Stabilis Solutions (SLNG) 10-K 31 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 16, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	AETI
Entity Registrant Name	American Electric Technologies Inc
Entity Central Index Key	1043186
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$33,870
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,216,598

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,550	$4,148
Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance of $315 and $327 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	11,877	10,462
Inventories, net of allowance of $73 and $40 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	2,769	3,184
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	2,989	5,312
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	750	376
Current assets held for sale		3,113
Total current assets	21,935	26,595
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,373	4,077
Advances to and investments in foreign joint ventures	12,054	13,033
Other assets	242	126
Long-term assets held for sale	650	2,005
Total assets	43,254	45,836
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,447	5,327
Accrued payroll and benefits	1,145	1,911
Other accrued expenses	640	397
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	1,983	3,021
Short-term notes payable	222
Other current liabilities	150	121
Current liabilities held for sale		536
Total current liabilities	10,587	11,313
Notes payable	3,778	500
Deferred income taxes	3,046	3,541
Deferred compensation	290	211
Total liabilities	17,701	15,565
Convertible preferred stock:
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, net of discount of $729 at December 31, 2014 and $764 at December 31, 2013; $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	4,281	4,236
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock; $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,185,323 and 8,008,759 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	8	8
Treasury stock, at cost 111,640 shares at December 31, 2014 and 49,863 shares at December 31, 2013)	-722	-238
Additional paid-in capital	11,418	10,494
Accumulated other comprehensive income	851	983
Retained earnings; including accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $2,100 and $1,857 at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	9,717	14,788
Total stockholders’ equity	21,272	26,035
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$43,254	$45,836

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable-trade, allowance	$315	$327
Inventories, allowance	73	40
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, Series A, discount	729	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	8,185,323	8,185,323
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,008,759	8,008,759
Treasury stock, shares	111,640	49,863
Equity Method Investments
Retained earnings; accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	$2,100	$1,857

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$57,254		$59,239
Cost of sales	52,259		48,072
Gross profit	4,995		11,167
Operating expenses:
Research and development	807		499
Selling and marketing	2,517		2,147
General and administrative	5,566		5,359
Total operating expenses	8,890		8,005
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations	-3,895		3,162
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations:
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	2,194		3,024
Foreign joint ventures’ operations related expenses	-522		-267
Net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	1,672		2,757
Income (loss) from consolidated continuing operations and net equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	-2,223		5,919
Other income (expense):
Interest expense and other, net	-165		54
Continuing operations income (loss) before income taxes	-2,388		5,973
Provision for income taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	-334		713
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	-2,054		5,260
Discontinued operations income (loss)	-2,673		-709
Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations	0		0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	-2,673		-709
Net income (loss) before dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock	-4,727		4,551
Dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock	-345		-342
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	($5,072)	[1]	$4,209	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share:
Basic	($0.29)		$0.62
Diluted	($0.29)		$0.56
Weighted - average number of continuing operations shares outstanding:
Basic	8,182,034		7,990,690
Diluted	8,182,034		9,472,506
Loss per common share from discontinued operations:
Basic and diluted	($0.33)		($0.09)
Total earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	($0.62)		$0.53
Diluted	($0.62)		$0.48
Weighted - average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	8,182,034		7,990,690
Diluted	8,182,034		9,472,506
[1]	Net of preferred dividends of $345 and $342 in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($4,727)	$4,551
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of deferred income taxes of $43 and $(42) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013	-132	83
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($4,859)	$4,634

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), deferred income taxes	$43	($42)

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, 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	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		-145,000		-145,000
Treasury stock purchase, Shares			-29,641
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	14,787,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		8,185,323	8,008,759
Common stock issued to ESPP		26,000	4	26,000
Common stock issued to ESPP, shares		3,640	3,640
Options Exercised, value		105,000	12	70,000
Options Exercised, shares		11,980	11,980
Issued for Acquisition, Value			11
Issued for Acquisition, Shares			11,000
Treasury stock purchase, Value		-483,000		-483,000
Treasury stock purchase, Shares			-61,777
Restricted stock units	[1]	793,000	311	828,000
Restricted stock units, shares	[1]		211,719
Net income (loss) to common stockholders	[2]	-5,072,000				-5,072,000
Foreign currency translation		-132,000			-132,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$21,272,000	$8,298	$10,696,000	$851,000	$9,717,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		8,185,323	8,185,324
[1]	Converted to common stock.
[2]	Net of preferred dividends of $345 and $342 in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net of preferred dividends	$345	$342
Retained Earnings
Net of preferred dividends	$345	$342

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	($2,054)	$5,260
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	-334	593
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations	-2,194	-3,024
Depreciation and amortization	684	498
Stock based compensation	793	850
Provision for bad debt	-12	65
(Gain)/Loss on sale of property and equipment		-143
Allowance for obsolete inventory	33	32
Deferred compensation costs	78	90
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-1,645	-1,438
Income taxes payable	30	111
Inventories	383	352
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	2,324	-3,107
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-66	-215
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	787	1,487
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-1,038	-555
Other	22
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-2,209	856
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets	-4,878	-1,805
Proceeds from disposal of property plant and equipment		575
Proceeds from joint ventures’ operations dividends	2,522	1,344
Proceeds from joint ventures’ repayment of advances		180
Proceeds from disposal of joint venture	317
Net cash provided by (used in) from investing activities	-2,039	294
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	132	47
Treasury stocks purchase	-484	-147
Preferred stock cash dividend	-300	-300
Advances from credit facility	3,500
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,848	-400
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations	-1,400	750
Advances from (to) discontinued operations	802	-1,079
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-598	-329
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,148	4,477
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,550	4,148
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	36	27
Income taxes paid	$344	$179

