Stabilis Solutions (SLNG) 10-K 31 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 17, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'AETI	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'American Electric Technologies Inc	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001043186	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$33,648,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	8,271,714	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,148	$4,477
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $288 and $225 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	11,480	9,731
Inventories, net	5,216	5,616
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	5,312	2,205
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	439	318
Total current assets	26,595	22,347
Property, plant and equipment, net	6,040	4,922
Advances to and investments in foreign joint ventures	13,033	11,408
Other assets	168	297
Total assets	45,836	38,974
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	5,850	4,438
Accrued payroll and benefits	1,911	1,519
Other accrued expenses	411	513
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	3,021	3,576
Short-term notes payable	'	54
Other current liabilities	120	9
Total current liabilities	11,313	10,109
Notes payable	500	500
Deferred income taxes	3,541	3,058
Deferred compensation	211	122
Total liabilities	15,565	13,789
Commitments and contingencies (see note 15)	'	'
Convertible preferred stock:	'	'
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, net of discount of $764 at December 31, 2013 and $806 at December 31, 2012; $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013, and 2012	4,236	4,194
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,008,759 and 7,919,032 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	8	8
Treasury stock, at cost (49,863 shares at December 31, 2013 and 20,222 shares at December 31, 2012)	-238	-92
Additional paid-in capital	10,494	9,597
Accumulated other comprehensive income	983	900
Retained earnings; including accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857 and $1,620 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	14,788	10,578
Total stockholders’ equity	26,035	20,991
Total liabilities, preferred stock and stockholders’ equity	$45,836	$38,974

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance	$288	$225
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, net of discount	764	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	8,008,759	8,008,759
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,919,032	7,919,032
Treasury stock, shares	49,863	20,222
Retained earnings; accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	$1,857	$1,620

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net sales	$65,330	$54,065
Cost of sales	53,515	45,942
Gross profit	11,815	8,123
Operating expenses:	'	'
Research and development	499	103
Selling and marketing	2,693	2,455
General and administrative	6,173	5,146
Total operating expenses	9,365	7,704
Income (loss) from domestic operations	2,450	419
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations:	'	'
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	3,024	3,088
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses	-267	-343
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	2,757	2,745
Income (loss) from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	5,207	3,164
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense	-28	-111
Other, net	85	-37
Total other income (expense), net	57	-148
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,264	3,016
Provision for income taxes	-713	-707
Net income (loss) before dividends on redeemable preferred stock	4,551	2,309
Dividends on redeemable preferred stock	-342	-225
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$4,209	$2,084
Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'
Basic	$0.53	$0.26
Diluted	$0.48	$0.25
Weighted - average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic	7,990,690	7,901,225
Diluted	9,472,506	8,258,742

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income (loss)	$4,551	$2,309
Other comprehensive income:	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain, net of deferred income taxes of $42 and $19 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012	83	51
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$4,634	$2,360

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign currency translation gain, deferred income taxes	$42	$19

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$17,521,000	$7,829	$8,171,000	$849,000	$8,493,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		'	7,828,509	'	'	'
Common stock issued to ESPP		25,000	5	25,000	'	'
Common stock issued to ESPP, shares		'	4,839	'	'	'
Options Exercised, value		20,000	5	20,000	'	'
Options Exercised, shares		4,850	4,850,000	'	'	'
Issued for Acquisition, Value		218,000	11	218,000	'	'
Issued for Acquisition, Shares		'	11,000,000	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchase, Value		-92,000	'	-92,000	'	'
Treasury stock purchase, Shares		'	-20,222,000	'	'	'
Warrants issued with preferred stock		840,000	'	840,000	'	'
Transaction costs of new preferred		-44,000	'	-45,000	'	'
Restricted stock units	[1]	368,000	90	368,000	'	'
Restricted stock units, shares	[1]	'	90,056	'	'	'
Net income (loss) to common stockholders		2,084,000	'	'	'	2,084,000
Foreign currency translation		51,000	'	'	51,000	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		20,991,000	7,940	9,505,000	900,000	10,578,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		'	7,919,032	'	'	'
Common stock issued to ESPP		25,000	5	25,000	'	'
Common stock issued to ESPP, shares		'	4,697	'	'	'
Options Exercised, value		22,000	4	22,000	'	'
Options Exercised, shares		3,827	3,827	'	'	'
Issued for Acquisition, Value		'	11	'	'	'
Issued for Acquisition, Shares		'	11,000	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchase, Value		-146,000	'	-146,000	'	'
Treasury stock purchase, Shares		'	-29,641	'	'	'
Warrants issued with preferred stock		'	'	'	'	'
Transaction costs of new preferred		'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock units	[1]	850,000	100	850,000	'	'
Restricted stock units, shares	[1]	'	99,844	'	'	'
Net income (loss) to common stockholders	[2]	4,209,000	'	'	'	4,209,000
Foreign currency translation		83,000	'	'	83,000	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		$26,035,000	$7,960	$10,256,000	$983,000	$14,788,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		'	8,008,759	'	'	'
[1]	Converted to common stock.
[2]	Net of preferred dividends of $225 and $342 in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net of preferred dividends	$342	$225
Retained Earnings	'	'
Net of preferred dividends	$342	$225

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$4,551	$2,309
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	593	659
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	-3,024	-3,088
Depreciation and amortization	871	877
Stock based compensation	850	326
Provision for bad debt	65	90
Allowance for obsolete inventory	32	110
Gain on sale of property and equipment	-143	-24
Deferred compensation costs	89	6
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-1,713	1,479
Income taxes payable	111	-11
Inventories	368	-781
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	-3,107	-179
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-373	-43
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,702	-1,553
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-555	668
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	317	845
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets	-2,292	-1,455
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	575	177
Repayments of amounts advanced to foreign joint ventures' operations	180	50
Proceeds from foreign joint ventures' operations dividends	1,344	1,008
Net cash provided by (used in) from investing activities	-193	-220
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of common stock, preferred stock, and warrants	47	5,042
Treasury stocks purchase	-146	-92
Preferred stock cash dividend	-300	-191
Advances from (repayment of) credit facility	'	-4,500
Capital lease obligation payment	-54	-156
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-453	103
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-329	728
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	4,477	3,749
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	4,148	4,477
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	27	111
Income taxes paid	$179	$132

