets	126,634	124,797
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,959	4,925
Deferred revenue	483	451
Accrued income taxes	251	578
Accrued expenses	3,323	4,693
Other liabilities - current	543	649
Total current liabilities	9,559	11,296
Long-term debt, less current installments	16,300	18,009
Deferred income tax liabilities - non-current	369	954
Other long term liabilities	4,907	4,290
Total liabilities	31,135	34,549
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders Equity Abstract
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 36,289,170 and 36,057,974 shares issued and 28,543,663 and 28,312,467 shares outstanding, respectively	362	361
Additional paid-in-capital	191,157	187,893
Accumulated deficit	(79,630)	(83,442)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,722)	(3,896)
Treasury stock at cost, 7,745,507 common shares	(10,668)	(10,668)
Total stockholders' equity	95,499	90,248
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 126,634	$ 124,797

Statement of Financial Position (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 302	$ 273
Preferred Stock Par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock - Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock- Shares Authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock- Shares Issued	36,289,170	36,057,974
Common Stock- Shares Outstanding	28,543,663	28,312,467
Treasury Stock common shares	7,745,507	7,745,507

Statement of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues	$ 108,864	$ 108,179	$ 85,772
Cost of product revenues	58,604	56,372	44,089
Gross profit	50,260	51,807	41,683
Sales and marketing expenses	17,473	16,384	11,763
General and administrative expenses	18,063	17,674	15,109
Research and development expenses	5,434	4,669	4,396
Restructuring charges	467	498	516
Amortization of intangible assets	2,746	2,364	1,844
Total operating expenses	44,183	41,589	33,628
Operating income	6,077	10,218	8,055
Other (expense) income:
Adjustment for changes in fair value of acquisition contingencies	0	429	2,600
Foreign exchange	(41)	(89)	(302)
Interest expense	(752)	(677)	(277)
Interest income	65	65	29
Other expense, net	(807)	(383)	(293)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,535)	(655)	1,757
Income before income taxes	4,542	9,563	9,812
Income tax expense (benefit)	730	(9,452)	2,673
Income from continuing operations	3,812	19,015	7,139
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	94
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	94
Net Income	$ 3,812	$ 19,015	$ 7,233
Income per share:
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ 0.13	$ 0.66	$ 0.24
Discontinued operations	0.00	0.00	0.00
Basic earnings per common share	0.13	0.66	0.24
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations	0.13	0.65	0.24
Discontinued operations	0.00	0.00	0.00
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.13	$ 0.65	$ 0.24
Weighted average common shares:
Basic	28,451	28,967	29,649
Diluted	29,819	29,405	29,946

Statement of Shareholders Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Total stockholders' equity at begining of the year, Value at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 66,718	$ 358	$ 182,073	$ (109,690)	$ (2,759)	$ (3,264)
Balance at December 31, 2008, Shares at Dec. 31, 2008	35,787
Stock option exercises during the year, Value	$ 171	1	170
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	123
Stock issued during the year, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 100	1	99
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	38
Stock compensation expense	$ 2,514		2,514
Purchases of treasury stock	(2,404)					(2,404)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income	7,233			7,233
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	(1,255)				(1,255)
Translation adjustments	2,180				2,180
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	8,158
Total stockholders' equity at year end, Value at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 75,257	360	184,856	(102,457)	(1,834)	(5,668)
Shares issued at year end, Shares at Dec. 31, 2009	35,948
Stock option exercises during the year, Value	$ 128	1	127
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	58
Stock issued during the year, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 154	0	154
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	52
Stock compensation expense	$ 2,756		2,756
Purchases of treasury stock	(5,000)					(5,000)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income	19,015			19,015
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	(5)				(5)
Translation adjustments	(2,057)				(2,057)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	16,953
Total stockholders' equity at year end, Value at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 90,248	361	187,893	(83,442)	(3,896)	(10,668)
Shares issued at year end, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	36,058
Stock option exercises during the year, Value	$ 400	1	399
Stock option exercises during the year, Shares	106
Stock issued during the year, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 167	0	167
Stock issued during the year, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	49
Restricted Stock Unit Issuance	117
Shares Withheld For Taxes	(41)
Shares Withheld For Taxes- Value	$ (165)		(165)
Stock compensation expense	2,863		2,863
Purchases of treasury stock	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income	3,812			3,812
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	(850)				(850)
Translation adjustments	(976)				(976)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,986
Total stockholders' equity at year end, Value at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 95,499	$ 362	$ 191,157	$ (79,630)	$ (5,722)	$ (10,668)
Shares issued at year end, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	36,289

Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 3,812	$ 19,015	$ 7,233
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock compensation expense	2,863	2,756	2,514
Depreciation	1,276	1,196	1,204
Gain on acquisition contingencies	0	(429)	(2,600)
(Gain) loss on sales of fixed assets	(19)	(15)	12
Non cash restructuring charge	210	79	230
Amortization of catalog costs	307	357	348
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	67	(150)	(7)
Amortization of intangible assets	2,746	2,364	1,844
Amortization of deferred financing costs	89	89	56
Deferred income taxes	(849)	(11,732)	469
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	232	(1,088)	3,233
Increase in inventories	(1,705)	(1,238)	(41)
(Increase) decrease in other receivables and other assets	(73)	123	1,102
Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable	69	56	(1,024)
(Decrease) increase in accrued income taxes	(544)	443	(338)
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses	(1,368)	386	213
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	31	23	(162)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities	(496)	58	2,223
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	6,648	12,293	16,509
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(1,506)	(844)	(1,376)
Additions to catalog costs	(252)	(418)	(164)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	25	31	4
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,465)	(7,115)	(20,764)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,198)	(8,346)	(22,300)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Repayments of short-term debt	0	0	(1,308)
Repayments of debt	(1,708)	(5,663)	(3,674)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	0	10,350	16,900
Purchases of treasury stock	0	(5,000)	(2,404)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	567	282	271
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,141)	(31)	9,785
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(97)	(800)	(1,104)
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,788)	3,116	2,890
Cash and cash equivalents at the begining of period	19,704	16,588	13,698
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	17,916	19,704	16,588
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	638	652	114
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	$ 2,234	$ 1,778	$ 1,668

Organization

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization Disclosure [Abstract]

Organization Disclosure [Text Block]

1. Organization

Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, “Harvard Bioscience,” “the Company,” “our” or “we”) is a global developer, distributor, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialized products, primarily apparatus and scientific instruments which are used to advance life science research and regenerative medicine. Our products are sold to thousands of researchers in over 100 countries primarily through our 850 page catalog (and various other specialty catalogs), our website, through distributors, including GE Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. and VWR, and via our field sales organization. We have sales and manufacturing operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Spain with sales facilities in France and Canada.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Text Block]

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harvard Bioscience, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of management estimates. Such estimates include the determination and establishment of certain accruals and provisions, including those for inventory obsolescence, catalog cost amortization periods, income tax and reserves for bad debts. In addition, certain estimates are required in order to determine the value of assets and liabilities associated with acquisitions. Estimates are also required to evaluate the value and recoverability of existing long-lived and intangible assets, including goodwill. On an ongoing basis, we review our estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Certain other reclassifications to prior year balances have been made to conform to current year presentations.

(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(e) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. We regularly review the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances and other factors that may affect a customer's ability to pay.

