Argan (AGX) 10-K15 Apr 142014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Apr. 10, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ARGAN INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000100591	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	14,329,401	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$135,319,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$272,209,000	$175,142,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	23,687,000	24,879,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	527,000	1,178,000
Deferred income tax assets	178,000	1,303,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,958,000	1,606,000
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	298,559,000	204,108,000
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation (including $5,309,000 in costs related to variable interest entities as of January 31, 2013)	4,183,000	9,468,000
Goodwill	18,476,000	18,476,000
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	2,088,000	2,331,000
Deferred income tax and other assets	'	341,000
TOTAL ASSETS	323,306,000	234,724,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	22,589,000	32,699,000
Accrued expenses	7,911,000	9,488,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	134,736,000	73,359,000
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	165,236,000	115,546,000
Deferred income tax and other liabilities	293,000	10,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES	165,529,000	115,556,000
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (see Notes 11 and 12)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share - 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.15 per share - 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,289,134 and 13,977,560 shares issued at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively; 14,285,901 and 13,974,327 shares outstanding at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	2,143,000	2,096,000
Additional paid-in capital	100,863,000	95,004,000
Retained earnings	53,335,000	23,850,000
Treasury stock at cost - 3,233 shares at January 31, 2014 and 2013	-33,000	-33,000
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	156,308,000	120,917,000
Noncontrolling interests	1,469,000	-1,749,000
TOTAL EQUITY	157,777,000	119,168,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$323,306,000	$234,724,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$8,390,000	$13,230,000
Preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.15	$0.15
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,289,134	13,977,560
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,285,901	13,974,327
Treasury stock, shares	3,233	3,233
Construction Project Costs of Variable Interest Entities [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	'	$5,309,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenues	$227,455,000	$278,635,000	$141,850,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	148,607,000	228,500,000	118,748,000
Gross profit	78,848,000	50,135,000	23,102,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	12,918,000	14,350,000	11,186,000
Income from operations	65,930,000	35,785,000	11,916,000
Gains on the deconsolidation of variable interest entities	2,444,000	'	'
Other income (expense), net	961,000	-43,000	48,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	69,335,000	35,742,000	11,964,000
Income tax expense	25,991,000	13,640,000	4,556,000
Income from continuing operations	43,344,000	22,102,000	7,408,000
Discontinued operations	'	'	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income tax benefit (see Note 19)	'	-405,000	282,000
Income tax benefit	'	120,000	1,280,000
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	'	-285,000	1,562,000
Net income	43,344,000	21,817,000	8,970,000
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,219,000	-1,448,000	-302,000
Net income attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.	40,125,000	23,265,000	9,272,000
Continuing operations (see Note 15)	'	'	'
Basic	$2.85	$1.71	$0.57
Diluted	$2.78	$1.67	$0.56
Discontinued operations	'	'	'
Basic	'	($0.02)	$0.11
Diluted	'	($0.02)	$0.11
Net income	'	'	'
Basic	$2.85	$1.69	$0.68
Diluted	$2.78	$1.65	$0.67
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	'	'	'
Basic	14,072,000	13,784,000	13,612,000
Diluted	14,427,000	14,116,000	13,792,000
Cash dividend per common share	$0.75	$0.60	$0.50
Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenues	218,649,000	261,327,000	132,519,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	141,807,000	214,817,000	111,193,000
Telecommunications Infrastructure Services [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenues	8,806,000	17,308,000	9,331,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'
Cost of revenues	$6,800,000	$13,683,000	$7,555,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Warrants [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning Balance at Jan. 31, 2011	$97,645,000	$2,040,000	$601,000	$88,561,000	$6,476,000	'	($33,000)
Beginning Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Jan. 31, 2011	'	13,598,994	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	8,970,000	'	'	'	9,272,000	-302,000	'
Exercise of stock options	507,000	8,000	'	499,000	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	55,038	55,038	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of stock warrants	23,000	1,000	-11,000	33,000	'	'	'
Conversion of stock warrants, Shares	'	3,000	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option vesting	637,000	'	'	637,000	'	'	'
Reversal of excess tax benefit on forfeited stock options	-16,000	'	'	-16,000	'	'	'
Dividends	-6,804,000	'	'	'	-6,804,000	'	'
Other	1,000	'	'	'	'	1,000	'
Others, Shares	'	833	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Jan. 31, 2012	100,963,000	2,049,000	590,000	89,714,000	8,944,000	-301,000	-33,000
Ending Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Jan. 31, 2012	'	13,657,865	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	21,817,000	'	'	'	23,265,000	-1,448,000	'
Exercise of stock options	1,436,000	23,000	'	1,413,000	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	153,962	153,962	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of stock warrants	1,240,000	24,000	-590,000	1,806,000	'	'	'
Conversion of stock warrants, Shares	'	160,000	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option vesting	1,316,000	'	'	1,316,000	'	'	'
Release of restricted stock	25,000	'	'	25,000	'	'	'
Release of restricted stock, Shares	'	2,500	'	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options and converted warrants	730,000	'	'	730,000	'	'	'
Dividends	-8,359,000	'	'	'	-8,359,000	'	'
Ending Balance at Jan. 31, 2013	119,168,000	2,096,000	'	95,004,000	23,850,000	-1,749,000	-33,000
Ending Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Jan. 31, 2013	'	13,974,327	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	43,344,000	'	'	'	40,125,000	3,219,000	'
Exercise of stock options	3,768,000	46,000	'	3,722,000	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, Shares	309,074	309,074	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option vesting	1,536,000	'	'	1,536,000	'	'	'
Release of restricted stock	26,000	1,000	'	25,000	'	'	'
Release of restricted stock, Shares	'	2,500	'	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit on exercised stock options and converted warrants	576,000	'	'	576,000	'	'	'
Dividends	-10,640,000	'	'	'	-10,640,000	'	'
Deconsolidation of VIEs	-1,000	'	'	'	'	-1,000	'
Ending Balance at Jan. 31, 2014	$157,777,000	$2,143,000	'	$100,863,000	$53,335,000	$1,469,000	($33,000)
Ending Balance, Shares, Outstanding at Jan. 31, 2014	'	14,285,901	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$43,344,000	$21,817,000	$8,970,000
Removal of loss (income) on discontinued operations	'	285,000	-1,562,000
Income from continuing operations	43,344,000	22,102,000	7,408,000
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing operating activities:	'	'	'
Gains on the deconsolidation of variable interest entities	-2,444,000	'	'
Non-cash stock compensation expense	1,536,000	1,316,000	637,000
Depreciation	549,000	522,000	455,000
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	243,000	243,000	334,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,701,000	-139,000	-51,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,294,000	-8,826,000	-2,976,000
Restricted cash	'	'	1,243,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	722,000	1,603,000	-1,338,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	598,000	2,943,000	-4,020,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-9,937,000	6,489,000	20,270,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	61,377,000	5,389,000	58,088,000
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities	98,983,000	31,642,000	80,050,000
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities	'	-78,000	-1,335,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	98,983,000	31,564,000	78,715,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-1,136,000	-7,263,000	-1,738,000
Net cash provided by the sale of the assets of VLI	'	'	2,528,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-1,136,000	-7,263,000	790,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Loans to deconsolidated variable interest entities	-2,450,000	'	'
Payments received on loans made to deconsolidated variable interest entities	8,915,000	'	'
Deconsolidation of the cash of variable interest entities	-399,000	'	'
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and conversion of warrants	3,794,000	2,676,000	531,000
Dividends	-10,640,000	-8,359,000	-6,804,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-780,000	-5,683,000	-6,273,000
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	97,067,000	18,618,000	73,232,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	175,142,000	156,524,000	83,292,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	272,209,000	175,142,000	156,524,000
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	$24,723,000	$9,977,000	$5,097,000

Description_of_the_Business

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
Description of the Business	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of the Business	'
	NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
	Argan, Inc. (“Argan”) conducts continuing operations through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Gemma Power Systems, LLC and affiliates (“GPS”), which provide the substantial portion of consolidated revenues, and Southern Maryland Cable, Inc. (“SMC”). Argan and these consolidated subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to as the “Company.” Through GPS, the Company provides a full range of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations management, maintenance and consulting services to the power generation and renewable energy markets for a wide range of customers including public utilities and independent power project owners. The combination of GPS and its consolidated joint ventures and variable interest entities represents our power industry services business segment. Through SMC, the services of the telecommunications infrastructure services segment include project management, construction, installation and maintenance provided to commercial, local government and federal government customers primarily in the mid-Atlantic region.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Argan, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, its majority-controlled joint ventures and any variable interest entities for which GPS is deemed to be the primary beneficiary (see Note 3). The Company’s fiscal year ends on January 31. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In Note 16, the Company has provided certain financial information relating to the operating results and assets of its industry segments based on the manner in which management disaggregates the Company’s financial reporting for purposes of making internal operating decisions.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues, expenses, and certain financial statement disclosures. Management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which it relies are reasonable based upon information available to it at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, the Company’s accounting for revenue recognition, the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the valuation of assets with long and indefinite lives including goodwill, the evaluation of contingent obligations and the valuation of deferred taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Values – Current professional accounting guidance applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. The requirements prescribe a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value. A Level 1 input includes a quoted market price in an active market or the price of an identical asset or liability. Level 2 inputs are market data other than Level 1 inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices in an inactive market, and other observable information that can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and corroborated by little or no market data.

The carrying value amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of business segments (as needed for purposes of determining indications of impairment to the carrying value of goodwill) is determined using an average of valuations based on market multiples and discounted cash flows, and consideration of our market capitalization.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation amounts are determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, other than land, which are generally from five to thirty-nine years. Building and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the related asset or the lease term, as applicable. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in earnings.

Goodwill – At least annually, the Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill for impairment. Goodwill impairment is determined using the two-step process.

The first step of the impairment test is to identify a potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The estimate of fair value of the reporting unit, generally a company’s operating segment, is determined using various valuation techniques, with the principal techniques being a discounted cash flow analysis and market multiple valuation. A discounted cash flow analysis requires making various judgmental assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. After taking into consideration industry and company trends, if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not deemed impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

The second step of the impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the corresponding carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. Nonetheless, the Company would evaluate any of these assets for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset value might be impaired.

Long-Lived Assets – The carrying amount of long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment and purchased intangible assets with definite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a carrying amount should be assessed. The Company compares the carrying value of the long-lived asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. In the event the Company determines that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, a loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is generally determined by using quoted market prices or valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash flows, appraisals, or other pricing models as appropriate. The useful lives and amortization of purchased intangible assets are described in Note 9.