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus

Organization and Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization and Nature of Business	'
	-1	Organization and Nature of Business
	American Electric Technologies, Inc. (“AETI” or the “Company”) is the surviving financial reporting entity from a reverse acquisition of an 80% interest in American Access Technologies, Inc. by the shareholders of M&I Electric Industries, Inc.(“M&I”) on May 17, 2007. Immediately upon the completion of the reverse acquisition, American Access Technologies, Inc. changed its name to American Electric Technologies, Inc. AETI is a Florida corporation and M&I, AETI’s wholly-owned subsidiary, a Texas corporation. M&I has a wholly-owned subsidiary, South Coast Electric Systems, LLC (“SC”), a Mississippi based company, and joint venture interests in China, Singapore and Brazil. On January 1, 2008, AETI established a wholly- owned subsidiary through which it conducts its American Access Technology segment’s business.
	The Company has facilities and sales offices in Texas, Mississippi and Florida and in foreign joint ventures’ operations that have facilities in Singapore, Xian, China and Macae, Brazil. The Company owns the Beaumont, Texas facilities, comprised of 9 acres and 85,000 square feet, the Mississippi facility, comprised of 3 acres and 11,000 square feet and the Florida facility, comprised of a 67,500 square foot manufacturing facility situated on 9.7 acres of land. At December 31, 2013, the current Houston office was sold and is being leased with 3 acres and 26,000 square feet of office and shop.
	American Electric Technologies, Inc. is comprised of three segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S”), Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”) and American Access Technologies (“AAT”). The TP&S segment designs, manufactures, markets and provides products designed to distribute the flow of electricity and protect electrical equipment such as motors, transformers and cables, and also provides variable speed drives to both AC (“alternating current”) and DC (“direct current”) motors. Products offered by this segment include low and medium voltage switchgear, generator control and distribution switchgear, motor control centers, powerhouses, bus duct, variable frequency AC drives, variable speed DC drives, program logic control (“PLC”) based automation systems, human machine interface (“HMI”) and specialty panels. The products are built for application voltages from 480 volts to 40,000 volts and are used in a wide variety of industries, including renewable energy. Services provided by TP&S include electrical equipment retrofits, upgrades, startups, testing and troubleshooting of substations, switchgear, drives and control systems.
	The E&I segment provides a full range of electrical and instrumentation construction and installation services to both land and marine based markets of the oil and gas industry and other commercial and industrial markets. The E&I segment provides services on both a fixed-price and a time-and-materials basis. The segment’s services include electrical and instrumentation turnarounds, maintenance, renovation and new construction. Applications include installation of switchgear, AC and DC motors, drives, motor controls, lighting systems, high voltage cable, and data centers. Marine based oil and gas services include complete electrical system rig-ups, modifications, start-ups and testing for vessels, drilling rigs, and production modules. These services can be manufactured and installed utilizing NEMA and ANSI or IEC equipment to meet ABS, USCG, Lloyd’s Register, a provider of marine certification services, and DNV standards.
	The AAT segment manufactures and markets zone cabling enclosures and manufactures formed metals products. The zone cabling product line develops and manufactures patented “zone cabling” and wireless telecommunication enclosures. These enclosures mount in ceilings, walls, raised floors, and certain modular furniture to facilitate the routing of telecommunications network cabling, fiber optics and wireless solutions to the workspace environment. AAT also operates a precision sheet metal fabrication and assembly operation and provides services such as precision “CNC” (“Computer Numerical Controlled”) stamping, bending, assembling, painting, powder coating and silk screening to a diverse client base including, but not limited to, engineering, technology and electronics companies, primarily in the Southeast region of the United States.
	M&I’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SC, is a Delaware Limited Liability Company organized on February 20, 2003. With the exception of electrical contracting, it is engaged in the same lines of business as M&I, but it participates in different market segments.
	M&I has foreign joint ventures’ interests in M&I Electric Far East PTE Ltd. (“MIEFE”), BOMAY Electrical Industries Company, Ltd. (“BOMAY”) and AETI Alliance Group do Brazil Sistemas E Servicos Em Energia LTDA (“AAG”). MIEFE is a Singapore company that provides sales, manufacturing and technical support internationally. BOMAY provides electrical systems primarily for land and marine based drilling rigs in China. AAG provides electrical products and services to the Brazilian energy industries. These ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	-2	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AETI and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, M&I and AAT, and M&I’s wholly-owned subsidiary SC. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates made by management include:
	·	Percentage-of-completion estimates on long-term contracts
	·	Estimates of the provision for doubtful accounts
	·	Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
	·	Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets
	Financial Instruments
	The Company includes fair value information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements when the fair value of its financial instruments is different from the book value. When the book value approximates fair value, no additional disclosure is made, which is the case for financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company assumes the book value of those financial instruments that are classified as current approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. For non-current financial instruments, the Company uses quoted market prices or, to the extent that there are no available quoted market prices, market prices for similar instruments.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash balances routinely exceed FDIC limits however all cash is maintained in JP Morgan Chase and believed to be secure.
	Accounts Receivable and Provision for Bad Debts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The estimate is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration for credit worthiness and financial condition of those specific customers. The Company also reviews historical experience with the customer, the general economic environment and the aging of its receivables. The Company records an allowance to reduce receivables to the amount it reasonably believes to be collectible. Based on this assessment, management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with material value determined using an average cost method. Inventory costs for finished goods and work-in-process include direct material, direct labor, production overhead and outside services. TP&S and E&I indirect overhead is apportioned to work in process based on direct labor incurred. AAT production overhead, including indirect labor, is allocated to finished goods and work-in-process based on material consumption, which is an estimate that could be subject to change in the near term as additional information is obtained and as the operating environment changes.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred while renewals and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets after giving effect to salvage values.
	If events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, management tests property and equipment for impairment. If the estimated future cash flows are projected to be less than the carrying amount, an impairment write-down (representing the carrying amount of the long-lived asset which exceeds the present value of estimated expected future cash flows) would be recorded as a period expense. Events that would trigger an impairment test include the following:
	·	A significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset.
	·	A significant change in the use of long-lived assets or in its physical condition.
	·	A significant change in the business climate that could affect an assets value.
	·	An accumulation of cost significantly greater than the amount originally expected to acquire or construct a long-lived asset.
	·	A current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of such losses or a forecast demonstrating continued losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset.
	·	An expectation to sell or otherwise dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its estimated useful life.
	Based on management’s reviews during each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no events or circumstances that caused management to believe that impairments were necessary.
	Other Assets
	Intangible Assets at December 31, 2013		Useful		Cost		Accumulated		Net Value
			Lives				Amortization
			(Years)
			(in thousands)
	Patents			18	$	95	$	77	$	18
	Customer agreements			10		173		148		25
	Intellectual property			3		322		197		125
					$	590	$	422	$	168
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $130,000 and was approximately $113,000 in 2012. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,		Amount
			(in thousands)
	2014		$	132
	2015			31
	2016			5
	2017			-
	2018			-
			$	168
	On March 8, 2012, the Company acquired certain technology from Amnor Technologies, Inc. for cash of $100,000 plus 44,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $4.95 per share (the closing price on that date). One fourth of the shares were issued initially with the balance to be issued one third annually on the anniversaries over the subsequent 3 years. The purchase price was valued at $322,000 (including $4,000 of transaction costs) at March 8, 2012 and is recorded as an intangible asset and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012. This cost is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 3 years. Amortization expense of $108,000 and $90,000 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The technology provides automation and control system technologies for land and offshore drilling monitoring and control (auto-driller); marine automation including ballast control and tank monitoring and machinery plant control and monitoring systems; IP-based CCTV systems; and military vessel security and safety systems, all proven in multiple installations.
	Income Taxes
	The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method of accounting for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be reported to the taxing authority. The Company also records any financial statement recognition and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax return. Financial statement recognition of the tax position is dependent on an assessment of a 50% or greater likelihood that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. Any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
	Foreign currency translations are included as a separate component of comprehensive income. We have determined the local currency of our foreign joint ventures’ operations to be the functional currency. In accordance with ASC 830, the assets and liabilities of our foreign equity investees, denominated in foreign currency, are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date; net sales and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Related translation adjustments are reported as other comprehensive income, net of taxes, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, whereas gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.
	Net Sales Recognition
	The Company reports earnings from fixed-price and modified fixed-price long-term contracts on the percentage-of-completion method. Earnings are accrued based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs. However, for TP&S, we have determined that labor incurred provides an improved measure of percentage-of-completion. Costs include direct material, direct labor, and job related overhead. Losses expected to be incurred on contracts are charged to operations in the period such losses are determined. A contract is considered complete when all costs except insignificant items have been incurred and the facility has been accepted by the customer. Net sales from non-time and material jobs of a short-term nature (typically less than one month) are recognized on the completed-contract method after considering the attributes of such contracts. This method is used because these contracts are typically completed in a short period of time and the financial position and results of operations do not vary materially from those which would result from use of the percentage-of-completion method.
	The Company records net sales from its field and technical service and repair operations on a completed service basis after customer acknowledgement that the service has been completed and accepted. Approximately 8% of the Company’s consolidated net sales are recorded on this basis. In addition, the Company sells certain purchased parts and products. These net sales are recorded when the product is shipped and title passes to the customer. Approximately 3% of the Company’s consolidated net sales are recorded on this basis. AAT generally recognizes net sales when manufactured products are shipped and right of ownership passes.
	The asset, “Work-in-process,” which is included in inventories, represents the cost of labor, material, and overhead in excess of amounts billed on jobs accounted for under the completed-contract method. For contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, the asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing on uncompleted contracts,” represents net sales recognized in excess of amounts billed and the liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” represents billings in excess of net sales recognized. Any billed net sale that has not been collected is reported as accounts receivable. The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms or completion of certain phases of the work. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable included contract retentions expected to be collected within one year totaling $10,000 and $424,000, respectively. This decline reflects the exit from water/wastewater contracts. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no contract retentions expected to be collected beyond one year.
	On occasion, the Company enters into long-term contracts that include services performed by more than one operating segment particularly TP&S contracts which include electrical and instrumentation construction services performed by our E&I segment. The Company segments net sales, costs and gross profit related to these contracts if they meet the contract segmenting criteria in ASC 605-35, including that the terms and scope of the project clearly call for separate elements, the separate elements are often bid or negotiated by the Company separately and the total economic returns and risks of the separate elements are similar to the economic returns and risks of the overall contract. For segmented contracts, the Company recognizes net sales as if they were separate contracts over the performance periods of the individual elements.
	Contract net sales recognition inherently involves estimation, including the contemplated level of effort to accomplish the tasks under the contract, the cost of the effort, and an ongoing assessment of progress toward completing the contract. From time to time, as part of the normal management processes, facts develop that requires revisions to estimated total cost or net sales expected. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on contracts are recognized in the period in which they become known.
	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	Shipping and handling fees, if billed to customers, are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight are expensed as incurred. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are classified as cost of sales.
	Concentration of Market Risk and Geographic Operations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. The Company’s market risk is dependent primarily on the strength of the oil and gas and energy related industries. The Company grants credit to customers and generally does not require security except in the case of certain international contracts. Procedures are in effect to monitor the credit worthiness of its customers. During 2012, one customer accounted for approximately 13% of net sales and 1% of net accounts receivable trade. During 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 17% of net sales and 9% of net accounts receivable trade.
	The Company sells its products and services in domestic and international markets; however, significant portions of the Company’s sales are concentrated with customers located in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The Gulf Coast region accounts for approximately 9% of the Company’s net sales during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 17% during 2012.
	Reclassification
Certain items are reclassified in the 2012 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2013 presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2011, the FASB issued 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 a significant impact on the Company’s 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 a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU No. 2013-01 was issued to clarify that ordinary trade receivables and receivables are not within the scope of ASU No. 2011-11. ASU No. 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the Codification or subject to a master netter arrangement or similar agreement. ASU No. 2013-01 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those periods. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-01 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) – Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU No. 2013-05 provides guidance on releasing cumulative translation adjustments when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, ASU No. 2013-05 provides guidance on the release of cumulative translation adjustments in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisition. ASU No. 2013-05 is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those periods. Management is currently evaluating the effects of ASU No. 2013-05 on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories	'
	-3	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	1,493		$	1,596
	Work-in-process		2,834			3,173
	Finished goods		1,126			1,052
			5,453			5821
	Less: Allowance		(237	)		(205	)
	Total inventories	$	5,216		$	5,616

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	'
	-4	Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts
	Contracts in progress at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	7,271		$	7,743
	Estimated earnings		2,172			2,247
			9,443			9,990
	Billings on uncompleted contracts		(7,152	)		(11,361	)
		$	2,291		$	(1,371	)
	Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	5,312		$	2,205
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts		(3,021	)		(3,576	)
		$	2,291		$	(1,371	)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	-5	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2013, and 2012:
	Category		Estimated		2013		2012
			Useful Lives
			(years)
				(in thousands)
	Buildings and improvements		15 – 25	$	3,756	$	4,426
	Office equipment and furniture		2 – 7		2,476		1,766
	Automobiles and trucks		2 – 5		226		219
	Machinery and shop equipment		2 – 10		4,895		4,523
	Construction in progress				2,475		1,299
					13,828		12,233
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization				8,026		7,660
					5,802		4,573
	Land				238		349
				$	6,040	$	4,922
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, depreciation charged to operations amounted to $742,000 and $765,000 respectively. Of these amounts, $580,000 and $605,000 was charged to cost of sales while $162,000 and $160,000 was charged to selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In late 2012, management made a decision to sell the Houston, Texas headquarters and consolidate all TP&S and E&I service centers in Beaumont, Texas. The Company and M&I headquarters plan to stay in Houston at leased premises as described in Note 9.
	On October 9, 2013, the Company sold the property and improvements at 6410 Long Drive, Houston, Texas. The proceeds were received in cash and resulted in a gain of $128,000 included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The facility was leased by the Company until March 14, 2014 when it relocated to its new leased facilities discussed in Note 9.