(f) Inventories

We value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase (first-in, first-out method) and/or manufacture the inventories or the current estimated market value of the inventories. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision to write down excess and obsolete inventories to its estimated net realizable value if less than cost, based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand.

(g) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases are stated at the present value of the minimum lease payments at the lease agreement date. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

Buildings	40	years
Machinery and equipment	3-10	years
Computer equipment and software	3-7	years
Furniture and fixtures	5-10	years
Automobiles	3-6	years

Property and equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Amortization of assets held under capital leases is included in depreciation expense, when applicable.

(h) Catalog Costs

Significant costs of product catalog design, development and production are capitalized and amortized over the expected useful life of the catalog (usually one to three years).

(i) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of global tax regulations. We recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

(j) Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is generally their local currency. All assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates in effect at period-end. Income and expenses are translated at rates which approximate those in effect on the transaction dates. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net income. The effects of the exchange rate fluctuations on certain short-term classified debt between the Company and a foreign subsidiary and between subsidiaries are also included in net income.

In order to mitigate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, during the year ended December 31, 2009 we used derivative financial instruments (or “foreign currency contracts”) to hedge the foreign currency effects on the value of certain loans between subsidiaries and did not designate these derivative instruments as accounting hedges. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, we did not enter into any foreign currency contracts.

(k) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method unless the effect is antidilutive. Since we are reporting discontinued operations, we used income from continuing operations as the control number in determining whether those potential dilutive securities are dilutive or antidilutive.

(l) Comprehensive Income (Loss)

We follow the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220, “Comprehensive Income”. FASB ASC 220 requires companies to report all changes in equity during a period, resulting from net income (loss) and transactions from non-owner sources, in a financial statement in the period in which they are recognized. We have chosen to disclose comprehensive income (loss), which encompasses net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments, the underfunded status of our pension plans, and pension minimum additional liability adjustments, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss).

As of December 31, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments of $2.2 million and, in accordance with FASB ASC 715-20, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits, Defined Benefit Plans”, $3.6 million to reflect the underfunded status of the Company's pension plans net of tax. As of December 31, 2010, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments of $1.2 million and $2.7 million to reflect the underfunded status of our pension plans, net of tax.

(m) Revenue Recognition

We follow the provisions of FASB ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”. We recognize product revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, delivery has occurred, and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. Sales of some of our products include provisions to provide additional services such as installation and training. Revenues on these products are recognized when the additional services have been performed. Service agreements on our equipment are typically sold separately from the sale of the equipment. Revenues on these service agreements are recognized ratably over the life of the agreement, typically one year, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 605-20, “Revenue Recognition—Services”.

We account for shipping and handling fees and costs in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 605-45-45, “Revenue Recognition—Principal Agent Considerations”, which requires all amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling to be classified as revenues. Our costs incurred related to shipping and handling are classified as cost of product revenues. Warranties and product returns are estimated and accrued for at the time sales are recorded. We have no obligations to customers after the date products are shipped or installed, if applicable, other than pursuant to warranty obligations and service or maintenance contracts. We provide for the estimated amount of future returns upon shipment of products or installation, if applicable, based on historical experience.

(n) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets include goodwill, unamortizable intangible assets and amortizable intangible assets. Amortizable intangible assets (those intangible assets with definite estimated useful lives) are initially recorded at fair value and amortized, using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives. At December 31, 2011, amortizable intangible assets include existing technology, trade names, distribution agreements, customer relationships and patents. These amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 7 to 15 years, 15 years, 5 years, 5 to 15 years and 15 years, respectively.

Goodwill and unamortizable intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”.

For the purpose of its goodwill analysis, the Company has three reporting units, the Physiology division reporting unit, Molecular Biology division reporting unit and the RMD reporting unit. The Company conducted its annual impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step of the impairment analysis compares the reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value to determine if there is any indication of impairment. Step two of the analysis compares the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation for business combination. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess. For unamortizable intangible assets if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset, we would write down the unamortizable intangible asset to fair value.

We calculated the estimated fair value of each of the Company's reporting units as at December 31, 2011. Management arrived at the estimated fair values by preparing discounted cash flow analyses using updated financial projections of the reporting units' estimated future operating results and discounted to present value using appropriate discount rates. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of the reporting units significantly exceeded the carrying value. We reconciled the aggregate fair value of our reporting units to our overall market capitalization to help determine the reasonableness of our assumptions. We concluded that none of the Company's goodwill was impaired.

(o) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets that are held for use, such as property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets or an asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or the asset group. Cash flow projections are based on trends of historical performance and management's estimate of future performance. If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value.

(p) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of those instruments. The fair value of our long-term debt approximates its carrying amount and is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with the debt discounted using our current borrowing rate for similar debt instruments of comparable maturity.

Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels:

Level 1 includes instruments for which quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 includes instruments for which the valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

(q) Stock-based Compensation

We account for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation”, which requires us to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options, restricted stock units and employee stock purchases (“employee stock purchases”) related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company issues new shares upon stock option exercises, upon vesting of the restricted stock units and under the Company's ESPP.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. We value stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units at grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”). Our determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.

The fair value of restricted stock units are based on the market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant and are recorded as compensation expense ratably over the applicable service period, which is generally four years. Unvested restricted stock units are forfeited in the event of termination of employment or engagement with the Company.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized under FASB ASC 718 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.9 million, $2.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options, the employee stock purchase plan, and the restricted stock units and was recorded as a component of cost of product revenues, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses.

(r) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2009-13—“Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements.” This ASU establishes the accounting and reporting guidance for arrangements including multiple revenue-generating activities. This ASU provides amendments to the criteria for separating deliverables, and measuring and allocating arrangement consideration to one or more units of accounting. The amendments in this ASU also establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. Significantly enhanced disclosures are also required to provide information about a vendor's multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, including information about the nature and terms, significant deliverables, and its performance within arrangements. The amendments also require providing information about the significant judgments made and changes to those judgments and about how the application of the relative selling-price method affects the timing or amount of revenue recognition. This standard was applicable to the Company beginning January 1, 2011 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820)—Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASU 2010-06), to add additional disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, and the settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. This standard was applicable to the Company beginning January 1, 2011 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-28, Intangibles: Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)- When to perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or negative carrying amounts (ASU 2010-28). The amendment in this ASU modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, the entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. This standard was applicable to the Company beginning January 1, 2011 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplemental Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations (ASU 2010-29). This ASU specifies that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. This update also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures under Topic 805 to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This standard was applicable to the Company beginning January 1, 2011 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (ASU 2011-04). This ASU provides guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or U.S. GAAP. The provisions of this update will be applied prospectively and will be effective for us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and for the interim periods within fiscal years with early adoption not permitted. In the period of adoption, the entity will be required to disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs that result from applying the ASU and to quantify the total effect, if practicable. The Company believes the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). This ASU gives the entity an option to present 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. This ASU eliminates the option in U.S. GAAP to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. The provisions of this update will be applied retrospectively and will be effective for us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and for the interim periods within fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company believes the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (ASU 2011-08). Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, as described in paragraph 350-20-35-4. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any, as described in paragraph 350-20-35-9. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The provisions of this update will be effective for us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and for the interim periods within fiscal years. The Company believes the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In December 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-12), which indefinitely defers certain provisions of ASU 2011-05 issued earlier in June 2011and will be further deliberated by the FASB at a future date. The new ASU affects entities that report items of comprehensive income in any period presented. During the deferral period, entities will still need to comply with the existing requirements in U.S. GAAP for the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Specifically, ASC 220 gives entities the option of (1) presenting reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the face of the statement in which comprehensive income is presented or (2) disclosing reclassification adjustments in the footnotes to the financial statements. ASU 2011-12 and ASU 2011-05 share the same effective date. This guidance is effective for our interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company believes the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, as it only requires a change in the format of presentation.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure, and significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements.