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus

Organization and Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
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 is 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 and Singapore. On January 1, 2008, AETI established a wholly- owned subsidiary through which it conducted its American Access Technology segment’s business. On August 14, 2014 AETI sold the AAT business except for the real estate. AAT’s operations are reported as discontinued in all periods.
	In 2014 the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary in Brazil. The Company has U.S. facilities and sales offices in Texas, Mississippi and Florida; and Brazil facilities and sales offices in Macaé and Rio; and foreign joint ventures’ operations that have facilities in Singapore and Xian, China. The Company owns the Beaumont, Texas facilities, comprised of 9 acres and 118,000 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. In Brazil we lease facilities in Rio and Macaé.
	American Electric Technologies, Inc. is comprised of two segments: Technical Products and Services (“TP&S) and Electrical and Instrumentation Construction (“E&I”). 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.
	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. After withdrawing from the AAG joint venture in Brazil effective April 30, 2014 we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary in Brazil in July 2014. The newly formed Brazil company, M&I Brazil, is owned 20% by AETI and 80% by M&I.
	M&I has foreign joint ventures’ interests in M&I Electric Far East PTE Ltd. (“MIEFE”) and BOMAY Electrical Industries Company, Ltd. (“BOMAY”). 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. 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, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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 (which is reported as discontinued operations), and M&I’s wholly-owned subsidiary SC and the wholly-owned subsidiary M&I Brazil. 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:
	-1	Percentage-of-completion estimates on long-term contracts
	-2	Estimates of the provision for doubtful accounts
	-3	Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
	-4	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, 2014 and 2013. 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 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 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.
	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.
	Long-lived assets
	If events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, management tests long-lived assets 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, 2014 and 2013, there were no events or circumstances that caused management to believe that impairments were necessary.
	Other Assets
	Intangible Assets at December 31, 2014		Useful		Cost		Accumulated		Net Value
			Lives				Amortization
			(Years)
			(in thousands)
	Intellectual property			3		322		305		17
	License			-		218		-		218
					$	540	$	305	$	235
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $108,000 and was approximately $108,000 in 2013. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,		Amount
			(in thousands)
	2015		$	17
	2016			-
	2017			-
	2018			-
	2019			-
			$	17
	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. This cost is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 3 years. Amortization expense of $108,000 and $108,000 was recognized annually during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 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.
	During 2014 we acquired arc-resistant technology and capitalized the cost of $218,000. We will evaluate the remaining value regularly and expense any reduction in value.
	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 and M&I Brazil 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.
	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.
	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 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 17% of net sales and 9% of net accounts receivable trade. During 2014, one customer accounted for approximately 12% of net sales and 4% 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 7% of the Company’s net sales during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 9% during 2013.
	Reclassification
Certain items are reclassified in the 2013 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.
Recently Issued 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 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.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and shill be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2014-12 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-17, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting a census of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. ASU No. 2014-17 provides that an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. An acquired entity may elect the option to apply pushdown accounting in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs. An acquired entity should determine whether to elect to apply pushdown accounting for each individual change-in-control event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. If pushdown accounting is not applied in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs, an acquired entity will have the option to elect to apply pushdown accounting in a subsequent reporting period to the acquired entity’s most recent change-in-control event. An election to apply pushdown accounting in a reporting period after the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurred should be considered a change in accounting principle. If pushdown accounting is applied to an individual change-in-control event, that election is irrevocable.  ASU No. 2014-17 is effective on November 15, 2014. After the effective date, an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplified Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. This ASU eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Subtopic 225-20, Income statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items, requires that an entity separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. The entity also is required to disclose applicable income taxes and either present or disclose earnings-per-share data applicable to the extraordinary item. ASU No. 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments of ASU No. 2015-01 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-01 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. ASU No. 2015-02 focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In addition to reducing the number of consolidation models from four to two, the new standard simplifies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM and improves current GAAP by: (1) Placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. A reporting organization may no longer have to consolidate a legal entity in certain circumstances based solely on its fee arrangement, when certain criteria are met; (2) Reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; and (3) Changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or variable interest entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2015-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	-3	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
				2014		2013
	Raw materials		$	940		$	1,056
	Work in progress			1,902			2,168
	Less: Allowance			(73	)		(40	)
	Total inventories		$	2,769		$	3,184

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]
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, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	7,279		$	7,271
	Estimated earnings		5,208			2,172
			12,487			9,443
	Billings on uncompleted contracts		(11,481	)		(7,152	)
		$	1,006		$	2,291
	Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	2,989		$	5,312
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts		(1,983	)		(3,021	)
		$	1,006		$	2,291