Advances_to_and_Investments_in

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations	'
	-6	Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures’ Operations
	The Company has a foreign joint venture agreement and holds a 40% interest in a Chinese company, BOMAY, which builds electrical systems for sale in China. The majority partner in this foreign joint venture is a subsidiary of a major Chinese oil company. M&I made an initial investment of $1.0 million in 2006 and made an additional $1.0 million investment in 2007. The Company’s equity in the income of the foreign joint venture was $2.1 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Sales made to the foreign joint venture were $325,000 and $415,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable from BOMAY were $119,000 and $73,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The Company owns a 41% interest in MIEFE which provides additional sales and technical support in Asia. The Company’s equity in the income of the foreign joint venture was $115,000 and $16,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Sales made to the foreign joint venture were $225,000 and $65,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accounts receivable from MIEFE was none and $25,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The company owns a 49% interest in AAG, a Brazilian Limited Liability Company, formed in 2010. The Company’s equity in the income of the foreign joint venture was $843,000 and $503,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Sales made to the foreign joint venture were $4,000 and $49,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Accounts receivable from AAG was $8,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The Company’s equity in income of the foreign joint ventures before our foreign operations expenses, totaled $3.0 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	During 2013 and 2012, the Company also recognized approximately $267,000 and $343,000, respectively, for employee related expenses directly attributable to the foreign joint ventures.
	Sales to foreign joint ventures’ operations are made on an arm’s length basis and intercompany profits, if any, are eliminated in consolidation. Summary financial information of BOMAY, MIEFE and AAG in U.S. dollars was as follows at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Total current assets	$	94,220		$	91,926		$	3,855		$	3,894		$	2,572		$	2,241
	Total non-current assets		5,122			5,116			114			116			1,550			776
	Total assets	$	99,342		$	97,042		$	3,969		$	4,010		$	4,122		$	3,017
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities	$	72,644		$	73,293		$	1,197		$	1,422		$	1,291		$	1,511
	Total joint ventures equity		26,698			23,749			2,772			2,588			2,831			1,505
	Total liabilities and equity	$	99,342		$	97,042		$	3,969		$	4,010		$	4,122		$	3,016
	Gross sales	$	86,332		$	84,639		$	7,997		$	6,996		$	10,658		$	7,625
	Gross profit		12,130			14,348			2,066			1,547			4,282			2,965
	Net income		5,165			6,422			279			39			1,721			1,104
	The Company’s investments in and advances to its foreign joint ventures’ operations were as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013												2012
		BOMAY*			MEIFE			AAG			**TOTAL			BOMAY*			MIEFE		AAG			TOTAL
		(in thousands)												(in thousands)
	Investment in joint ventures:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	2,033		$	14		$	234		$	2,281		$	2,033		$	14	$	284		$	2,331
	Additional amounts invested and advanced		—			—			(180	)		(180	)		—			—		(50	)		(50	)
	Balance, end of year		2,033			14			54			2,101			2,033			14		234			2,281
	Undistributed earnings:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	6,400		$	755		$	661		$	7,816		$	4,839		$	739	$	158		$	5,736
	Equity in earnings (loss)		2,066			115			843			3,024			2,569			16		503			3,088
	Dividend distributions		(1,321	)		—			(23	)		(1,344	)		(1,008	)		—		—			(1,008	)
	Balance, end of year		7,145			870			1,481			9,496			6,400			755		661			7,816
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,098		$	294		$	(81	)	$	1,311		$	1,040		$	233	$	(32	)	$	1,240
	Change during the year		333			(40	)		(168	)		125			58			61		(49	)		70
	Balance, end of year		1,431			254			(249	)		1,436			1,098			294		(81	)		1,311
	Investments, end of year	$	10,609		$	1,138		$	1,286		$	13,033		$	9,531		$	1,063	$	814		$	11,408
	*	Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857,000 and $1,620,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are included in AETI’s consolidated retained earnings. In accordance with the People’s Republic of China, (“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.
	The Company accounts for its investments in foreign joint ventures’ operations using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the joint ventures’ operations’ earnings or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as equity income (loss) from foreign joint ventures’ operations. Joint venture income increases the carrying value of the joint ventures and joint venture losses reduce the carrying value. Dividends received from the joint ventures reduce the carrying value. 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.
	**	See Note 17 for dividends from AAG in 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	-7	Income Taxes
	The components of income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	2,240		$	(72	)
	Foreign		3,024			3,088
		$	5,264		$	3,016
	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing authority for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	—		$	—
	Foreign		—			101
	States		141			—
	Total current provision		141			101
	Deferred provision (benefit):
	Federal		536			671
	Foreign		—			(101	)
	States		36			36
	Total deferred provision (benefit):		572			606
		$	713		$	707
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred federal income taxes were as follows:
		At December 31,
		2013						2012
		Current			Non-Current			Current			Non-Current
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	413		$	—		$	159		$	—
	Deferred compensation		—			686			—			363
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		120			—			101			—
	Inventory		270			—			388			—
	Long-term contracts		149			—			80			—
	Net operating loss		—			2,909			—			4,205
	Intangible assets		—			86			—			111
	Foreign tax credit carry forward		—			1,153			—			1,017
	Valuation allowance		—			(5,385	)		(728	)		(5,750	)
	Deferred tax assets		952			(551	)		—			(54	)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Equity in foreign investments		—			(3,233	)		—			(2,756	)
	Property and equipment		—			(147	)		—			61
	Intangible assets		—			(9	)		—			(9	)
	Translation gain		—			(553	)		—			(411	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		—			(3,942	)		—			(3,115	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	952		$	(4,493	)	$	—		$	(3,169	)
	The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013 was primarily a non-cash expense of $0.7 million which reflects deferred taxes associated with the Company’s foreign joint ventures. The Company’s deferred tax assets are primarily related to net operating loss carry forwards.  These net operating losses include losses generated by American Access Technologies. Inc. (“AAT”), prior to the Company’s merger in 2007, additional net operating losses, and foreign tax credit carry forwards. A valuation allowance was established at December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to uncertainty regarding future realization of deferred tax assets.   Our total valuation allowance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is $5.6 million and $6.4 million, respectively.
	The Company has federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $7.4 million which include $7.4 million acquired from AAT that are subject to the utilization limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has state net operating losses of $11 million.  These tax loss carry forwards are available to offset future taxable income and expire if unused during the federal tax year ending December 31, 2019 through 2031.
	The Company’s 2008 U.S. federal income tax return was examined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). In the fourth quarter 2011, the IRS concluded its audit which adjusted the annual net operating loss carry forward limitation under Sec. 382 related to AAT’s pre-acquisition net operating loss carry forwards to $299,000 per year through 2027.  The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 740-10 “Income Taxes” to assess tax benefits claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements.  The Company has assessed all open tax years and has recorded no uncertain tax positions related to the open tax years.
	The difference between the effective income tax rate reflected in the provision for income taxes and the amounts, which would be determined by applying the statutory income tax rate of 34%, is summarized as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	(Provision for) benefit from U.S federal statutory rate	$	(1,798	)	$	(1,032	)
	Effect of state income taxes		(141	)		(49	)
	Non-deductible business meals and entertainment expenses		(18	)		(95	)
	Foreign income taxes included in equity in earnings		551			—
	Adjustment of net operating loss carry forwards based on IRS audit, accrual to return adjustments and other		(153	)		—
	Change in valuation allowance		846			469
	Total (Expense)	$	(713	)	$	(707	)
	The Company files income tax returns in the United States. Federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes Payable	'
	-8	Notes Payable
	The components of notes payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit agreement	$	500	$	500
	Capital lease obligation (Note 9)		—		54
	Total notes payable		500		554
	Less current portion of capital lease obligation		—		(54	)
	Non-current notes payable	$	500	$	500
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	On November 30, 2013, the Company entered into a $10.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.  The agreement replaced in its entirety the company’s prior credit agreement, as amended, originally entered into with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in October of 2007.
	The 2013 agreement has a maturity date of October 1, 2015.   Under the agreement, the credit facility’s interest rate is LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum and a commitment fee of 0.3% per annum on the unused portion of the credit limit each quarter.
	The 2013 agreement provides for usual and customary covenants and restrictions  including that the borrower must maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.25 to 1.00, and will not permit the ratio of consolidated total liabilities to consolidated net worth to exceed 1.00.   Additionally, the borrower will not permit, at the end of each calendar quarter, for its net income for the most recently ended six month period to be less than $1.00.
	The agreement is collateralized by the Company’s real estate in Beaumont, Texas, trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventories, and work-in-process, and the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries are guarantors of the borrowing.
	The Company had $0.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the JPMorgan Chase N.A. credit agreement at both December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  The company had additional borrowing capacity of $7.9 million and $6.9 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively. Prior to July 27, 2012, the interest rate on the Company’s borrowings was 30 day LIBOR rate plus 2.75% per year.
	On May 1, 2012 the Company and Chase executed consent and amendment to the credit agreement to allow for the $5 million convertible preferred stock transaction as discussed in Note 11.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases	'
	-9	Leases
	New Corporate Office Lease
	In late December 2013 the Company executed a new lease for office space at 1250 Wood Branch Park Drive, Houston, Texas. The lease covers approximately 13,000 square feet.
	The term of the lease is 64 months and commences upon completion of tenant improvements, which were completed in March 2014.
	The Company leases equipment (principally trucks and forklifts) under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates to 2016. Rental expense relating to operating leases and other short-term leases for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, amounted to approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
	The following is a schedule of future lease payments:
	Year Ending December 31,		Amount
			(In thousands)
	2014		$	443
	2015			438
	2016			423
	2017			347
	2018			348
	2019			175
			$	2,174