+ References + Details

Concentrations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Concentrations Disclosure [Abstract]

Concentrations Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Concentrations

No customer accounted for more than 10% of the revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011. One customer accounted for 10% and 12% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At December 31, 2011, no customer accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable and at December 31, 2010, one customer accounted for 13% of net accounts receivable. Except as noted above, no other individual customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for any concentrations existing at the date of the financial statements that make an entity vulnerable to a reasonably possible, near-term, severe impact. This disclosure informs financial statement users about the general nature of the risk associated with the concentration, and may indicate the percentage of concentration risk as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 21, 22, 24
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

			December 31,
			2011		2010
			(in thousands)
Finished goods		$	8,372	$	7,174
Work in process			626		596
Raw materials			9,162		8,062
	Total	$	18,160	$	15,832

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

5. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements	$	2,226	$	2,723
Machinery and equipment		5,282		4,952
Computer equipment and software		4,587		4,181
Furniture and fixtures		1,008		923
Automobiles		279		376
		13,382		13,155
Less: accumulated depreciation		(10,296)		(10,009)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	3,086	$	3,146

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions Disclosure [Abstract]

Acquisitions Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Acquisitions

Our continuing operations have completed three acquisitions since January 1, 2010.

CMA Microdialysis AB

On July 1, 2011, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary in Sweden and its Harvard Apparatus U.S. division, acquired substantially all of the assets of the preclinical business unit of CMA Microdialysis AB (“CMA”), with its principal offices in Solna, Sweden, for approximately $5.2 million. The Company funded the acquisition from its existing cash balances.

CMA is a manufacturer of microdialysis products for in vivo sampling and monitoring of organs and tissues. This acquisition is complementary to the current Harvard Apparatus research products for neuroscience applications. Additionally, cross selling opportunities exist for the Harvard Apparatus physiology products in the Scandanavian market.

With the assistance of an external valuation company, the aggregate purchase price for this acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired as follows :

		(in thousands)
Tangible assets	$	881
Liabilities assumed		(155)
Net assets assumed		726

Goodwill and intangible assets:
Goodwill		969
Customer relationships		2,462
Trade name		1,008
Total goodwill and intangible assets		4,439
Acquisition purchase price	$	5,165

Direct acquisition costs related to CMA, recorded in other expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations, were $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The results of operations for CMA Microdialysis have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The financial results of this acquisition are considered immaterial for the purposes of proforma financial statement disclosures. Goodwill recorded as a result of the acquisition of CMA Microdialysis is deductible for tax purposes.

Coulbourn Instruments

On August 23, 2010, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Denville Scientific, Inc. acquired substantially all of the assets of Coulbourn Instruments LLC (“Coulbourn”), a Delaware limited liability company with its principal offices in Pennsylvania.

Coulbourn is a manufacturer of behavioral measurement products, with a strong focus on systems for assessing learning and memory utilized in research laboratories. This acquisition is complementary to the Company's behavior research products, thereby strengthening the Company's position in this market.

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company paid approximately $4.6 million to acquire essentially all of the assets of Coulbourn. The Company funded the acquisition from its existing cash balances and borrowings under its credit facility.

With the assistance of an external valuation company, the aggregate purchase price for this acquisition was allocated to tangible and intangible assets acquired as follows:

		(in thousands)
Tangible assets	$	796
Liabilities assumed		(234)
Net assets assumed		562

Goodwill and intangible assets:
Goodwill		1,888
Customer relationships		1,050
Existing technology		340
Trade name		790
Total goodwill and intangible assets		4,068
Acquisition purchase price	$	4,630

Direct acquisition costs related to Coulbourn, recorded in other expense, net in our consolidated statement of operations, were $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The results of operations for Coulbourn have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The financial results of this acquisition are considered immaterial for the purposes of pro forma financial statement disclosures. Goodwill recorded as a result of acquisition of Coulbourn is deductible for tax purposes.

AHN Biotechnologie GmbH

On February 1, 2012, the Company acquired all issued and outstanding shares of AHN Biotechnologie GmbH (“AHN”) for approximately $2.6 million. AHN is located in Nordhausen, Germany. The Company funded the acquisition from its existing cash balances.

AHN is a manufacturer of plastic laboratory consumables which include pipettes, pipette tips, PCR tubes and spin columns. This acquisition is complementary to our current Biochrom product line of molecular biology instruments.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
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-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Discontinued Operations

In November 2007, we completed the sale of the assets of our Genomic Solutions Division and the stock of our Belgian subsidiary, MAIA Scientific, both of which were part of our Capital Equipment Business Segment, to Digilab, Inc. The purchase price paid by Digilab under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement consisted of $1.0 million in cash plus additional consideration in the form of an earn-out based on 20% of the revenue generated by the acquired business as it is conducted by Digilab over a three-year period post-transaction. Any earn-out amounts are evidenced by interest bearing promissory notes due on November 30, 2012. As of December 31, 2011, Digilab had delivered promissory notes of $4.6 million. The unpaid principal balance of the promissory notes bear an interest of LIBOR plus 1100 basis points per annum. To date we have recorded valuation allowances for 100% of the earn-out promissory notes as we have deemed their collectability as being uncertain.

On September 30, 2008, we completed the sale of assets of our Union Biometrica Division including its German subsidiary, Union Biometrica GmbH, representing at that time the remaining portion of our Capital Equipment Business Segment, to UBIO Acquisition Company. The purchase price paid by UBIO Acquisition Company under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement consisted of $1 in cash, the assumption of certain liabilities, plus additional consideration in the form of an earn-out based on the revenue generated by the acquired business as it is conducted by UBIO Acquisition Company over a five-year post-transaction period in an amount equal to (i) 5% of the revenue generated up to and including $6.0 million and (ii) 8% of the revenue generated above $6.0 million each year. Any earn-out amounts are evidenced by interest-bearing promissory notes due on September 30, 2013 or at an earlier date based on certain triggering events. We regularly monitor the financial performance of the UBIO Acquisition Company to determine their ability to pay the earn out amounts when they become due on September 30, 2013. As of December 31, 2011, UBIO Acquisition Company had delivered promissory notes of $0.6 million. The unpaid principal balance of the promissory notes bear an interest of 12% per annum. To date we have recorded valuation allowances for 100% of the earn-out promissory notes as we have deemed their collectability as being uncertain.

Going forward, we will continue to monitor the financial performance of Digilab and UBIO Acquisition Company and recognize any contingent consideration in discontinued operations when and if realization of earn-out amounts is deemed to be likely.

The Company has included the contingent consideration as sale proceeds in its income tax returns. Accordingly, the tax effect of this contingent consideration is included in the Company's deferred tax assets.

