Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Mesa Laboratories, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado on March 26, 1982. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Mesa” are used in this report to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted. We pursue a strategy of focusing primarily on quality control products, which are sold into niche markets that are driven by regulatory requirements. We prefer markets that have limited competition where we can establish a commanding presence and achieve high gross margins. We are organized into three divisions across seven physical locations. Our Instruments Division designs, manufactures and markets quality control instruments and disposable products utilized in connection with the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical device, industrial hygiene and semiconductor industries. Our Biological Indicators Division manufactures and markets biological indicators and distributes chemical indicators used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization processes, including steam, gas, hydrogen peroxide and radiation, in the hospital, dental, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Our Continuous Monitoring Division designs, develops and markets systems which are used to monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and differential pressure to ensure that critical storage and processing conditions are maintained in hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, blood banks, pharmacies and a number of other laboratory and industrial environments. Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result. On October 1, 2012 our articles of incorporation were amended to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 8,000,000 to 25,000,000. Certain amounts for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were reclassified to conform to the March 31, 2014 presentation. For the year ended March 31, 2013, $5,239,000 of other revenues was reclassified to product revenues with the remaining amount of $5,845,000 being renamed as service revenues. For the year ended March 31, 2012, $4,805,000 of other revenues was reclassified to product revenues with the remaining amount of $4,415,000 being renamed as service revenues. There were no changes to total revenues for either period. For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, total cost of revenues was segregated between cost of products and cost of services. There were no changes to total cost of revenues for either period. As of March 31, 2011, $272,000 of cumulative tax benefit on exercise of stock options was reclassified from retained earnings to common stock. For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, tax benefit on exercise of stock options of $295,000 and $62,000, respectively, were presented as changes in common stock on the statements of stockholders’ equity. The cumulative reclassification between retained earnings and common stock in the March 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet was $629,000. These reclassifications had no impact on other figures in the accompanying balance sheets or statements of income and stockholders’ equity. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when the four revenue recognition criteria are met, as follows: Product sales: Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the product. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon shipment (FOB Shipping Point). Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes. Services: Revenue is recognized upon completion of the work/services to be performed. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a contract and/or a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon completion and acceptance of the service or installation process. Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes. Shipping and handling Payments by customers to us for shipping and handling costs are included in revenues on the consolidated statements of income, while our expense is included in cost of revenues. Shipping and handling for inventory and materials purchased by us is included as a component of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, and in cost of revenues when the product is sold. Unearned Revenues Certain of our products have associated annual service contracts whereby we provide repair, technical support and various other maintenance services. In the event that these contracts are paid up front by the customer, the associated amounts are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the service period. Accrued Warranty Expense We provide limited product warranty on our products and, accordingly, accrue an estimate of the related warranty expense at the time of sale. Cash Equivalents We classify time deposits and other investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable We record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable balances and is charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, the level of past-due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and our relationships with, and the economic status of, our customers. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable. For the years ended March 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our revenues and as of March 31, 2014, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance. Approximately 56% and 44% of our sales are to customers located in the United States and foreign countries, respectively. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, based on standards using the first-in, first-out method (“FIFO”) to determine cost. We evaluate standard costs annually, unless circumstances necessitate a mid-year evaluation for specific items. Our work in process and finished goods inventory includes raw materials, labor and overhead, which are estimated based on trailing twelve months of expense and standard labor hours for each product. Our biological indicator inventory is tracked by lot number, thus it is generally based on actual hours. We monitor inventory cost compared to selling price in order to determine if a lower of cost or market reserve is necessary. At year end we perform a complete physical inventory observation. Throughout the year, we estimate and maintain an inventory reserve, as needed, for such matters as obsolete inventory, shrink and scrap. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend the economic life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets, which are reviewed periodically and generally have the following ranges: buildings: 40 years or less; manufacturing equipment: seven years or less; and computer equipment: three years or less. Land is not depreciated and construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service. Goodwill and Intangible Assets We classify intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and (3) goodwill. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, our long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally ranging from three to sixteen years (See Note 5). When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying value by preparing estimates of revenues and the resulting gross profit and cash flows. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds the fair value. We use a variety of methodologies to determine the fair value of these assets, including discounted cash flow models, which are consistent with the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. We test intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives, including trademarks, franchise rights and goodwill, for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. We perform these annual impairment reviews as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. We use a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments of indefinite-lived intangible assets, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, which are based on the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Prior to February 2012, certain marketing intangible assets, such as trade names, were determined to have an indefinite life and were not being amortized. In February 2012, management determined that in the future we may phase out the use of these marketing intangible assets. Accordingly, we began amortizing them on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 10 years. We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, prior to completing the impairment test described above. We must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the testing described above. Otherwise, we do not need to perform any further assessment. We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. Our operating segments consist of our Instruments, Continuous Monitoring and Biological Indicators Divisions. These operating segments are consistent with the way management runs our business. Our Instruments operating segment is subdivided into smaller business units. These business units are also our reporting units. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination. The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We typically use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill prior to completing the two-step process described above to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill and other intangible assets. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the two-step process. Otherwise, we will forego the two-step process and do not need to perform any further testing. Research & Development Costs Internal costs related to research and development efforts on existing or potential products are expensed as incurred. The costs of intangible assets that are purchased from others for use in research and development activities, and also have alternative future benefit, are capitalized and amortized over their expected useful life. Under certain agreements, we may receive advance payments from customers to perform research and development on their behalf. These payments are recovered by the customer through lower product prices and as such, are initially recorded as unearned revenues in the accompanying consolidate balance sheets. As product is sold, this liability is reduced through revenues on the consolidated statements of income. Stock-based Compensation Equity classified stock-based compensation is measured at fair value, based on the closing stock price at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the service period, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, resulting in a compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest. We do not have any liability classified stock-based compensation. We allocate stock-based compensation expense to cost of revenues and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Income Taxes We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amount of our assets and liabilities. We monitor our deferred tax assets and evaluate the need for a valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. We also evaluate whether we have any uncertain tax positions and would record a reserve if we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position would not prevail with the applicable tax authorities. We have not recorded a valuation allowance or a reserve for uncertain tax positions. Any penalties and interest are included in other expense, net on the consolidated statements of income. Fair Value of Measurements Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and long-term debt. The carrying value of these financial instruments is considered to be representative of their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Our debt has a variable interest rate, so the carrying amount approximates fair value because interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us.