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat

Stock and Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock and Stock-based Compensation	'
	-10	Stock and Stock-based Compensation
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company issued 4,697 and 4,839 shares of Company stock during 2013 and 2012, respectively, in connection with an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that commenced in April 2008.
	Restricted Stock Units
	During 2013 and 2012, the Board of Directors approved the grants of approximately 235,000 and 285,000 restricted stock units (“RSU”s) to members of management and key employees as part of the 2007 Employee Stock Incentive Plan. In May 2010, the stockholders of the Company approved amendments to the 2007 Employee Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the plan from 300,000 shares to 800,000 shares of stock. In June 2012, the stockholders of the Company approved amendments to the 2007 Employee Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the plan from 800,000 shares to 1,100,000 shares of stock. The number of RSUs awarded is generally subject to the substantial achievement of budgeted performance and other individual metrics in the year granted. The RSUs do not have voting rights of the common stock, and the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until actually vested and issued. In general, the awards convert to common stock on a one to one basis in 25% increments over four years from the grant date subject to a continuing employment obligation.
	The following table summarizes the activity for unvested restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Units			Weighted
					Average
					Fair Value
					Per RSU
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2011		321,064		$	2.71
	Awarded		283,998		$	4.35
	Vested		(90,056	)	$	2.52
	Forfeited		(123,593	)	$	2.17
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2012		391,413		$	4.11
	Awarded		234,525		$	5
	Vested		(99,844	)	$	3.15
	Forfeited		(54,464	)	$	3.4
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013		471,630		$	4.77
	Compensation expense of approximately $818,000 and $342,000 was recorded in general administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to reflect the fair value of the original RSU’s granted or anticipated to be granted less forfeitures, amortized over the portion of the vesting period occurring during the period. The fair value of the RSUs was based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) on the grant date. Based upon the fair value on the grant date of the number of shares awarded or expected to be awarded, it is anticipated that approximately $2.0 million of additional compensation cost will be recognized in future periods through 2017. The weighted average period over which this additional compensation cost will be expensed is 2 years.
	During February 2014, the Board of Directors approved the grants of approximately 168,000 RSUs in conjunction with the Plan, of which, approximately 150,000 units are subject to 2014 fiscal performance measures.
	Stock Options
	The Company recognizes compensation expense related to stock options in accordance with ASC 718 and has measured the share-based compensation expense for stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2008 based upon the estimated fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognizes the compensation expense over the award’s requisite service period. The weighted average fair values were calculated using the Black Scholes-Merton option pricing model. There were no options issued in 2013 or 2012.
	Details of stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		2013			2013 Weighted		2012			2012 Weighted
					Average					Average
					Exercise Price					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		25,778		$	4.23		55,855		$	4.31
	Options granted		—			—		—			—
	Options exercised		(3,827	)		4.09		(4,850	)		4.09
	Options forfeited		(5,007	)		5.11		(11,848	)		4.82
	Options expired		—			—		(13,379	)		4.09
	Outstanding at end of year		16,944			4.09		25,778			4.23
	Exercisable at end of year		16,944		$	4.09		25,778		$	4.23
	A summary of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 follows:
	Number		Expires		Remaining		Weighted			Intrinsic
	of				Contractual		Average			Value
	Options				Life (Years)		Exercise
							Price
	16,944		2014			0.1 years	$	4.09		$	—
	16,944						$	4.09
	Compensation expense of approximately $20,000 and $16,000 was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2013, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards.
	Board of Directors Compensation
	Directors who are not employees of the Company and who do not have a compensatory agreement providing for service as a director of the Company receive a retainer fee payable quarterly. Eligible directors may elect to defer 50% to 100% of their retainer fee, which may be used to acquire common stock of the Company at the fair market value on the date the retainer fee would otherwise be paid, acquire stock units equivalent to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the retainer fee would otherwise be paid, or be paid in cash. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, directors of the Company elected to defer retainer fees to acquire approximately 6,000 and 6,000, respectively, stock units. Compensation expense of approximately $32,000 and $27,000 was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	'
	-11	Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
	On April 13, 2012, the Company signed a securities purchase agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with a private investor for the sale (the “Preferred Stock Financing”) of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”) at $5.00 per share and 325,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock expiring in May 2020. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shares are initially convertible into 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. The warrants were issued in two tranches with 125,000 of such warrants at an initial exercise price of $6.00 per share and 200,000 of such warrants at an initial exercise price of $7.00 per share. On May 2, 2012, the Company completed the issuance of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants.
	On April 30, 2012, the Company filed an Articles of Amendment to its Articles of Incorporation designating 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s authorized preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement and Investor Rights Agreement with the private investor.
	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. The Company may pay such dividends in shares of the Company’s common stock based on the then current market price of the common stock. At any time following a material default by the Company, as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement, or April 30, 2017, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may require the Company to redeem the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at a redemption price equal to the lessor of (i) the liquidation preference per share (initially $5.00 per share, subject to adjustments for certain future equity transactions defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) and (ii) the fair market value of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock per share, as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. The redemption price, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, shall be payable in 36 equal monthly installments plus interest at an annual rate of 6%.
	On May 1, 2012, the Company and Chase executed a consent and amendment to our revolving credit agreement, whereby Chase as lender agreed to consent to the Securities Purchase Agreement; the issuance and sale of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants; the payment of the preferred dividends required; and the redemption of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, all subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the agreements and the associated Amended Articles of Incorporation.
	The preferred stock and warrants were issued for a total of $5.0 million. This amount was allocated to the preferred stock and warrants based on their relative fair values. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black Scholes-Merton pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
	Number of warrants		325,000
	Exercise price	$	6.62
	Expected volatility of underlying stock		74	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.62	%
	Dividend yield		0	%
	Expected life of warrants		8 years
	Weighted-average fair value of warrants	$	3.11
	Expiration date		May 2, 2020
	Based on these calculations and the actual consideration, the warrants were valued at $840,000 and the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was valued at $4,160,000.
	The initial values allocated to the warrants were recognized as a discount on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, with a corresponding charge to additional paid-in capital. The discount related to the warrants is accreted to retained earnings through the scheduled redemption date of the mandatorily redeemable Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Discount accretion for the year 2013 totaled $42 and $34 in 2012.

Employee_Benefit_and_Bonus_Pla

Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans	'
	-12	Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans
	The employees of the Company are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan sponsored by the Company. The plan is a defined contribution 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) that covers all full-time employees who meet certain age and service requirements. Employees may contribute up to 20% of their annual gross pay through salary deferrals. The Company may provide discretionary contributions to the Plan as determined by the Board of Directors. For the years ended December 31, 2013 the Company contributed $201,000 to the plan and $81,000 in 2012.
	The Company maintains an “Executive Performance” bonus plan, which covers approximately 45 key employees. Under the plan, the participants receive a percentage of a bonus pool based primarily on pre-tax income in relation to budget. The Board of Directors approves the Executive Performance plan at the beginning of each year. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded approximately $813,000 and $650,000 under the plan, respectively, all of which was included in accrued payroll and benefits expenses as of the respective year end.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions	'
	-13	Related Party Transactions
	During 2013 and 2012, the Company received legal advice on various Company matters from a law firm related to a director of the Company. The Company incurred expenses totaling approximately $89,000 and $70,000 related to these services during 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no outstanding amounts owed to this law firm for services provided.
	In August 2009, the Company entered into an employment agreement (amended in 2012 and 2013) with the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors (“Executive Chairman”), whereby the Company compensated the Executive Chairman $130,000 and $120,000 during 2013 and 2012, respectively. Under the terms of the agreement, the Executive Chairman will assist in international joint venture relations and operations, technical developments, manufacturing and transformative business development projects and other special projects assigned by the Company. In November 2013, the Company amended the agreement to extend the term through 2015 with annual compensation of $130,000 and $130,000 for 2014 and 2015. In addition, the amendment included a bonus equal to 1% of the amount reported by the Company as equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations in the consolidated statements of operations. During 2013 and 2012, the Company paid compensation of $157,570 and $150,878, respectively, under the terms of the agreement, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting	'
	-14	Segment Reporting
	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. Equity income from foreign joint ventures and joint venture management related expenses are reported in the section net equity income (loss) from foreign operations. The E&I segment installs electrical equipment for the energy, water, industrial, marine and commercial markets. The AAT segment manufacturers and markets zone cabling products and manufactures formed metal products of varying designs.
	The table below represents segment results for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012.
		2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Technical Products and Services	$	49,150		$	38,973
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		10,089			9,196
	American Access Technologies		6,091			5,896
		$	65,330		$	54,065
	Gross profit (loss):
	Technical Products and Services	$	9,072		$	6,649
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		2,095			513
	American Access Technologies		648			961
		$	11,815		$	8,123
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net
	equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations
	Technical Products and Services	$	8,061		$	6,012
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		2,096			513
	American Access Technologies		(712	)		(484	)
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		(6,995	)		(5,622	)
	Income (loss) from domestic operations		2,450			419
	Equity income from BOMAY		2,066			2,569
	Equity income from MIEFE		115			16
	Equity income (loss) from AAG		843			503
	Foreign operations expenses		(267	)		(343	)
	Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations		2,757			2,745
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	$	5,207		$	3,164
	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 general and administrative expenses include compensation costs and other expenses that cannot be meaningfully associated with the individual segments. With the exception of equity income from foreign joint ventures and joint venture management related expenses, all other costs, expenses and other income have been allocated to their respective segments.
	The following table reflects the quarterly information for the applicable time periods.
		2013
			Q1			Q2			Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	14,430		$	15,169		$	17,585	$	18,146	$	65,330
	Gross Profit		2,980			2,396			2,867		3,572		11,815
	Net income (loss)		1,653			1,063			901		592		4,209
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.21		$	0.13		$	0.11	$	0.07	$	0.53
		2012
			Q1			Q2			Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	14,432		$	12,872		$	11,725	$	15,035	$	54,065
	Gross Profit		1,772			2,172			1,689		2,490		8,123
	Net income (loss)		334			761			500		487		2,084
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.04		$	0.1		$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.26

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	-15	Commitments and Contingencies
	On September 1, 1999, the Company created a group medical and hospitalization minimum premium insurance program. For the policy year ended August 2013, the Company is liable for all claims each year up to $60,000 per insured, or $1.3 million in the aggregate. An outside insurance company insures any claims in excess of these amounts. The Company’s expense for this minimum premium insurance totaled $879,000 and $845,000 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Insurance reserves included in accrued payroll and benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were approximately $254,000 and $225,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	-16	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding upon the assumed exercise of all potentially dilutive stock options and other units subject to anti-dilution limitations.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
			2013		2012
	Net income (loss)	$	4,209	$	2,084
	Weighted average basic shares		7,990,690		7,901,225
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, preferred stock and warrants		1,481,816		357,517
	Total weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		9,472,506		8,258,742
	Earnings loss per common share:
	Basic	$	0.53	$	0.26
	Dilutive	$	0.48	$	0.25