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	-5	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014, and 2013:
	Category		Estimated		2014		2013
			Useful Lives
			(years)
				(in thousands)
	Buildings and improvements		15 – 25	$	8,117	$	2,638
	Office equipment and furniture		2 – 7		2,583		1,969
	Automobiles and trucks		2 – 5		265		197
	Machinery and shop equipment		2 – 10		3,349		2,714
	Construction in progress				428		2,464
					14,742		9,982
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization				6,503		6,039
					8,239		3,943
	Land				134		134
				$	8,373	$	4,077
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, depreciation charged to operations amounted to $563,000 and $390,000 respectively. Of these amounts, $428,000 and $228,000 was charged to cost of sales while $135,000 and $162,000 was charged to selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
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 $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sales made to the foreign joint venture were $130,000 and $325,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accounts receivable from BOMAY were $82,000 and $119,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	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 $138,000 and $115,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sales made to the foreign joint venture were $14,000 and $225,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accounts receivable from MIEFE was $2,000 and $0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In April 2014 the Company withdrew from the AAG joint venture. The Company received a note from the joint venture
	payable over 12 months. At December the outstanding note was valued at $201,000 and does not bear interest.
	The Company’s equity in income of the foreign joint ventures before our foreign operations expenses, totaled $2.2 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	During 2014 and 2013, the Company also recognized approximately $522,000 and $267,000, 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, 2014 and 2013:
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Total current assets	$	77,812		$	94,220		$	3,488		$	3,855		$	—		$	2,572
	Total non-current assets		4,710			5,122			108			114			—			1,550
	Total assets	$	82,522		$	99,342		$	3,596		$	3,969		$	—		$	4,122
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities	$	53,277		$	72,644		$	2,128		$	1,197		$	—		$	1,291
	Total joint ventures equity		29,245			26,698			1,468			2,772						2,831
	Total liabilities and equity	$	82,522		$	99,342		$	3,596		$	3,969		$	—		$	4,122
	Gross sales	$	73,148		$	86,332		$	5,161		$	7,997		$	1,078		$	10,658
	Gross profit		12,469			12,130			2,091			2,066			154			4,282
	Net income		5,136			5,165			336			279			4			1,721
	The Company’s investments in and advances to its foreign joint ventures’ operations were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014												2013
		BOMAY*			MEIFE			AAG			TOTAL			BOMAY*			MIEFE			AAG			TOTAL
		(in thousands)												(in thousands)
	Investment in joint ventures:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	2,033		$	14		$	54		$	2,101		$	2,033		$	14		$	234		$	2,281
	Additional amounts invested and		—			—			—			—										)			)
	advanced														—			—			(180			(180
	Withdrawal from joint venture		—			—			(54	)		(54	)		—			—			—			—
	Balance, end of year		2,033			14			—			2,047			2,033			14			54			2,101
	Undistributed earnings:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	7,145		$	870		$	1,481		$	9,496		$	6,400		$	755		$	661		$	7,816
	Equity in earnings (loss)		2,054			138			2			2,194			2,066			115			843			3,024
	Dividend distributions		(1,042	)		(650	)		(830	)		(2,522	)		(1,321	)		—			(23	)		(1,344	)
	Withdrawal from joint venture		—			—			(653	)		(653	)		—			—			—			—
	Balance, end of year		8,157			358			—			8,515			7,145			870			1,481			9,496
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,431		$	254		$	(249	)	$	1,436		$	1,098		$	294		$	(81	)	$	1,311
	Change during the year		(73	)		(120	)		178			(15	)		333			(40	)		(168	)		125
	Withdrawal from joint venture		—			—			71			71			—			—			—			—
	Balance, end of year		1,358			134			—			1,492			1,431			254			(249	)		1,436
	Investments, end of year	$	11,548		$	506		$	—		$	12,054		$	10,609		$	1,138		$	1,286		$	13,033
	*	Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $2,100,000 and $1,857,000 at December 31, 2014 and 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.
	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.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	-7	Income Taxes
	The components of income (loss) before income taxes and dividends on preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	-7,255	$	2,240
	Foreign		2,194		3,024
		$	-5,061	$	5,264
	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing authority for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	—	$	—
	Foreign		—		—
	States		—		141
	Total current provision		—		141
	Deferred provision (benefit):
	Federal		-309		536
	Foreign				—
	States		-25		36
	Total deferred provision (benefit):		-334		572
		$	-334	$	713
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred federal income taxes were as follows:
		At December 31,
		2014				2013
		Current		Non-Current		Current		Non-Current
		(in thousands)				(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	161	$	—	$	413	$	—
	Deferred compensation		—		726		—		686
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		111		—		120		—
	Inventory		122		—		270		—
	Long-term contracts		—		—		149		—
	Net operating loss		—		3,848		—		2,909
	Intangible assets		—		—		—		86
	Foreign tax credit carry forward		—		2,811		—		1,153
	Valuation allowance		—		-7,845		—		-5,385
	Deferred tax assets		394		-460		952		-551
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Equity in foreign investments		—		-2,900		—		-3,233
	Property and equipment		—		66		—		-147
	Intangible assets		—		—		—		-9
	Translation gain		—		-523		—		-553
	Deferred tax liabilities				-3,357		—		-3,942
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	394	$	-3,817	$	952	$	-4,493
	The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily a non-cash savings of $0.3 million and reflect 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, 2014 and 2013 due to uncertainty regarding future realization of deferred tax assets.   Our total valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is $7.8 million and $5.4 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:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	(Provision for) benefit from U.S federal statutory rate	$	1,611	$	-1,798
	Effect of state income taxes		35		-141
	Non-deductible business meals and entertainment expenses		-486		-18
	Foreign income taxes included in equity in earnings		1,400		551
	Adjustment of net operating loss carry forwards based on IRS audit, accrual to return adjustments and other		-12		-153
	Change in valuation allowance		-2,214		846
	Total (Expense)	$	334	$	-713
	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, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable	-8	Notes Payable
	The components of notes payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit agreement	$	4,000	$	500
	Total notes payable		4,000		500
	Non-current notes payable*	$	3,778	$	500
	*Because of the amendment in March 2015 $222,222 will be due in 2015 on the term loan.
	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. (Chase).  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 had 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 is charged 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 Chase 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 Chase which extended the maturity of the facility to October 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 Company had $4.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the JPMorgan Chase N.A. credit agreement at December 31, 2014 and $0.5 million at December 31, 2013.  The company had additional borrowing capacity of $3.2 million and $7.9 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively.
	New Financings
	In March 2015, the Company and Chase executed the Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, Amendment to Revolving Credit Note and Limited Waiver. The amendment established the Revolving Credit Maturity Date as December 31, 2015. It established an available amount of not less than $1,500,000 and up to the lesser of the Borrowing Base and the Commitment of $4,000,000. The $4,000,000 outstanding under the current Revolving Credit was repaid from the new Term Loan for $4,000,000 upon the effective date of the Third Amendment. The new Term Loan is secured by a mortgage on the Beaumont, Texas Facility. The Term Loan accrues interest at the adjusted LIBOR Rate plus a margin of 3.50%.
	The maturity date of the term loan is March 31, 2020. The loan requires payment of principal on the last day of each calendar quarter totaling $222,222 in 2015. This amount would have reduced our working capital and resulted in a current ratio of 2.07 at December 31, 2014.
	Additionally trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventories, and work-in-process, and investments in foreign subsidiaries secure the financings and the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries are guarantors of the borrowings under the new revolving credit facility.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
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 commenced 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, 2014 and 2013, amounted to approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
	The following is a schedule of future lease payments:
	Year Ending December 31,		Amount
			(In thousands)
	2015		$	506
	2016			534
	2017			455
	2018			413
	2019			220
	2020			14
			$	2,142

