Stabilis Solutions (SLNG) 10-Q 14 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'AETI	'
Entity Registrant Name	'American Electric Technologies Inc	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001043186	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	8,004,932

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,176	$4,477
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $354 and $225 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	10,647	9,731
Inventories, net	7,454	5,616
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	4,757	2,205
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	216	318
Total current assets	27,250	22,347
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,172	4,922
Investments in foreign joint ventures	13,088	11,408
Other assets	200	297
Total assets	45,710	38,974
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	6,166	4,438
Accrued payroll and benefits	1,474	1,519
Other accrued expenses	504	513
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	4,010	3,576
Short-term notes payable	500	54
Other current liabilities	14	9
Total current liabilities	12,668	10,109
Notes payable	'	500
Deferred income taxes	3,672	3,058
Deferred compensation	193	122
Total liabilities	16,533	13,789
Convertible preferred stock:	'	'
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, net of discount of $775 at September 30, 2013 and $806 at December 31, 2012; $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	4,225	4,194
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,004,173 and 7,919,032 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	8	8
Treasury stock, at cost (49,863 shares at September 30, 2013 and 20,222 shares at December 31, 2012)	-238	-92
Additional paid-in capital	10,043	9,597
Accumulated other comprehensive income	942	900
Retained earnings; including accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857 and $1,620 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	14,197	10,578
Total stockholders' equity	24,952	20,991
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$45,710	$38,974

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance	$354	$225
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, net of discount	775	806
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares issued	1,000,000	1,000,000
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	8,004,173	7,919,032
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,004,173	7,919,032
Treasury stock, shares	49,863	20,222
Retained earnings; accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	$1,857	$1,620

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$17,585	$11,725	$47,184	$39,029
Cost of sales	14,718	10,036	38,941	33,395
Gross profit	2,867	1,689	8,243	5,634
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	112	'	356	36
Selling and marketing	626	471	1,997	1,831
General and administrative	1,373	1,095	4,136	3,675
Total operating expenses	2,111	1,566	6,489	5,542
Income (loss) from domestic operations	756	123	1,754	92
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations:	'	'	'	'
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	434	746	3,140	2,571
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses	-66	-23	-204	-246
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	368	723	2,936	2,325
Income from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	1,124	846	4,690	2,417
Interest expense and other, net	-27	-29	-72	-116
Income before income taxes	1,097	817	4,618	2,301
Provision for income taxes	110	232	745	566
Net income before dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock	987	585	3,873	1,735
Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock	-86	-85	-256	-140
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$901	$500	$3,617	$1,595
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.11	$0.06	$0.45	$0.20
Diluted	$0.10	$0.06	$0.41	$0.19
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	8,004,026	7,915,039	7,985,438	7,895,318
Diluted	9,497,056	8,223,410	9,450,719	8,252,835

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$3,873	$1,735
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Deferred income tax provision	745	566
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	-3,140	-2,571
Depreciation and amortization	620	676
Stock based compensation	425	326
Provision for bad debt	66	90
Allowance for obsolete inventory	64	25
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment	5	-17
Deferred compensation costs	71	5
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-913	2,969
Income taxes payable	5	'
Inventories	-1,902	-657
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	-2,552	540
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,674	-2,088
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	434	-774
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14	328
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-511	1,153
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets	-779	-813
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	1	17
Repayments of advances and dividends from foreign joint ventures' operations	1,391	907
Purchase of intangible assets	'	-104
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	613	7
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	22	39
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock and warrants	'	4,961
Treasury stock purchase, in accordance with the employee stock incentive plan	-146	-92
Preferred stock cash dividend	-225	-116
Capital lease obligation payment	-54	-117
Principal payments on short-term notes payable	'	'
Principal payments on revolving credit facility	'	-3,500
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-403	1,175
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-301	2,335
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,477	3,749
Cash and cash equivalents, end of quarter	4,176	6,084
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	21	97
Income taxes paid	139	116
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Common stock issuance to acquire intangible assets	'	$219

