Stabilis Solutions (SLNG) 10-Q 14 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'AETI	'
Entity Registrant Name	'American Electric Technologies Inc	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001043186	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	8,185,323

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,384	$4,148
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $315 and $327 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	10,917	10,462
Inventories, net of allowance of $65 and $40 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	3,781	3,184
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	4,960	5,312
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	438	376
Current assets held for sale	0	3,113
Total current assets	22,480	26,595
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,535	4,077
Advances to and investments in foreign joint ventures	11,812	13,033
Other assets	45	126
Long-term assets held for sale	650	2,005
Total assets	43,522	45,836
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	7,897	5,327
Accrued payroll and benefits	956	1,911
Other accrued expenses	414	397
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	2,535	3,021
Short-term notes payable	0	0
Other current liabilities	12	121
Current liabilities held for sale	0	536
Total current liabilities	11,814	11,313
Notes payable	500	500
Deferred income taxes	3,424	3,541
Deferred compensation	270	211
Total liabilities	16,008	15,565
Convertible preferred stock:	'	'
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, net of discount of $731 at September 30, 2014 and $764 at December 31, 2013; $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	4,269	4,236
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,184,188 and 8,008,759 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	8	8
Treasury stock, at cost (108,976 shares at September 30, 2014 and 49,863 shares at December 31, 2013)	-704	-238
Additional paid-in capital	11,207	10,494
Accumulated other comprehensive income	951	983
Retained earnings; including accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $1,857 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	11,783	14,788
Total stockholders’ equity	23,245	26,035
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$43,522	$45,836

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable-trade, allowance	$315	$327
Inventories, allowance	65	40
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, discount	731	764
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	8,184,188	8,184,188
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,008,759	8,008,759
Treasury stock, shares	108,976	49,863
Retained earnings; accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	$1,857	$1,857

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$14,283	$16,236	$43,561	$42,743
Cost of sales	13,788	13,477	38,603	35,130
Gross profit	495	2,759	4,958	7,613
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	425	112	651	356
Selling and marketing	617	500	1,850	1,587
General and administrative	1,640	1,176	3,995	3,566
Total operating expenses	2,682	1,788	6,496	5,509
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations	-2,187	971	-1,538	2,104
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations:	'	'	'	'
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	350	434	1,934	3,140
Foreign joint ventures’ operations related expenses	-122	-66	-412	-204
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	228	368	1,522	2,936
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	-1,959	1,339	-16	5,040
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense and other, net	-23	-27	-56	-72
Continuing operations income (loss) before income taxes	-1,982	1,312	-72	4,968
Provision for income taxes on continuing operations	'	110	'	745
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,982	1,202	-72	4,223
Discontinued operations income (loss)	-21	-215	-2,673	-350
Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	-21	-215	-2,673	-350
Net income (loss) before dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock	-2,003	987	-2,745	3,873
Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock	-86	-86	-258	-256
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	($2,089)	$901	($3,003)	$3,617
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.25)	$0.14	($0.04)	$0.50
Diluted	($0.25)	$0.13	($0.04)	$0.45
Weighted - average number of continuing operations shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	8,180,970	8,004,026	8,137,133	7,985,318
Diluted	8,180,970	9,497,056	8,137,133	9,450,719
Loss per common share from discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	$0	($0.03)	($0.33)	($0.04)
Total Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.26)	$0.11	($0.37)	$0.45
Diluted	($0.26)	$0.10	($0.37)	$0.41
Weighted - average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	8,180,970	8,004,026	8,137,133	7,985,318
Diluted	8,180,970	9,497,056	8,137,133	9,450,719

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($2,003)	$987	($2,745)	$3,873
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of deferred income taxes	-31	93	-32	42
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($2,034)	$1,080	($2,777)	$3,915

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), deferred income taxes	($1)	($48)	($1)	($22)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	($72)	$4,223
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	'	745
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	-1,934	-3,140
Depreciation and amortization	457	348
Stock based compensation	601	446
Provision for bad debt	'	66
Allowance for obsolete inventory	25	-24
Deferred compensation costs	59	70
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-604	-779
Income taxes payable	-108	6
Inventories	-623	-1,728
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	352	-2,552
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	88	1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,174	1,644
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-486	434
Other	'	-7
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-71	-247
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets	-4,715	-618
Proceeds from foreign joint ventures’ operations dividends	2,522	1,391
Net cash provided by (used in) from investing activities	-2,193	773
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of common stock, preferred stock, and warrants	113	'
Treasury stocks purchase	-466	-147
Preferred stock cash dividend	-225	-225
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-578	-372
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations	-2,842	154
Advances from (to) discontinued operations	1,078	-455
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,764	-301
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,148	4,477
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,384	4,176
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	36	21
Income taxes paid	$102	$139