Revenue Recognition, Power Industry Services – Revenues are recognized under various construction agreements, including agreements for which revenues are based on either a fixed price or cost-plus-fee basis, with typical durations of one to three years. Revenues from cost-plus-fee construction agreements are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the fee earned, measured using the cost-to-cost method. Revenues from fixed price construction agreements, including a portion of estimated profit, are recognized as services are provided, based on costs incurred and estimated total contract costs using the percentage of completion method. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined.

Unapproved change orders, which represent contract variations for which the Company has project owner approval for scope changes but not for the price associated with the scope changes, are reflected in revenues when it is probable that the applicable costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price. As of January 31, 2014, there were no material unapproved change orders included in the total contract value amounts or reflected in the estimated total cost amounts of the contracts in progress. Disputed change orders that are unapproved in regard to both scope and price are considered claims. The Company recognizes revenues related to a claim only when an agreement on the amount has been reached with the project owner. Construction agreements may contain incentive fees that provide for increasing the Company’s total fee on a particular contract based on the actual amount of costs incurred in relation to an agreed upon target cost. The Company includes such fees in the determination of total estimated revenues when management believes that it is probable that such fees have been earned, which is typically near the end of the contract performance period.

The following schedule presents revenues for the two categories of power industry services provided during the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Core services represent primarily the ongoing activities conducted pursuant to engineering, construction and procurement contracts for energy plant project owners. The revenues associated with project development services include additional amounts earned upon the success of activities performed by project developers including the closing of permanent financing.

Category of Service

2014

2013

2012

Core services

191,597,000

261,327,000

132,519,000

Project development services

27,052,000

—

Revenues

218,649,000

261,327,000

132,519,000

Revenue Recognition, Telecommunications Infrastructure Services – This business segment generates revenues under various arrangements, including contracts for which revenues are based on either a fixed price or a time and materials basis. Revenues from time and materials contracts are recognized when the related services are provided to the customer. Revenues from fixed price contracts, including portions of estimated profit, are recognized as services are provided, based on costs incurred and estimated amounts of total contract costs using the percentage of completion method. Many of the contracts include multiple deliverables. Because these projects are fully integrated undertakings, the Company cannot separate the services provided into individual components. Losses on contracts, if any, are recognized in the periods in which they become known.

Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effects of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. If management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, the carrying value will be reduced by a valuation allowance. The Company adopted the accounting and disclosure guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. There has not been any material effect on the consolidated financial statements as the result of adopting these requirements.

Stock-Based Compensation – The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based upon fair value at the date of award using a fair value based option pricing model. The compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period.

Special_Purpose_Entities

Special Purpose Entities	12 Months Ended
Special Purpose Entities	Jan. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Special Purpose Entities	'
	NOTE 3 – SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITIES
	Consolidation of the Moxie Project Entities
	Moxie Energy, LLC (“Moxie”), a Delaware limited liability company, formed a pair of wholly-owned limited liability companies in order to sponsor the development of two natural gas-fired power plant projects (the “Moxie Projects”). The strategy of Moxie was to build the corresponding power plants in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania near the natural gas source, eliminating the need to transport natural gas via pipelines over long distances to supply the power production plants. The Moxie Project entities, Moxie Liberty LLC (“Moxie Liberty”) and Moxie Patriot LLC (“Moxie Patriot”) together referred to as the “Moxie Project Entities,” were engaged in the lengthy process of planning, obtaining permits and arranging financing for the construction, ownership and operation of the power plants.
	Under a development agreement with Moxie, as amended and restated, Gemma Power, Inc. (“GPI,” an affiliate included in the GPS group of companies and wholly owned by Argan) supported the development of these two projects with loans that were made in order to cover most of the costs of the development efforts. GPI was authorized by the Company’s board of directors to extend loans to the Moxie Project Entities that could total up to $10 million. Moxie supported the arrangement by providing GPI with a first priority lien and security interest in all of the assets of the Moxie Project Entities, limited recourse guarantees of all of the obligations of the entities, and first priority liens on its membership interests in the two entities. The admission of any additional investor that would change the control of Moxie or either of the Moxie Project Entities required the prior approval of GPI. Pursuant to the development agreement, Moxie provided GPI with the right to receive development success fees and granted GPS the right to provide construction services for the two projects under engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
	Primarily due to the Moxie Project Entities not having sufficient equity investment to permit the entities to finance their activities without additional financial support, these entities were considered to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Despite not having an ownership interest in the Moxie Project Entities, GPI was the primary beneficiary of these VIEs due substantially to the significance of GPI’s loans to the entities, the risk that GPI could absorb significant losses if the development projects were not successful, the opportunity for GPI to receive development success fees and the intent of the parties for GPS to be awarded large contracts for the construction of the two power plants. Accordingly, the Company included the accounts of the VIEs of Moxie in its consolidated financial statements for the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012.

	The loss (net of income tax benefit) associated with the Moxie Project Entities incurred prior to the deconsolidation of the entities described below, and therefore included in the consolidated results of operations for the year ended January 31, 2014, was approximately $77,000. The losses (net of income tax benefit) associated with the Moxie Project Entities and included in the consolidated results of operations for the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $1,448,000 and $302,000, respectively.
	Deconsolidation of the Moxie Project Entities
	During the year ended January 31, 2014, Moxie reached agreements for the purchase of its membership interests in the Moxie Project Entities by affiliates of Panda Power Funds (“Panda”). The consummation of the purchase of each Moxie Project Entity was contingent upon Panda securing permanent financing for the corresponding project. In order to support the continuing progress of each project, Panda 1) provided collateral supporting the rights of Moxie Liberty and Moxie Patriot to connect to the electricity grid, 2) made equipment deposit payments to the manufacturer of the natural gas-fired turbines, and 3) commenced payments to GPS under the corresponding engineering, procurement and construction contracts after the Moxie Project Entities provided GPS with limited notices-to-proceed. The equipment deposit funding was provided by Panda under secured loans. The membership interest purchase agreements required the Moxie Project Entities to continue to conduct the remaining development activities. However, the rights of the Moxie Project Entities to conduct any activities that deviated from the development plans were subject to the approval of Panda. Also, GPI consented to the secured lending arrangements with Panda and agreed to equal priority regarding claims (neither party had a priority of payment over or was subordinate to the other) and the methods for sharing the proceeds of any debt payments made by the Moxie Project Entities. In addition, the Moxie Project Entities entered into separate engineering, procurement and construction contracts with GPS for the Liberty and Patriot Power Projects (the “EPC Contracts”).
	With the completion of the agreements described above, the power to direct the economic activities of the Moxie Project Entities that most affected their economic performance shifted. GPI was no longer the primary beneficiary of either of the VIEs. Panda became the primary source of financial support for the pre-construction phase of the related projects, providing significant financing in order to secure connections to the electricity grid and to pay for the natural gas-fired turbines, the most significant equipment components of the power plants. Through the EPC Contracts, GPS transitioned into its typical role of engineering, procurement and construction contractor where it is subject to the direction of the owner of the projects. Panda funded payments made to GPS in order to cover certain costs incurred under the EPC Contracts. Further, the identification of sources and structuring of the permanent financing for the Moxie Projects were activities directed and completed primarily by Panda. As a result, the Company ceased the consolidation of the Moxie Project Entities during the current fiscal year. The elimination of the accounts of Moxie Project Entities from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including the accumulated net losses of these VIEs, resulted in pre-tax gains recognized by GPI which totaled $2,444,000.
	Development Success Fees Associated with the Moxie Project Entities
	In August and December 2013, respectively, Panda completed the purchase of and permanent financing for Moxie Liberty and Moxie Patriot and renamed the project entities Panda Liberty LLC (“Panda Liberty”) and Panda Patriot LLC (“Panda Patriot”). Also, GPS received full notices-to-proceed under the EPC Contracts. In connection with the closings, GPI received cash from the Moxie Project Entities in the aggregate amount of $37,863,000, including the receipt of the development success fees in the total amount of $27,052,000 which has been included in the revenues of the power industry services segment for the year ended January 31, 2014 and the repayment of notes receivable and accrued interest in the aggregate amount of $10,811,000. From the dates of deconsolidation through the dates of purchase of the Moxie Project Entities by Panda, GPI earned interest income on its notes receivable in the aggregate amount of $952,000. This amount was included in other income in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended January 31, 2014.
	As GPI was not relieved of its responsibility to provide working capital funding for the Moxie Projects (its primary responsibility under the related development agreement) until the closing of their purchases by Panda, and as the Moxie Projects did not have the means to pay development success fees until the financial closings occurred, the development success fees related to each Moxie Project were not earned or realizable until GPI received payment of the fees at the closing of each purchase. Management concluded that the earnings process related to the development success fees was completed on the closing dates which occurred in December 2013 and August 2013 for Moxie Patriot and Moxie Liberty, respectively. Accordingly, we recognized the fees related to each project at the time of the corresponding closing.

	Construction Joint Ventures
	During the current year, GPS assigned the EPC Contracts to two separate joint ventures that were formed in order to perform the work for the applicable project and to spread the bonding risk of each project. The joint venture partner for both projects is a large, heavy civil contracting firm. The joint venture agreements provide that GPS has the majority interest in any profits, losses, assets and liabilities that may result from the performance of the EPC Contracts. However, if the joint venture partner is unable to pay its share of any losses, GPS would be fully liable for those losses incurred under the EPC Contracts. GPS has no significant commitments under these arrangements beyond those related to the completion of the EPC Contracts. The joint venture partners will dedicate resources that are necessary to complete the projects and will be reimbursed for their costs. GPS expects to perform most of the activities of the EPC Contracts. Due to the financial control of GPS, the accounts of the joint ventures were included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2014.

Payment_of_Special_Cash_Divide

Payment of Special Cash Dividends	12 Months Ended
Payment of Special Cash Dividends	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Payment of Special Cash Dividends	'
	NOTE 4 – PAYMENT OF SPECIAL CASH DIVIDENDS
	In September 2013, the Company’s board of directors declared a special cash dividend of $0.75 per share of common stock, which was paid on November 7, 2013 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 15, 2013. During the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company declared and paid special cash dividends of $0.60 and $0.50 per share of common stock, respectively.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Jan. 31, 2014
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	NOTE 5 – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
	The Company holds cash on deposit in excess of federally insured limits and has liquid mutual fund investments at Bank of America (the “Bank”). Management does not believe that the risks associated with keeping deposits in excess of federal deposit limits or holding investments in liquid mutual funds represent material risks.
	The Company considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. At January 31, 2014, a significant portion of the balance of cash and cash equivalents was invested in a high-quality money market fund with at least 80% of its net assets invested in U.S. Treasury obligations and repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury obligations. The fund is sponsored by an investment division of the Bank.
	The amount of cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2014 included cash held within the consolidated joint venture entities that were formed during the current year. Such cash, which amounted to approximately $117.7 million as of January 31, 2014, will be used for activities of those construction joint ventures including future distributions to joint venture partners.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
Accounts Receivable	Jan. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	NOTE 6 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	Amounts retained by project owners under construction contracts and included in accounts receivable at January 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $22.7 million and $20.2 million, respectively. Such retainage amounts represent funds withheld by construction project owners until a defined phase of a contract or project has been completed and accepted by the project owner. The lengths of retention periods may vary, but for material amounts outstanding as of January 31, 2014, the remaining periods range between ten (10) and twenty-nine (29) months.
	The Company conducts business and may extend credit to customers based on an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. Exposure to losses on accounts receivable is expected to differ by customer due to the varying financial condition of each customer. The Company monitors its exposure to credit losses and maintains allowances for anticipated losses considered necessary under the circumstances based on historical experience with uncollected accounts and a review of its currently outstanding accounts receivable.