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat

Stock and Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock and Stock-based Compensation	-10	Stock and Stock-based Compensation
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company issued 3,640 and 4,697 shares of Company stock during 2014 and 2013, respectively, in connection with an Employee Stock Purchase (“ESPP”) Plan that commenced in April 2008.
	Restricted Stock Units
	During 2014 and 2013, the Board of Directors approved the grants of approximately 160,000 and 234,525 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 approved an increase from 800,000 to 1,100,000 shares of stock available under the plan. In May 2014 the stock holders increased the share available under the plan from 1,100,000 to 1,700,000. The number of RSUs awarded is generally subject to the substantial achievement of budgeted performance and other 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, 2014 and 2013:
		Units			Weighted
					Average
					Fair Value
					Per RSU
	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
	Awarded		160,000		$	6.84
	Vested		(211,719	)	$	4.23
	Forfeited		(251,269	)	$	6.47
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2014		168,642		$	4.88
	Compensation expense of approximately $676,000 and $767,000 was recorded in general administrative expense, selling and indirect operating expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 $0.8 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 2015, the Board of Directors approved the grants of approximately 217,000 RSUs in conjunction with the Plan, of which, approximately 45,000 units are subject to 2015 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 2014 or 2013.
	Details of stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:
		2014			2014 Weighted		2013		2013 Weighted
					Average				Average
					Exercise Price				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		16,944		$	4.09		25,778	$	4.23
	Options granted		—			—		—		—
	Options exercised		-11,980			4.09		-3,827		4.09
	Options forfeited		—			4.09		-5,007		5.11
	Options expired		-4,964			4.09		—		—
	Outstanding at end of year		—			—		16,944		4.09
	Exercisable at end of year		—		$	—		16,944	$	4.09
	No stock options were outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
	Compensation expense of approximately none and $20,000 was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013, directors of the Company elected to defer retainer fees to acquire approximately 18,800 and 5,000, respectively, stock units. Compensation expense of approximately $130,000 and $32,000 was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
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%.
	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 2014 totaled $45,000 and $42,000 in 2013.

Employee_Benefit_and_Bonus_Pla

Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
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, 2014 the Company contributed none to the plan and $201,000 in 2013.
	The Company maintains an “Executive Performance” bonus plan, which covers approximately 60 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, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded approximately $121,000 and $813,000 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, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	-13	Related Party Transactions
	During 2014 and 2013, 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 $50,000 and $89,000 related to these services during 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no overdue 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 $130,000 during 2014 and 2013, 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 2014 and 2013, the Company paid compensation of $130,000 and $157,570, 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, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
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 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. 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 table below represents segment results for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013.
		2014		2013
	Net sales:
	Technical Products and Services	$	49,967	$	49,150
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		7,287		10,089
		$	57,254	$	59,239
	Gross profit (loss):
	Technical Products and Services	$	4,132	$	9,072
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		863		2,095
		$	4,995	$	11,167
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net
	equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations
	Technical Products and Services	$	3,177	$	8,061
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		525		2,096
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		-7,597		-6,995
	Income (loss) from continuing consolidated operations		-3,895		3,162
	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.

Quarterly_Results_for_Continui

Quarterly Results for Continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results for Continuing Operations
	-15	Quarterly Results for Continuing Operations
	The following table reflects the quarterly information for continuing operations for the applicable time periods.
		2014
			Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	15,848	$	13,430	$	14,283	$	13,693	$	57,254
	Gross Profit		2,435		2,028		495		37		4,995
	Net income (loss)		848		1,062		-1,982		-1,982		-2,054
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.09	$	0.12	$	-0.25	$	-0.25	$	-0.29
		2013
			Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	13,008	$	13,499	$	16,236	$	16,496	$	59,239
	Gross Profit		2,765		2,089		2,759		3,554		11,167
	Net income (loss)		1,813		1,208		1,202		1,027		5,260
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.22	$	0.14	$	0.14	$	0.12	$	0.62

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	-16	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 2015, the Company is liable for all claims each year up to $70,000 per insured, or $1.5 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 $1,165,000 and $879,000 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Insurance reserves included in accrued payroll and benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were approximately $166,000 and $254,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Earnings_Loss_from_Continuing_

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Per Common Share
	-17	Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations 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, 2014 and 2013. 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,
			2014		2013
	Net income (loss)**	$	-2,399	$	4,918
	Weighted average basic shares		8,182,034		7,990,690
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, preferred stock and warrants*		0		1,481,816
	Total weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		8,182,034		9,472,506
	Earnings loss from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic	$	($0.29)	$	0.62
	Dilutive	$	($0.29)	$	0.56
	*No units or shares are considered when losses cause the effect to be anti-dilutive.
	**Net income (loss) represents net income (loss) from continuing operations less the dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	-18	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 $84,000 operating loss for the second quarter and $268,000 operating loss in the first quarter for AAT. AAT results are considered discontinued operations and its assets and associated liabilities are carried as assets and liabilities held for sale. Therefore, its 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. Prior to the closing AAT incurred an operating loss of $21,000 in the third quarter. 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)
		31-Dec-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)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
	Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(373	)	$	(709	)
	Provision for income taxes		-			-
	Valuation provision ("impairment") on assets for sale		(2,300	)		-
	Income taxes on discontinued operations		-			-
	Net loss after tax	$	(2,673	)	$	(709	)
	American Access Technologies, Inc.
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flow Components
	Unaudited
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Net cash (used in) operating activities	$	(1,691	)	$	(496	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities*		2,769			(176	)
	Net cash (used in) financing activities		-			(58	)
	Advances (to) from parent		(1,078	)		730
	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 is included in the consolidated balance sheets in cash.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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 (which is reported as discontinued operations), and M&I’s wholly-owned subsidiary SC and the wholly-owned subsidiary M&I Brazil. 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, 2014 and 2013. 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 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 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.
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.
Long-lived assets	Long-lived assets
	If events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, management tests long-lived assets 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, 2014 and 2013, there were no events or circumstances that caused management to believe that impairments were necessary.
Other Assets	Other Assets
	Intangible Assets at December 31, 2014		Useful		Cost		Accumulated		Net Value
			Lives				Amortization
			(Years)
			(in thousands)
	Intellectual property			3		322		305		17
	License			-		218		-		218
					$	540	$	305	$	235
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $108,000 and was approximately $108,000 in 2013. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,		Amount
			(in thousands)
	2015		$	17
	2016			-
	2017			-
	2018			-
	2019			-
			$	17
	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. This cost is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 3 years. Amortization expense of $108,000 and $108,000 was recognized annually during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 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.
	During 2014 we acquired arc-resistant technology and capitalized the cost of $218,000. We will evaluate the remaining value regularly and expense any reduction in value.
Income Taxes	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 and M&I Brazil 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.
	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.
	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 2013, one customer accounted for approximately 17% of net sales and 9% of net accounts receivable trade. During 2014, one customer accounted for approximately 12% of net sales and 4% 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 7% of the Company’s net sales during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 9% during 2013.
Reclassification	Reclassification
	Certain items are reclassified in the 2013 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued 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 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.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and shill be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2014-12 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-17, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting a census of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. ASU No. 2014-17 provides that an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. An acquired entity may elect the option to apply pushdown accounting in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs. An acquired entity should determine whether to elect to apply pushdown accounting for each individual change-in-control event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. If pushdown accounting is not applied in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs, an acquired entity will have the option to elect to apply pushdown accounting in a subsequent reporting period to the acquired entity’s most recent change-in-control event. An election to apply pushdown accounting in a reporting period after the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurred should be considered a change in accounting principle. If pushdown accounting is applied to an individual change-in-control event, that election is irrevocable.  ASU No. 2014-17 is effective on November 15, 2014. After the effective date, an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplified Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. This ASU eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Subtopic 225-20, Income statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items, requires that an entity separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. The entity also is required to disclose applicable income taxes and either present or disclose earnings-per-share data applicable to the extraordinary item. ASU No. 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments of ASU No. 2015-01 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-01 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. ASU No. 2015-02 focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In addition to reducing the number of consolidation models from four to two, the new standard simplifies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM and improves current GAAP by: (1) Placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. A reporting organization may no longer have to consolidate a legal entity in certain circumstances based solely on its fee arrangement, when certain criteria are met; (2) Reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; and (3) Changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or variable interest entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2015-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Other Assets	Other Assets
	Intangible Assets at December 31, 2014	Useful		Cost		Accumulated		Net Value
		Lives				Amortization
		(Years)
		(in thousands)
	Intellectual property		3		322		305		17
	License		-		218		-		218
				$	540	$	305	$	235
Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	Amortization expense related to intangible assets held by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $108,000 and was approximately $108,000 in 2013. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
	For the Year Ending December 31,	Amount
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	17
	2016		-
	2017		-
	2018		-
	2019		-
		$	17