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Electric Technologies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“AETI”, “the Company”, “our”, “we”, “us”) as of September 30, 2014 and for the three months and nine months then ended have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and include all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position as of September 30, 2014 and results of operations for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2014 and 2013. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed on March 28, 2014. Because of the sale of the American Access Technologies, Inc. (“AAT”) segment’s operations which was completed on August 15, 2014, (except for its real estate) its remaining assets are presented as “held for sale” and its operations are reported as discontinued operations.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	2. Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Diluted earnings 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 conversion of convertible instruments, exercise of all potentially dilutive stock options and other stock units subject to anti-dilution limitations.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except shares and per share data):
	Continuing Operations***
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to common stockholders***	$	(2,068	)	$	1,116	$	(330	)	$	3,967
	Weighted average basic shares		8,180,970			8,004,026		8,137,133			7,985,318
	Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options		-			1,493,030	-				1,465,401
	and restricted stock units *
	Total weighted average diluted shares		8,180,970			9,497,056		8,137,133			9,450,719
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.25	)	$	0.14	$	(0.04	)	$	0.5
	Dilutive **	$	(0.25	)	$	0.13	$	(0.04	)	$	0.45
	With Discontinued Operations
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	(2,089	)	$	901	$	(3,003	)	$	3,617
	Weighted average basic shares		8,180,970			8,004,026		8,137,133			7,985,318
	Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options	-				1,493,030	-				1,465,401
	and restricted stock units *
	Total weighted average diluted shares		8,180,970			9,497,056		8,137,133			9,450,719
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.26	)	$	0.11	$	(0.37	)	$	0.45
	Dilutive **	$	(0.26	)	$	0.1	$	(0.37	)	$	0.41
	* No shares are dilutive when losses are reported.
	** When preferred shares are assumed converted, their dividends are added back to net income.
	***Net income (loss) from continuing operations less dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-05 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU No. 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. It also addresses sources of confusion and inconsistent application related to financial reporting of discontinued operations guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under ASU No. 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. In addition, ASU No. 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The guidance also requires disclosure of pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU No. 2014-08 is effective in the first quarter of 2015 with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2014-08 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). We are currently evaluating the future impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method with which we will adopt the standard in 2017.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	4. Segment Information
	The Company follows the guidance prescribed by the Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, Segment Reporting, which governs the way the Company reports information about its operating segments.
	Management has organized the Company around its continuing products and services and has two reportable segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S”) and Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”). TP&S develops, manufactures, provides and markets switchgear and variable speed drives. The service component of this segment includes retrofitting equipment upgrades, startups, testing and troubleshooting electrical substations, switchgear, drives and control systems. The E&I segment installs electrical equipment for the energy, industrial, marine and commercial markets. The American Access Technologies (AAT) segment manufactures and markets zone cabling and formed metal products of varying designs. Because of the disposition of the (AAT) segment’s operations and net assets in August 2014, that segment’s results are excluded from segment reporting and presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014					2013					2014					2013
	Net sales:
	Technical Products and Services	$	12,618				$	13,970				$	38,743				$	35,607
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction **		1,665					2,266					4,818					7,136
		$	14,283				$	16,236				$	43,561				$	42,743
	Gross profit:
	Technical Products and Services	$	251		2	%	$	2,428		17	%	$	4,385		11	%	$	6,117		17	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction **		244		15	%		331		15	%		573		12	%		1,496		21	%
		$	495		3	%	$	2,759		17	%	$	4,958		11	%	$	7,613		18	%
	Income (loss) from consolidated continuing
	operations and net equity income
	from foreign joint ventures’ operations:
	Technical Products and Services	$	(210	)	-2	%	$	2,188		16	%	$	3,623		9	%	$	5,372		15	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction **		62		4	%		331		15	%		391		8	%		1,496		21	%
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		(2,039	)	-14	%		(1,548	)	-9.5	%		(5,552	)	-13	%		(4,764	)	-11	%
	Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations		(2,187	)	-15	%		971		6	%		(1,538	)	-4	%		2,104		5	%
	Equity income from BOMAY		285					475					1,793					2,123
	Equity income (loss) from MIEFE		65					(12	)				139					146
	Equity income (loss) from AAG*		-					(29	)				2					871
	Foreign operations (expenses)		(122	)				(66	)				(412	)				(204	)
	Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’		228					368					1,522					2,936
	operations
	Income (loss) from consolidated continuing	$	(1,959	)			$	1,339				$	(16	)			$	5,040
	operations and net equity income
	from foreign joint ventures’ operations
	*AAG equity income ended on April 30, 2014 when M&I withdrew from the AAG Joint Venture.
	**Brazil operations are included in E&I amounts for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The Brazil operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are: Net sales: $184; Gross profit (loss): ($29); and Net income (loss): ($208).
	The Company’s management does not separately review and analyze its assets on a segment basis for TP&S and E&I, 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’ operations and joint venture management related expenses, all other costs, expenses and other income have been allocated to their respective segments.