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Electric Technologies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“AETI”, “the Company”, “our”, “we”, “us”) as of September 30, 2013 and for the three months and nine months then ended have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and include all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position as of September 30, 2013 and results of operations for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2013 and 2012. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed on March 28, 2013.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	2. Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed conversion of convertible instruments, exercise of all potentially dilutive stock options and other stock units subject to anti-dilution limitations.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
			Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		$	901	$	500	$	3,617	$	1,595
	Weighted-average basic shares			8,004,026		7,915,039		7,985,438		7,895,318
	Basic earnings per common share		$	0.11	$	0.06	$	0.45	$	0.2
	Add back preferred dividends		$	86	$	**	$	256	$	**
	Net income after assumed conversions			987		500		3,873		1,595
	Dilutive effect of :
	Convertible preferred stock			1,000,000		**		1,000,000		**
	Stock options and restricted stock units			459,358		308,371		453,997		357,517
	Warrants			33,672		**		11,224		**
	Total weighted-average diluted shares			9,497,056		8,223,410		9,450,719		8,252,835
	Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.1	$	0.06	$	0.41	$	0.19
	**	These items were excluded because they were determined to be non-dilutive during these periods.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU No. 2011-11 was issued to provide enhanced disclosures that will enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position. The amendments under ASU No. 2011-11 require enhanced disclosures by requiring entities to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This scope would include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements, reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending arrangements. ASU No. 2011-11 is effective retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those periods. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-11 did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangible—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU No. 2012-02 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – General Intangibles Other than Goodwill.
	The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Under ASU No. 2012-02, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the entity determines it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. ASU No. 2012-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2012-02 did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	4. Segment Information
	The Company follows the guidance prescribed by ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, which governs the way the Company reports information about its operating segments.
	Management has organized the Company around its products and services and has three reportable segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S”), Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”) and American Access Technologies (“AAT”). TP&S develops, manufactures, provides and markets switchgear and variable speed drives. The service component of this segment includes retrofitting, equipment upgrades, startups, testing and troubleshooting electrical substations, switchgear, drives and control systems. The E&I segment installs electrical equipment for the energy, water, industrial, marine and commercial markets. The AAT segment manufactures and markets zone cabling and formed metal products of varying designs.
	The following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013					2012					2013					2012
	Revenue:
	Technical Products and Services	$	13,970				$	8,903				$	35,607				$	27,373
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		2,266					1,495					7,136					7,102
	American Access Technologies		1,349					1,327					4,441					4,554
		$	17,585				$	11,725				$	47,184				$	39,029
	Gross profit:
	Technical Products and Services	$	2,428		17	%	$	1,507		17	%	$	6,117		17	%	$	4,464		16	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		331		15	%		61		4	%		1,496		21	%		593		8	%
	American Access Technologies		108		8	%		121		9	%		630		14	%		577		13	%
		$	2,867		16	%	$	1,689		14	%	$	8,243		17	%	$	5,634		14	%
	Percentages are based on respective revenues.
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations:
	Technical Products and Services	$	2,188		16	%	$	1,389		16	%	$	5,372		15	%	$	3,941		14	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		331		15	%		61		4	%		1,496		21	%		593		8	%
	American Access Technologies		(215	)	-16	%		(227	)	-17	%		(350	)	-8	%		(530	)	-12	%
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		(1,548	)	-9	%		(1,100	)	-9	%		(4,764	)	-10	%		(3,912	)	-10	%
	Income (loss) from domestic operations		756		4	%		123		1	%		1,754		4	%		92		0	%
	Equity income from BOMAY		475					624					2,123					2,385
	Equity income (loss) from MIEFE		(12	)				(1	)				146					19
	Equity income (loss) from AAG		(29	)				123					871					167
	Foreign operations expenses		(66	)				(23	)				(204	)				(246	)
	Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations		368					723					2,936					2,325
	Income from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	$	1,124				$	846				$	4,690				$	2,417
	The Company’s management does not separately review and analyze its assets on a segment basis for TP&S, E&I, and AAT and all assets for the segments are recorded within the corporate segment’s records. Corporate and other unallocated expenses include compensation costs and other expenses that cannot be meaningfully associated with the individual segments. All other costs, expenses and other income have been allocated to their respective segments.