During 2011 and 2010, no gain or loss was recorded in discontinued operations. During 2009, we recorded a gain of $0.1 million in our discontinued operations reflecting an adjustment of our estimated net costs associated with the divestiture of our Union Biometrica Division.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment reviews annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment.

As of December 31, 2011, we completed our annual goodwill impairment tests and concluded there was no impairment to goodwill. Intangible assets consist of the following:

									Weighted
		December 31,							Average
		2011				2010			Life (a)
		(in thousands)
Amortizable intangible assets:		Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Gross		Accumulated Amortization
Existing technology	$	12,405	$	(9,101)	$	12,501	$	(8,148)	5.2 Years
Tradename		5,840		(1,339)		4,913		(983)	12.8 Years
Distribution agreement/customer relationships		20,997		(6,438)		18,740		(5,118)	12.1 Years
Patents		9		(6)		9		(6)	4.3 Years
Total amortizable intangible assets		39,251	$	(16,884)		36,163	$	(14,255)

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Goodwill		34,209				33,416
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets		1,269				1,276
Total goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets		35,478				34,692

Total intangible assets	$	74,729			$	70,855

(a) Weighted average life is as of December 31, 2011.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

Goodwill rollforward
			(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009		$	32,108
	Goodwill arising from business combination		1,888
	Effect of change in foreign currencies		(580)
Balance at December 31, 2010		$	33,416
	Goodwill arising from business combination		969
	Effect of change in foreign currencies		(176)
Balance at December 31, 2011		$	34,209

Intangible asset amortization expense was $ 2.7 million, $2.4 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization expense of existing amortizable intangible assets is currently estimated to be $2.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2012, $2.4 million for the year ending December 31, 2013, $2.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2014, $2.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2015 and $1.9 million for the year ending December 31, 2016.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Restructuring and Other Exit Costs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring And Other Exit Costs Disclosure [Abstract]

Restructuring And Other Exit Costs Disclosure [Text Block]

9. Restructuring and Other Exit Costs

2009 Restructuring Plan

During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the management of Harvard Bioscience initiated a plan to relocate the Scie-Plas operation to Hoefer's San Francisco, California facility and exit its general fabrication business as part of its ongoing business improvement initiative. During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Biochrom's management initiated a plan to improve Biochrom's manufacturing margins.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded restructuring charges in our Scie-Plas, Biochrom and Hoefer businesses related to the 2009 restructuring plan of approximately $0.7 million. These charges were comprised of $0.3 million in severance payments, $0.2 million in inventory impairment charges related to the discontinuance of certain product lines (included in cost of product revenues) and $0.2 million in various other costs.

Activity and liability balances related to these restructuring charges in connection with the 2009 Restructuring Plan were as follows:

		Severance				Facility
		and Related		Inventory		Closure Costs		Other		Total
		(in thousands)
Restructuring charges	$	326	$	163	$	14	$	188	$	691
Cash payments		(324)		(4)		(14)		(88)		(430)
Non-cash charges		-		(159)		-		(88)		(247)
Currency translation		(2)		-		-		(2)		(4)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2009		-		-		-		10		10
Cash payments		-		-		-		(10)		(10)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2010	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

2010 Restructuring Plan

During the third quarter of 2010, the management of Harvard Bioscience developed a plan to streamline its operations at Panlab, the Harvard Apparatus business in Spain. The plan included workforce reduction in all functions of the organization. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.3 million, representing severance payments to employees. No charges were incurred beyond the third quarter of 2010 on this matter.

The restructuring charges related to the 2010 Restructuring Plan were as follows:

		Severance and		Total
		related Costs
		(in thousands)
Restructuring charges	$	283	$	283
Cash payments		(283)		(283)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2010	$	-	$	-

During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the management of Harvard Bioscience developed a plan to reduce operating expenses at our Biochrom U.K. subsidiary. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded restructuring expenses of approximately $0.3 million. The charges were comprised of $0.1 million in severance payments, $0.1 million in inventory impairment charges (included in cost of product revenues), and $0.1 million in various other costs. No charges are expected to be incurred beyond 2011. We anticipate the remaining payments related to the 2010 Restructuring Plan will occur in 2012.

Activity and liability balances related to these restructuring charges in connection with the 2010 Restructuring Plan were as follows:

		Severance and
		Related Costs		Inventory		Other		Total
		(in thousands)
Restructuring charges	$	145	$	79	$	70	$	294
Cash payments		(94)		-		-		(94)
Non-cash charges		-		(79)		-		(79)
Currency Translation		(1)		-		-		(1)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2010		50		-		70		120
Cash payments		(36)		-		(43)		(79)
Non-cash charges		(14)		-		(14)		(28)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2011	$	-	$	-	$	13	$	13

2011 Restructuring Plan

During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the management of Harvard Bioscience initiated a plan to relocate our Hoefer subsidiary's San Francisco, California facility as part of a business improvement initiative. The Company also developed a plan to improve operating margins at our Coulbourn Instruments subsidiary. The Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.5 million, which included $0.3 million in fixed asset write offs, $0.1 million in severance payments and $0.1 million in other expenses. No charges are expected to be incurred beyond 2011. We anticipate the remaining payments related to the 2011 Restructuring Plan will occur in 2012.

Aggregate restructuring charges relating to the 2011 Restructuring Plan were as follows:

		Severance and		Fixed Asset
		Related Costs		Write offs		Other		Total
		(in thousands)
Restructuring charges	$	78	$	307	$	110	$	495
Cash payments		(33)		-		(180)		(213)
Non-cash charges		-		(307)		70		(237)
Restructuring balance at December 31, 2011	$	45	$	-	$	-	$	45

Aggregate restructuring charges relating to the 2011 Restructuring Plan, 2010 Restructuring Plan and the 2009 Restructuring Plan were as follows:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
Restructuring charges	$	467	$	577	$	675

- Definition

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

+ References + Details

Long Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long Term Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long Term Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Long Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)

Long-term debt	$	16,300	$	18,000
Notes payable		-		13
		16,300		18,013
Less: current installments		-		(4)
Long-term debt	$	16,300	$	18,009

On August 7, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated $20.0 million revolving credit loan agreement with Bank of America, as agent, and Bank of America and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co as lenders. On September 30, 2011, we entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Bank of America as agent, and Bank of America and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co as lenders. The Amendment extends the maturity date of our credit facility to August 7, 2013 and reduces our interest rate to the London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.0%. At December 31, 2011, the interest rate for the facility was 3.29%. The amended and restated facility includes covenants relating to income, debt coverage and cash flow, as well as minimum working capital requirements. The credit facility also contains limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness and requires lender approval for acquisitions funded with cash, promissory notes and/or other consideration in excess of $6.0 million and for acquisitions funded solely with equity in excess of $10.0 million.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had $16.3 million and $18.0 million, respectively, outstanding under our credit facility. As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the credit facility; we were not subject to any borrowing restrictions under the financial covenants and had available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility of $3.7 million.

The debt repayment schedule is as follows:

		(in thousands)

2012	$	-
2013		16,300
Total	$	16,300

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases Disclosure [Abstract]

Leases Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Leases

Historically, we have leased automobiles and equipment under various leases, which were classified as capital leases. As of December 31, 2011, we did not have any capital leases. As of December 31, 2010, the carrying value of equipment under capital leases was approximately $11,000, which is net of accumulated depreciation of approximately $5,100.