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	5. Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures
	Effective May 1, 2014, we have interests in two joint ventures, outside of the United States of America (“U.S.”) which are accounted for on the equity method:
	—	BOMAY Electric Industries Company, Ltd. (“BOMAY”), in which the Company holds a 40% interest, Baoji Oilfield Machinery Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation) holds a 51% interest, and AA Energies, Inc., holds a 9% interest;
	—	M&I Electric Far East, Ltd. (“MIEFE”), in which the Company holds a 41% interest, MIEFE’s general manager holds a 8% interest and, Sonepar, (private company) of France holds a 51% interest, and;
	Effective April 30, 2014 the Company withdrew from the AETI Alliance Group do Brazil Sistemas E Servicos Em Energia LTDA. (“AAG”)joint venture in exchange for the book value at April 30, 2014 of approximately $0.6 million, receivable from AAG in 12 equal monthly payments. The Company has received four payments through September 30, 2014.
	Sales to joint ventures are made on an arm’s length basis.
	Summary (unaudited) financial information of our foreign joint ventures in U.S. dollars was as follows at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014*		2013
	Assets:
	Total current assets	$	77,458		$	94,220		$	3,932		$	3,855		$	-	$	2,572
	Total non-current assets		4,788			5,122			126			114			-		1,550
	Total assets	$	82,246		$	99,342		$	4,058		$	3,969		$	-	$	4,122
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities	$	53,749		$	72,644		$	2,533		$	1,197		$	-	$	1,291
	Total joint ventures’ equity		28,497			26,698			1,525			2,772			-		2,831
	Total liabilities and equity	$	82,246		$	99,342		$	4,058		$	3,969		$	-	$	4,122
	*As of April 30, 2014, the Company withdrew from the AAG Joint Venture.
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014*		2013
	Revenue	$	9,995		$	17,995		$	1,359		$	1,530		$	-	$	1,434
	Gross Profit	$	2,353		$	2,853		$	567		$	372		$	-	$	259
	Earnings	$	712		$	1,187		$	158		$	(29	)	$	-	$	(59	)
	*As of April  30, 2014, the Company withdrew from the AAG Joint Venture.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014*		2013
	Revenue	$	67,209		$	82,986		$	4,571		$	7,021		$	1,078	$	9,433
	Gross Profit	$	9,812		$	10,451		$	1,686		$	1,659		$	154	$	3,691
	Earnings	$	4,483		$	5,308		$	339		$	356		$	4	$	1,777
	*Items represent the Joint Venture’s final four months ending April 2014.
	The following is a summary of activity in investments in foreign joint ventures for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (unaudited):
		30-Sep-14
		BOMAY**			MIEFE			AAG			TOTAL
		(in thousands)
	Investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	10,609		$	1,138		$	1,286		$	13,033
	Equity in earnings (loss) in 2014		1,793			139			2			1,934
	Dividend distributions in 2014		(1,042	)		(650	)		(830	)		(2,522	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(77	)		(98	)		178			3
	Withdrawal from joint venture*		-			-			(636	)		(636	)
	Investments, end of period	$	11,283		$	529		$	-		$	11,812
	Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Investment in joint ventures	$	2,033		$	15		$	-		$	2,048
	Undistributed earnings		7,896			358			-			8,254
	Foreign currency translation		1,354			156			-			1,510
	Investments, end of period	$	11,283		$	529		$	-		$	11,812
	*	Represents the 49% of the net book value at April 30, 2014, of which $188,000 has been received from AAG at September 30,  2014. No gain or loss was recorded because the receivable equals the Company’s total investment in AAG. The remaining receivable is included in accounts receivables.
	**	Accumulated statutory reserves of $1.86 million in equity method investments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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.
	Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the joint ventures’ operations’ earnings or loss is recognized in the condensed consolidated statement of operations as equity income (loss) from foreign joint ventures’ operations. Joint venture income increases the carrying value of the joint venture investment and joint venture losses, as well as dividends received from the joint ventures, reduce the carrying value of the investment. Each reporting period, the Company evaluates the carrying value of these equity method investments as to whether an impairment adjustment may be necessary. In making this evaluation, a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors are considered including national and local economic, political and market conditions, industry trends and prospects, liquidity and capital resources and other pertinent factors. Based on this evaluation for this reporting period, the Company does not believe an impairment adjustment is necessary.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	6. Notes Payable