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	5. Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures
	We have interests in three joint ventures outside of the United States which are accounted for on the equity method:
		•		BOMAY Electric Industries Company, Ltd. (“BOMAY”), in which the Company holds a 40% interest, Baoji Oilfield Machinery Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation) holds a 51% interest and AA Energies, Inc., holds a 9% interest.
		•		M&I Electric Far East, Ltd. (“MIEFE”), in which the Company holds a 41% interest, MIEFE’s general manager holds an 8% interest and Sonepar Asia Pacific Limited, holds a 51% interest.
		•		AETI Alliance Group do Brazil Sistemas E Servicos Em Energia LTDA. (“AAG”), in which the Company holds a 49% interest and Beppe Hans Eddy Askerbo, of Brazil, holds a 51% interest.
	Sales to joint ventures are made on an arms-length basis.
	Summary unaudited financial information of our foreign joint ventures (100%) in U.S. dollars was as follows at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
			BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Assets:
	Total current assets		$	100,829		$	87,127		$	4,200		$	3,726		$	3,109		$	1,983
	Total non-current assets			5,122			5,025			135			120			1,595			347
	Total assets		$	105,951		$	92,152		$	4,335		$	3,846		$	4,704		$	2,330
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities		$	79,312		$	69,154		$	1,460		$	1,257		$	1,728		$	1,474
	Total equity			26,639			22,998			2,875			2,589			2,976			856
	Total liabilities and equity		$	105,951		$	95,152		$	4,335		$	3,846		$	4,704		$	2,330
			Three Months Ended, September 30, 2013 and 2012
			BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue		$	17,995		$	20,069		$	1,530		$	743		$	1,434		$	2,275
	Gross profit		$	2,853		$	3,452		$	372		$	441		$	259		$	842
	Earnings		$	1,187		$	1,561		$	(29	)	$	—		$	(59	)	$	329
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
			BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue		$	82,986		$	77,078		$	7,021		$	5,823		$	9,433		$	4,940
	Gross profit		$	10,451		$	11,948		$	1,659		$	1,185		$	3,691		$	1,715
	Earnings		$	5,308		$	5,962		$	356		$	46		$	1,777		$	419
	The following is a summary of activity in AETI’s investment in foreign joint ventures for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			BOMAY**			MIEFE			AAG			TOTAL
			(in thousands)
	Investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	9,531		$	1,063		$	814		$	11,408
	Equity in earnings (loss) in 2013			2,123			146			871			3,140
	Repayment of advances			—			—			(179	)		(179	)
	Dividend distributions in 2013			(1,320	)		—			(23	)		(1,343	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			212			(29	)		(121	)		62
	Investments, end of period		$	10,546		$	1,180		$	1,362		$	13,088
	Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Investment in foreign joint ventures		$	2,033		$	15		$	53		$	2,101
	Undistributed earnings			7,203			901			1,509			9,613
	Foreign currency translation			1,310			264			(200	)		1,374
	Investments, end of period		$	10,546		$	1,180		$	1,362		$	13,088
	**	Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857 at September 30, 2013 and $1,620 at December 31, 2012 are included in AETI’s consolidated retained earnings. In accordance with the People’s Republic of China’s (“PRC”), regulations on enterprises with foreign ownership an enterprise established in the PRC with foreign ownership is required to provide for certain statutory reserves, namely: (i) General Reserve Fund, (ii) Enterprise Expansion Fund and (iii) Staff Welfare and Bonus Fund, which are appropriated from net profit as reported in the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A non-wholly owned foreign invested enterprise is permitted to provide for the above allocation at the discretion of its board of directors. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends.
	Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the foreign joint ventures’ operations’ earnings or loss is recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations as equity income (loss) from foreign joint ventures’ operations. Joint venture income increases the carrying value of the joint venture investment and joint venture losses, as well as dividends received from the joint ventures, reduce the carrying value of the investment. Each reporting period, the Company evaluates the carrying value of these equity method investments as to whether an impairment adjustment may be necessary. In making this evaluation, a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors are considered including national and local economic, political and market conditions, industry trends and prospects, liquidity and capital resources and other pertinent factors. Based on this evaluation for this reporting period, the Company does not believe an impairment adjustment is necessary.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	6. Notes Payable
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	The Company entered into a $10.0 million credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”) in October 2007. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 there was $0.5 million of borrowings outstanding. There was additional borrowing capacity of $5.2 million at September 30, 2013.
	Under the current terms of the agreement, outstanding borrowings are due at maturity, July 1, 2014. Accordingly, amounts owed at September 30, 2013 are included in current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Management is negotiating a new facility with Chase which will be effective in the fourth quarter on similar terms. The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants under the current agreement. The current ratio test remains unchanged at a minimum of 2.0 to 1.0. The agreement is collateralized by the Company’s real estate in Beaumont, Texas, trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventories, and work-in-progress, and the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries are guarantors of the borrowings.
	Under the agreement, the credit facility’s interest rate is LIBOR (0.18% at September 30, 2013) plus 3.25% per annum and the Company is charged a commitment fee of 0.3% per annum of the unused portion of the credit limit each quarter. Additionally, the terms of the agreement contains covenants which provide for customary restrictions and limitations and restriction from paying dividends without prior written consent of the bank.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	7	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
			September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
			(unaudited)
	Raw materials		$	1,606		$	1,596
	Work-in-progress			4,561			3,173
	Finished goods			1,556			1,052
				7,723			5,821
	Less: Allowance for obsolescence			(269	)		(205	)
	Total inventories		$	7,454		$	5,616