	The amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts at January 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $5.5 million. In fiscal year 2010, the balance of the accounts receivable from the owner of a partially completed construction project was written down to $5.5 million, the amount of the net proceeds remaining from a public auction of the facility. As the amount that the Company may ultimately receive in a distribution of the auction proceeds, if any, is not known at this time, this remaining accounts receivable amount was fully reserved. The amounts of the provision for accounts receivable losses for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not material.

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_B

Costs, Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]	'
Costs, Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	'
	NOTE 7 – COSTS, ESTIMATED EARNINGS AND BILLINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS
	The Company’s billing practices are governed primarily by the contract terms of each project based on the achievement of milestones, pre-agreed schedules or progress towards completion approved by the project owner. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenues recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.
	The tables below set forth the aggregate amount of costs incurred and earnings accrued on uncompleted contracts compared with the billings on those contracts through January 31, 2014 and 2013, and reconcile the net amounts of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings to the amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets at those dates.


		2014		2013
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	162,137,000	$	259,390,000
	Estimated accrued earnings		21,961,000		48,724,000

			184,098,000		308,114,000
	Less – Billings to date		318,307,000		380,295,000

		$	134,209,000	$	72,181,000

	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	527,000	$	1,178,000
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings		134,736,000		73,359,000

		$	134,209,000	$	72,181,000

	Contract costs include all direct costs, such as material and labor, and those indirect costs related to contract performance such as payroll taxes, insurance, job supervision and equipment charges. The amounts of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are expected to be billed and collected in the normal course of business.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment	Jan. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	NOTE 8 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at January 31, 2014 and 2013:


		2014		2013
	Land and improvements	$	473,000	$	471,000
	Building and improvements		2,779,000		2,587,000
	Furniture, machinery and equipment		3,560,000		3,060,000
	Trucks and other vehicles		1,578,000		1,803,000
	Construction project costs of variable interest entities		—		5,309,000

			8,390,000		13,230,000
	Less – accumulated depreciation		4,207,000		3,762,000

	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	4,183,000	$	9,468,000

	In June 2012, GPS purchased an office building and the underlying land for a cash price of $1,955,000. The building is large enough to combine the staff of GPS into one facility, and the purchase eliminated the need for leased office space in Connecticut. Depreciation expense amounts related to continuing operations for property and equipment were $549,000, $522,000 and $455,000 for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The costs of maintenance and repairs related to continuing operations were $250,000, $325,000 and $295,000 for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Purchased_Intangible_Assets

Purchased Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Purchased Intangible Assets	Jan. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Purchased Intangible Assets	'
	NOTE 9 – PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	In connection with the acquisitions of GPS and SMC, the Company recorded substantial amounts of goodwill and other purchased intangible assets including trade names and non-compete agreements. The goodwill included in the balance sheets at January 31, 2014 and 2013 in the amount of $18,476,000 relates entirely to the acquisition of GPS. For income tax reporting purposes, goodwill allocated to GPS in the approximate amount of $12.3 million is being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of 15 years. The excess amount of the Company’s goodwill is not amortizable for income tax reporting purposes.
	The Company’s other purchased intangible assets consisted of the following elements. The Company determined the fair values of the GPS and SMC trade names using a relief-from-royalty methodology. The Company also considered recognition by potential customers of a trade name such as GPS. The Company believes that the useful life of the GPS trade name is fifteen years, the period over which the trade name is expected to contribute to future cash flows. Management concluded that the useful life of the SMC trade name was indefinite since it is expected to contribute directly to future cash flows in perpetuity. The fair value amounts of three non-compete agreements with the former owners of acquired businesses were determined at the time of the acquisitions by discounting the estimated reductions in the cash flows that would be expected if the key employees were to leave the Company. The Company amortized the fair value amounts ascribed to the non-compete agreements over five years, the contractual length of each non-compete agreement.
	The net carrying amounts of the Company’s intangible assets, other than goodwill, consisted of the following at January 31, 2014 and 2013:


		2014		2013
	Trade name—GPS	$	1,907,000	$	2,150,000
	Trade name—SMC		181,000		181,000

	Totals	$	2,088,000	$	2,331,000

	As of January 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts of accumulated amortization associated with the trade name of GPS were $1,736,000 and $1,493,000, respectively. Amortization expense was $243,000, $243,000 and $334,000 for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including $91,000 in the year ended January 31, 2012 associated with fully amortized non-compete agreements. The estimated amounts of amortization expense related to the trade name of GPS for the next five fiscal years are presented below:


	2015	$	243,000
	2016		243,000
	2017		243,000
	2018		243,000
	2019		243,000
	Thereafter		692,000

	Total	$	1,907,000

Financing_Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
Financing Arrangements	Jan. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financing Arrangements	'
	NOTE 10 – FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	The Company maintains financing arrangements with the Bank. The financing arrangements, as amended, provide a revolving loan with a maximum borrowing amount of $4.25 million that is available until May 31, 2015, with interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%. During the current year, available funds in the total amount of $1.35 million were designated to cover letters of credit issued by the Bank in support of the project development activities of a potential power plant customer. The Company may obtain standby letters of credit from the Bank for use in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $10.0 million. There were no actual borrowings outstanding under the Bank financing arrangements as of January 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The Company has pledged the majority of its assets to secure the financing arrangements. The Bank’s consent is required for acquisitions, divestitures, certain investments and cash dividends. The Bank requires that the Company comply with certain financial covenants at its fiscal year-end and at each of its fiscal quarter-ends (using a rolling 12-month period) including covenants that (1) the ratio of total funded debt to EBITDA (as defined by the Bank) not exceed 2 to 1, (2) the fixed charge coverage ratio be not less than 1.25 to 1, and (3) the ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA not exceed 1.50 to 1.

	At January 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of its amended financing arrangements. Management believes that the Company will continue to comply with its financial covenants under the financing arrangements.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
Commitments	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments	'
	NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS
	The Company leases certain office space and other facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring on various dates through February 2017. Certain leases contain renewal options. As it is management’s intention to continue to occupy the headquarters facility of SMC, the future minimum lease payment amounts presented below include the payment amounts associated with three remaining two-year option terms. None of the Company’s leases include significant amounts for incentives, rent holidays, penalties, or price escalations. Under certain lease agreements, the Company is obligated to pay property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
	The amounts of rent included in the selling, general and administrative expenses of continuing operations were $171,000, $390,000 and $443,000 for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The amounts of rent incurred on construction projects and included in the costs of revenues of continuing operations were $3,612,000, $7,567,000 and $4,386,000 for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments for the operating leases of continuing operations that had initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of January 31, 2014:


	2015	$	181,000
	2016		183,000
	2017		182,000
	2018		89,000
	2019		89,000
	Thereafter		81,000

	Total	$	805,000

Legal_Contingencies

Legal Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Legal Contingencies	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Contingencies	'
	NOTE 12 – LEGAL CONTINGENCIES
	In the normal course of business, the Company has pending claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of management, based on information available at this time, that none of the current claims and proceedings could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than the matters discussed below. The material amounts of any legal fees expected to be incurred in connection with these matters are accrued when such amounts are estimable.
	Altra Matters
	GPS was the contractor for engineering, procurement and construction services related to an anhydrous ethanol plant in Carleton, Nebraska (the “Project”). The Project owner was ALTRA Nebraska, LLC (“Altra”). In November 2007, GPS and Altra agreed to a suspension of the Project while Altra sought to obtain financing to complete the Project. By March 2008, financing had not been arranged which terminated the construction contract prior to completion of the Project. In March 2008, GPS filed a mechanic’s lien against the Project in the approximate amount of $23.8 million, which amount included sums owed to subcontractors/suppliers of GPS and their subcontractors/suppliers. Several other claimants also filed mechanic’s liens against the Project.
	In August 2009, Altra filed for bankruptcy protection. Proceedings resulted in a court-ordered liquidation of Altra’s assets. The incomplete plant was sold at auction in October 2009. Remaining net proceeds of approximately $5.5 million are being held by the bankruptcy court and have not been distributed to Altra’s creditors. The court separated the lien action into two phases relating to the priority of the claims first and the validity and amount of each party’s lien claim second. In November 2011, the court held that the claim of the project lender is superior to the lien claim of GPS. Fact discovery related to the second phase was completed in January 2012, but the court has continued to stay this action pending the final resolution of the claim against the Company’s payment bond that is discussed below.