Subsequent_Event_Brazil_Divide

Subsequent Event Brazil Dividend	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event Brazil Dividend	'
	-17	Subsequent Event Brazil Dividend
	The Company received a dividend distribution from its AAG JV of approximately $830,000 on March 20, 2014 on its 49% share.  It is not expected that the distribution will reoccur in 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AETI and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, M&I and AAT, and M&I’s wholly-owned subsidiary SC. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates made by management include:
	·	Percentage-of-completion estimates on long-term contracts
	·	Estimates of the provision for doubtful accounts
	·	Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
	·	Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	The Company includes fair value information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements when the fair value of its financial instruments is different from the book value. When the book value approximates fair value, no additional disclosure is made, which is the case for financial instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company assumes the book value of those financial instruments that are classified as current approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. For non-current financial instruments, the Company uses quoted market prices or, to the extent that there are no available quoted market prices, market prices for similar instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash balances routinely exceed FDIC limits however all cash is maintained in JP Morgan Chase and believed to be secure.
Accounts Receivable and Provision for Bad Debts	'
	Accounts Receivable and Provision for Bad Debts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The estimate is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration for credit worthiness and financial condition of those specific customers. The Company also reviews historical experience with the customer, the general economic environment and the aging of its receivables. The Company records an allowance to reduce receivables to the amount it reasonably believes to be collectible. Based on this assessment, management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with material value determined using an average cost method. Inventory costs for finished goods and work-in-process include direct material, direct labor, production overhead and outside services. TP&S and E&I indirect overhead is apportioned to work in process based on direct labor incurred. AAT production overhead, including indirect labor, is allocated to finished goods and work-in-process based on material consumption, which is an estimate that could be subject to change in the near term as additional information is obtained and as the operating environment changes.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred while renewals and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets after giving effect to salvage values.
	If events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, management tests property and equipment for impairment. If the estimated future cash flows are projected to be less than the carrying amount, an impairment write-down (representing the carrying amount of the long-lived asset which exceeds the present value of estimated expected future cash flows) would be recorded as a period expense. Events that would trigger an impairment test include the following:
	-	A significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset.
	-	A significant change in the use of long-lived assets or in its physical condition.
	-	A significant change in the business climate that could affect an assets value.
	-	An accumulation of cost significantly greater than the amount originally expected to acquire or construct a long-lived asset.
	·	A current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of such losses or a forecast demonstrating continued losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset.
	·	An expectation to sell or otherwise dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its estimated useful life.
	Based on management’s reviews during each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no events or circumstances that caused management to believe that impairments were necessary.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Intangible Assets at December 31, 2013		Useful		Cost		Accumulated		Net Value
			Lives				Amortization
			(Years)
			(in thousands)
	Patents			18	$	95	$	77	$	18
	Customer agreements			10		173		148		25
	Intellectual property			3		322		197		125
					$	590	$	422	$	168
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $130,000 and was approximately $113,000 in 2012. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,		Amount
			(in thousands)
	2014		$	132
	2015			31
	2016			5
	2017			-
	2018			-
			$	168
Income Taxes	'
	On March 8, 2012, the Company acquired certain technology from Amnor Technologies, Inc. for cash of $100,000 plus 44,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $4.95 per share (the closing price on that date). One fourth of the shares were issued initially with the balance to be issued one third annually on the anniversaries over the subsequent 3 years. The purchase price was valued at $322,000 (including $4,000 of transaction costs) at March 8, 2012 and is recorded as an intangible asset and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012. This cost is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 3 years. Amortization expense of $108,000 and $90,000 was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The technology provides automation and control system technologies for land and offshore drilling monitoring and control (auto-driller); marine automation including ballast control and tank monitoring and machinery plant control and monitoring systems; IP-based CCTV systems; and military vessel security and safety systems, all proven in multiple installations.
	Income Taxes
	The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method of accounting for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be reported to the taxing authority. The Company also records any financial statement recognition and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax return. Financial statement recognition of the tax position is dependent on an assessment of a 50% or greater likelihood that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. Any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses	'
	Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
	Foreign currency translations are included as a separate component of comprehensive income. We have determined the local currency of our foreign joint ventures’ operations to be the functional currency. In accordance with ASC 830, the assets and liabilities of our foreign equity investees, denominated in foreign currency, are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date; net sales and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Related translation adjustments are reported as other comprehensive income, net of taxes, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, whereas gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.
Net Sales Recognition	'
	Net Sales Recognition
	The Company reports earnings from fixed-price and modified fixed-price long-term contracts on the percentage-of-completion method. Earnings are accrued based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs. However, for TP&S, we have determined that labor incurred provides an improved measure of percentage-of-completion. Costs include direct material, direct labor, and job related overhead. Losses expected to be incurred on contracts are charged to operations in the period such losses are determined. A contract is considered complete when all costs except insignificant items have been incurred and the facility has been accepted by the customer. Net sales from non-time and material jobs of a short-term nature (typically less than one month) are recognized on the completed-contract method after considering the attributes of such contracts. This method is used because these contracts are typically completed in a short period of time and the financial position and results of operations do not vary materially from those which would result from use of the percentage-of-completion method.
	The Company records net sales from its field and technical service and repair operations on a completed service basis after customer acknowledgement that the service has been completed and accepted. Approximately 8% of the Company’s consolidated net sales are recorded on this basis. In addition, the Company sells certain purchased parts and products. These net sales are recorded when the product is shipped and title passes to the customer. Approximately 3% of the Company’s consolidated net sales are recorded on this basis. AAT generally recognizes net sales when manufactured products are shipped and right of ownership passes.
	The asset, “Work-in-process,” which is included in inventories, represents the cost of labor, material, and overhead in excess of amounts billed on jobs accounted for under the completed-contract method. For contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, the asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing on uncompleted contracts,” represents net sales recognized in excess of amounts billed and the liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” represents billings in excess of net sales recognized. Any billed net sale that has not been collected is reported as accounts receivable. The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms or completion of certain phases of the work. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable included contract retentions expected to be collected within one year totaling $10,000 and $424,000, respectively. This decline reflects the exit from water/wastewater contracts. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no contract retentions expected to be collected beyond one year.
	On occasion, the Company enters into long-term contracts that include services performed by more than one operating segment particularly TP&S contracts which include electrical and instrumentation construction services performed by our E&I segment. The Company segments net sales, costs and gross profit related to these contracts if they meet the contract segmenting criteria in ASC 605-35, including that the terms and scope of the project clearly call for separate elements, the separate elements are often bid or negotiated by the Company separately and the total economic returns and risks of the separate elements are similar to the economic returns and risks of the overall contract. For segmented contracts, the Company recognizes net sales as if they were separate contracts over the performance periods of the individual elements.
	Contract net sales recognition inherently involves estimation, including the contemplated level of effort to accomplish the tasks under the contract, the cost of the effort, and an ongoing assessment of progress toward completing the contract. From time to time, as part of the normal management processes, facts develop that requires revisions to estimated total cost or net sales expected. The cumulative impact of any revisions to estimates and the full impact of anticipated losses on contracts are recognized in the period in which they become known.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	'
	Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
	Shipping and handling fees, if billed to customers, are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight are expensed as incurred. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are classified as cost of sales.
Concentration of Market Risk and Geographic Operations	'
	Concentration of Market Risk and Geographic Operations
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. The Company’s market risk is dependent primarily on the strength of the oil and gas and energy related industries. The Company grants credit to customers and generally does not require security except in the case of certain international contracts. Procedures are in effect to monitor the credit worthiness of its customers. During 2012, one customer accounted for approximately 13% of net sales and 1% of net accounts receivable trade. During 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 17% of net sales and 9% of net accounts receivable trade.
	The Company sells its products and services in domestic and international markets; however, significant portions of the Company’s sales are concentrated with customers located in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The Gulf Coast region accounts for approximately 9% of the Company’s net sales during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 17% during 2012.
Reclassification	'
	Reclassification
	Certain items are reclassified in the 2012 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2013 presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In December 2011, the FASB issued 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 a significant impact on the Company’s 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 a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU No. 2013-01 was issued to clarify that ordinary trade receivables and receivables are not within the scope of ASU No. 2011-11. ASU No. 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the Codification or subject to a master netter arrangement or similar agreement. ASU No. 2013-01 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those periods. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-01 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) – Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. ASU No. 2013-05 provides guidance on releasing cumulative translation adjustments when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, ASU No. 2013-05 provides guidance on the release of cumulative translation adjustments in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisition. ASU No. 2013-05 is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those periods. Management is currently evaluating the effects of ASU No. 2013-05 on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Intangible Assets at December 31, 2013	Useful		Cost		Accumulated		Net Value
		Lives				Amortization
		(Years)
		(in thousands)
	Patents		18	$	95	$	77	$	18
	Customer agreements		10		173		148		25
	Intellectual property		3		322		197		125
				$	590	$	422	$	168
Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	'
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $130,000 and was approximately $113,000 in 2012. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,	Amount
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	132
	2015		31
	2016		5
	2017		-
	2018		-
		$	168

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	1,493		$	1,596
	Work-in-process		2,834			3,173
	Finished goods		1,126			1,052
			5,453			5821
	Less: Allowance		(237	)		(205	)
	Total inventories	$	5,216		$	5,616

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R1

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contracts in Progress	'
	Contracts in progress at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	7,271		$	7,743
	Estimated earnings		2,172			2,247
			9,443			9,990
	Billings on uncompleted contracts		(7,152	)		(11,361	)
		$	2,291		$	(1,371	)
Schedule of Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billing on Uncompleted Contracts	'
	Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	5,312		$	2,205
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts		(3,021	)		(3,576	)
		$	2,291		$	(1,371	)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2013, and 2012:
	Category	Estimated		2013		2012
		Useful Lives
		(years)
			(in thousands)
	Buildings and improvements	15 – 25	$	3,756	$	4,426
	Office equipment and furniture	2 – 7		2,476		1,766
	Automobiles and trucks	2 – 5		226		219
	Machinery and shop equipment	2 – 10		4,895		4,523
	Construction in progress			2,475		1,299
				13,828		12,233
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			8,026		7,660
				5,802		4,573
	Land			238		349
			$	6,040	$	4,922