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado on March 26, 1982. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Mesa” are used in this report to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted. We pursue a strategy of focusing primarily on quality control products, which are sold into niche markets that are driven by regulatory requirements. We prefer markets that have limited competition where we can establish a commanding presence and achieve high gross margins. We are organized into three divisions across seven physical locations. Our Instruments Division designs, manufactures and markets quality control instruments and disposable products utilized in connection with the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical device, industrial hygiene and semiconductor industries. Our Biological Indicators Division manufactures and markets biological indicators and distributes chemical indicators used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization processes, including steam, gas, hydrogen peroxide and radiation, in the hospital, dental, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Our Continuous Monitoring Division designs, develops and markets systems which are used to monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and differential pressure to ensure that critical storage and processing conditions are maintained in hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, blood banks, pharmacies and a number of other laboratory and industrial environments.

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mesa Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.

On October 1, 2012 our articles of incorporation were amended to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 8,000,000 to 25,000,000.

Certain amounts for the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were reclassified to conform to the March 31, 2014 presentation.

For the year ended March 31, 2013, $5,239,000 of other revenues was reclassified to product revenues with the remaining amount of $5,845,000 being renamed as service revenues. For the year ended March 31, 2012, $4,805,000 of other revenues was reclassified to product revenues with the remaining amount of $4,415,000 being renamed as service revenues. There were no changes to total revenues for either period. For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, total cost of revenues was segregated between cost of products and cost of services. There were no changes to total cost of revenues for either period.

As of March 31, 2011, $272,000 of cumulative tax benefit on exercise of stock options was reclassified from retained earnings to common stock. For the years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, tax benefit on exercise of stock options of $295,000 and $62,000, respectively, were presented as changes in common stock on the statements of stockholders’ equity. The cumulative reclassification between retained earnings and common stock in the March 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet was $629,000. These reclassifications had no impact on other figures in the accompanying balance sheets or statements of income and stockholders’ equity.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the four revenue recognition criteria are met, as follows:

Product sales: Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the product. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon shipment (FOB Shipping Point). Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes.

Services: Revenue is recognized upon completion of the work/services to be performed. Evidence of an arrangement is typically in the form of a contract and/or a customer purchase order. Custody is transferred upon completion and acceptance of the service or installation process. Prices are fixed at the time of order and no price protections or variables are offered. Collectability is reasonably assured via our customer credit and review processes.

Shipping and handling

Payments by customers to us for shipping and handling costs are included in revenues on the consolidated statements of income, while our expense is included in cost of revenues. Shipping and handling for inventory and materials purchased by us is included as a component of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, and in cost of revenues when the product is sold.