	In January 2009, GPS and Delta-T Corporation (“Delta T”), a major subcontractor to GPS on the Project, executed a Project Close-Out Agreement (the “Close-Out”) which settled all contract claims between the parties and included a payment in the amount of $3.5 million that GPS made to Delta-T. In the Close-Out, Delta-T also agreed to prosecute any lien claims against Altra, to assign to GPS the first $3.5 million of any resulting proceeds and to indemnify and defend any claims against GPS related to the Project. In addition, GPS received a guarantee from Delta-T’s parent company in support of the indemnification commitment. Delta-T assigned its lien rights related to the Project to GPS which advised the parties that it would be pursuing only the assigned lien rights of Delta-T, amounting to approximately $21.2 million, for the remainder of this action.
	In April 2009, a subcontractor (“DCR”) to Delta-T received an arbitration award in its favor against Delta-T in the amount of approximately $6.8 million (the “Judgment Award”). In December 2009, the Judgment Award was confirmed in federal district court in Florida. In April 2009, DCR also filed suit in the District Court of Thayer County, Nebraska, in order to recover its claimed amount of $6.8 million, as amended, from a payment bond issued to Altra on behalf of GPS. Delta-T did not pay or satisfy any portion of the award and it abandoned its defense of the surety company. In December 2011, DCR filed a separate lawsuit against GPS relating to the Project in the District Court of Thayer County, Nebraska, that alleged claims against GPS for failure to furnish the surety bond upon request and unjust enrichment. DCR claimed that, to the extent that the bonding company was successful in asserting a notice defense to DCR’s claim, GPS was liable for DCR’s damages for failing to furnish the bond when requested. DCR’s unjust enrichment claim alleged that GPS received payments from Altra that exceeded the scope of GPS’s work on the Project and should have been paid to lower tier subcontractors such as DCR; its complaint sought damages in the amount of $6.1 million plus interest, costs and attorney fees.
	In August 2012, the applicable parties executed settlement agreements that resulted in the dismissal of the claims against GPS and its surety company, with prejudice, and the assignment of DCR’s mechanics lien claim against the escrowed Altra Project sales proceeds to GPS. In connection with these settlements, GPS made cash payments to DCR in August 2012 that totaled $1,875,000. The payments were funded, in part, by a cash payment received during the year from Delta-T’s parent company in the amount of $275,000. The net amount of $1,600,000 was included as a charge to the cost of revenues of GPS in July 2012. Subsequent to the execution of the settlement agreements and the payments made by GPS, DCR’s former counsel filed notice of a charging lien, claiming that DCR is indebted to counsel in excess of $1.8 million in fees and costs. In addition, a subcontractor to DCR on the Altra Project filed a motion asking the court to set aside the dismissals or, in the alternative, to reconsider them. In October 2012, the court vacated the prior orders of dismissal and permitted DCR’s former counsel and former subcontractor to file complaints. A trial for the charging lien and subcontractor claims was held in April 2013. The court ordered the parties to submit post-trial briefs which were provided to the court in August 2013. The parties currently await the court’s verdict.
	The Company intends to vigorously pursue the enforcement of the settlement agreements and the pursuit of the lien claims against the Altra Project assigned to GPS. Due to the uncertainty of the ultimate outcomes of these legal proceedings, assurance cannot be provided by the Company that it will be successful in these efforts. However, management does not believe that resolution of the matters discussed above will result in additional loss with material negative effect on the Company’s consolidated operating results in a future reporting period. No additional provision for loss related to these matters was recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended January 31, 2014. If new facts become known in the future indicating that it is probable that a loss has been incurred by GPS and the amount of additional loss can be reasonably estimated by GPS, the impacts of the change will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements at that time.
	Tampa Bay Nutraceutical Company
	On or about September 19, 2007, Tampa Bay Nutraceutical Company, Inc. (“TBN”) filed a civil action in the Circuit Court of Florida for Collier County (the “Circuit Court”) against Vitarich Laboratories, Inc. (“VLI”, see Note 19). The causes of action related to an order for product issued by TBN to VLI in June 2007 and alleged (1) breach of contract; (2) fraudulent misrepresentation; and (3) various warranty breaches, among other allegations. TBN alleged compensatory damages in excess of $42 million.
	Since 2011, the parties were engaged primarily in legal activity concerning TBN’s failure to provide proper discovery responses to VLI. In August 2012, the Circuit Court ordered TBN to pay to VLI, by September 17, 2012, a sanction award covering the costs and expenses incurred by VLI as a result of TBN’s repeated disobedience of court orders. As TBN failed to do so, the Circuit Court issued a judgment in favor of VLI, ordering that TBN’s pleadings in this matter be stricken and dismissing all of plaintiff’s claims with prejudice.

	However, in September 2012, TBN filed an appeal in the Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal (the “Appeal Court”) for reconsideration of the sanction award decision. In July 2013, the Appeal Court affirmed the Circuit Court’s decision. As a result, the judgment of the Circuit Court has now become final.
	In connection with this matter, VLI accrued a liability in order to cover expected litigation costs in the amount of approximately $1,304,000. With the termination of this matter, VLI reversed the legal accrual in July 2013 which, accordingly, resulted in a favorable adjustment to selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2014.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation	Jan. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	NOTE 13 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	In June 2013, the stockholders approved the amendment of the 2011 Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan”) in order to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for issuance thereunder by 750,000 shares to a total of 1,250,000 shares. The Stock Plan, which will expire in July 2021, was established in order to succeed the Argan, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”) which expired in July 2011. As was the case under the Option Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors may make awards under the Stock Plan to officers, directors and key employees.
	Awards may include incentive stock options (“ISOs”) or nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”), and restricted or unrestricted stock. ISOs granted under the Stock Plan shall have an exercise price per share at least equal to the common stock’s market value per share at the date of grant, shall have a term no longer than ten years, and typically become fully exercisable one year from the date of grant. NSOs may be granted at an exercise price per share that differs from the common stock’s market value per share at the date of grant, may have up to a ten-year term, and typically become exercisable one year from the date of award.
	At January 31, 2014, there were 1,448,650 remaining shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance under the two plans, including approximately 532,500 shares of the Company’s common stock available for awards under the Stock Plan.
	A summary of activity under the Option and Stock Plans for the three years ended January 31, 2014 is presented below:


			Shares				Weighted		Weighted		Weighted
							Average		Average		Average
							Exercise		Remaining		Fair
							Price		Term (years)		Value
	Outstanding, February1, 2011			675,724			$	11.29		5.78	$	5.79
	Granted			212,500			$	13.92
	Exercised			(55,038	)		$	9.36
	Forfeited			(16,000	)		$	11.36

	Outstanding, January 31, 2012			817,186			$	12.1		4.94	$	5.68
	Granted			293,000			$	17.36
	Exercised			(153,962	)		$	9.33
	Forfeited			(30,000	)		$	8.66

	Outstanding, January 31, 2013			926,224			$	14.34		5.39	$	5.93
	Granted			303,000			$	21.32
	Exercised			(309,074	)		$	12.2
	Forfeited			(4,000	)		$	17.33

	Outstanding, January 31, 2014			916,150			$	17.36		6.04	$	5.58

	Exercisable, January 31, 2014			613,150			$	15.4		5.09	$	6.15

	The total intrinsic values for the stock options exercised during the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $3,158,000, $1,242,000 and $238,000, respectively. At January 31, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value amounts for outstanding and exercisable stock options were $10,124,000 and $7,977,000, respectively.

	A summary of the change in the number of shares of common stock subject to non-vested options to purchase such shares for the three years ended January 31, 2014 is presented below:


			Shares				Weighted
							Average
							Fair
							Value
	Non-vested, February 1, 2011			237,000			$	6.31
	Granted			212,500			$	5.09
	Vested			(232,000	)		$	6.34
	Forfeited (non-vested)			(5,000	)		$	4.98

	Non-vested, January 31, 2012			212,500			$	5.09
	Granted			293,000			$	5.65
	Vested			(112,000	)		$	4.51
	Forfeited (non-vested)			(5,000	)		$	6.32

	Non-vested, January 31, 2013			388,500			$	5.67
	Granted			303,000			$	4.4
	Vested			(384,500	)		$	5.67
	Forfeited (non-vested)			(4,000	)		$	5.71

	Non-vested, January 31, 2014			303,000			$	4.4

	Compensation expense amounts recorded in the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to stock options were $1,536,000, $1,316,000 and $637,000, respectively. At January 31, 2014, there was $825,000 in unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Stock Plan. The end of the period over which the compensation expense for these awards is expected to be recognized is December 2014.
	The Company estimates the weighted average fair value of stock options on the date of award using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Current guidance provided by the SEC permits the use of a “simplified method” in developing the estimates of the expected terms of “plain-vanilla’’ share options under certain circumstances, including situations where a company having historical stock option exercise experience that is insufficient to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected terms. The Company utilizes the simplified method to estimate the expected terms of its stock option awards. The risk-free interest rates and expected volatility factors used in the determinations of the fair value of stock options awarded during the year ended January 31, 2014 ranged from 0.73% to 1.52% and from 32.3% to 34.3%, respectively. For stock options awarded during the year ended January 31, 2013, the comparable ranges were 1.82% to 2.01% and 34.5% to 36.4%, respectively. For stock options awarded during the year ended January 31, 2012, the comparable ranges were 1.98% to 3.42% and 36.1% to 57.6%, respectively. The calculations of the expected volatility factors were based on the monthly closing prices of the Company’s common stock for the five-year periods preceding the dates of the corresponding awards.
	The fair value amounts per share of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock awarded during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were determined at the dates of grant using the following weighted-average assumptions:


			2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate		1.33%		1.93%		2.57%
Expected volatility		32.73%		35.51%		44.88%
Expected life		4.70 years		4.56 years		4.26 years
Dividend yield		3.39%		— %		— %
During the years ended January 31, 2012, the Company awarded 5,000 shares of restricted stock to an employee. The aggregate market value of the shares was amortized to compensation expense over the two-year vesting period, which was approximately $10,000, $25,000 and $15,000 for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Warrants for the purchase of 160,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were converted in the year ended January 31, 2013. The warrants, convertible at a price of $7.75 per share, were issued in connection with the Company’s private placement of common stock in April 2003 to three individuals who became the executive officers of the Company upon completion of the offering and also to an investment advisory firm. A former director of the Company is the chief executive officer of the investment advisory firm. The aggregate fair value amount of the warrants, $849,000, was treated as a cost of the related stock offering.
The Company also has 401(k) savings plans pursuant to which the Company makes discretionary contributions for the eligible and participating employees. The Company’s expense for these defined contribution plans totaled approximately $677,000 for the year ended January 31, 2014, including a profit-sharing contribution of $404,000. The comparable expense amounts for the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 were $36,000 and $31,000, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 14 – INCOME TAXES
	The components of the Company’s income tax expense related to continuing operations for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented below:


		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	20,765,000		$	11,555,000		$	3,771,000
	State		3,525,000			2,224,000			836,000

			24,290,000			13,779,000			4,607,000

	Deferred:
	Federal		1,419,000			(207,000	)		41,000
	State		282,000			68,000			(92,000	)

			1,701,000			(139,000	)		(51,000	)

	Income tax expense	$	25,991,000		$	13,640,000		$	4,556,000

	The actual income tax expense amounts for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 differed from the expected tax amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 35% for the year ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, and 34% for the year ended January 31, 2012, to income from continuing operations before income taxes as presented below:


		2014			2013			2012
	Computed “expected” income tax	$	24,267,000		$	12,510,000		$	4,068,000
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	State income taxes, net		2,574,000			1,459,000			460,000
	Permanent differences		(1,105,000	)		(730,000	)		(138,000	)
	Federal income tax true-up and other adjustments		255,000			401,000			166,000

	Income tax expense	$	25,991,000		$	13,640,000		$	4,556,000

	For the year ended January 31, 2014, the favorable tax effects of permanent differences related primarily to the domestic manufacturing deduction, the deconsolidation of the VIEs and the exclusion of the noncontrolling interests of the Company’s partner in the income of the joint ventures for income tax reporting purposes. For the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, the favorable tax effects of permanent differences related primarily to the tax benefit of the domestic manufacturing deduction.
	As of January 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets for accrued expenses included accrued income taxes of approximately $303,000 and $1,362,000, respectively. The Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2014 included net deferred tax liabilities in the amount of approximately $114,000. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2013 included net deferred tax assets in the amount of approximately $1,639,000.