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8. Income Taxes
	It was determined in the fourth quarter of 2011 that due to the Internal Revenue Code’s Section 382 limitations on our ability to utilize the net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $9.8 million generated by American Access Technologies, Inc., prior to the Company’s merger in 2007 and subsequent net operating losses and foreign tax credit carry forwards, a full valuation allowance was warranted to offset the deferred tax assets generated by these items. As such, the tax provision on U.S. income generated in 2013 and 2012 is offset by a reduction of the valuation allowance. The tax provision for 2013 and 2012 reflects a 34% U.S. tax rate related to the equity in foreign joint ventures’ operations, net of dividends received for an effective rate of 16% and 25% because of the mix of domestic income or loss and foreign equity income and dividends.
	In determining the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company has considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future earnings, and tax planning strategies and concluded the need for a valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2012 a valuation allowance has been recorded against deferred tax assets including tax loss carry forwards and foreign tax credits of approximately $9.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	'
	9	Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
	ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires us to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:
	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2: Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require us to develop our own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities.
	The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments.
	The redeemable convertible preferred stock and warrants were sold in an arms-length transaction on May 2, 2012. Accordingly, we believe the recorded values approximate fair values for these instruments at September 30, 2013.
	As discussed in Note 5. Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures, the carrying values of these investments are reviewed quarterly to ascertain that they are not impaired.