Unearned Revenues

Certain of our products have associated annual service contracts whereby we provide repair, technical support and various other maintenance services. In the event that these contracts are paid up front by the customer, the associated amounts are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the service period.

Accrued Warranty Expense

We provide limited product warranty on our products and, accordingly, accrue an estimate of the related warranty expense at the time of sale.

Cash Equivalents

We classify time deposits and other investments that are highly liquid and have maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

We record trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the trade accounts receivable balances and is charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, the level of past-due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and our relationships with, and the economic status of, our customers.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable. For the years ended March 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our revenues and as of March 31, 2014, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance. Approximately 56% and 44% of our sales are to customers located in the United States and foreign countries, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, based on standards using the first-in, first-out method (“FIFO”) to determine cost. We evaluate standard costs annually, unless circumstances necessitate a mid-year evaluation for specific items. Our work in process and finished goods inventory includes raw materials, labor and overhead, which are estimated based on trailing twelve months of expense and standard labor hours for each product. Our biological indicator inventory is tracked by lot number, thus it is generally based on actual hours.

We monitor inventory cost compared to selling price in order to determine if a lower of cost or market reserve is necessary. At year end we perform a complete physical inventory observation. Throughout the year, we estimate and maintain an inventory reserve, as needed, for such matters as obsolete inventory, shrink and scrap.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend the economic life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets, which are reviewed periodically and generally have the following ranges: buildings: 40 years or less; manufacturing equipment: seven years or less; and computer equipment: three years or less. Land is not depreciated and construction in progress is not depreciated until placed in service.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We classify intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and (3) goodwill. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, our long-term strategy for using the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, generally ranging from three to sixteen years (See Note 5).

When facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying value by preparing estimates of revenues and the resulting gross profit and cash flows. These estimated future cash flows are consistent with those we use in our internal planning. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount, we recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset (or asset group) exceeds the fair value. We use a variety of methodologies to determine the fair value of these assets, including discounted cash flow models, which are consistent with the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use.

We test intangible assets determined to have indefinite useful lives, including trademarks, franchise rights and goodwill, for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired. We perform these annual impairment reviews as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. We use a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments of indefinite-lived intangible assets, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, which are based on the assumptions we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, if the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Prior to February 2012, certain marketing intangible assets, such as trade names, were determined to have an indefinite life and were not being amortized. In February 2012, management determined that in the future we may phase out the use of these marketing intangible assets. Accordingly, we began amortizing them on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 10 years.

We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, prior to completing the impairment test described above. We must assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the testing described above. Otherwise, we do not need to perform any further assessment.

We perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. Our operating segments consist of our Instruments, Continuous Monitoring and Biological Indicators Divisions. These operating segments are consistent with the way management runs our business. Our Instruments operating segment is subdivided into smaller business units. These business units are also our reporting units. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit or units that benefit from the synergies arising from each business combination.

The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. We typically use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these models are consistent with those we believe hypothetical marketplace participants would use. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed in order to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill prior to completing the two-step process described above to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill and other intangible assets. If we conclude that this is the case, we must perform the two-step process. Otherwise, we will forego the two-step process and do not need to perform any further testing.

Research & Development Costs

Internal costs related to research and development efforts on existing or potential products are expensed as incurred. The costs of intangible assets that are purchased from others for use in research and development activities, and also have alternative future benefit, are capitalized and amortized over their expected useful life.

Under certain agreements, we may receive advance payments from customers to perform research and development on their behalf. These payments are recovered by the customer through lower product prices and as such, are initially recorded as unearned revenues in the accompanying consolidate balance sheets. As product is sold, this liability is reduced through revenues on the consolidated statements of income.

Stock-based Compensation

Equity classified stock-based compensation is measured at fair value, based on the closing stock price at grant date, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the service period, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, resulting in a compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest. We do not have any liability classified stock-based compensation. We allocate stock-based compensation expense to cost of revenues and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amount of our assets and liabilities. We monitor our deferred tax assets and evaluate the need for a valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria. We also evaluate whether we have any uncertain tax positions and would record a reserve if we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position would not prevail with the applicable tax authorities. We have not recorded a valuation allowance or a reserve for uncertain tax positions. Any penalties and interest are included in other expense, net on the consolidated statements of income.

Fair Value of Measurements

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and long-term debt. The carrying value of these financial instruments is considered to be representative of their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Our debt has a variable interest rate, so the carrying amount approximates fair value because interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us.