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	On November 30, 2013, the Company entered into a $10 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”). The agreement replaced in its entirety the Company’s prior credit agreement, as amended, originally entered into with Chase in October of 2007.
	The 2013 agreement had a maturity date of October 1, 2015. Under the agreement, the credit facility’s interest rate is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (0.15% at September 30, 2014) 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. Effective June 30, 2014 the Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. amended the 2013 credit agreement to exclude the impact of the AAT discontinued operations and anticipated sale of that segment from the calculation of the net income covenant.
	On November 12, 2014 the Company entered into an amendment with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A which extended the maturity of the facility to October 1, 2017. Additionally, the amendment modified the interest rate to LIBOR plus 3.00% per annum and the commitment fee to 0.4% per annum for the unused portion of the credit limit each quarter.  The amendment provided for the exclusion of up to $4.9 million of capital expenditures related to the Company’s Beaumont facility expansion from the fixed charge coverage ratio.  The amendment also waived the $1.00 net income requirement for the period ended September 30, 2014 and modified the requirement at December 31, 2014 to be calculated using only the most recent three month period.
	The agreement is collateralized by the Company’s real estate in Beaumont, Texas, trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventories, work-in-progress and investments in foreign subsidiaries, and the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries are guarantors of the borrowing.
	The Company has $0.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the JP Morgan Chase N.A. credit agreement at September 30, 2014 and $0.5 million at December 31, 2013. The Company had additional borrowing capacity of $5.7 million and $7.9 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively.
	In conjunction with the facility expansion at Beaumont completed in June 2014, interest was capitalized at the 30 day LIBOR rate plus 3.25% per annum. Interest capitalized for nine months ending September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $18,000 and none respectively and none was capitalized for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	7. Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following at September 30, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	1,042		$	1,056
	Work-in-process		2,804			2,168
	Finished goods		-			-
			3,846			3,224
	Less: allowance		(65	)		(40	)
	Total inventories*	$	3,781		$	3,184
	*As of December 31, 2013 $2,032 of net inventory was AAT which is included in current assets for sale.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8. Income Taxes
	It was determined in the fourth quarter of 2011 that due to the Internal Revenue Code’s Section 382 limitations on our ability to utilize the net operating losses carry forwards of approximately $9.8 million generated by American Access Technologies, Inc., prior to the Company’s merger in 2007 and subsequent net operating losses and foreign tax credit carry forwards, a full valuation allowance was warranted in the fourth quarter of 2011. As such, the tax provision on U.S. income generated in 2014 and 2013 is offset by a reduction of the valuation allowance provided in 2011. The tax provision for 2014 and 2013 reflects a 34% U.S. tax rate related to the equity in foreign joint ventures’ operations, net of dividends received for an effective rate of 0% and 16% because of the mix of US income or loss, foreign equity income and dividends. The disposition of AAT’s assets and liabilities is not expected to affect the remaining operating loss carry forwards.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	'
	9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments.