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	940		$	1,056
	Work in progress		1,902			2,168
	Less: Allowance		(73	)		(40	)
	Total inventories	$	2,769		$	3,184

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R1

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts	Contracts in progress at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	7,279		$	7,271
	Estimated earnings		5,208			2,172
			12,487			9,443
	Billings on uncompleted contracts		(11,481	)		(7,152	)
		$	1,006		$	2,291
	Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	2,989		$	5,312
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts		(1,983	)		(3,021	)
		$	1,006		$	2,291

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014, and 2013:
	Category	Estimated		2014		2013
		Useful Lives
		(years)
			(in thousands)
	Buildings and improvements	15 – 25	$	8,117	$	2,638
	Office equipment and furniture	2 – 7		2,583		1,969
	Automobiles and trucks	2 – 5		265		197
	Machinery and shop equipment	2 – 10		3,349		2,714
	Construction in progress			428		2,464
				14,742		9,982
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			6,503		6,039
				8,239		3,943
	Land			134		134
			$	8,373	$	4,077

Advances_to_and_Investments_in1

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	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, 2014 and 2013:
		BOMAY						MIEFE						AAG
		2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Total current assets	$	77,812		$	94,220		$	3,488		$	3,855		$	—		$	2,572
	Total non-current assets		4,710			5,122			108			114			—			1,550
	Total assets	$	82,522		$	99,342		$	3,596		$	3,969		$	—		$	4,122
	Liabilities and equity:
	Total liabilities	$	53,277		$	72,644		$	2,128		$	1,197		$	—		$	1,291
	Total joint ventures equity		29,245			26,698			1,468			2,772						2,831
	Total liabilities and equity	$	82,522		$	99,342		$	3,596		$	3,969		$	—		$	4,122
	Gross sales	$	73,148		$	86,332		$	5,161		$	7,997		$	1,078		$	10,658
	Gross profit		12,469			12,130			2,091			2,066			154			4,282
	Net income		5,136			5,165			336			279			4			1,721
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, 2014 and 2013:
		2014												2013
		BOMAY*			MEIFE			AAG			TOTAL			BOMAY*			MIEFE			AAG			TOTAL
		(in thousands)												(in thousands)
	Investment in joint ventures:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	2,033		$	14		$	54		$	2,101		$	2,033		$	14		$	234		$	2,281
	Additional amounts invested and		—			—			—			—										)			)
	advanced														—			—			(180			(180
	Withdrawal from joint venture		—			—			(54	)		(54	)		—			—			—			—
	Balance, end of year		2,033			14			—			2,047			2,033			14			54			2,101
	Undistributed earnings:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	7,145		$	870		$	1,481		$	9,496		$	6,400		$	755		$	661		$	7,816
	Equity in earnings (loss)		2,054			138			2			2,194			2,066			115			843			3,024
	Dividend distributions		(1,042	)		(650	)		(830	)		(2,522	)		(1,321	)		—			(23	)		(1,344	)
	Withdrawal from joint venture		—			—			(653	)		(653	)		—			—			—			—
	Balance, end of year		8,157			358			—			8,515			7,145			870			1,481			9,496
	Foreign currency translation:
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,431		$	254		$	(249	)	$	1,436		$	1,098		$	294		$	(81	)	$	1,311
	Change during the year		(73	)		(120	)		178			(15	)		333			(40	)		(168	)		125
	Withdrawal from joint venture		—			—			71			71			—			—			—			—
	Balance, end of year		1,358			134			—			1,492			1,431			254			(249	)		1,436
	Investments, end of year	$	11,548		$	506		$	—		$	12,054		$	10,609		$	1,138		$	1,286		$	13,033
	·	Accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments of $2,100,000 and $1,857,000 at December 31, 2014 and 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.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income (loss) before income taxes and dividends on preferred stock	The components of income (loss) before income taxes and dividends on preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	-7,255	$	2,240
	Foreign		2,194		3,024
		$	-5,061	$	5,264
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	—	$	—
	Foreign		—		—
	States		—		141
	Total current provision		—		141
	Deferred provision (benefit):
	Federal		-309		536
	Foreign				—
	States		-25		36
	Total deferred provision (benefit):		-334		572
		$	-334	$	713
Components of deferred federal income taxes	Significant components of the Company’s deferred federal income taxes were as follows:
		At December 31,
		2014				2013
		Current		Non-Current		Current		Non-Current
		(in thousands)				(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued liabilities	$	161	$	—	$	413	$	—
	Deferred compensation		—		726		—		686
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		111		—		120		—
	Inventory		122		—		270		—
	Long-term contracts		—		—		149		—
	Net operating loss		—		3,848		—		2,909
	Intangible assets		—		—		—		86
	Foreign tax credit carry forward		—		2,811		—		1,153
	Valuation allowance		—		-7,845		—		-5,385
	Deferred tax assets		394		-460		952		-551
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Equity in foreign investments		—		-2,900		—		-3,233
	Property and equipment		—		66		—		-147
	Intangible assets		—		—		—		-9
	Translation gain		—		-523		—		-553
	Deferred tax liabilities				-3,357		—		-3,942
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	394	$	-3,817	$	952	$	-4,493
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:
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	(Provision for) benefit from U.S federal statutory rate	$	1,611	$	-1,798
	Effect of state income taxes		35		-141
	Non-deductible business meals and entertainment expenses		-486		-18
	Foreign income taxes included in equity in earnings		1,400		551
	Adjustment of net operating loss carry forwards based on IRS audit, accrual to return adjustments and other		-12		-153
	Change in valuation allowance		-2,214		846
	Total (Expense)	$	334	$	-713