Advances_to_and_Investments_in1

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	Sales to foreign joint ventures’ operations are made on an arm’s length basis and intercompany profits, if any, are eliminated in consolidation. Summary financial information of BOMAY, MIEFE and AAG in U.S. dollars was as follows at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Total current assets	$	94,220		$	91,926		$	3,855		$	3,894		$	2,572		$	2,241
	Total non-current assets		5,122			5,116			114			116			1,550			776
	Total assets	$	99,342		$	97,042		$	3,969		$	4,010		$	4,122		$	3,017
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities	$	72,644		$	73,293		$	1,197		$	1,422		$	1,291		$	1,511
	Total joint ventures equity		26,698			23,749			2,772			2,588			2,831			1,505
	Total liabilities and equity	$	99,342		$	97,042		$	3,969		$	4,010		$	4,122		$	3,016
	Gross sales	$	86,332		$	84,639		$	7,997		$	6,996		$	10,658		$	7,625
	Gross profit		12,130			14,348			2,066			1,547			4,282			2,965
	Net income		5,165			6,422			279			39			1,721			1,104
Schedule of Activity in Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	The Company’s investments in and advances to its foreign joint ventures’ operations were as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013												2012
		BOMAY*			MEIFE			AAG			**TOTAL			BOMAY*			MIEFE		AAG			TOTAL
		(in thousands)												(in thousands)
	Investment in joint ventures:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	2,033		$	14		$	234		$	2,281		$	2,033		$	14	$	284		$	2,331
	Additional amounts invested and advanced		—			—			(180	)		(180	)		—			—		(50	)		(50	)
	Balance, end of year		2,033			14			54			2,101			2,033			14		234			2,281
	Undistributed earnings:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	6,400		$	755		$	661		$	7,816		$	4,839		$	739	$	158		$	5,736
	Equity in earnings (loss)		2,066			115			843			3,024			2,569			16		503			3,088
	Dividend distributions		(1,321	)		—			(23	)		(1,344	)		(1,008	)		—		—			(1,008	)
	Balance, end of year		7,145			870			1,481			9,496			6,400			755		661			7,816
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,098		$	294		$	(81	)	$	1,311		$	1,040		$	233	$	(32	)	$	1,240
	Change during the year		333			(40	)		(168	)		125			58			61		(49	)		70
	Balance, end of year		1,431			254			(249	)		1,436			1,098			294		(81	)		1,311
	Investments, end of year	$	10,609		$	1,138		$	1,286		$	13,033		$	9,531		$	1,063	$	814		$	11,408
	·	Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857,000 and $1,620,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, are included in AETI’s consolidated retained earnings. In accordance with the People’s Republic of China, (“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.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of income (loss) before income taxes	'
	The components of income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	2,240		$	(72	)
	Foreign		3,024			3,088
		$	5,264		$	3,016
Components of provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing authority	'
	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing authority for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	—		$	—
	Foreign		—			101
	States		141			—
	Total current provision		141			101
	Deferred provision (benefit):
	Federal		536			671
	Foreign		—			(101	)
	States		36			36
	Total deferred provision (benefit):		572			606
		$	713		$	707
Components of deferred federal income taxes	'
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred federal income taxes were as follows:
		At December 31,
		2013						2012
		Current			Non-Current			Current			Non-Current
		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	413		$	—		$	159		$	—
	Deferred compensation		—			686			—			363
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		120			—			101			—
	Inventory		270			—			388			—
	Long-term contracts		149			—			80			—
	Net operating loss		—			2,909			—			4,205
	Intangible assets		—			86			—			111
	Foreign tax credit carry forward		—			1,153			—			1,017
	Valuation allowance		—			(5,385	)		(728	)		(5,750	)
	Deferred tax assets		952			(551	)		—			(54	)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Equity in foreign investments		—			(3,233	)		—			(2,756	)
	Property and equipment		—			(147	)		—			61
	Intangible assets		—			(9	)		—			(9	)
	Translation gain		—			(553	)		—			(411	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		—			(3,942	)		—			(3,115	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	952		$	(4,493	)	$	—		$	(3,169	)
Summary of difference between effective income tax rate determined by applying statutory income tax rate	'
	The difference between the effective income tax rate reflected in the provision for income taxes and the amounts, which would be determined by applying the statutory income tax rate of 34%, is summarized as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	(Provision for) benefit from U.S federal statutory rate	$	(1,798	)	$	(1,032	)
	Effect of state income taxes		(141	)		(49	)
	Non-deductible business meals and entertainment expenses		(18	)		(95	)
	Foreign income taxes included in equity in earnings		551			—
	Adjustment of net operating loss carry forwards based on IRS audit, accrual to return adjustments and other		(153	)		—
	Change in valuation allowance		846			469
	Total (Expense)	$	(713	)	$	(707	)

Notes_payable_Tables

Notes payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Notes Payable	'
	The components of notes payable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit agreement	$	500	$	500
	Capital lease obligation (Note 9)		—		54
	Total notes payable		500		554
	Less current portion of capital lease obligation		—		(54	)
	Non-current notes payable	$	500	$	500

Lease_Tables

Lease (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Future Lease Payments	'
	The following is a schedule of future lease payments:
	Year Ending December 31,	Amount
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	443
	2015		438
	2016		423
	2017		347
	2018		348
	2019		175
		$	2,174

Stock_and_Stock_based_Compensa

Stock and Stock- based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Units	'
	The following table summarizes the activity for unvested restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Units			Weighted
					Average
					Fair Value
					Per RSU
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2011		321,064		$	2.71
	Awarded		283,998		$	4.35
	Vested		(90,056	)	$	2.52
	Forfeited		(123,593	)	$	2.17
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2012		391,413		$	4.11
	Awarded		234,525		$	5
	Vested		(99,844	)	$	3.15
	Forfeited		(54,464	)	$	3.4
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013		471,630		$	4.77
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	Details of stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:
		2013			2013 Weighted		2012			2012 Weighted
					Average					Average
					Exercise Price					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		25,778		$	4.23		55,855		$	4.31
	Options granted		—			—		—			—
	Options exercised		(3,827	)		4.09		(4,850	)		4.09
	Options forfeited		(5,007	)		5.11		(11,848	)		4.82
	Options expired		—			—		(13,379	)		4.09
	Outstanding at end of year		16,944			4.09		25,778			4.23
	Exercisable at end of year		16,944		$	4.09		25,778		$	4.23
Summary of Outstanding Stock Options	'
	A summary of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 follows:
	Number		Expires		Remaining		Weighted			Intrinsic
	of				Contractual		Average			Value
	Options				Life (Years)		Exercise
							Price
	16,944		2014			0.1 years	$	4.09		$	—
	16,944						$	4.09

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr1

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred Stock and Warrants Calculated Using the Black Scholes Merton Pricing Model	'
	The preferred stock and warrants were issued for a total of $5.0 million. This amount was allocated to the preferred stock and warrants based on their relative fair values. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black Scholes-Merton pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
	Number of warrants		325,000
	Exercise price	$	6.62
	Expected volatility of underlying stock		74	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.62	%
	Dividend yield		0	%
	Expected life of warrants		8 years
	Weighted-average fair value of warrants	$	3.11
	Expiration date		May 2, 2020

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments	'
	The table below represents segment results for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012.
		2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Technical Products and Services	$	49,150		$	38,973
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		10,089			9,196
	American Access Technologies		6,091			5,896
		$	65,330		$	54,065
	Gross profit (loss):
	Technical Products and Services	$	9,072		$	6,649
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		2,095			513
	American Access Technologies		648			961
		$	11,815		$	8,123
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net
	equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations
	Technical Products and Services	$	8,061		$	6,012
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		2,096			513
	American Access Technologies		(712	)		(484	)
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		(6,995	)		(5,622	)
	Income (loss) from domestic operations		2,450			419
	Equity income from BOMAY		2,066			2,569
	Equity income from MIEFE		115			16
	Equity income (loss) from AAG		843			503
	Foreign operations expenses		(267	)		(343	)
	Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations		2,757			2,745
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	$	5,207		$	3,164
Quarterly Information for the Applicable Time Periods	'
	The following table reflects the quarterly information for the applicable time periods.
		2013
			Q1			Q2			Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	14,430		$	15,169		$	17,585	$	18,146	$	65,330
	Gross Profit		2,980			2,396			2,867		3,572		11,815
	Net income (loss)		1,653			1,063			901		592		4,209
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.21		$	0.13		$	0.11	$	0.07	$	0.53
		2012
			Q1			Q2			Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	14,432		$	12,872		$	11,725	$	15,035	$	54,065
	Gross Profit		1,772			2,172			1,689		2,490		8,123
	Net income (loss)		334			761			500		487		2,084
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.04		$	0.1		$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.26

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share1

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
			2013		2012
	Net income (loss)	$	4,209	$	2,084
	Weighted average basic shares		7,990,690		7,901,225
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, preferred stock and warrants		1,481,816		357,517
	Total weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		9,472,506		8,258,742
	Earnings loss per common share:
	Basic	$	0.53	$	0.26
	Dilutive	$	0.48	$	0.25

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus1

Organization and Nature of Business (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	17-May-07	Dec. 31, 2013
		Segment
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage of reverse acquisition interest	80.00%	'
Number of segments	'	3
Minimum	'	'
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Electrical Transmission Voltage	'	480
Maximum	'	'
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Electrical Transmission Voltage	'	40,000
Beaumont Texas Facility	'	'
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Area of Land	'	9
Company owns facility	'	85,000
Mississippi facility	'	'
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Area of Land	'	3
Company owns facility	'	11,000
Florida facility	'	'
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Area of Land	'	9.7
Company owns facility	'	67,500
Houston Office	'	'
Organization and Nature of Business (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Area of Land	'	3
Company owns facility	'	26,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Other Assets	'
Cost	$590
Accumulated Amortization	422
Net Value	168
Patents	'
Summary of Other Assets	'
Useful Lives	'18 years
Cost	95
Accumulated Amortization	77
Net Value	18
Customer agreements	'
Summary of Other Assets	'
Useful Lives	'10 years
Cost	173
Accumulated Amortization	148
Net Value	25
Intellectual property	'
Summary of Other Assets	'
Useful Lives	'3 years
Cost	322
Accumulated Amortization	197
Net Value	$125