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock	'
	10. Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
	In conjunction with the issuance of the Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A in May 2012, warrants were issued for common stock.
	The initial value allocated to the warrants was 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 redeemable Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Discount accretion for the nine months ending September 30, 2014 and 2013 totaled $33 and $31.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	11. Leases
	New Corporate Office Lease
	In December 2013, the Company executed a 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 commenced 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 amounted to approximately $269 and $267, respectively.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	12. Discontinued Operations
	During the first quarter of 2014, the management and the Board of Directors of AETI initiated a process to evaluate the possible sale of the AAT segment as well as other alternatives. The segment is comprised entirely of the American Access Technologies, Inc. operations in Florida. During the second quarter, the decision was made to sell the AAT business. Based on the expected value of the assets and liabilities for sale and the costs associated with the sale, an impairment loss of approximately $2.3 million after tax was recorded in the second quarter in discontinued operations results along with the $84 operating loss for the second quarter and $268 operating loss in the first quarter for AAT. Prior to the completion of the sale AAT lost $20 from operations in the third quarter. AAT results are considered discontinued operations and its assets and associated liabilities are carried as assets and liabilities held for sale. Therefore, their results are presented below continuing operating results as discontinued operations. Future periods will continue to report AAT results as discontinued in all comparative periods.  The sale of all non-cash assets excluding the real property closed effective August 14, 2014. The real estate was leased to the buyer for a minimum of one year with an option to purchase and remains in assets held for sale.
	The following tables summarize the AAT assets and liabilities held for sale, the operating results for AAT and its impairment charge, and AAT’s summary cash flow components:
	American Access Technologies, Inc.
	Assets and Liabilities held for sale
	(in thousands)
		30-Sep-14				31-Dec-13
		(unaudited)
	Current assets held for sale	$	-			$	3,113
	Long term assets held for sale		650				2,005
	Total assets held for sale	$	650			$	5,118
	Current liabilities held for sale		-				536
	Total Liabilities held for sale		-				536
	Net assets and liabilities held for sale	$	650			$	4,582
	American Access Technologies, Inc.
	Condensed Statements of Operations
	Unaudited
	(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(21	)		$	(215	)		$	(373	)	$	(350	)
	Provision for income taxes		-				-				-			-
	Valuation provision ("impairment") on assets for sale		-				-				(2,300	)		-
	Income taxes on discontinued operations		-				-				-			-
	Net loss after tax	$	(21	)		$	(215	)		$	(2,673	)	$	(350	)
	American Access Technologies, Inc.
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flow Components
	Unaudited
	(in thousands)
			Nine Months Ended                  September 30,
			2014				2013
	Net cash (used in) operating activities		$	(1,691	)		$	(264	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities*			2,769				(160	)
	Net cash (used in) financing activities			-				(31	)
	Advances (to) from parent			(1,078	)			455
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		$	-			$	-
	* Includes sale proceeds of $2.3 million.
	Cash is not included in assets held for sale and included in the condensed consolidated statements in cash.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except shares and per share data):
	Continuing Operations***
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to common stockholders***	$	(2,068	)	$	1,116	$	(330	)	$	3,967
	Weighted average basic shares		8,180,970			8,004,026		8,137,133			7,985,318
	Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options		-			1,493,030	-				1,465,401
	and restricted stock units *
	Total weighted average diluted shares		8,180,970			9,497,056		8,137,133			9,450,719
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.25	)	$	0.14	$	(0.04	)	$	0.5
	Dilutive **	$	(0.25	)	$	0.13	$	(0.04	)	$	0.45
	With Discontinued Operations
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	(2,089	)	$	901	$	(3,003	)	$	3,617
	Weighted average basic shares		8,180,970			8,004,026		8,137,133			7,985,318
	Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options	-				1,493,030	-				1,465,401
	and restricted stock units *
	Total weighted average diluted shares		8,180,970			9,497,056		8,137,133			9,450,719
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.26	)	$	0.11	$	(0.37	)	$	0.45
	Dilutive **	$	(0.26	)	$	0.1	$	(0.37	)	$	0.41
	* No shares are dilutive when losses are reported.
	** When preferred shares are assumed converted, their dividends are added back to net income.
	***Net income (loss) from continuing operations less dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments	'
	The following are selected financial details regarding the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014					2013					2014					2013
	Net sales:
	Technical Products and Services	$	12,618				$	13,970				$	38,743				$	35,607
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction **		1,665					2,266					4,818					7,136
		$	14,283				$	16,236				$	43,561				$	42,743
	Gross profit:
	Technical Products and Services	$	251		2	%	$	2,428		17	%	$	4,385		11	%	$	6,117		17	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction **		244		15	%		331		15	%		573		12	%		1,496		21	%
		$	495		3	%	$	2,759		17	%	$	4,958		11	%	$	7,613		18	%
	Income (loss) from consolidated continuing
	operations and net equity income
	from foreign joint ventures’ operations:
	Technical Products and Services	$	(210	)	-2	%	$	2,188		16	%	$	3,623		9	%	$	5,372		15	%
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction **		62		4	%		331		15	%		391		8	%		1,496		21	%
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		(2,039	)	-14	%		(1,548	)	-9.5	%		(5,552	)	-13	%		(4,764	)	-11	%
	Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations		(2,187	)	-15	%		971		6	%		(1,538	)	-4	%		2,104		5	%
	Equity income from BOMAY		285					475					1,793					2,123
	Equity income (loss) from MIEFE		65					(12	)				139					146
	Equity income (loss) from AAG*		-					(29	)				2					871
	Foreign operations (expenses)		(122	)				(66	)				(412	)				(204	)
	Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’		228					368					1,522					2,936
	operations
	Income (loss) from consolidated continuing	$	(1,959	)			$	1,339				$	(16	)			$	5,040
	operations and net equity income
	from foreign joint ventures’ operations
	*AAG equity income ended on April 30, 2014 when M&I withdrew from the AAG Joint Venture.
	**Brazil operations are included in E&I amounts for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The Brazil operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are: Net sales: $184; Gross profit (loss): ($29); and Net income (loss): ($208).