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	'
	10	Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
	On May 2, 2012, the Company completed the issuance of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ranks senior to all other equity instruments of the Company, including the Company’s common stock. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at a rate of 6% per annum, whether or not dividends have been declared by the Board of Directors and whether or not there are profits, surplus or other funds available for the payment of such dividends.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 the amortization of the discount amounted to $11 and $10. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 the amortization of the discount amounted to $31 and $24.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
			Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		$	901	$	500	$	3,617	$	1,595
	Weighted-average basic shares			8,004,026		7,915,039		7,985,438		7,895,318
	Basic earnings per common share		$	0.11	$	0.06	$	0.45	$	0.2
	Add back preferred dividends		$	86	$	**	$	256	$	**
	Net income after assumed conversions			987		500		3,873		1,595
	Dilutive effect of :
	Convertible preferred stock			1,000,000		**		1,000,000		**
	Stock options and restricted stock units			459,358		308,371		453,997		357,517
	Warrants			33,672		**		11,224		**
	Total weighted-average diluted shares			9,497,056		8,223,410		9,450,719		8,252,835
	Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.1	$	0.06	$	0.41	$	0.19
	**	These items were excluded because they were determined to be non-dilutive during these periods.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments	'
	The following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013					2012					2013					2012
	Revenue:
	Technical Products and Services	$	13,970				$	8,903				$	35,607				$	27,373
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		2,266					1,495					7,136					7,102
	American Access Technologies		1,349					1,327					4,441					4,554
		$	17,585				$	11,725				$	47,184				$	39,029
	Gross profit:
	Technical Products and Services	$	2,428		17	%	$	1,507		17	%	$	6,117		17	%	$	4,464		16	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		331		15	%		61		4	%		1,496		21	%		593		8	%
	American Access Technologies		108		8	%		121		9	%		630		14	%		577		13	%
		$	2,867		16	%	$	1,689		14	%	$	8,243		17	%	$	5,634		14	%
	Percentages are based on respective revenues.
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations:
	Technical Products and Services	$	2,188		16	%	$	1,389		16	%	$	5,372		15	%	$	3,941		14	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		331		15	%		61		4	%		1,496		21	%		593		8	%
	American Access Technologies		(215	)	-16	%		(227	)	-17	%		(350	)	-8	%		(530	)	-12	%
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		(1,548	)	-9	%		(1,100	)	-9	%		(4,764	)	-10	%		(3,912	)	-10	%
	Income (loss) from domestic operations		756		4	%		123		1	%		1,754		4	%		92		0	%
	Equity income from BOMAY		475					624					2,123					2,385
	Equity income (loss) from MIEFE		(12	)				(1	)				146					19
	Equity income (loss) from AAG		(29	)				123					871					167
	Foreign operations expenses		(66	)				(23	)				(204	)				(246	)
	Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations		368					723					2,936					2,325
	Income from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	$	1,124				$	846				$	4,690				$	2,417

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V1

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	Summary unaudited financial information of our foreign joint ventures (100%) in U.S. dollars was as follows at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
			BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Assets:
	Total current assets		$	100,829		$	87,127		$	4,200		$	3,726		$	3,109		$	1,983
	Total non-current assets			5,122			5,025			135			120			1,595			347
	Total assets		$	105,951		$	92,152		$	4,335		$	3,846		$	4,704		$	2,330
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities		$	79,312		$	69,154		$	1,460		$	1,257		$	1,728		$	1,474
	Total equity			26,639			22,998			2,875			2,589			2,976			856
	Total liabilities and equity		$	105,951		$	95,152		$	4,335		$	3,846		$	4,704		$	2,330
			Three Months Ended, September 30, 2013 and 2012
			BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue		$	17,995		$	20,069		$	1,530		$	743		$	1,434		$	2,275
	Gross profit		$	2,853		$	3,452		$	372		$	441		$	259		$	842
	Earnings		$	1,187		$	1,561		$	(29	)	$	—		$	(59	)	$	329
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
			BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
			2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue		$	82,986		$	77,078		$	7,021		$	5,823		$	9,433		$	4,940
	Gross profit		$	10,451		$	11,948		$	1,659		$	1,185		$	3,691		$	1,715
	Earnings		$	5,308		$	5,962		$	356		$	46		$	1,777		$	419
Summary of Activity in AEIT's Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	The following is a summary of activity in AETI’s investment in foreign joint ventures for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			BOMAY**			MIEFE			AAG			TOTAL
			(in thousands)
	Investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	9,531		$	1,063		$	814		$	11,408
	Equity in earnings (loss) in 2013			2,123			146			871			3,140
	Repayment of advances			—			—			(179	)		(179	)
	Dividend distributions in 2013			(1,320	)		—			(23	)		(1,343	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment			212			(29	)		(121	)		62
	Investments, end of period		$	10,546		$	1,180		$	1,362		$	13,088
	Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Investment in foreign joint ventures		$	2,033		$	15		$	53		$	2,101
	Undistributed earnings			7,203			901			1,509			9,613
	Foreign currency translation			1,310			264			(200	)		1,374
	Investments, end of period		$	10,546		$	1,180		$	1,362		$	13,088
	**	Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857 at September 30, 2013 and $1,620 at December 31, 2012 are included in AETI’s consolidated retained earnings. In accordance with the People’s Republic of China’s (“PRC”), regulations on enterprises with foreign ownership an enterprise established in the PRC with foreign ownership is required to provide for certain statutory reserves, namely: (i) General Reserve Fund, (ii) Enterprise Expansion Fund and (iii) Staff Welfare and Bonus Fund, which are appropriated from net profit as reported in the enterprise’s PRC statutory accounts. A non-wholly owned foreign invested enterprise is permitted to provide for the above allocation at the discretion of its board of directors. The aforementioned reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(unaudited)
	Raw materials	$	1,606		$	1,596
	Work-in-progress		4,561			3,173
	Finished goods		1,556			1,052
			7,723			5,821
	Less: Allowance for obsolescence		(269	)		(205	)
	Total inventories	$	7,454		$	5,616