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	'
2014	$132
2015	31
2016	5
2017	'
2018	'
Net Value	$168

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 08, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalent maturity	'	'three months or less	'
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	'	$130,000	$113,000
Tax position of the company	'	'50% or greater	'
Percentage net sales recorded after customer acknowledgement that service has been completed and accepted	'	8.00%	'
Percentage net sales are recorded when the product is shipped and title passes to the customer	'	3.00%	'
Contract retentions expected to be collected within one year, Total	'	10,000	424,000
Contract retentions collectible beyond one year, Total	'	0	0
Non-time and material jobs of short term nature duration description	'	'less than one month	'
Number of Customers	'	1	1
Amnor Technologies	'	'	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	'	108,000	90,000
Cash payment for acquisition	100,000	'	'
Shares payment for acquisition	44,000	'	'
Common stock, per share	$4.95	'	'
Equity Interests Issuable Period	'3 years	'	'
Purchase price	322,000	'	'
Transaction cost	$4,000	'	'
Business acquisition equity interests issued during period, percentage of shares	25.00%	'	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years	'	'
Customer one | Sales	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Customer accountability percentage	'	17.00%	13.00%
Customer one | Accounts Receivable	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Customer accountability percentage	'	9.00%	1.00%
Gulf Coast region	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Customer accountability percentage	'	9.00%	17.00%

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$1,493	$1,596
Work-in-process	2,834	3,173
Finished goods	1,126	1,052
Inventory, Gross	5,453	5,821
Less: Allowance	-237	-205
Total inventories	$5,216	$5,616

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R2

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts - Contracts in Progress (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contracts in progress	'	'
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$7,271	$7,743
Estimated earnings	2,172	2,247
Total cost and earnings of unbilled contracts	9,443	9,990
Billings on uncompleted contracts	-7,152	-11,361
Total Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts	$2,291	($1,371)

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R3

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts - Schedule of Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billing on Uncompleted Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts	'	'
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$5,312	$2,205
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-3,021	-3,576
Total Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts	$2,291	($1,371)

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Office equipment and furniture

Office equipment and furniture

Office equipment and furniture

Office equipment and furniture

Automobiles and trucks

Automobiles and trucks

Automobiles and trucks

Automobiles and trucks

Machinery and shop equipment

Machinery and shop equipment

Machinery and shop equipment

Machinery and shop equipment

Construction in Progress

Construction in Progress

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'25 years

'

'

'2 years

'7 years

'

'

'2 years

'5 years

'

'

'2 years

'10 years

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, gross

$13,828

$12,233

$3,756

$4,426

'

'

$2,476

$1,766

'

'

$226

$219

'

'

$4,895

$4,523

'

'

$2,475

$1,299

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

8,026

7,660

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment gross, excluding land

5,802

4,573

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Land

238

349

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, net

$6,040

$4,922

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 09, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation charges	'	$742,000	$765,000
Gain on sale of property and improvements	128,000	143,000	24,000
Cost of sales	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation charges	'	580,000	605,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciation charges	'	$162,000	$160,000

Advances_to_and_Investments_in2

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2006
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	$3,024,000	$3,088,000	'	'
Advances to and Investments in Joint Venture Foreign Operations (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses	267,000	343,000	'	'
Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	1,857,000	1,620,000	'	'
Foreign Operations	'	'	'	'
Advances to and Investments in Joint Venture Foreign Operations (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses	267,000	343,000	'	'
BOMAY	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	40.00%	'	'	'
Investment in joint ventures	'	'	1,000,000	1,000,000
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	2,066,000	2,569,000	'	'
Sales made to the foreign joint venture	325,000	415,000	'	'
Accounts receivable from foreign joint venture	119,000	73,000	'	'
MIEFE	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	41.00%	'	'	'
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	115,000	16,000	'	'
Sales made to the foreign joint venture	225,000	65,000	'	'
Accounts receivable from foreign joint venture	0	25,000	'	'
AAG	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	49.00%	'	'	'
Equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	843,000	503,000	'	'
Sales made to the foreign joint venture	4,000	49,000	'	'
Accounts receivable from foreign joint venture	$8,000	$8,000	'	'

Advances_to_and_Investments_in3

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations - Schedule of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	$3,572	$2,867	$2,396	$2,980	$2,490	$1,689	$2,172	$1,772	$11,815	$8,123
BOMAY	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	94,220	'	'	'	91,926	'	'	'	94,220	91,926
Total non-current assets	5,122	'	'	'	5,116	'	'	'	5,122	5,116
Total assets	99,342	'	'	'	97,042	'	'	'	99,342	97,042
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	72,644	'	'	'	73,293	'	'	'	72,644	73,293
Total joint ventures equity	26,698	'	'	'	23,749	'	'	'	26,698	23,749
Total liabilities and equity	99,342	'	'	'	97,042	'	'	'	99,342	97,042
Gross sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	86,332	84,639
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,130	14,348
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,165	6,422
MIEFE	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	3,855	'	'	'	3,894	'	'	'	3,855	3,894
Total non-current assets	114	'	'	'	116	'	'	'	114	116
Total assets	3,969	'	'	'	4,010	'	'	'	3,969	4,010
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,197	'	'	'	1,422	'	'	'	1,197	1,422
Total joint ventures equity	2,772	'	'	'	2,588	'	'	'	2,772	2,588
Total liabilities and equity	3,969	'	'	'	4,010	'	'	'	3,969	4,010
Gross sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,997	6,996
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,066	1,547
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	279	39
AAG	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	2,572	'	'	'	2,241	'	'	'	2,572	2,241
Total non-current assets	1,550	'	'	'	776	'	'	'	1,550	776
Total assets	4,122	'	'	'	3,017	'	'	'	4,122	3,017
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,291	'	'	'	1,511	'	'	'	1,291	1,511
Total joint ventures equity	2,831	'	'	'	1,505	'	'	'	2,831	1,505
Total liabilities and equity	4,122	'	'	'	3,016	'	'	'	4,122	3,016
Gross sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,658	7,625
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,282	2,965
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,721	$1,104

Advances_to_and_Investments_in4

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations - Schedule of Activity in Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investment in joint ventures:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	$2,281,000	$2,331,000
Additional amounts invested and advanced	-180,000	-50,000
Balance, end of year	2,101,000	2,281,000
Undistributed earnings:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	7,816,000	5,736,000
Equity in earnings (loss)	3,024,000	3,088,000
Dividend distributions	-1,344,000	-1,008,000
Balance, end of year	9,496,000	7,816,000
Foreign currency translation:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	1,311,000	1,240,000
Change during the year	125,000	70,000
Balance, end of year	1,436,000	1,311,000
Investments, end of year	13,033,000	11,408,000
BOMAY	'	'
Investment in joint ventures:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	2,033,000	2,033,000
Additional amounts invested and advanced	'	'
Balance, end of year	2,033,000	2,033,000
Undistributed earnings:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	6,400,000	4,839,000
Equity in earnings (loss)	2,066,000	2,569,000
Dividend distributions	-1,321,000	-1,008,000
Balance, end of year	7,145,000	6,400,000
Foreign currency translation:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	1,098,000	1,040,000
Change during the year	333,000	58,000
Balance, end of year	1,431,000	1,098,000
Investments, end of year	10,609,000	9,531,000
MIEFE	'	'
Investment in joint ventures:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	14,000	14,000
Additional amounts invested and advanced	'	'
Balance, end of year	14,000	14,000
Undistributed earnings:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	755,000	739,000
Equity in earnings (loss)	115,000	16,000
Balance, end of year	870,000	755,000
Foreign currency translation:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	294,000	233,000
Change during the year	-40,000	61,000
Balance, end of year	254,000	294,000
Investments, end of year	1,138,000	1,063,000
AAG	'	'
Investment in joint ventures:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	234,000	284,000
Additional amounts invested and advanced	-180,000	-50,000
Balance, end of year	54,000	234,000
Undistributed earnings:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	661,000	158,000
Equity in earnings (loss)	843,000	503,000
Dividend distributions	-23,000	'
Balance, end of year	1,481,000	661,000
Foreign currency translation:	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	-81,000	-32,000
Change during the year	-168,000	-49,000
Balance, end of year	-249,000	-81,000
Investments, end of year	$1,286,000	$814,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income (Loss) before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of income (loss) before income taxes	'	'
United States	$2,240	($72)
Foreign	3,024	3,088
Income (loss) before income taxes	$5,264	$3,016

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes - Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes by Taxing Authority (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current provision:	'	'
Federal	'	'
Foreign	'	101
States	141	'
Total current provision	141	101
Deferred provision (benefit):	'	'
Federal	536	671
Foreign	'	-101
States	36	36
Total deferred provision (benefit):	572	606
Total (Expense)	$713	$707

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Federal Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Net operating loss	$7,400	'
Valuation allowance	-5,600	-6,400
Current	'	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accrued liabilities	413	159
Deferred compensation	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	120	101
Inventory	270	388
Long-term contracts	149	80
Net operating loss	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Foreign tax credit carry forward	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	-728
Deferred tax assets	952	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Equity in foreign investments	'	'
Property and equipment	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Translation gain	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	952	'
Noncurrent	'	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accrued liabilities	'	'
Deferred compensation	686	363
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'
Inventory	'	'
Long-term contracts	'	'
Net operating loss	2,909	4,205
Intangible assets	86	111
Foreign tax credit carry forward	1,153	1,017
Valuation allowance	-5,385	-5,750
Deferred tax assets	-551	-54
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Equity in foreign investments	-3,233	-2,756
Property and equipment	-147	61
Intangible assets	-9	-9
Translation gain	-553	-411
Deferred tax liabilities	-3,942	-3,115
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	($4,493)	($3,169)