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V1

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	Summary (unaudited) financial information of our foreign joint ventures in U.S. dollars was as follows at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014*		2013
	Assets:
	Total current assets	$	77,458		$	94,220		$	3,932		$	3,855		$	-	$	2,572
	Total non-current assets		4,788			5,122			126			114			-		1,550
	Total assets	$	82,246		$	99,342		$	4,058		$	3,969		$	-	$	4,122
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities	$	53,749		$	72,644		$	2,533		$	1,197		$	-	$	1,291
	Total joint ventures’ equity		28,497			26,698			1,525			2,772			-		2,831
	Total liabilities and equity	$	82,246		$	99,342		$	4,058		$	3,969		$	-	$	4,122
	*As of April 30, 2014, the Company withdrew from the AAG Joint Venture.
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014*		2013
	Revenue	$	9,995		$	17,995		$	1,359		$	1,530		$	-	$	1,434
	Gross Profit	$	2,353		$	2,853		$	567		$	372		$	-	$	259
	Earnings	$	712		$	1,187		$	158		$	(29	)	$	-	$	(59	)
	*As of April  30, 2014, the Company withdrew from the AAG Joint Venture.
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014*		2013
	Revenue	$	67,209		$	82,986		$	4,571		$	7,021		$	1,078	$	9,433
	Gross Profit	$	9,812		$	10,451		$	1,686		$	1,659		$	154	$	3,691
	Earnings	$	4,483		$	5,308		$	339		$	356		$	4	$	1,777
Summary of Activity in AEIT's Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures	'
	The following is a summary of activity in investments in foreign joint ventures for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (unaudited):
		30-Sep-14
		BOMAY**			MIEFE			AAG			TOTAL
		(in thousands)
	Investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	10,609		$	1,138		$	1,286		$	13,033
	Equity in earnings (loss) in 2014		1,793			139			2			1,934
	Dividend distributions in 2014		(1,042	)		(650	)		(830	)		(2,522	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(77	)		(98	)		178			3
	Withdrawal from joint venture*		-			-			(636	)		(636	)
	Investments, end of period	$	11,283		$	529		$	-		$	11,812
	Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:
	Investment in joint ventures	$	2,033		$	15		$	-		$	2,048
	Undistributed earnings		7,896			358			-			8,254
	Foreign currency translation		1,354			156			-			1,510
	Investments, end of period	$	11,283		$	529		$	-		$	11,812

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consisted of the following at September 30, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	1,042		$	1,056
	Work-in-process		2,804			2,168
	Finished goods		-			-
			3,846			3,224
	Less: allowance		(65	)		(40	)
	Total inventories*	$	3,781		$	3,184
	*As of December 31, 2013 $2,032 of net inventory was AAT which is included in current assets for sale.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale	'
	Assets and Liabilities held for sale
	(in thousands)
		30-Sep-14				31-Dec-13
		(unaudited)
	Current assets held for sale	$	-			$	3,113
	Long term assets held for sale		650				2,005
	Total assets held for sale	$	650			$	5,118
	Current liabilities held for sale		-				536
	Total Liabilities held for sale		-				536
	Net assets and liabilities held for sale	$	650			$	4,582
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	Condensed Statements of Operations
	Unaudited
	(in thousands)
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(21	)		$	(215	)		$	(373	)	$	(350	)
	Provision for income taxes		-				-				-			-
	Valuation provision ("impairment") on assets for sale		-				-				(2,300	)		-
	Income taxes on discontinued operations		-				-				-			-
	Net loss after tax	$	(21	)		$	(215	)		$	(2,673	)	$	(350	)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
			Nine Months Ended                  September 30,
			2014				2013
	Net cash (used in) operating activities		$	(1,691	)		$	(264	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities*			2,769				(160	)
	Net cash (used in) financing activities			-				(31	)
	Advances (to) from parent			(1,078	)			455
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		$	-			$	-
	* Includes sale proceeds of $2.3 million.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Total Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to common stockholders	($2,089)	$901	($3,003)	$3,617
Weighted average basic shares	8,180,970	8,004,026	8,137,133	7,985,318
Total weighted average diluted shares	8,180,970	9,497,056	8,137,133	9,450,719
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.26)	$0.11	($0.37)	$0.45
Dilutive	($0.26)	$0.10	($0.37)	$0.41
Continuing Operations	'	'	'	'
Total Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to common stockholders	-2,068	1,116	-330	3,967
Weighted average basic shares	8,180,970	8,004,026	8,137,133	7,985,318
Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options and restricted stock units	'	1,493,030	'	1,465,401
Total weighted average diluted shares	8,180,970	9,497,056	8,137,133	9,450,719
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.25)	$0.14	($0.04)	$0.50
Dilutive	($0.25)	$0.13	($0.04)	$0.45
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'
Total Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to common stockholders	($2,089)	$901	($3,003)	$3,617
Weighted average basic shares	8,180,970	8,004,026	8,137,133	7,985,318
Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options and restricted stock units	'	1,493,030	'	1,465,401
Total weighted average diluted shares	8,180,970	9,497,056	8,137,133	9,450,719
Earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.26)	$0.11	($0.37)	$0.45
Dilutive	($0.26)	$0.10	($0.37)	$0.41

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Pare

Earnings Per Common Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Continuing Operations	'	'
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]	'	'
Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options and restricted stock units	0	0
Discontinued Operations	'	'
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]	'	'
Dilutive effect of preferred stock, warrants, stock options and restricted stock units	0	0