Notes_payable_Tables

Notes payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Notes Payable	The components of notes payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Revolving credit agreement	$	4,000	$	500
	Total notes payable		4,000		500
	Non-current notes payable*	$	3,778	$	500
	*Because of the amendment in March 2015 $222,222 will be due in 2015 on the term loan.

Lease_Tables

Lease (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Lease Payments	The following is a schedule of future lease payments:
	Year Ending December 31,	Amount
		(In thousands)
	2015	$	506
	2016		534
	2017		455
	2018		413
	2019		220
	2020		14
		$	2,142

Stock_and_Stock_based_Compensa

Stock and Stock- based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Units	The following table summarizes the activity for unvested restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Units			Weighted
					Average
					Fair Value
					Per RSU
	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
	Awarded		160,000		$	6.84
	Vested		(211,719	)	$	4.23
	Forfeited		(251,269	)	$	6.47
	Unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2014		168,642		$	4.88
Summary of Stock Option Activity	Details of stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:
		2014			2014 Weighted		2013		2013 Weighted
					Average				Average
					Exercise Price				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year		16,944		$	4.09		25,778	$	4.23
	Options granted		—			—		—		—
	Options exercised		-11,980			4.09		-3,827		4.09
	Options forfeited		—			4.09		-5,007		5.11
	Options expired		-4,964			4.09		—		—
	Outstanding at end of year		—			—		16,944		4.09
	Exercisable at end of year		—		$	—		16,944	$	4.09

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr1

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
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, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Selected Financial Details Regarding the Company's Reportable Segments	The table below represents segment results for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013.
		2014		2013
	Net sales:
	Technical Products and Services	$	49,967	$	49,150
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		7,287		10,089
		$	57,254	$	59,239
	Gross profit (loss):
	Technical Products and Services	$	4,132	$	9,072
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		863		2,095
		$	4,995	$	11,167
	Income (loss) from domestic operations and net
	equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations
	Technical Products and Services	$	3,177	$	8,061
	Electrical and Instrumentation Construction		525		2,096
	Corporate and other unallocated expenses		-7,597		-6,995
	Income (loss) from continuing consolidated operations		-3,895		3,162

Quarterly_Results_for_Continui1

Quarterly Results for Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Information for the Applicable Time Periods	The following table reflects the quarterly information for continuing operations for the applicable time periods.
		2014
			Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	15,848	$	13,430	$	14,283	$	13,693	$	57,254
	Gross Profit		2,435		2,028		495		37		4,995
	Net income (loss)		848		1,062		-1,982		-1,982		-2,054
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.09	$	0.12	$	-0.25	$	-0.25	$	-0.29
		2013
			Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4		Total
	Net Sales	$	13,008	$	13,499	$	16,236	$	16,496	$	59,239
	Gross Profit		2,765		2,089		2,759		3,554		11,167
	Net income (loss)		1,813		1,208		1,202		1,027		5,260
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.22	$	0.14	$	0.14	$	0.12	$	0.62

Earnings_Loss_from_Continuing_1

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 (loss) per common share (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
			2014		2013
	Net income (loss)**	$	-2,399	$	4,918
	Weighted average basic shares		8,182,034		7,990,690
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, preferred stock and warrants*		0		1,481,816
	Total weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		8,182,034		9,472,506
	Earnings loss from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic	$	($0.29)	$	0.62
	Dilutive	$	($0.29)	$	0.56
	*No units or shares are considered when losses cause the effect to be anti-dilutive.
	**Net income (loss) represents net income (loss) from continuing operations less the dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale	American Access Technologies, Inc.
	Assets and Liabilities held for sale
	(in thousands)
		31-Dec-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	American Access Technologies, Inc.
	Condensed Statements of Operations
	Unaudited
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
	Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(373	)	$	(709	)
	Provision for income taxes		-			-
	Valuation provision ("impairment") on assets for sale		(2,300	)		-
	Income taxes on discontinued operations		-			-
	Net loss after tax	$	(2,673	)	$	(709	)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Net cash (used in) operating activities	$	(1,691	)	$	(496	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities*		2,769			(176	)
	Net cash (used in) financing activities		-			(58	)
	Advances (to) from parent		(1,078	)		730
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	-		$	-
	* Includes sale proceeds of $2.3 million.