	The Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends primarily upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income to allow for the utilization of the Company’s deductible temporary differences and tax planning strategies. If such estimates and assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against some or all of the deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations. At this time, based substantially on the strong earnings performance of the Company’s power industry services business segment, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize a benefit for its deferred tax assets.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:


		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Purchased intangibles	$	1,255,000		$	1,407,000
	Stock options		1,623,000			1,675,000
	Accrued liabilities		514,000			855,000
	Moxie Project net operating losses		—			432,000
	Other		50,000			144,000

			3,442,000			4,513,000

	Liabilities:
	Purchased intangibles		(2,563,000	)		(2,258,000	)
	Property and equipment		(612,000	)		(581,000	)
	Long-term contracts		(313,000	)		—
	Other		(68,000	)		(35,000	)

			(3,556,000	)		(2,874,000	)

	Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	$	(114,000	)	$	1,639,000

	The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States of America and in various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for its fiscal years ended on or before January 31, 2010. During the current year, an audit of the income tax returns filed in Florida by Vitarich Laboratories, Inc. (“VLI,” see Note 19), a wholly owned subsidiary of Argan, for the income tax years ended January 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 was completed. There were no material changes to its income tax liability resulting from the outcome of this audit.
	Income tax penalties recorded during the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and included in the corresponding amounts of selling, general and administrative expenses, were not material. Interest amounts related to late income tax payments recorded during the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and included in the corresponding amounts of income tax expense, were not material.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Attrib

Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to the Stockholders of Argan, Inc.	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to the Stockholders of Argan, Inc.	'
	NOTE 15 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARGAN, INC.
	Basic earnings (loss) per share amounts for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were computed by dividing income (loss) amounts attributable to the stockholders of Argan by the weighted average number of shares of common stock that were outstanding during the applicable year.
	Diluted earnings per share amounts for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were computed by dividing the income amounts attributable to the stockholders of Argan by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the applicable year plus 356,000, 330,000 and 180,000 common stock equivalent shares representing their total dilutive effects for the years, respectively. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 excluded the effects of options to purchase approximately 222,000, 404,000 and 556,000 shares of common stock, respectively, because such anti-dilutive common stock equivalents had exercise prices that were in excess of the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the applicable year.

	Diluted loss per share for discontinued operations for the year ended January 31, 2013 was computed by dividing the loss amount by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares for the year. The effects of outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock were not reflected in the computation as the loss made the common stock equivalents anti-dilutive for the year.
	The earnings per share amounts for continuing operations attributable to the stockholders of Argan for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were based on the amounts of income from continuing operations excluding the net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests of $3,219,000 for the current year and excluding the net losses attributable to the noncontrolling interests of $1,448,000 and $302,000, respectively, for the prior two years.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting	Jan. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	NOTE 16 – SEGMENT REPORTING
	Segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s reportable segments, power industry services and telecommunications infrastructure services, are organized in separate business units with different management teams, customers, technologies and services. The business operations of each segment are conducted primarily by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries – GPS and SMC, respectively.
	Presented below are summarized operating results and certain financial position data of the Company’s reportable continuing business segments for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The “Other” column includes the Company’s corporate and unallocated expenses.
	Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2014


			Power Industry				Telecom			Other				Consolidated
			Services				Infrastructure
							Services
	Revenues		$	218,649,000			$	8,806,000		$	—			$	227,455,000
	Cost of revenues			141,807,000				6,800,000			—				148,607,000

	Gross profit			76,842,000				2,006,000			—				78,848,000
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			7,575,000				1,331,000			4,012,000				12,918,000

				69,267,000				675,000			(4,012,000	)			65,930,000
	Gains on the deconsolidation of VIEs			2,444,000				—			—				2,444,000
	Other income (expense), net			958,000				—			3,000				961,000

	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	72,669,000			$	675,000		$	(4,009,000	)			69,335,000

	Income tax expense														25,991,000

	Income from continuing operations													$	43,344,000

	Amortization of purchased intangible assets		$	243,000			$	—		$	—			$	243,000

	Depreciation		$	366,000			$	180,000		$	3,000			$	549,000

	Fixed asset additions		$	1,067,000			$	69,000		$	—			$	1,136,000

	Goodwill		$	18,476,000			$	—		$	—			$	18,476,000

	Total assets		$	276,744,000			$	1,989,000		$	44,573,000			$	323,306,000

	Current assets		$	252,603,000			$	1,293,000		$	44,663,000			$	298,559,000

	Current liabilities		$	163,534,000			$	511,000		$	1,191,000			$	165,236,000


	Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2013


			Power Industry				Telecom			Other				Consolidated
			Services				Infrastructure
							Services
	Revenues		$	261,327,000			$	17,308,000		$	—			$	278,635,000
	Cost of revenues			214,817,000				13,683,000			—				228,500,000

	Gross profit			46,510,000				3,625,000			—				50,135,000
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			7,950,000				1,628,000			4,772,000				14,350,000

				38,560,000				1,997,000			(4,772,000	)			35,785,000
	Other income (expense), net			(45,000	)			—			2,000				(43,000	)

	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	38,515,000			$	1,997,000		$	(4,770,000	)			35,742,000

	Income tax expense														13,640,000

	Income from continuing operations													$	22,102,000

	Amortization of purchased intangible assets		$	243,000			$	—		$	—			$	243,000

Depreciation		$	290,000			$	229,000		$	3,000			$	522,000

Fixed asset additions		$	6,986,000			$	277,000		$	—			$	7,263,000

Goodwill		$	18,476,000			$	—		$	—			$	18,476,000

Total assets		$	186,284,000			$	4,032,000		$	44,408,000			$	234,724,000

Current assets		$	158,567,000			$	3,486,000		$	42,055,000			$	204,108,000

Current liabilities		$	110,828,000			$	1,346,000		$	3,372,000			$	115,546,000

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2012


		Power Industry				Telecom			Other				Consolidated
		Services				Infrastructure
						Services
Revenues		$	132,519,000			$	9,331,000		$	—			$	141,850,000
Cost of revenues			111,193,000				7,555,000			—				118,748,000

Gross profit			21,326,000				1,776,000			—				23,102,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses			6,235,000				1,586,000			3,365,000				11,186,000

			15,091,000				190,000			(3,365,000	)			11,916,000
Other income (expense), net			33,000				—			15,000				48,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	15,124,000			$	190,000		$	(3,350,000	)			11,964,000

Income tax expense														4,556,000

Income from continuing operations													$	7,408,000

Amortization of purchased intangible assets		$	334,000			$	—		$	—			$	334,000

Depreciation		$	207,000			$	244,000		$	4,000			$	455,000

Fixed asset additions		$	1,598,000			$	136,000		$	4,000			$	1,738,000

Goodwill		$	18,476,000			$	—		$	—			$	18,476,000

Total assets		$	164,049,000			$	3,121,000		$	38,082,000			$	205,252,000

Current assets		$	141,561,000			$	2,626,000		$	36,390,000			$	180,577,000

Current liabilities		$	101,709,000			$	1,065,000		$	1,505,000			$	104,279,000

Major_Customers

Major Customers	12 Months Ended
Major Customers	Jan. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Major Customers	'
	NOTE 17 – MAJOR CUSTOMERS
	During the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the majority of the Company’s revenues related to engineering, procurement and construction services that were provided by GPS to the power industry. Revenues from power industry services accounted for approximately 96%, 94% and 93% of consolidated revenues for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s most significant customer relationships included three power industry service customers which accounted for approximately 33%, 33% and 22%, respectively, of consolidated revenues for the year ended January 31, 2014. The Company’s most significant customer relationships included two power industry service customers which accounted for approximately 56% and 18%, respectively, of consolidated revenues for the year ended January 31, 2013. The Company’s most significant customer relationships included three power industry service customers which accounted for approximately 43%, 30% and 12%, respectively, of consolidated revenues for the year ended January 31, 2012.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Jan. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
	NOTE 18 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (unaudited)
	Certain unaudited financial information reported for the quarterly periods ended April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 included in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented below ($s in thousands except per share data):


	Fiscal Year		April 30		July 31		October 31(1)		January 31(2)		Full Year
	2014
	Revenues		$	46,648	$	57,864	$	63,452	$	59,491	$	227,455
	Gross profit			13,028		21,257		23,876		20,687		78,848
	Income from continuing operations			6,940		13,923		12,449		10,032		43,344
	Net income			6,940		13,923		12,449		10,032		43,344
	Net income attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.			6,410		12,623		11,928		9,164		40,125
	Earnings per share(3)
	Basic		$	0.46	$	0.9	$	0.85	$	0.64	$	2.85
	Fully diluted		$	0.45	$	0.89	$	0.83	$	0.63	$	2.78
	2013
	Revenues		$	63,690	$	82,619	$	74,486	$	57,840	$	278,635
	Gross profit			10,101		12,879		13,136		14,019		50,135
	Income from continuing operations			4,547		5,981		5,713		5,861		22,102
	Net income			4,262		5,981		5,713		5,861		21,817
	Net income attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.			4,438		6,201		6,065		6,561		23,265
	Earnings per share(3)
	Basic		$	0.32	$	0.45	$	0.44	$	0.47	$	1.69
	Fully diluted		$	0.32	$	0.45	$	0.43	$	0.46	$	1.65

	-1	The operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2013 were favorably affected by the development success fee related to the purchase of Moxie Liberty by Panda which was recognized as revenue by the Company in the amount of $14.3 million.
	-2	The operating results for the three months ended January 31, 2014 were favorably affected by the development success fee related to the purchase of Moxie Patriot by Panda which was recognized as revenue by the Company in the amount of $12.8 million.
	-3	The earnings per share amounts are attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.

Disposition_of_Discontinued_Op

Disposition of Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
Disposition of Discontinued Operations	Jan. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposition of Discontinued Operations	'
	NOTE 19 – DISPOSITION OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	VLI, the wholly owned subsidiary that represented the Company’s nutritional products business segment, completed the sale of substantially all of its assets to an unrelated party in March 2011 for cash proceeds that approximated $2,528,000 (the “Asset Sale”). VLI recognized a pretax gain of approximately $1,312,000 related to the Asset Sale which amount was reflected in income from discontinued operations for the year ended January 31, 2012.
	The financial results of this business through April 30, 2012 have been presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, including legal costs associated with this business. Such costs incurred subsequent to April 30, 2012 were reflected in the operating results of continuing operations; such costs were not material for the years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013. Net revenues of the discontinued operations for the year ended January 31, 2012 were $1,460,000. VLI was liquidated in December 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2014

Basis of Presentation

Use of Estimates

Fair Values

Property, Plant and Equipment

Goodwill

Goodwill – At least annually, the Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill for impairment. Goodwill impairment is determined using the two-step process.