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Information (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	2

Segment_Information_Selected_F

Segment Information - Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$14,283	$16,236	$43,561	$42,743
Gross profit	495	2,759	4,958	7,613
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations	-2,187	971	-1,538	2,104
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	228	368	1,522	2,936
Foreign joint ventures’ operations related expenses	-122	-66	-412	-204
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	-1,959	1,339	-16	5,040
Gross profit, percentage	3.00%	17.00%	11.00%	18.00%
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations, percentage	-15.00%	6.00%	-4.00%	5.00%
Technical Products and Services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	12,618	13,970	38,743	35,607
Gross profit	251	2,428	4,385	6,117
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations	-210	2,188	3,623	5,372
Gross profit, percentage	2.00%	17.00%	11.00%	17.00%
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations, percentage	-2.00%	16.00%	9.00%	15.00%
Electrical and Instrumentation Construction	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	1,665	2,266	4,818	7,136
Gross profit	244	331	573	1,496
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations	62	331	391	1,496
Gross profit, percentage	15.00%	15.00%	12.00%	21.00%
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations, percentage	4.00%	15.00%	8.00%	21.00%
Corporate and other unallocated expenses	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations	-2,039	-1,548	-5,552	-4,764
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations, percentage	-14.00%	-9.50%	-13.00%	-11.00%
BOMAY	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	285	475	1,793	2,123
MIEFE	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	65	-12	139	146
AAG	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures' operations	'	-29	2	871
Foreign Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Foreign joint ventures’ operations related expenses	($122)	($66)	($412)	($204)

Segment_Information_Selected_F1

Segment Information - Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$14,283	$16,236	$43,561	$42,743
Gross profit	495	2,759	4,958	7,613
Net income (loss)	-2,003	987	-2,745	3,873
BRAZIL	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	184	'	184	'
Gross profit	-29	'	-29	'
Net income (loss)	($208)	'	($208)	'

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V2

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Joint_Ventures
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in joint venture foreign	2	'
Withdrawal from joint venture	$636,000	'
Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	1,860,000	1,860,000
BOMAY	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	40.00%	'
Baoji Oilfield Machinery Co. Ltd.	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	51.00%	'
AA Energies, Inc.	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	9.00%	'
MIEFE	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	41.00%	'
MIEFE's general manager	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	8.00%	'
Sonepar of France	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	51.00%	'
AAG	'	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Interest in Joint Venture	49.00%	'
Withdrawal from joint venture	636,000	'
Proceeds from Interest in joint venture received	188,000	'
Gain (loss) on sale of equity method investment	$0	'

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V3

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Schedule of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Gross profit	$495	$2,759	$4,958	$7,613	'
Earnings	-2,089	901	-3,003	3,617	'
BOMAY	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	77,458	'	77,458	'	94,220
Total non-current assets	4,788	'	4,788	'	5,122
Total assets	82,246	'	82,246	'	99,342
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	53,749	'	53,749	'	72,644
Total joint ventures’ equity	28,497	'	28,497	'	26,698
Total liabilities and equity	82,246	'	82,246	'	99,342
Revenue	9,995	17,995	67,209	82,986	'
Gross profit	2,353	2,853	9,812	10,451	'
Earnings	712	1,187	4,483	5,308	'
MIEFE	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	3,932	'	3,932	'	3,855
Total non-current assets	126	'	126	'	114
Total assets	4,058	'	4,058	'	3,969
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	2,533	'	2,533	'	1,197
Total joint ventures’ equity	1,525	'	1,525	'	2,772
Total liabilities and equity	4,058	'	4,058	'	3,969
Revenue	1,359	1,530	4,571	7,021	'
Gross profit	567	372	1,686	1,659	'
Earnings	158	-29	339	356	'
AAG	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	'	'	'	'	2,572
Total non-current assets	'	'	'	'	1,550
Total assets	'	'	'	'	4,122
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'	'	'	1,291
Total joint ventures’ equity	'	'	'	'	2,831
Total liabilities and equity	'	'	'	'	4,122
Revenue	'	1,434	1,078	9,433	'
Gross profit	'	259	154	3,691	'
Earnings	'	($59)	$4	$1,777	'