Organization_and_Nature_of_Bus1

Organization and Nature of Business (Detail)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	17-May-07	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
		Segment
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Percentage of reverse acquisition interest	80.00%
Number of segments		2
M&I Brazil
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Ownership interest in newly formed brazil company			20.00%
M&I Brazil | M&I
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Ownership interest in newly formed brazil company			80.00%
Technical Products and Services | Minimum
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Electrical Transmission Voltage		480
Technical Products and Services | Maximum
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Electrical Transmission Voltage		40,000
Beaumont, Texas facilities
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Area of Land		9
Company owns facility		118,000
Mississippi facility
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Area of Land		3
Company owns facility		11,000
Florida facility
Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]
Area of Land		9.7
Company owns facility		67,500

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, 2014
Summary of Other Assets
Cost	$540
Accumulated Amortization	305
Net Value	235
Intellectual property
Summary of Other Assets
Useful Lives	3 years
Cost	322
Accumulated Amortization	305
Net Value	17
License
Summary of Other Assets
Cost	218
Net Value	$218

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 08, 2012
	Customer	Customer
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	$108,000	$108,000
Non-time and material jobs of short term nature duration description	less than one month
Number of Customers	1	1
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales | Gulf Coast region
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Customer accountability percentage	7.00%	9.00%
Customer one | Credit Concentration Risk | Sales
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Customer accountability percentage	12.00%	17.00%
Customer one | Credit Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Customer accountability percentage	4.00%	9.00%
Acquired Technology | Amnor Technologies
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash payment for acquisition			100,000
Shares payment for acquisition			44,000
Common stock, per share			$4.95
Equity Interests Issuable Period			3 years
Intangible assets acquired			322,000
Transaction cost			4,000
Business acquisition equity interests issued during period, percentage of shares			25.00%
Estimated useful life			3 years
Acquired Technology | Amnor Technologies | General and Administrative Expense
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	108,000	108,000
Arc-resistant Technology
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	$218,000
First Anniversary | Acquired Technology | Amnor Technologies
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Business acquisition equity interests issued during period, percentage of shares			25.00%
Second Anniversary | Acquired Technology | Amnor Technologies
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Business acquisition equity interests issued during period, percentage of shares			25.00%
Third Anniversary | Acquired Technology | Amnor Technologies
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Business acquisition equity interests issued during period, percentage of shares			25.00%
Completed Service Basis
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Sales revenue percentage	8.00%
Product Shipped and Title Passes to Customer Basis
Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Sales revenue percentage	3.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortization expense related to intangible assets
2015	$17
Net Value	$17

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$940	$1,056
Work in progress	1,902	2,168
Less: Allowance	-73	-40
Total inventories	$2,769	$3,184

Costs_Estimated_Earnings_and_R2

Costs, Estimated Earnings, and Related Billings on Uncompleted Contracts - Contracts in Progress (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$7,279	$7,271
Estimated earnings	5,208	2,172
Total cost and earnings of unbilled contracts	12,487	9,443
Billings on uncompleted contracts	-11,481	-7,152
Total Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts	$1,006	$2,291

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractors [Abstract]
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$2,989	$5,312
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-1,983	-3,021
Total Costs, estimated earnings, and related billing on uncompleted contracts	$1,006	$2,291

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	14,742	$9,982
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,503	6,039
Property, plant and equipment gross, excluding land	8,239	3,943
Land	134	134
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,373	4,077
Buildings and improvements
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	8,117	2,638
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	15 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	25 years
Office equipment and furniture
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,583	1,969
Office equipment and furniture | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	2 years
Office equipment and furniture | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	7 years
Automobiles and trucks
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	265	197
Automobiles and trucks | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	2 years
Automobiles and trucks | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	5 years
Machinery and shop equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,349	2,714
Machinery and shop equipment | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	2 years
Machinery and shop equipment | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (years)	10 years
Construction in Progress
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, gross	428	$2,464

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 09, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation charges	$563	$390
Gain on sale of property and improvements		143
Cost of sales
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation charges	428	228
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation charges	135	162
Other Income
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Gain on sale of property and improvements			$128

Advances_to_and_Investments_in2

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2007	Dec. 31, 2006
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations									$2,194,000	$3,024,000
Net sales	13,693,000	14,283,000	13,430,000	15,848,000	16,496,000	16,236,000	13,499,000	13,008,000	57,254,000	59,239,000
Outstanding notes	201,000								201,000
Foreign joint ventures' operations related expenses									522,000	267,000
Equity Method Investments
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Retained earnings; accumulated statutory reserves in equity method investments	2,100,000				1,857,000				2,100,000	1,857,000
BOMAY
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in newly formed brazil company	40.00%								40.00%
Investment in joint ventures											1,000,000	1,000,000
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations									2,054,000	2,066,000
BOMAY | Affiliated Entity
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net sales									130,000	325,000
Accounts receivable from foreign joint venture	82,000				119,000				82,000	119,000
MIEFE
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in newly formed brazil company	41.00%								41.00%
Equity income from foreign joint ventures’ operations									138,000	115,000
MIEFE | Affiliated Entity
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net sales									14,000	225,000
Accounts receivable from foreign joint venture	$2,000				$0				$2,000	$0

Advances_to_and_Investments_in3

Advances to and Investments in Foreign Joint Ventures' Operations - Schedule of Financial Information of Foreign Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
BOMAY
Assets:
Total current assets	$77,812	$94,220
Total non-current assets	4,710	5,122
Total assets	82,522	99,342
Liabilities and equity:
Total liabilities	53,277	72,644
Total joint ventures equity	29,245	26,698
Total liabilities and equity	82,522	99,342
Gross sales	73,148	86,332
Gross profit	12,469	12,130
Net income	5,136	5,165
MIEFE
Assets:
Total current assets	3,488	3,855
Total non-current assets	108	114
Total assets	3,596	3,969
Liabilities and equity:
Total liabilities	2,128	1,197
Total joint ventures equity	1,468	2,772
Total liabilities and equity	3,596	3,969
Gross sales	5,161	7,997
Gross profit	2,091	2,066
Net income	336	279
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
Gross sales	1,078	10,658
Gross profit	154	4,282
Net income	$4	$1,721