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Differ

Income Taxes - Summary of Difference Between Effective Income Tax Rate Determined by Applying Statutory Income Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of difference between effective income tax rate determined by applying statutory income tax rate	'	'
(Provision for) benefit from U.S federal statutory rate	($1,798)	($1,032)
Effect of state income taxes	-141	-49
Non-deductible business meals and entertainment expenses	-18	-95
Foreign income taxes included in equity in earnings	551	'
Adjustment of net operating loss carry forwards based on IRS audit, accrual to return adjustments and other	-153	'
Change in valuation allowance	846	469
Total (Expense)	($713)	($707)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Non-cash expense	$700,000	'	'
Recognition of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in the U.S	5,600,000	6,400,000	'
Net operating loss carryforwards related to business combination	7,400,000	'	299,000
Net operating loss carry forwards	7,400,000	'	'
Reduction in deferred income tax asset	$11,000,000	'	'
Effective tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	'

Notes_Payable_Components_of_No

Notes Payable - Components of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of notes payable	'	'
Total notes payable	$500	$554
Less current portion of capital lease obligation	'	-54
Non-current notes payable	500	500
Revolving Credit Facility	'	'
Components of notes payable	'	'
Total notes payable	500	500
Capital Lease Obligations	'	'
Components of notes payable	'	'
Total notes payable	'	$54

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (Revolving Credit Facility One, USD $)	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	1-May-12	Dec. 31, 2013
			Prior to July 27, 2012	London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
						Prior to July 27, 2012
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowed under the agreement	$0.50	$0.50	'	'	'	'
Additional borrowings available based on the Company's borrowing	7.9	6.9	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit line	10	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	1-Oct-15	'	'	'	'	'
Leverage test of total liabilities to total net worth	1	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.25	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate, Description	'credit facility’s interest rate is LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum	'	'interest rate on the Company’s borrowings was 30 day LIBOR rate plus 2.75% per year	'	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate	'	'	'	3.25%	'	2.75%
Commitment fee of the unused portion of the credit	'	'	'	0.30%	'	'
Preferred stock, at redemption value	'	'	'	'	$5	'

Leases_Detail

Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of future minimum rental payments under operating leases	'
2014	$443
2015	438
2016	423
2017	347
2018	348
2019	175
Total	$2,174

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (New Corporate Office Lease, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	sqft
New Corporate Office Lease	'	'
Lease (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Lease covered area	13,000	'
Term of lease	'64 months	'
Rental expense	$0.30	$0.50

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat1

Stock and Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-10

Jun. 30, 2012

31-May-10

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Director

Director

Minimum

Maximum

Subsequent Event

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Maximum

Maximum

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Stock Options

Stock Options

Board of Directors Compensation

Board of Directors Compensation

Director

Director

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

Subsequent Event

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

Director

Director

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted restricted stock unit

'

'

'

'

'

'

168,000

235,000

285,000

'

'

'

234,525

283,998

'

'

150,000

'

'

'

'

Shares available for issuance under the plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

1,100,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of stock RSU to Common, ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convert to common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock compensation Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$818,000

$342,000

'

$20,000

$16,000

$32,000

$27,000

Additional compensation cost that will be recognized in future periods

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period additional compensation cost will be expensed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of retainer fee to acquire common stock

'

'

'

'

50.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock and Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Stock issued

4,697

4,839

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options issued

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units acquired by directors deferred retainer fee

'

'

6,000

6,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increment period for awards converted into common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat2

Stock and Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'
Summary of unvested restricted stock units	'	'
Unvested restricted stock units, Beginning Balance	391,413	321,064
Granted restricted stock unit	234,525	283,998
Vested	-99,844	-90,056
Forfeited	-54,464	-123,593
Unvested restricted stock units, Ending Balance	471,630	391,413
Weighted Average Fair Value Per RSU, Beginning Balance	$4.11	$2.71
Awarded	$5	$4.35
Vested	$3.15	$2.52
Forfeited	$3.40	$2.17
Weighted Average Fair Value Per RSU, Ending Balance	$4.77	$4.11

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat3

Stock and Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of stock option activity	'	'
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	25,778	55,855
Options granted	'	'
Options exercised	-3,827	-4,850
Options forfeited	-5,007	-11,848
Options expired	'	-13,379
Outstanding, Ending Balance	16,944	25,778
Exercisable, Ending Balance	16,944	25,778
Summary of stock option activity	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$4.23	$4.31
Weighted Average Exercise Price, options granted	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercised	$4.09	$4.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options forfeited	$5.11	$4.82
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options expired	'	$4.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$4.09	$4.23
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$4.09	$4.23

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat4

Stock and Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Outstanding Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of stock option activity	'	'	'
Number of Options	16,944	25,778	55,855
Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'1 month 6 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.09	$4.23	$4.31
Intrinsic Value	'	'	'
Stock option 1	'	'	'
Summary of stock option activity	'	'	'
Number of Options	16,944	'	'
Expires	'2014	'	'
Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	'1 month 6 days	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.09	'	'
Intrinsic Value	'	'	'

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr2

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Preferred Stock and Warrants Calculated Using the Black Scholes Merton Pricing Model (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock and warrants calculated using the Black Scholes Merton pricing model	'
Number of warrants	325,000
Expiration date	2-May-20
Warrant	'
Preferred stock and warrants calculated using the Black Scholes Merton pricing model	'
Exercise price	6.62
Expected volatility of underlying stock	74.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.62%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Expected life of warrants	'8 years
Weighted-average fair value of warrants	3.11

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr3

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Securities purchase agreement date	13-Apr-12	'
Common stock, shares issued	8,008,759	8,008,759
Completion date of issuance of series A convertible preferred stock	2-May-12	'
Redemption Date of Series A Preferred Stock	30-Apr-17	'
Warrants Value	$840,000	'
Accretion amount	42	34
Consideration for the issuance of preferred stock and warrants	5,000,000	'
Exercise Price of $6.00	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion price per share	$6	'
Exercise Price of $7.00	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion price per share	$7	'
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Sale of series A convertible preferred stock, Number	1,000,000	'
Conversion price per share	$5	'
Preferred stock authorized	1,000,000	'
Cumulative dividends at a rate	6.00%	'
Liquidation preference per share	$5	'
Number of Installments	36	'
Annual interest rate on redemption value payable	6.00%	'
Preferred stock Value	$4,160,000	'
Common Stock Purchase Warrants Exercisable	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock purchase warrants exercisable	325,000	'
Common Stock Purchase Warrants Exercisable | Exercise Price of $6.00	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock purchase warrants exercisable	125,000	'
Common Stock Purchase Warrants Exercisable | Exercise Price of $7.00	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock purchase warrants exercisable	200,000	'
Convertible Common Stock	'	'
Class Of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, shares issued	1,000,000	'

Employee_Benefit_and_Bonus_Pla1

Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Employees
Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage of employees contribution	20.00%	'
Contribution to the plan	$201,000	$81,000
Number of employees who are covering executive performance of bonus plan	45	'
Accrued expenses	$813,000	$650,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding amount owned to law firm	$0	$0
Chief Executive Officer	'	'
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation amount	130,000	120,000
Percentage of amendment bonus	1.00%	'
Chief Executive Officer | November 2013 Amendment	'	'
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Employment agreement expiration year	'2015	'
Chief Executive Officer | November 2013 Amendment | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation amount	130,000	'
Chief Executive Officer | November 2013 Amendment | 2015	'	'
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation amount	130,000	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Chief Executive Officer	'	'
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Expenses related to legal advice	89,000	70,000
Compensation amount included in general and administrative expenses	$157,570	$150,878

Segment_Reporting_Selected_Fin

Segment Reporting - Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$18,146	$17,585	$15,169	$14,430	$15,035	$11,725	$12,872	$14,432	$65,330	$54,065
Gross profit (loss)	3,572	2,867	2,396	2,980	2,490	1,689	2,172	1,772	11,815	8,123
Income (loss) from domestic operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,450	419
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,757	2,745
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	267	343
Income (loss) from domestic operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,207	3,164
Technical Products and Services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,150	38,973
Gross profit (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,072	6,649
Income (loss) from domestic operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,061	6,012
Electrical and Instrumentation Construction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,089	9,196
Gross profit (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,095	513
Income (loss) from domestic operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,096	513
American Access Technologies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,091	5,896
Gross profit (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	648	961
Income (loss) from domestic operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-712	-484
Corporate and other unallocated expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from domestic operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,995	-5,622
BOMAY	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,066	2,569
MIEFE	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	115	16
AAG	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	843	503
Foreign Operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$267	$343

Segment_Reporting_Quarterly_In

Segment Reporting - Quarterly Information for the Applicable Time Periods (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly information for the applicable time periods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'
Net sales	$18,146	$17,585	$15,169	$14,430	$15,035	$11,725	$12,872	$14,432	$65,330		$54,065
Gross profit	3,572	2,867	2,396	2,980	2,490	1,689	2,172	1,772	11,815		8,123
Net income (loss)	$592	$901	$1,063	$1,653	$487	$500	$761	$334	$4,209	[1]	$2,084
Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'
Basic	$0.07	$0.11	$0.13	$0.21	$0.06	$0.06	$0.10	$0.04	$0.53		$0.26
[1]	Net of preferred dividends of $225 and $342 in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	3

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Liable for all claims per insured annual amount	$60,000	'
Liable for all claims per insured aggregate amount	1,300,000	'
Minimum insurance premium	879,000	845,000
Insurance reserves	$254,000	$225,000

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share2

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,209	$2,084
Weighted average basic shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,990,690	7,901,225
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,481,816	357,517
Total weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,472,506	8,258,742
Earnings loss per common share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.07	$0.11	$0.13	$0.21	$0.06	$0.06	$0.10	$0.04	$0.53	$0.26
Dilutive	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.48	$0.25

Subsequent_Event_Brazil_Divide1

Subsequent Event Brazil Dividend - Additional Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 20, 2014
			AAG	AAG	Subsequent Event
					AAG
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend distribution	$1,344,000	$1,008,000	$23,000	'	$830,000
Interest in Joint Venture	'	'	49.00%	'	49.00%