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$901	$500	$3,617	$1,595
Weighted-average basic shares	8,004,026	7,915,039	7,985,438	7,895,318
Basic earnings per common share	$0.11	$0.06	$0.45	$0.20
Add back preferred dividends	86	'	256	'
Net income after assumed conversions	$987	$500	$3,873	$1,595
Dilutive effect of :	'	'	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	1,000,000	'	1,000,000	'
Stock options and restricted stock units	459,358	308,371	453,997	357,517
Warrants	33,672	'	11,224	'
Total weighted-average diluted shares	9,497,056	8,223,410	9,450,719	8,252,835
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.10	$0.06	$0.41	$0.19

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment_Information_Selected_F

Segment Information - Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$17,585	$11,725	$47,184	$39,029
Gross profit	2,867	1,689	8,243	5,634
Income (loss) from domestic operations	756	123	1,754	92
Foreign operations expenses	-66	-23	-204	-246
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	368	723	2,936	2,325
Income from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	1,124	846	4,690	2,417
Gross profit, percentage	16.00%	14.00%	17.00%	14.00%
Income (loss) from domestic operations, Percentage	4.00%	1.00%	4.00%	0.00%
Technical Products and Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	13,970	8,903	35,607	27,373
Gross profit	2,428	1,507	6,117	4,464
Income (loss) from domestic operations	2,188	1,389	5,372	3,941
Gross profit, percentage	17.00%	17.00%	17.00%	16.00%
Income (loss) from domestic operations, Percentage	16.00%	16.00%	15.00%	14.00%
Electrical and Instrumentation Construction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	2,266	1,495	7,136	7,102
Gross profit	331	61	1,496	593
Income (loss) from domestic operations	331	61	1,496	593
Gross profit, percentage	15.00%	4.00%	21.00%	8.00%
Income (loss) from domestic operations, Percentage	15.00%	4.00%	21.00%	8.00%
American Access Technologies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	1,349	1,327	4,441	4,554
Gross profit	108	121	630	577
Income (loss) from domestic operations	-215	-227	-350	-530
Gross profit, percentage	8.00%	9.00%	14.00%	13.00%
Income (loss) from domestic operations, Percentage	-16.00%	-17.00%	-8.00%	-12.00%
Corporate and other unallocated expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from domestic operations	-1,548	-1,100	-4,764	-3,912
Income (loss) from domestic operations, Percentage	-9.00%	-9.00%	-10.00%	-10.00%
BOMAY [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	475	624	2,123	2,385
MIEFE [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	-12	-1	146	19
AAG [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	-29	123	871	167
Foreign Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Foreign operations expenses	($66)	($23)	($204)	($246)

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V2

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Joint_Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in joint venture foreign	3
BOMAY [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	40.00%
Baoji Oilfield Machinery [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	51.00%
AA Energies [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	9.00%
MIEFE [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	41.00%
MIEFE's general manager [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	8.00%
Sonepar Asia Pacific Limited [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	51.00%
AAG [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	49.00%
LTDA [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Interest in Joint Venture	51.00%