Long-Lived Assets

Income Taxes

Stock-Based Compensation

Telecommunications Infrastructure Services [Member]

Revenue Recognition

Power Industry Services [Member]

Revenue Recognition

Category of Service

2014

2013

2012

Core services

191,597,000

261,327,000

132,519,000

Project development services

27,052,000

—

Revenues

218,649,000

261,327,000

132,519,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Revenues by Service Category	'
	The revenues associated with project development services include additional amounts earned upon the success of activities performed by project developers including the closing of permanent financing.


	Category of Service	2014		2013		2012
	Core services	$	191,597,000	$	261,327,000	$	132,519,000
	Project development services		27,052,000		—		—

	Revenues	$	218,649,000	$	261,327,000	$	132,519,000

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_B1

Costs, Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]	'
Aggregate Amounts of Costs Incurred and Earnings Accrued on Uncompleted Contracts Compared with Billings for Contracts	'
	The tables below set forth the aggregate amount of costs incurred and earnings accrued on uncompleted contracts compared with the billings on those contracts through January 31, 2014 and 2013, and reconcile the net amounts of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings to the amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets at those dates.


		2014		2013
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	162,137,000	$	259,390,000
	Estimated accrued earnings		21,961,000		48,724,000

			184,098,000		308,114,000
	Less – Billings to date		318,307,000		380,295,000

		$	134,209,000	$	72,181,000

	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	$	527,000	$	1,178,000
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings		134,736,000		73,359,000

		$	134,209,000	$	72,181,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at January 31, 2014 and 2013:


		2014		2013
	Land and improvements	$	473,000	$	471,000
	Building and improvements		2,779,000		2,587,000
	Furniture, machinery and equipment		3,560,000		3,060,000
	Trucks and other vehicles		1,578,000		1,803,000
	Construction project costs of variable interest entities		—		5,309,000

			8,390,000		13,230,000
	Less – accumulated depreciation		4,207,000		3,762,000

	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	4,183,000	$	9,468,000

Purchased_Intangible_Assets_Ta

Purchased Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Purchased Intangible Assets (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	The net carrying amounts of the Company’s intangible assets, other than goodwill, consisted of the following at January 31, 2014 and 2013:


		2014		2013
	Trade name—GPS	$	1,907,000	$	2,150,000
	Trade name—SMC		181,000		181,000

	Totals	$	2,088,000	$	2,331,000
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	'
	The estimated amounts of amortization expense related to the trade name of GPS for the next five fiscal years are presented below:


	2015	$	243,000
	2016		243,000
	2017		243,000
	2018		243,000
	2019		243,000
	Thereafter		692,000

	Total	$	1,907,000

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for the Operating Leases of Continuing Operations	'
	The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments for the operating leases of continuing operations that had initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of January 31, 2014:


	2015	$	181,000
	2016		183,000
	2017		182,000
	2018		89,000
	2019		89,000
	Thereafter		81,000

	Total	$	805,000

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity under Option and Stock Plans	'
	A summary of activity under the Option and Stock Plans for the three years ended January 31, 2014 is presented below:


		Shares			Weighted		Weighted		Weighted
					Average		Average		Average
					Exercise		Remaining		Fair
					Price		Term (years)		Value
	Outstanding, February1, 2011		675,724		$	11.29		5.78	$	5.79
	Granted		212,500		$	13.92
	Exercised		(55,038	)	$	9.36
	Forfeited		(16,000	)	$	11.36

	Outstanding, January 31, 2012		817,186		$	12.1		4.94	$	5.68
	Granted		293,000		$	17.36
	Exercised		(153,962	)	$	9.33
	Forfeited		(30,000	)	$	8.66

	Outstanding, January 31, 2013		926,224		$	14.34		5.39	$	5.93
	Granted		303,000		$	21.32
	Exercised		(309,074	)	$	12.2
	Forfeited		(4,000	)	$	17.33

	Outstanding, January 31, 2014		916,150		$	17.36		6.04	$	5.58

	Exercisable, January 31, 2014		613,150		$	15.4		5.09	$	6.15

Summary of Change in Number of Non-Vested Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock	'
	A summary of the change in the number of shares of common stock subject to non-vested options to purchase such shares for the three years ended January 31, 2014 is presented below:


		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Fair
					Value
	Non-vested, February 1, 2011		237,000		$	6.31
	Granted		212,500		$	5.09
	Vested		(232,000	)	$	6.34
	Forfeited (non-vested)		(5,000	)	$	4.98

	Non-vested, January 31, 2012		212,500		$	5.09
	Granted		293,000		$	5.65
	Vested		(112,000	)	$	4.51
	Forfeited (non-vested)		(5,000	)	$	6.32

	Non-vested, January 31, 2013		388,500		$	5.67
	Granted		303,000		$	4.4
	Vested		(384,500	)	$	5.67
	Forfeited (non-vested)		(4,000	)	$	5.71

	Non-vested, January 31, 2014		303,000		$	4.4

Summary of Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options Granted	'
	The fair value amounts per share of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock awarded during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were determined at the dates of grant using the following weighted-average assumptions:


		2014		2013	2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.33%		1.93%	2.57%
	Expected volatility	32.73%		35.51%	44.88%
	Expected life	4.70 years		4.56 years	4.26 years
	Dividend yield	3.39%		— %	— %

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Company's Income Tax Expense Related to Continuing Operations	'
	The components of the Company’s income tax expense related to continuing operations for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented below:


		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	20,765,000		$	11,555,000		$	3,771,000
	State		3,525,000			2,224,000			836,000

			24,290,000			13,779,000			4,607,000

	Deferred:
	Federal		1,419,000			(207,000	)		41,000
	State		282,000			68,000			(92,000	)

			1,701,000			(139,000	)		(51,000	)

	Income tax expense	$	25,991,000		$	13,640,000		$	4,556,000

Actual Income Tax Expense Amounts	'
	The actual income tax expense amounts for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 differed from the expected tax amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate of 35% for the year ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, and 34% for the year ended January 31, 2012, to income from continuing operations before income taxes as presented below:


		2014			2013			2012
	Computed “expected” income tax	$	24,267,000		$	12,510,000		$	4,068,000
	Increase (decrease) resulting from:
	State income taxes, net		2,574,000			1,459,000			460,000
	Permanent differences		(1,105,000	)		(730,000	)		(138,000	)
	Federal income tax true-up and other adjustments		255,000			401,000			166,000

	Income tax expense	$	25,991,000		$	13,640,000		$	4,556,000

Schedule of Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Gave Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:


		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Purchased intangibles	$	1,255,000		$	1,407,000
	Stock options		1,623,000			1,675,000
	Accrued liabilities		514,000			855,000
	Moxie Project net operating losses		—			432,000
	Other		50,000			144,000

			3,442,000			4,513,000

	Liabilities:
	Purchased intangibles		(2,563,000	)		(2,258,000	)
	Property and equipment		(612,000	)		(581,000	)
	Long-term contracts		(313,000	)		—
	Other		(68,000	)		(35,000	)

			(3,556,000	)		(2,874,000	)

	Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	$	(114,000	)	$	1,639,000

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized Operating Results and Certain Financial Position Data of Company's Reportable Continuing Business Segments	'
	Presented below are summarized operating results and certain financial position data of the Company’s reportable continuing business segments for the years ended January 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The “Other” column includes the Company’s corporate and unallocated expenses.
	Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2014


			Power Industry				Telecom			Other				Consolidated
			Services				Infrastructure
							Services
	Revenues		$	218,649,000			$	8,806,000		$	—			$	227,455,000
	Cost of revenues			141,807,000				6,800,000			—				148,607,000

	Gross profit			76,842,000				2,006,000			—				78,848,000
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			7,575,000				1,331,000			4,012,000				12,918,000

				69,267,000				675,000			(4,012,000	)			65,930,000
	Gains on the deconsolidation of VIEs			2,444,000				—			—				2,444,000
	Other income (expense), net			958,000				—			3,000				961,000

	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	72,669,000			$	675,000		$	(4,009,000	)			69,335,000

	Income tax expense														25,991,000

	Income from continuing operations													$	43,344,000

	Amortization of purchased intangible assets		$	243,000			$	—		$	—			$	243,000

	Depreciation		$	366,000			$	180,000		$	3,000			$	549,000

	Fixed asset additions		$	1,067,000			$	69,000		$	—			$	1,136,000

	Goodwill		$	18,476,000			$	—		$	—			$	18,476,000

	Total assets		$	276,744,000			$	1,989,000		$	44,573,000			$	323,306,000

	Current assets		$	252,603,000			$	1,293,000		$	44,663,000			$	298,559,000

	Current liabilities		$	163,534,000			$	511,000		$	1,191,000			$	165,236,000


	Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2013


			Power Industry				Telecom			Other				Consolidated
			Services				Infrastructure
							Services
	Revenues		$	261,327,000			$	17,308,000		$	—			$	278,635,000
	Cost of revenues			214,817,000				13,683,000			—				228,500,000

	Gross profit			46,510,000				3,625,000			—				50,135,000
	Selling, general and administrative expenses			7,950,000				1,628,000			4,772,000				14,350,000

				38,560,000				1,997,000			(4,772,000	)			35,785,000
	Other income (expense), net			(45,000	)			—			2,000				(43,000	)

	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	38,515,000			$	1,997,000		$	(4,770,000	)			35,742,000

	Income tax expense														13,640,000

	Income from continuing operations													$	22,102,000

	Amortization of purchased intangible assets		$	243,000			$	—		$	—			$	243,000

	Depreciation		$	290,000			$	229,000		$	3,000			$	522,000

Fixed asset additions		$	6,986,000			$	277,000		$	—			$	7,263,000

Goodwill		$	18,476,000			$	—		$	—			$	18,476,000

Total assets		$	186,284,000			$	4,032,000		$	44,408,000			$	234,724,000

Current assets		$	158,567,000			$	3,486,000		$	42,055,000			$	204,108,000

Current liabilities		$	110,828,000			$	1,346,000		$	3,372,000			$	115,546,000

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2012


		Power Industry				Telecom			Other				Consolidated
		Services				Infrastructure
						Services
Revenues		$	132,519,000			$	9,331,000		$	—			$	141,850,000
Cost of revenues			111,193,000				7,555,000			—				118,748,000

Gross profit			21,326,000				1,776,000			—				23,102,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses			6,235,000				1,586,000			3,365,000				11,186,000

			15,091,000				190,000			(3,365,000	)			11,916,000
Other income (expense), net			33,000				—			15,000				48,000

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$	15,124,000			$	190,000		$	(3,350,000	)			11,964,000