In May 2010, we entered into the second amendment to our Lease Agreement dated December 30, 2005 for our headquarters, office, light manufacturing and warehouse space located in Holliston, Massachusetts which provides for an extended lease term and an additional 9,200 square feet of space. We now have noncancelable operating leases for office and warehouse space expiring at various dates through 2017. Rent expense, which is recorded on a straight-line basis, was approximately $1.5 million, $1.7 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments for operating leases, with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2011, for our continuing operations are as follows:

		Operating
		Leases
		(in thousands)
2012	$	1,134
2013		741
2014		686
2015		605
2016		527
Thereafter		266
Net minimum lease payments	$	3,959

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements including: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included.

+ References + Details

Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accrued Expenses Disclosure [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses Disclosure [Text Block]

12. Accrued Expenses:

Accrued expenses consist of:
		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Accrued compensation and payroll	$	1,225	$	2,514
Accrued legal and professional fees		829		776
Warranty costs		144		158
Other		1,125		1,245
Total	$	3,323	$	4,693

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes Disclosure [Text Block]

13. Income Tax

Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 consisted of:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
Current income tax expense:
Federal and state	$	111	$	313	$	82
Foreign		1,156		2,069		1,666
		1,267		2,382		1,748
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal and state		(371)		(11,576)		1,164
Foreign		(166)		(258)		(239)
		(537)		(11,834)		925
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	730	$	(9,452)	$	2,673

Income tax expense (benefit) for the periods ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to pre-tax continuing operations income as a result of the following:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	1,543	$	3,252	$	3,336
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Permanent differences, net		109		32		(97)
Foreign tax rate differential		(333)		(331)		(312)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		56		206		54
Impact of discontinued operations		-		-		32
Non-deductible stock compensation expense		345		199		133
Adjustment of prior year tax accruals		(327)		343		(232)
Tax credits		(231)		(279)		(257)
Release of uncertain tax position liability due to
expiration of statute of limitations		(528)		-		-
Change in valuation allowance allocated to income
tax expense (benefit)		63		(12,747)		(125)
Other		33		(127)		141
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	730	$	(9,452)	$	2,673

Income tax expense (benefit) is based on the following pre-tax continuing operations income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
Domestic	$	(1,862)	$	2,719	$	3,361
Foreign		6,404		6,844		6,451
Total	$	4,542	$	9,563	$	9,812

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities from continuing operations at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable	$	91	$	68
Inventory		1,057		993
Operating loss and credit carryforwards		8,355		9,173
Property, plant and equipment		33		240
Accrued expenses		113		559
Pension liabilities		1,387		1,084
Contingent consideration		2,488		1,778
Other accrued liabilities		3,173		3,047
Total gross deferred assets		16,697		16,942
Less: valuation allowance		(1,231)		(2,666)
Deferred tax assets	$	15,466	$	14,276

Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	$	3,781	$	3,664
Other accrued liabilities		221		-
Total deferred tax liabilities		4,002		3,664
Net deferred tax assets	$	11,464	$	10,612

The amounts recorded as deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 represent the amount of tax benefits of existing deductible temporary differences and carryforwards that are more likely than not to be realized through the generation of sufficient future taxable income within the carryforward period. Significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2009, the historical operating results of our discontinued operations, our cumulative loss position at that time and uncertainty surrounding our forecasts, led us to conclude that a valuation allowance was needed to offset most United States deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities except deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite lived intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2010, management concluded that it is more likely than not that a majority of our U.S. deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable income. This conclusion was based, in part, on our achieving sustained profitability and projections of positive future earnings in the U.S. Therefore, we released a significant portion of the valuation allowances related to these deferred tax assets. The release of the above mentioned valuation allowances resulted in an income tax benefit of $11.3 million during the year ending December 31, 2010. We also provide valuation allowances for net deferred tax assets in several foreign jurisdictions.

At December 31, 2011, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income of approximately $19.7 million. The operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2012. Furthermore, we had foreign operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income of approximately $1.8 million, which begin to expire in 2012. The Company also had federal and state general business and minimum tax credit carryforwards available to reduce future federal and state regular income taxes of approximately $4.2 million, which begin to expire in 2013. Approximately $7.2 million of net operating losses are subject to an annual limitation of $0.7 million imposed by change in ownership provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As mentioned above, certain of these net operating loss and credit carryforwards have full valuation allowances set up against them.

Undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $40.9 million, $35.4 million and $30.4 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our undistributed foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no related provision for U.S federal and state income taxes has been provided. It is impracticable to estimate the total tax liability, if any, which would be created by the future distribution of these earnings.

As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $15.9 million and $17.1 million, respectively. These funds are not available for domestic operations unless the funds are repatriated. If the Company planned to or did repatriate these funds then U.S. federal and state income taxes would have to be recorded on such amounts. We currently have no plans and do not intend to repatriate any of our undistributed foreign earnings. The foreign earnings are considered permanently reinvested and will be used for foreign acquisitions, capital investments and operations. In July 2011, we acquired the assets of CMA, a Swedish manufacturer, and utilized approximately $4.4 million of our foreign cash on hand to do so. Subsequently, in February 2012, the Company acquired all issued and outstanding shares of AHN Biotechnologie GmbH, a German manufacturer, and utilized approximately $2.6 million of our foreign cash on hand. We also plan to use approximately $2.0 million additional foreign cash on hand in 2012 for capital improvements at this new subsidiary.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB ASC 740-10, an interpretation that clarified the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes recognized in a company's financial statements. At December 31, 2008, the Company had recorded no liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. During the year ended December 31, 2009 the company filed a final tax return for its Genomic Solutions, Ltd. subsidiary that included the activity related to the sale of the business. The final return included uncertain tax positions. We recorded an uncertain tax liability in the amount of $0.5 million. In January 2011, the statute of limitations expired for the return that included these uncertain tax positions with no change from the tax authorities. Accordingly, the uncertain tax liability and the related accrued interest was reversed in the first quarter of 2011. During 2010, the Company completed an analysis of its research and development credit carryforwards and determined that due to certain documentation requirements to substantiate the credit, an uncertain tax liability of $0.2 million should be recorded. No penalties or interest have been accrued on this liability because the credits have not yet been utilized. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result. A reconciliation of uncertain tax liabilities is as follows:

		(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	504
Additions based on tax positions of prior years		215
Balance at December 31, 2010		719
Release due to expiration of statute of limitations		(528)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	191

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007. The Company was notified by the IRS during fiscal year 2011 that the fiscal year 2009 tax returns will be audited. The Company is not aware of any tax audits in other major jurisdictions.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans Disclosure [Text Block]

14. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors profit sharing retirement plans for its U.S. employees, which includes employee savings plans established under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plans cover substantially all full-time employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. Contributions to the profit sharing retirement plans are at the discretion of management. For the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we contributed approximately $0.6 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, to the plan.

Certain of our subsidiaries in the United Kingdom (UK), Harvard Apparatus Limited and Biochrom Limited maintain contributory, defined benefit or defined contribution pension plans for substantially all of their employees. The provisions of FASB ASC 715-20 require that the funded status of our pension plans be recognized in its balance sheet. FASB ASC 715-20 does not change the measurement or income statement recognition of these plans, although it does require that plan assets and benefit obligations be measured as of the balance sheet date. We have historically measured the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the balance sheet date.