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V3

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Summary of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
BOMAY [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	$100,829	'	$100,829	'	$87,127
Total non-current assets	5,122	'	5,122	'	5,025
Total assets	105,951	'	105,951	'	92,152
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	79,312	'	79,312	'	69,154
Total equity	26,639	'	26,639	'	22,998
Total liabilities and equity	105,951	'	105,951	'	95,152
Revenue	17,995	20,069	82,986	77,078	'
Gross profit	2,853	3,452	10,451	11,948	'
Earnings	1,187	1,561	5,308	5,962	'
MIEFE [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	4,200	'	4,200	'	3,726
Total non-current assets	135	'	135	'	120
Total assets	4,335	'	4,335	'	3,846
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,460	'	1,460	'	1,257
Total equity	2,875	'	2,875	'	2,589
Total liabilities and equity	4,335	'	4,335	'	3,846
Revenue	1,530	743	7,021	5,823	'
Gross profit	372	441	1,659	1,185	'
Earnings	-29	'	356	46	'
AAG [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	3,109	'	3,109	'	1,983
Total non-current assets	1,595	'	1,595	'	347
Total assets	4,704	'	4,704	'	2,330
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,728	'	1,728	'	1,474
Total equity	2,976	'	2,976	'	856
Total liabilities and equity	4,704	'	4,704	'	2,330
Revenue	1,434	2,275	9,433	4,940	'
Gross profit	259	842	3,691	1,715	'
Earnings	($59)	$329	$1,777	$419	'

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V4

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Summary of Activity in AEIT's Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	$11,408	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2013	434	746	3,140	2,571
Repayment of advances	'	'	-179	'
Dividend distributions in 2013	'	'	-1,343	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	62	'
Investments, end of period	13,088	'	13,088	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in foreign joint ventures	2,101	'	2,101	'
Undistributed earnings	9,613	'	9,613	'
Foreign currency translation	1,374	'	1,374	'
Investments, end of period	13,088	'	13,088	'
BOMAY [Member]	'	'	'	'
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	9,531	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2013	'	'	2,123	'
Repayment of advances	'	'	'	'
Dividend distributions in 2013	'	'	-1,320	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	212	'
Investments, end of period	10,546	'	10,546	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in foreign joint ventures	2,033	'	2,033	'
Undistributed earnings	7,203	'	7,203	'
Foreign currency translation	1,310	'	1,310	'
Investments, end of period	10,546	'	10,546	'
MIEFE [Member]	'	'	'	'
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	1,063	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2013	'	'	146	'
Repayment of advances	'	'	'	'
Dividend distributions in 2013	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-29	'
Investments, end of period	1,180	'	1,180	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in foreign joint ventures	15	'	15	'
Undistributed earnings	901	'	901	'
Foreign currency translation	264	'	264	'
Investments, end of period	1,180	'	1,180	'
AAG [Member]	'	'	'	'
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	814	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2013	'	'	871	'
Repayment of advances	'	'	-179	'
Dividend distributions in 2013	'	'	-23	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-121	'
Investments, end of period	1,362	'	1,362	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in foreign joint ventures	53	'	53	'
Undistributed earnings	1,509	'	1,509	'
Foreign currency translation	-200	'	-200	'
Investments, end of period	$1,362	'	$1,362	'

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V5

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Summary of Activity in AEIT's Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	$1,857	$1,620

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Current ratio for the revolving credit facilities	2	'
Revolving Credit Facility One [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Revolving credit line	$10	'
Borrowed under the agreement	0.5	0.5
Additional borrowings available based on Company's borrowing	$5.20	'
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	1-Jul-14	'
Credit facility's interest rate, Description	'Credit facility's interest rate is LIBOR (0.18% at September 30, 2013) plus 3.25% per annum	'
Commitment fee of the unused portion of the credit	0.30%	'
Revolving Credit Facility One [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate	3.25%	'
Credit facility LIBOR	0.18%	'

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$1,606	$1,596
Work-in-progress	4,561	3,173
Finished goods	1,556	1,052
Inventory, Gross	7,723	5,821
Less: Allowance for obsolescence	-269	-205
Total inventories	$7,454	$5,616

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	$9.80	'	$9.90
Effective tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	'
Effective dividend tax rate	16.00%	25.00%	'
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance, foreign tax credits	'	'	$1

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr1

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Completion date of issuance of series A convertible preferred stock	2-May-12	'	2-May-12	'
Amortization of discount on preferred stock	$11	$10	$31	$24
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cumulative dividends at a rate	'	'	6.00%	'