Investments_in_Foreign_Joint_V4

Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures - Schedule of Activity in Investment in Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'	'	$13,033	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2014	350	434	1,934	3,140
Dividend distributions in 2014	'	'	-2,522	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	3	'
Withdrawal from joint venture	'	'	-636	'
Investments, end of period	11,812	'	11,812	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in joint ventures	2,048	'	2,048	'
Undistributed earnings	8,254	'	8,254	'
Foreign currency translation	1,510	'	1,510	'
Investments, end of period	11,812	'	11,812	'
BOMAY	'	'	'	'
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'	'	10,609	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2014	'	'	1,793	'
Dividend distributions in 2014	'	'	-1,042	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-77	'
Investments, end of period	11,283	'	11,283	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in joint ventures	2,033	'	2,033	'
Undistributed earnings	7,896	'	7,896	'
Foreign currency translation	1,354	'	1,354	'
Investments, end of period	11,283	'	11,283	'
MIEFE	'	'	'	'
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'	'	1,138	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2014	'	'	139	'
Dividend distributions in 2014	'	'	-650	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	-98	'
Investments, end of period	529	'	529	'
Components of investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Investment in joint ventures	15	'	15	'
Undistributed earnings	358	'	358	'
Foreign currency translation	156	'	156	'
Investments, end of period	529	'	529	'
AAG	'	'	'	'
Investments in foreign joint ventures:	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'	'	1,286	'
Equity in earnings (loss) in 2014	'	'	2	'
Dividend distributions in 2014	'	'	-830	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	'	'	178	'
Withdrawal from joint venture	'	'	($636)	'

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit agreement amendment date	'	'	12-Nov-14	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility One	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit line	'	'	'	'	'	$10,000,000
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	'	'	1-Oct-15	'	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate, description	'	'	'interest was capitalized at the 30 day LIBOR rate plus 3.25% per annum	'	'	'
Borrowed under the agreement	500,000	'	500,000	'	500,000	'
Additional borrowings available based on the Company's borrowing	5,700,000	'	5,700,000	'	7,900,000	'
Interest capitalized	0	0	18,000	0	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility One | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Leverage test of total liabilities to total net worth	1	'	1	'	'	'
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.25	'	1.25	'	'	'
Net income per quarter	'	'	1	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility One | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate, description	'	'	'credit facility’s interest rate is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (0.15% at September 30, 2014) plus 3.25% per annum	'	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate	'	'	0.15%	'	'	'
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate	'	'	3.25%	'	'	'
Commitment fee of the unused portion of the credit	'	'	0.30%	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility Two	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	'	'	1-Oct-17	'	'	'
Exclusion of capital expenditure from fixed charge coverage ratio	4,900,000	'	4,900,000	'	'	'
Net income waived	'	'	$1	'	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility Two | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility's interest rate, description	'	'	'the interest rate to LIBOR plus 3.00% per annum	'	'	'
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'
Commitment fee of the unused portion of the credit	'	'	0.40%	'	'	'

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$1,042	$1,056
Work-in-process	2,804	2,168
Finished goods	0	0
Inventory, Gross	3,846	3,224
Less: allowance	-65	-40
Total inventories	$3,781	$3,184

Inventories_Inventories_Parent

Inventories - Inventories (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Inventories	$3,781	$3,184
Current Assets Held For Sale | American Access Technologies, Inc.	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Inventories	'	$2,032

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	'	'	$9.80
Effective tax rate	34.00%	34.00%	'
Effective dividend tax rate	0.00%	16.00%	'

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr1

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Accretion amount	$33	$31

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (New Corporate Office Lease, USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				sqft
New Corporate Office Lease	'	'	'	'
Lease (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Lease covered area	'	'	'	13,000
Term of lease	'64 months	'	'	'
Rental expense	'	$269	$267	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment loss	'	$2,300,000	'	'	$2,300,000	'
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	($21,000)	($84)	($268)	($215,000)	($373,000)	($350,000)
Operating assets sales agreement effective date	'	'	'	'	14-Aug-14	'
Minimum lease period with option to purchase.	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'

Discontinued_Operations_Assets

Discontinued Operations - Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Current assets held for sale	$0	$3,113
Long-term assets held for sale	650	2,005
Total assets held for sale	650	5,118
Current liabilities held for sale	0	536
Total Liabilities held for sale	0	536
Net assets and liabilities held for sale	$650	$4,582

Discontinued_Operations_Conden

Discontinued Operations - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	($21,000)	($84)	($268)	($215,000)	($373,000)	($350,000)
Provision for income taxes	0	'	'	0	0	0
Valuation provision ("impairment") on assets for sale	'	-2,300,000	'	'	-2,300,000	'
Income taxes on discontinued operations	0	'	'	0	0	0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	($21,000)	'	'	($215,000)	($2,673,000)	($350,000)

Discontinued_Operations_Conden1

Discontinued Operations - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$1,078		($455)
American Access Technologies, Inc.	'		'
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'
Net cash (used in) operating activities	-1,691		-264
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,769	[1]	-160	[1]
Net cash (used in) financing activities	'		-31
Advances (to) from parent	-1,078		455
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$0		$0
[1]	Includes sale proceeds of $2.3 million.

Discontinued_Operations_Conden2

Discontinued Operations - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from other assets	$2.30	$2.30