The components of our pension expense follows:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	298	$	252	$	140
Interest cost		836		784		768
Expected return on plan assets		(608)		(614)		(577)
Net amortization loss		159		131		77
Net periodic benefit cost	$	685	$	553	$	408

The measurement date is December 31 for these plans. The funded status of our defined benefit pension plans and the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:.

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	15,568	$	14,469
Service cost		282		236
Interest cost		836		784
Participants' contributions		65		69
Actuarial loss		637		809
Benefits paid		(415)		(327)
Currency translation adjustment		(107)		(472)
Balance at end of year	$	16,866	$	15,568

Change in fair value of plan assets:
Balance at beginning of year	$	11,843	$	10,699
Actual return on plan assets		(314)		978
Participants' contributions		65		69
Employer contributions		905		787
Benefits paid		(415)		(327)
Currency translation adjustment		(78)		(363)
Balance at end of year	$	12,006	$	11,843

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)

Funded status	$	(4,860)	$	(3,725)
Unrecognized net loss		N/A		N/A
Net amount recognized	$	(4,860)	$	(3,725)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $15.7 million and $14.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets	$	1,291	$	1,006
Other liabilities		(4,860)		(3,725)
Net amount recognized	$	(3,569)	$	(2,719)

The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax consist of:

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Underfunded status of pension plans	$	(3,569)	$	(2,719)
Net amount recognized	$	(3,569)	$	(2,719)

The weighted average assumptions used in determining the net pension cost for these plans follows:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010	2009

Discount rate		4.70%		5.40%	5.70%
Expected return on assets		4.40%		5.00%	5.83%
Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		4.00%	4.00%

The discount rate assumptions used for pension accounting reflect the prevailing rates available on high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with terms that match the average expected duration of our defined benefit pension plan obligations. We use the iBoxx AA 15yr+ index, which matches the average duration of our pension plan liability of approximately 15 years. With the current base of assets in our pension plans, a 0.1% increase/decrease in the discount rate assumption would decrease/increase our annual pension expense by approximately $75,000.

The Company's mix of pension plan investments among asset classes also affects the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. As of December 31, 2011, the Company's actual asset mix approximated its target mix. Differences between actual and expected returns are recognized in the calculation of net periodic pension (income)/cost over the average remaining expected future working lifetime, which is approximately 16 years, of active plan participants. With the current base of assets, a 0.5% increase/decrease in the asset return assumption would decrease/increase the annual pension expense by approximately $60,000.

The fair value and asset allocations of the Company's pension benefits as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 measurement dates were as follows:

		December 31,
		2011			2010
		(in thousands)
Asset category:
Equity securities	$	5,861	49%	$	6,944	59%
Debt securities		4,333	36%		2,820	24%
Cash and cash equivalents		770	6%		967	8%
Other		1,042	9%		1,112	9%
Total	$	12,006	100%	$	11,843	100%

Financial reporting standards define a fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels. The fair values of the plan assets by fair value hierarchy level as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	$	770	$	967
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		10,194		9,764
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		1,042		1,112

Total	$	12,006	$	11,843

Level 1 assets consist of cash and cash equivalents held in the pension plans at December 31, 2011. The Level 2 assets primarily consist of investments in private investment funds that are valued using the net asset values provided by the trust or fund, including an insurance contract. Although these funds are not traded in an active market with quoted prices, the investments underlying the net asset value are based on quoted prices. Level 3 assets consist of investments in a longevity fund which invests in a portfolio of physical life insurance settlements that are valued using the net asset values provided by the fund. Since June 2011, the fund has been closed to all activity. Going forward, as policies mature, proceeds will be paid out, net of any liquidity required to fund premium obligations.

The following table presents a summary of changes in our Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

		December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,112	$	-
Purchases during the year		-		1,099
Unrealized (loss) gain		(70)		13
Balance at end of year	$	1,042	$	1,112

We expect to contribute approximately $0.8 million to our pension plans during 2012.

The benefits expected to be paid from the pension plans are $0.5 million in 2012, $0.4 million each in 2013 and 2014, $0.5 million in 2015 and $0.8 million in 2016. The expected benefits to be paid in the five years from 2017—2021 are $3.6 million. The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company's benefit obligation at December 31, 2011 and include estimated future employee service.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any such claims or proceedings.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
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+ Details

Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Capital Stock Disclosure [Abstract]

Capital Stock Disclosure [Text Block]

16. Capital Stock

Common Stock

On February 5, 2008, our Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding share of the Company's common stock to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2008. Initially, these rights will not be exercisable and will trade with the shares of the Company's common stock. Under the Shareholder Rights Plan, the rights generally will become exercisable if a person becomes an “acquiring person” by acquiring 20% or more of the common stock of the Company or if a person commences a tender offer that could result in that person owning 20% or more of the common stock of the Company. If a person becomes an acquiring person, each holder of a right (other than the acquiring person) would be entitled to purchase, at the then-current exercise price, such number of shares of preferred stock which are equivalent to shares of the Company's common stock having a value of twice the exercise price of the right. If the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after any such event, each holder of a right would then be entitled to purchase, at the then-current exercise price, shares of the acquiring company's common stock having a value of twice the exercise price of the right.

Stock Repurchase Program

On December 6, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company of up to $10 million of its common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions over 24 months. On November 3, 2009, the Board of Directors extended the repurchase program for an additional year. Under the program, shares could be repurchased from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warranted, subject to regulatory considerations and any applicable contractual restrictions. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we repurchased in the open market 1,381,835 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $5.0 million, including commissions under the stock repurchase program. The share repurchases made in 2010 completed the $10.0 million stock repurchase program.

Repurchased shares have been recorded as treasury stock and will be held until the Company's Board of Directors designates that these shares be retired or used for other purposes.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2000, we approved a stock purchase plan. Under this plan, participating employees can authorize the Company to withhold a portion of their base pay during consecutive six-month payment periods for the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock. At the conclusion of the period, participating employees can purchase shares of the Company's common stock at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the beginning or end of the period. Shares are issued under the plan for the six-month periods ending June 30 and December 31. Under this plan, 500,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance of which 410,375 shares were issued as of December 31, 2011. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we issued 49,400 shares and 51,481 shares, respectively, under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Stock-Based Payment Awards

We account for stock-based payment awards in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, which requires us to recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“employee stock purchases”).

FASB ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards, except restricted stock units, on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our consolidated statement of operations.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense recognized includes compensation expense for the stock-based payment awards granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718. Stock-based compensation expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. FASB ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Upon adoption of FASB ASC 718, we elected to retain our method of valuation for stock-based payment awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”). Our determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. We record stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for all awards granted since the adoption of FASB ASC 718.

Stock Option Plans

1996 Stock Option and Grant Plan

In 1996, we adopted the 1996 Stock Option and Grant Plan (the “1996 Stock Plan”) pursuant to which the Company's Board of Directors could grant stock options to employees, directors and consultants. The 1996 Stock Plan authorized grants of options to purchase 4,072,480 shares of authorized but unissued common stock. In 2000, the 1996 Stock Plan was replaced by the 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2011, there were no options to purchase shares outstanding under the 1996 Stock Plan.

Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan

The Third Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors on April 13, 2011. Such amendment to the 2000 Plan was approved by the stockholders at the Company's 2011 Annual Meeting. The 2000 Plan made the following changes, among others, to the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”):

the aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan was increased by 3,700,000 shares to 13,067,675 shares of Common Stock;
the current limitation that no more than 3,750,000 shares of restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, and performance share awards may be issued under the Plan was replaced with a fungible share provision deducting from shares available for grant under the Plan 1.79 shares for each share that underlies an award granted under our 2000 Plan for deferred stock awards of restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, performance share awards or other awards under our 2000 Plan for which the full value of such share is transferred by us to the award recipient; and
other clarifying and updating changes.

The Company currently has 13,067,675 shares of its common stock reserved for the issuance of awards under the 2000 Plan. As of December 31, 2011, there were options to purchase 8,565,075 shares, and 539,450 restricted stock units outstanding.

Through December 31, 2011 and 2010, incentive stock options to purchase 8,461,068 and 7,901,108 shares and non-qualified stock options to purchase 8,215,077 and 7,744,537 shares, respectively, had been granted to employees and directors under the Stock Plans. Generally, both the incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options become fully vested over a four-year period, with one-quarter of the options vesting on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date.

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 1,030,500, 674,100 and 1,942,000 options, respectively, were granted to employees and directors at exercise prices equal to or greater than fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

During 2011 and 2010, 188,750 and 467,600 restricted stock units, respectively, were granted to certain employees under the 2010 Plan. The restricted stock units become fully vested over a period of three years and seven months, with the first quarter vesting after seven months of the grant date and the remaining vesting equally over a period of three years thereafter.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is based upon net income divided by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of stock options and restricted stock units into common stock using the treasury method. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share consists of the following:

`
	Years ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2009

Basic	28,451,386	28,967,439	29,648,523
Effect of assumed conversion of employee and director stock options and restricted stock units	1,367,348	437,270	297,199
Diluted	29,818,734	29,404,709	29,945,722

Excluded from the shares used in calculating the diluted earnings per common share in the above table are options to purchase approximately 3,653,317 shares, 5,801,313 shares and 5,246,212 shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as the impact of these shares would be anti-dilutive.

General Option Information

The following is a summary of stock option and the restricted stock unit activity:

			Stock Options			Restricted Stock Units
					Weighted
			Stock		Average	Restricted
		Available	Options		Exercise	Stock Units		Grant Date
		for Grant	Outstanding		Price	Outstanding		Fair Value

Balance at December 31, 2008		2,846,227	5,725,758	$	4.81	-	$	-
	Granted	(1,942,000)	1,942,000		3.21	-		-
	Exercised	-	(123,021)		1.40	-		-
	Cancelled / forfeited	42,502	(42,502)		5.03	-		-
Balance at December 31, 2009		946,729	7,502,235		4.45	-		-
	Granted	(1,141,700)	674,100		3.62	467,600		3.61
	Exercised	-	(58,385)		2.17	-		-
	Cancelled / forfeited	291,750	(291,750)		4.68	-		-
Balance at December 31, 2010		96,779	7,826,200		4.38	467,600		3.61
	Approved by shareholders	3,700,000	-		-	-		-
	Granted	(1,219,250)	1,030,500		5.64	188,750		5.64
	Fungible share adjustment for RSU's granted	(149,113)	-		-	-		-
	Exercised	-	(105,625)		3.79	-		-
	Vested (RSU's)	-	-		-	(116,900)		-
	Shares Traded for Taxes	40,729	-		-	-		-
	Cancelled / forfeited	231,500	(231,500)		5.27	-		-
Balance at December 31, 2011		2,700,645	8,519,575	$	4.52	539,450	$	4.32

Our policy is to issue stock available from our registered but unissued stock pool through our transfer agent to satisfy stock option exercises and vesting of the restricted stock units.

The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2011 (Aggregate Intrinsic Value, in thousands):

		Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
			Weighted						Weighted
			Average		Weighted				Average		Weighted
	Range of	Number	Remaining		Average		Aggregate	Shares	Remaining		Average		Aggregate
	Exercise	Outstanding at	Contractual Life		Exercise		Intrinsic	Exercisable at	Contractual Life		Exercise		Intrinsic
	Price	December 31, 2011	in Years		Price		Value	December 31, 2011	in Years		Price		Value

$	1.99-2.98	1,000,000	5.87	$	2.37	$	1,500	825,000	5.64	$	2.43	$	1,192
	3.00-3.16	494,350	1.52		3.10		382	494,350	1.52		3.10		380
	3.18-3.18	1,708,000	7.07		3.18		1,179	865,000	7.30		3.18		597
	3.42-3.72	895,475	5.77		3.58		260	479,450	3.68		3.55		151
	3.82-3.82	25,000	8.75		3.82		1	6,250	8.75		3.82		-
	3.93-4.28	840,000	4.48		4.21		-	807,500	4.33		4.22		-
	4.48-5.57	1,283,750	5.03		5.21		-	1,220,250	5.37		5.22		-
	5.64-5.64	995,500	8.92		5.64		-	-	-		-		-
	6.47-7.99	1,067,500	0.95		7.67		-	1,067,500	0.95		7.67		-
	8.79-8.79	200,000	2.23		8.79		-	200,000	2.23		8.79		-
	9.17-9.17	10,000	2.14		9.17		-	10,000	2.14		9.17		-

$	1.99-9.17	8,519,575	5.24	$	4.52	$	3,322	5,975,300	4.20	$	4.66	$	2,320

The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.87 as of December 31, 2011, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $8,450 and $0.1 million, respectively. The total number of in-the-money options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2011 was 2,670,050.

A summary of the status of the Company's non vested shares as of December 31, 2011is presented below:.

			Weighted
			average
			grant-date
Nonvested shares	Shares		fair value

Balance at January 1, 2011	2,742,764	$	3.43
Granted	1,030,500		5.64
Vested	(1,103,239)		3.75
Forfeited	(125,750)		4.19
Balance at December 31, 2011	2,544,275	$	4.20

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the total compensation costs related to unvested awards not yet recognized is $5.4 million and the weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 1.96 years.

Valuation and Expense Information under Stock-Base-Payment Accounting

Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options, restricted stock units and the employee stock purchase plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was allocated as follows:


		Years Ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)

Cost of product revenues	$	76	$	65	$	61
Sales and marketing		196		112		59
General and administrative		2,570		2,560		2,385
Research and development		21		19		9
Total stock-based compensation	$	2,863	$	2,756	$	2,514


We did not capitalize any stock-based compensation.

The weighted-average estimated value of employee stock options granted during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.94, $1.97 and $1.93, respectively, using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:


	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Volatility	54.24	%	55.96	%	62.85	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.01	%	2.22	%	2.50	%
Expected holding period	5.94	years	6.13	years	6.27	years
Dividend Yield	0.00	%	0.00	%	0.00	%

We used historical volatility to calculate our expected volatility as of December 31, 2011. Historical volatility was determined by calculating the mean reversion of the daily adjusted closing stock price. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed Treasury bill interest rates (risk free) appropriate for the term of the Company's employee stock options. The expected life of employee stock options represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding and were based on historical experience. The vesting period is generally 4 years and the contractual life is 10 years.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for annualized estimated forfeitures of 5.04%, 4.74% and 5.84%, respectively. Share-based-payment accounting requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Disclosure Abstract

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

17. Segment and Related Information

Operating segments are based on products and services provided by each segment, internal

organization structure, manner in which operations are managed, criteria used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to assess the segment performance as well as resources allocation and the availability of discrete financial information. During 2010, the Company changed its business strategy on managing its operations which prompted changes to its internal organization structure, resource allocation and measurement of its financial performance.