Income tax expense														4,556,000

Income from continuing operations													$	7,408,000

Amortization of purchased intangible assets		$	334,000			$	—		$	—			$	334,000

Depreciation		$	207,000			$	244,000		$	4,000			$	455,000

Fixed asset additions		$	1,598,000			$	136,000		$	4,000			$	1,738,000

Goodwill		$	18,476,000			$	—		$	—			$	18,476,000

Total assets		$	164,049,000			$	3,121,000		$	38,082,000			$	205,252,000

Current assets		$	141,561,000			$	2,626,000		$	36,390,000			$	180,577,000

Current liabilities		$	101,709,000			$	1,065,000		$	1,505,000			$	104,279,000

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Certain unaudited financial information reported for the quarterly periods ended April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 included in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented below ($s in thousands except per share data):


	Fiscal Year		April 30		July 31		October 31(1)		January 31(2)		Full Year
	2014
	Revenues		$	46,648	$	57,864	$	63,452	$	59,491	$	227,455
	Gross profit			13,028		21,257		23,876		20,687		78,848
	Income from continuing operations			6,940		13,923		12,449		10,032		43,344
	Net income			6,940		13,923		12,449		10,032		43,344
	Net income attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.			6,410		12,623		11,928		9,164		40,125
	Earnings per share(3)
	Basic		$	0.46	$	0.9	$	0.85	$	0.64	$	2.85
	Fully diluted		$	0.45	$	0.89	$	0.83	$	0.63	$	2.78
	2013
	Revenues		$	63,690	$	82,619	$	74,486	$	57,840	$	278,635
	Gross profit			10,101		12,879		13,136		14,019		50,135
	Income from continuing operations			4,547		5,981		5,713		5,861		22,102
	Net income			4,262		5,981		5,713		5,861		21,817
	Net income attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.			4,438		6,201		6,065		6,561		23,265
	Earnings per share(3)
	Basic		$	0.32	$	0.45	$	0.44	$	0.47	$	1.69
	Fully diluted		$	0.32	$	0.45	$	0.43	$	0.46	$	1.65

	-1	The operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2013 were favorably affected by the development success fee related to the purchase of Moxie Liberty by Panda which was recognized as revenue by the Company in the amount of $14.3 million.
	-2	The operating results for the three months ended January 31, 2014 were favorably affected by the development success fee related to the purchase of Moxie Patriot by Panda which was recognized as revenue by the Company in the amount of $12.8 million.
	-3	The earnings per share amounts are attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accountant Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
	Category	Category	Category
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of unapproved change orders	$0	'	'
Number of categories	2	2	2
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'5 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] \| Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue recognition period	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'39 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] \| Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue recognition period	'3 years	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Net Revenues by Service Category (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$59,491,000	$63,452,000	$57,864,000	$46,648,000	$57,840,000	$74,486,000	$82,619,000	$63,690,000	$227,455,000	$278,635,000	$141,850,000
Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,649,000	261,327,000	132,519,000
Core Services [Member] \| Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	191,597,000	261,327,000	132,519,000
Project Development Services [Member] \| Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$27,052,000	'	'

Special_Purpose_Entities_Addit

Special Purpose Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of natural gas-fired power plant projects under development	2	'	'
Gains on the deconsolidation of variable interest entities	$2,444,000	'	'
Number of joint ventures	2	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prospective amount of loan to Moxie Projects, maximum	10,000,000	'	'
Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	77,000	1,448,000	302,000
Gains on the deconsolidation of variable interest entities	2,444,000	'	'
Gemma Power Inc [Member] \| Panda Liberty LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash received from Moxie Project Entities in respect of sale of membership interest to third party investor	37,863,000	'	'
Cash received from Moxie Project Entities in respect of development success fees	27,052,000	'	'
Cash received from Moxie Project Entities for repayment of notes receivable and accrued interest	10,811,000	'	'
Aggregate interest income	$952,000	'	'

Payment_of_Special_Cash_Divide1

Payment of Special Cash Dividend - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash dividend declared per common share	$0.75	$0.75	$0.60	$0.50
Dividend payment date	7-Nov-13	'	'	'
Dividend record date	15-Oct-13	'	'	'
Cash dividend paid per common share	'	'	$0.60	$0.50

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Addi

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'
Original maturity date	'Three months or less
Minimum percentage of cash and cash equivalents invested in U.S. Treasury obligations and repurchase agreements	80.00%
Joint Venture [Member]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]	'
Cash held with consolidated joint venture	117.7

Accounts_Receivable_Additional

Accounts Receivable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2010	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
	Jan. 31, 2010	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Construction Contracts Retainage [Member]	Construction Contracts Retainage [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contract payment amounts retained by project owners	'	'	'	'	'	$22.70	$20.20
Length of retention period of amount given to project owners	'	'	'	'10 months	'29 months	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	5.5	5.5	'	'	'	'
The amount of the net proceeds remaining from public auction of the partially completed project	$5.50	'	'	'	'	'	'

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_B2

Costs, Estimated Earnings and Billings on Uncompleted Contracts - Aggregate Amounts of Costs Incurred and Earnings Accrued on Uncompleted Contracts Compared with Billings for Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Contractors [Abstract]	'	'
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$162,137,000	$259,390,000
Estimated accrued earnings	21,961,000	48,724,000
Contracts Receivables, Gross	184,098,000	308,114,000
Less-Billings to date	318,307,000	380,295,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, net	134,209,000	72,181,000
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings	527,000	1,178,000
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings	$134,736,000	$73,359,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$8,390,000	$13,230,000
Less - accumulated depreciation	4,207,000	3,762,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,183,000	9,468,000
Land and Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	473,000	471,000
Building and Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	2,779,000	2,587,000
Furniture, Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	3,560,000	3,060,000
Trucks and Other Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	1,578,000	1,803,000
Construction Project Costs of Variable Interest Entities [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	'	$5,309,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash purchase of office building	$1,955,000	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	'	549,000	522,000	455,000
Costs of maintenance and repairs	'	$250,000	$325,000	$295,000

Purchased_Intangible_Assets_Ad

Purchased Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$18,476,000	$18,476,000	'
Goodwill allocated to GPS for income tax reporting purposes	12,300,000	'	'
Period of amortization of goodwill for income tax purpose	'15 years	'	'
Trade name- GPS, Estimated useful life	'15 years	'	'
Non- compete GPS, Estimated useful life	'5 years	'	'
Trade name- SMC, Estimated useful life	'Indefinite	'	'
Amounts of accumulated amortization associated with the trade name of GPS	1,736,000	1,493,000	'
Amortization expense	243,000	243,000	334,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	'	'	$91,000

Purchased_Intangible_Assets_Ne

Purchased Intangible Assets - Net Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trade name - GPS	$1,907,000	'
Totals	2,088,000	2,331,000
GPS [Member]	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trade name - GPS	1,907,000	2,150,000
SMC [Member]	'	'
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Trade name - SMC	$181,000	$181,000

Purchased_Intangible_Assets_Sc

Purchased Intangible Assets - Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2015	$243,000
2016	243,000
2017	243,000
2018	243,000
2019	243,000
Thereafter	692,000
Total	$1,907,000

Financing_Arrangements_Additio

Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Maximum borrowing amount of revolving loan	$4,250,000	'
Interest rate on borrowings under the line of credit	'LIBOR plus 2.25%	'
Interest rate	2.25%	'
Available funds designated to cover letters of credit issued by Bank in support of project development activities	1,350,000	'
Maximum amount of standby letters of credits that may be outstanding	10,000,000	'
Borrowings outstanding under bank financing arrangements	$0	$0
Expiration date of financing arrangements	31-May-15	'
Ratio of total funded debt to EBITDA	2	2
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.25	1.25
Ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA	1.5	1.5

Commitments_Additional_Informa

Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent incurred on construction projects included in the costs of revenues	$3,612,000	$7,567,000	$4,386,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses of continuing operations	$171,000	$390,000	$443,000

Commitments_Schedule_of_Future

Commitments - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for the Operating Leases of Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2015	$181,000
2016	183,000
2017	182,000
2018	89,000
2019	89,000
Thereafter	81,000
Total	$805,000

Legal_Contingencies_Additional

Legal Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 19, 2007

Dec. 31, 2011

Apr. 30, 2009

Jan. 31, 2009

Jan. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2009

Mar. 31, 2008

Apr. 30, 2009

Jan. 31, 2009

Jan. 31, 2014

Payment Received from the Parent Company of Delta-T [Member]

Amount Included in Cost of Revenue [Member]

Amount of Claim of Indebt [Member]

Tampa Bay Nutraceutical Company [Member]

GPS [Member]

Delta-T Corporation [Member]

Vitarich Laboratories Inc [Member]

Procurement and Construction Services Related to Nebraska Project [Member]

Tampa Bay Nutraceutical Company [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

GPS mechanics lien against Nebraska project

$1,800,000

$23,800,000

Net processed held by the bankruptcy court

5,500,000

Settlement payment made by GPS to Delta-T under the project Close-Out Agreement

3,500,000

Assignment to GPS of first receipts of Delta-T

3,500,000

Amount of lien rights assigned by Delta-T to GPS

21,200,000

Arbitration award in favor of DCR against Delta-T

6,800,000

Lawsuit filing dates

'September, 2007

'December, 2011

'April, 2009

Amended amount of complaint filed against surety bonding company by DCR

6,800,000

Damages sought by DCR from GPS

'$6.1 million plus interest, costs and attorney fees

Claims sought

42,000,000

6,100,000

Total payment made

275,000

1,875,000

Amount included in cost of revenue

1,600,000

Provision for loss

Allegations by Tampa Bay

'Tampa Bay alleges compensatory damages in excess of $42 million

Accrued liability in financial statements for expected litigation costs

$1,304,000

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2003

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Person

ISOs [Member]

NSOs [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock Plan [Member]

Stock Option Plan [Member]

Two Plans [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of additional common stock authorized for issuance