The Company has two operating segments aggregated under the LSRT segment, which is the Company's only reportable segment. These operating segments have similar products and services, customer channels, distribution methods and historical margins. The LSRT segment is engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of specialized products, primarily apparatus and scientific instruments, used to advance life science research at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities and government laboratories worldwide. The Company has one additional operating segment, RMD, which does not meet the quantitative thresholds for reportable segments and is therefore disclosed under the caption of “Other”. The RMD division is engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of devices used by surgeons in the field of regenerative medicine. Non operating expenses that are not allocated to operating segments are under the caption “Unallocated Expenses”. Unallocated expenses also include certain corporate related expenses that are not allocable to the operating segments.

Following is the business segment information for the periods indicated:

		LSRT		Other		Unallocated		Total

Year ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)

Total revenues	$	108,864	$	-	$	-	$	108,864
Operating income (loss)		13,815		(3,036)		(4,702)		6,077
Interest income		65		-		-		65
Interest expense		(14)		-		(738)		(752)
Other (expense) income, net		(2,080)		-		545		(1,535)
Income (loss) before income taxes		11,735		(3,036)		(4,157)		4,542
Depreciation and amortization		4,224		20		85		4,329
Capital expenditures		1,199		183		124		1,506
Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets		35,478		-		-		35,478
Total assets	$	126,042	$	178	$	414	$	126,634

Year ended December 31, 2010
(in thousands)

Total revenues	$	108,179	$	-	$	-	$	108,179
Operating income (loss)		16,603		(839)		(5,546)		10,218
Interest income		65		-		-		65
Interest expense		-		-		(677)		(677)
Other expense, net		(941)		-		286		(655)
Income (loss) before income taxes		15,662		(839)		(5,260)		9,563
Depreciation and amortization		3,832		1		84		3,917
Capital expenditures		696		1		147		844
Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets		34,692		-		-		34,692
Total assets	$	124,410	$	1	$	386	$	124,797

The depreciation and amortization costs above include the amortization of catalog costs of $0.3 million.

Prior to 2010, the Company operated in one business segment. Corporate costs of $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 are included in general and administrative expenses from continuing operations and are not allocated for purposes of segment reporting.

The following tables summarize selected financial information of the Company's continuing operations by geographic location:

Revenues by geographic area consist of the following:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
United States	$	64,185	$	63,538	$	41,237
United Kingdom		26,160		27,820		26,961
Rest of the world		18,519		16,821		17,574
Total revenues	$	108,864	$	108,179	$	85,772

Tangible long-lived assets by geographic area consist of the following:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
United States	$	1,685	$	1,568
United Kingdom		1,127		1,342
Rest of the world		274		236
Total tangible long-lived assets	$	3,086	$	3,146

Net assets by geographic area consist of the following:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
United States	$	48,356	$	48,250
United Kingdom		27,818		25,428
Rest of the world		19,325		16,570
Total net assets	$	95,499	$	90,248

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Allowance for Doubtful Debts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Allowance For Doubtful Debts Disclosure [Abstract]

Allowance For Doubtful Debts Disclosure [Text Block]

18. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. A rollforward of allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

		Charged (credited) to
		Beginning	Bad Debt	Charged to		Ending
		Balance	Expense	Allowance		Balance
		(in thousands)


Year ended December 31, 2009	$	295	108	-	$	403

Year ended December 31, 2010	$	403	(117)	(13)	$	273

Year ended December 31, 2011	$	273	67	(38)	$	302

Warranties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Warranties Disclosure [Abstract]

Warranties Disclosure [Text Block]

19. Warranties

A rollforward of product warranties is as follows:


		Beginning						Ending
		Balance		Payments		Additions		Balance
		(in thousands)

Year ended December 31, 2009	$	186	$	(56)	$	32	$	162

Year ended December 31, 2010	$	162	$	(54)	$	50	$	158

Year ended December 31, 2011	$	158	$	(58)	$	44	$	144

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Disclosure [Text Block]

20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

		Years ended December 31,
		2011		2010		2009
		(in thousands)
Cash paid for acquisitions:
Net assets acquired or liabilities assumed	$	726	$	562	$	3,818
Goodwill and intangible assets, net of tax		4,439		4,068		21,459
Final payment related to the acquisition of Denville Scientific, net of gain from change in fair value of contingent consideration		-		1,485		-
Purchase of technology		300		1,000		-
Less contingent consideration		-		-		(1,913)
Adjustment for changes in fair value of acquisition contingencies		-		-		(2,600)
Cash paid for acquisitions	$	5,465	$	7,115	$	20,764

Supplemental Statement of Shareholders Equity Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Supplemental Statement Of Shareholders Equity Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Supplemental Statement of Shareholders Equity Information Disclosure [Text Block]

21. Supplemtal Statement of Stockholders Equity Information:

		As of December 31,
		2011		2010
		(in thousands)
Balances Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss:
Cumulative translation adjustment	$	(2,153)	$	(1,177)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit of $1,291 and $1,006, respectively		(3,569)		(2,719)
Balance	$	(5,722)	$	(3,896)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References

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

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) Disclosure [Text Block]

22. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

Statement of Operations Data:

			First		Second		Third		Fourth		Fiscal
2011			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
			(in thousands, except per share data)

Revenues		$	26,312	$	27,143	$	26,381	$	29,028	$	108,864
Cost of product revenues			13,943		14,358		14,503		15,800		58,604
	Gross profit		12,369		12,785		11,878		13,228		50,260
Total operating expenses			10,419		10,266		11,658		11,840		44,183
Operating income			1,950		2,519		220		1,388		6,077
Other (expense) income, net			(275)		(519)		(338)		(403)		(1,535)
Income (loss) before income taxes			1,675		2,000		(118)		985		4,542
Income tax (benefit) expense			(1)		630		(146)		247		730
Net income		$	1,676	$	1,370	$	28	$	738	$	3,812

Income per share:

	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.06	$	0.05	$	0.00	$	0.03	$	0.13

	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.06	$	0.05	$	0.00	$	0.02	$	0.13

Statement of Operations Data:

			First		Second		Third		Fourth		Fiscal
2010			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
			(in thousands, except per share data)

Revenues		$	26,300	$	25,905	$	26,453	$	29,521	$	108,179
Cost of product revenues			13,510		13,848		13,879		15,135		56,372
	Gross profit		12,790		12,057		12,574		14,386		51,807
Total operating expenses			9,813		9,685		10,632		11,459		41,589
Operating income			2,977		2,372		1,942		2,927		10,218
Other (expense) income, net			(154)		125		(380)		(246)		(655)
Income before income taxes			2,823		2,497		1,562		2,681		9,563
Income tax expense (benefit)			601		615		(11,167)		499		(9,452)
Net income		$	2,222	$	1,882	$	12,729	$	2,182	$	19,015

Income per share:

	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.07	$	0.06	$	0.45	$	0.08	$	0.66

	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.07	$	0.06	$	0.44	$	0.08	$	0.65

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details