750,000

Number of common stock authorized for issuance

1,250,000

Expiration dates of stock incentive plans

'2021-07

'2011-07

Incentive stock option award maximum expiration period

'10 years

Period to become exercisable

'1 year

'2 years

Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance

1,448,650

Number of shares of common stock available for award at January 31, 2014

532,500

Intrinsic value of the stock options exercised

$3,158,000

$1,242,000

$238,000

Intrinsic value of outstanding stock options

10,124,000

Intrinsic value of exercisable stock options

7,977,000

Compensation expense

1,536,000

1,316,000

637,000

Unrecognized compensation cost

825,000

Compensation expense recognize, period

'2014-12

Method used for fair value assumption

'Black-Scholes option-pricing model

Volatility rate, minimum

0.73%

1.82%

1.98%

Volatility rate, maximum

1.52%

2.01%

3.42%

Stock options awarded, minimum

32.30%

34.50%

36.10%

Stock options awarded, maximum

34.30%

36.40%

57.60%

Market value of the shares amortized

10,000

25,000

15,000

Restricted stock awarded to employee

5,000

Warrants converted to shares of common stock

160,000

Conversion price for outstanding warrants

7.75

Number of individual to whom warrants issued

Aggregate fair value of the warrants

849,000

Company's expense for defined contribution savings plans

677,000

36,000

31,000

Defined contribution plan, profit-sharing contribution

$404,000

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity under Option and Stock Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shares, Outstanding, Beginning balance	926,224	817,186	675,724	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$14.34	$12.10	$11.29	'
Shares, Granted	303,000	293,000	212,500	'
Shares, Exercised	-309,074	-153,962	-55,038	'
Shares, Forfeited	-4,000	-30,000	-16,000	'
Shares, Outstanding, Ending balance	916,150	926,224	817,186	675,724
Shares, Exercisable	613,150	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$21.32	$17.36	$13.92	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$12.20	$9.33	$9.36	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$17.33	$8.66	$11.36	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Ending balance	$17.36	$14.34	$12.10	$11.29
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$15.40	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Outstanding	'6 years 15 days	'5 years 4 months 21 days	'4 years 11 months 9 days	'5 years 9 months 11 days
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Exercisable	'5 years 1 month 2 days	'	'	'
Weighted Average Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$5.58	$5.93	$5.68	$5.79
Weighted Average Fair Value, Exercisable	$6.15	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Change in Number of Non-Vested Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares, Nonvested, Beginning balance	388,500	212,500	237,000
Shares, Granted	303,000	293,000	212,500
Shares, Vested	-384,500	-112,000	-232,000
Shares, Forfeited (non-vested)	-4,000	-5,000	-5,000
Shares, Nonvested, Ending balance	303,000	388,500	212,500
Weighted Average Fair Value, Nonvested, Beginning balance	$5.67	$5.09	$6.31
Weighted Average Fair Value, Granted	$4.40	$5.65	$5.09
Weighted Average Fair Value, Vested	$5.67	$4.51	$6.34
Weighted Average Fair Value, Forfeited (non-vested)	$5.71	$6.32	$4.98
Weighted Average Fair Value, Nonvested, Ending balance	$4.40	$5.67	$5.09

StockBased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.33%	1.93%	2.57%
Expected volatility	32.73%	35.51%	44.88%
Expected life	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'4 years 6 months 22 days	'4 years 3 months 4 days
Dividend yield	3.39%	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Com

Income Taxes - Components of Company's Income Tax Expense Related to Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$20,765,000	$11,555,000	$3,771,000
State	3,525,000	2,224,000	836,000
Total	24,290,000	13,779,000	4,607,000
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	1,419,000	-207,000	41,000
State	282,000	68,000	-92,000
Total	1,701,000	-139,000	-51,000
Income tax expense	$25,991,000	$13,640,000	$4,556,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal corporate income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	34.00%
Accrued income taxes included in accrued expenses	$303,000	$1,362,000	'
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	($114,000)	$1,639,000	'
Federal state and local income tax examination applicability description	'No longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for its fiscal years ended on or before January 31, 2010.	'	'

Income_Taxes_Actual_Income_Tax

Income Taxes - Actual Income Tax Expense Amounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Computed "expected" income tax	$24,267,000	$12,510,000	$4,068,000
Increase (decrease) resulting from:	'	'	'
State income taxes, net	2,574,000	1,459,000	460,000
Permanent differences	-1,105,000	-730,000	-138,000
Federal income tax true-up and other adjustments	255,000	401,000	166,000
Income tax expense	$25,991,000	$13,640,000	$4,556,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Tax_E

Income Taxes - Schedule of Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Gave Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Assets:	'	'
Purchased intangibles	$1,255,000	$1,407,000
Stock options	1,623,000	1,675,000
Accrued liabilities	514,000	855,000
Moxie Project net operating losses	'	432,000
Other	50,000	144,000
Total Asset	3,442,000	4,513,000
Liabilities:	'	'
Purchased intangibles	-2,563,000	-2,258,000
Property and equipment	-612,000	-581,000
Long-term contracts	-313,000	'
Other	-68,000	-35,000
Total Liabilities	-3,556,000	-2,874,000
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	($114,000)	$1,639,000

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Attrib1

Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to the Stockholders of Argan, Inc. - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS	356,000	330,000	180,000
Shares covered by antidilutive stock options	222,000	404,000	556,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to parent	$3,219,000	$1,448,000	$302,000

Segment_Reporting_Summarized_O

Segment Reporting - Summarized Operating Results and Certain Financial Position Data of Company's Reportable Continuing Business Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$59,491,000	$63,452,000	$57,864,000	$46,648,000	$57,840,000	$74,486,000	$82,619,000	$63,690,000	$227,455,000	$278,635,000	$141,850,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	148,607,000	228,500,000	118,748,000
Gross profit	20,687,000	23,876,000	21,257,000	13,028,000	14,019,000	13,136,000	12,879,000	10,101,000	78,848,000	50,135,000	23,102,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,918,000	14,350,000	11,186,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	65,930,000	35,785,000	11,916,000
Gains on the deconsolidation of VIEs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,444,000	'	'
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	961,000	-43,000	48,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	69,335,000	35,742,000	11,964,000
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,991,000	13,640,000	4,556,000
Income from continuing operations	10,032,000	12,449,000	13,923,000	6,940,000	5,861,000	5,713,000	5,981,000	4,547,000	43,344,000	22,102,000	7,408,000
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	243,000	243,000	334,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	549,000	522,000	455,000
Fixed asset additions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,136,000	7,263,000	1,738,000
Goodwill	18,476,000	'	'	'	18,476,000	'	'	'	18,476,000	18,476,000	18,476,000
Total assets	323,306,000	'	'	'	234,724,000	'	'	'	323,306,000	234,724,000	205,252,000
Current assets	298,559,000	'	'	'	204,108,000	'	'	'	298,559,000	204,108,000	180,577,000
Current liabilities	165,236,000	'	'	'	115,546,000	'	'	'	165,236,000	115,546,000	104,279,000
Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,649,000	261,327,000	132,519,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,807,000	214,817,000	111,193,000
Telecommunications Infrastructure Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,806,000	17,308,000	9,331,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,800,000	13,683,000	7,555,000
Operating Segments [Member] \| Power Industry Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	218,649,000	261,327,000	132,519,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	141,807,000	214,817,000	111,193,000
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	76,842,000	46,510,000	21,326,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,575,000	7,950,000	6,235,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	69,267,000	38,560,000	15,091,000
Gains on the deconsolidation of VIEs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,444,000	'	'
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	958,000	-45,000	33,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,669,000	38,515,000	15,124,000
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	243,000	243,000	334,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	366,000	290,000	207,000
Fixed asset additions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,067,000	6,986,000	1,598,000
Goodwill	18,476,000	'	'	'	18,476,000	'	'	'	18,476,000	18,476,000	18,476,000
Total assets	276,744,000	'	'	'	186,284,000	'	'	'	276,744,000	186,284,000	164,049,000
Current assets	252,603,000	'	'	'	158,567,000	'	'	'	252,603,000	158,567,000	141,561,000
Current liabilities	163,534,000	'	'	'	110,828,000	'	'	'	163,534,000	110,828,000	101,709,000
Operating Segments [Member] \| Telecommunications Infrastructure Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,806,000	17,308,000	9,331,000
Cost of revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,800,000	13,683,000	7,555,000
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,006,000	3,625,000	1,776,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,331,000	1,628,000	1,586,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	675,000	1,997,000	190,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	675,000	1,997,000	190,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	180,000	229,000	244,000
Fixed asset additions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	69,000	277,000	136,000
Total assets	1,989,000	'	'	'	4,032,000	'	'	'	1,989,000	4,032,000	3,121,000
Current assets	1,293,000	'	'	'	3,486,000	'	'	'	1,293,000	3,486,000	2,626,000
Current liabilities	511,000	'	'	'	1,346,000	'	'	'	511,000	1,346,000	1,065,000
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,012,000	4,772,000	3,365,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,012,000	-4,772,000	-3,365,000
Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,000	2,000	15,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,009,000	-4,770,000	-3,350,000
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,000	3,000	4,000
Fixed asset additions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,000
Total assets	44,573,000	'	'	'	44,408,000	'	'	'	44,573,000	44,408,000	38,082,000
Current assets	44,663,000	'	'	'	42,055,000	'	'	'	44,663,000	42,055,000	36,390,000
Current liabilities	$1,191,000	'	'	'	$3,372,000	'	'	'	$1,191,000	$3,372,000	$1,505,000

Major_Customers_Additional_Inf

Major Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (Power Industry Services [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
	Customer	Customer	Customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of consolidated net revenue accounted by major segment	96.00%	94.00%	93.00%
Number of major power industry service customers	3	2	3
Major Customer One [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of consolidated net revenue accounted by major customers	33.00%	56.00%	43.00%
Major Customer Two [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of consolidated net revenue accounted by major customers	33.00%	18.00%	30.00%
Major Customer Three [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of consolidated net revenue accounted by major customers	22.00%	'	12.00%

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$59,491,000	$63,452,000	$57,864,000	$46,648,000	$57,840,000	$74,486,000	$82,619,000	$63,690,000	$227,455,000	$278,635,000	$141,850,000
Gross profit	20,687,000	23,876,000	21,257,000	13,028,000	14,019,000	13,136,000	12,879,000	10,101,000	78,848,000	50,135,000	23,102,000
Income from continuing operations	10,032,000	12,449,000	13,923,000	6,940,000	5,861,000	5,713,000	5,981,000	4,547,000	43,344,000	22,102,000	7,408,000
Net income	10,032,000	12,449,000	13,923,000	6,940,000	5,861,000	5,713,000	5,981,000	4,262,000	43,344,000	21,817,000	8,970,000
Net income attributable to the stockholders of Argan, Inc.	$9,164,000	$11,928,000	$12,623,000	$6,410,000	$6,561,000	$6,065,000	$6,201,000	$4,438,000	$40,125,000	$23,265,000	$9,272,000
Earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.64	$0.85	$0.90	$0.46	$0.47	$0.44	$0.45	$0.32	$2.85	$1.69	$0.68
Diluted	$0.63	$0.83	$0.89	$0.45	$0.46	$0.43	$0.45	$0.32	$2.78	$1.65	$0.67

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Development success fee related to purchase recognized as revenues	$12.80	$14.30

Disposition_of_Discontinued_Op1

Disposition of Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by the sale of assets	'	$2,528,000
Net revenues of the discontinued operations	'	1,460,000
VLI [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Net cash provided by the sale of assets	2,528,000	'
Pretax gain related to sale of assets	'	$1,312,000
Liquidation date of subsidiary	'	'2013-12