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$13,033
Equity in earnings (loss)	2,194	3,024
Balance, end of year	12,054	13,033
Investment In Joint Ventures
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	2,101		2,281
Withdrawal from joint venture	-54
Balance, end of year	2,047		2,281
Undistributed Earnings
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	9,496	7,816
Equity in earnings (loss)	2,194	3,024
Dividend distributions	-2,522	-1,344
Withdrawal from joint venture	-653
Balance, end of year	8,515	9,496
Foreign Currency Translation
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	1,436
Change during the year	-15	125
Withdrawal from joint venture	71
Balance, end of year	1,492	1,436
BOMAY
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	10,609
Equity in earnings (loss)	2,054	2,066
Balance, end of year	11,548	10,609
BOMAY | Investment In Joint Ventures
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year			2,033
Balance, end of year	2,033	2,033	2,033
BOMAY | Undistributed Earnings
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	7,145	6,400
Equity in earnings (loss)	2,054	2,066
Dividend distributions	-1,042	-1,321
Balance, end of year	8,157	7,145
BOMAY | Foreign Currency Translation
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	1,431
Change during the year	-73	333
Balance, end of year	1,358	1,431
MIEFE
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	1,138
Equity in earnings (loss)	138	115
Balance, end of year	506	1,138
MIEFE | Investment In Joint Ventures
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year			14
Balance, end of year	14	14	14
MIEFE | Undistributed Earnings
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	870	755
Equity in earnings (loss)	138	115
Dividend distributions	-650
Balance, end of year	358	870
MIEFE | Foreign Currency Translation
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	254
Change during the year	-120	-40
Balance, end of year	134	254
AAG
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, end of year		1,286
AAG | Investment In Joint Ventures
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	54		234
Withdrawal from joint venture	-54
Balance, end of year			234
AAG | Undistributed Earnings
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	1,481	661
Equity in earnings (loss)	2	843
Dividend distributions	-830	-23
Withdrawal from joint venture	-653
Balance, end of year		1,481
AAG | Foreign Currency Translation
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	-249
Change during the year	178	-168
Withdrawal from joint venture	71
Balance, end of year		($249)

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income (Loss) before Income Taxes and Dividends on Preferred Stock (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of income (loss) before income taxes
United States	($7,255)	$2,240
Foreign	2,194	3,024
Income (loss) before income taxes	($5,061)	$5,264

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current provision:
Federal	$0	$0
Foreign	0	0
States	0	141
Total current provision	0	141
Deferred provision (benefit):
Federal	-309	536
Foreign	0	0
States	-25	36
Total deferred provision (benefit):	-334	572
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	($334)	$713

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Federal Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets, current:
Accrued liabilities	$161	$413
Allowance for doubtful accounts	111	120
Inventory	122	270
Long-term contracts	0	149
Valuation allowance, current	0	0
Deferred tax assets, current	394	952
Deferred tax liabilities, current	0	0
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), current	394	952
Deferred tax assets, noncurrent:
Deferred compensation	726	686
Net operating loss	3,848	2,909
Intangible assets	0	86
Foreign tax credit carry forward	2,811	1,153
Valuation allowance, noncurrent	-7,845	-5,385
Deferred tax assets, noncurrent	-460	-551
Deferred tax liabilities, noncurrent:
Equity in foreign investments	-2,900	-3,233
Property and equipment	66	-147
Intangible assets	0	-9
Translation gain	-523	-553
Deferred tax liabilities, noncurrent	-3,357	-3,942
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), noncurrent	($3,817)	($4,493)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Non-cash savings		$300,000
Recognition of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in the U.S		7,800,000	5,400,000
Net operating loss carry forwards, federal		7,400,000
Net operating loss carry forwards, state		11,000,000
Income tax examination, year under examination		2008
Adjusted annual net operating loss carry forward limitation expiration year	2027
Effective tax rate		34.00%	34.00%
Adjusted Annual Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Limitation
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards related to business combination		7,400,000
Adjusted Annual Net Operating Loss Carry Forward Limitation | U.S. federal | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards subject to expiration	299,000
Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards expiration date		31-Dec-19
Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards expiration date		31-Dec-31

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of difference between effective income tax rate determined by applying statutory income tax rate
(Provision for) benefit from U.S federal statutory rate	$1,611	($1,798)
Effect of state income taxes	35	-141
Non-deductible business meals and entertainment expenses	-486	-18
Foreign income taxes included in equity in earnings	1,400	551
Adjustment of net operating loss carry forwards based on IRS audit, accrual to return adjustments and other	-12	-153
Change in valuation allowance	-2,214	846
Total (Expense)	$334	($713)

Notes_Payable_Components_of_No

Notes Payable - Components of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of notes payable
Total notes payable	$4,000	$500
Non-current notes payable	3,778	500
Revolving Credit Facility
Components of notes payable
Total notes payable	$4,000	$500

Notes_Payable_Components_of_No1

Notes Payable - Components of Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (March 31, 2015, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
31-Mar-15
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Principal payment	$222,222

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 12, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	31-Mar-20
Maximum Adjusted Net Income	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
Current ratio	207.00%
31-Mar-15
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Principal payment	222,222
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement amendment date	30-Nov-13
Revolving credit line		10,000,000
Commitment fee of the unused portion of the credit		0.30%
Credit facility's interest rate, Description	credit facility’s interest rate is LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	1-Oct-15
Leverage test of total liabilities to total net worth		1
Borrowed under the agreement	4,000,000					500,000
Additional borrowing Capacity	3,200,000					7,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio		125.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility's interest rate		3.25%
Revolving Credit Facility Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement amendment date	12-Nov-14
Commitment fee of the unused portion of the credit			0.40%
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	1-Oct-17
Net income requirement waived				1
Revolving Credit Facility Two | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exclusion of capital expenditure from fixed charge coverage ratio	4,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility Two | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility's interest rate			3.00%
Credit facility's interest rate, Description	the interest rate to LIBOR plus 3.00 % per annum
Revolving Credit Facility Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement amendment date	31-Mar-15
Credit facility's interest rate, Description	The Term Loan accrues interest at the adjusted LIBOR Rate plus a margin of 3.50%
Revolving credit agreement maturity date	31-Dec-15
Revolving Credit Facility Three | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility's interest rate					3.50%
Repayment of current revolving credit					4,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of new term loan					4,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility Three | Minimum | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity							$1,500,000

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			sqft
Leases [Abstract]
Lease covered area			13,000
Term of lease	64 months
Lease expiration year		2016
Rental expense		$0.40	$0.30

Leases_Detail

Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of future minimum rental payments under operating leases
2015	$506
2016	534
2017	455
2018	413
2019	220
2020	14
Total	$2,142

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat1

Stock and Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-14	Jun. 30, 2012	31-May-10	Apr. 30, 2007
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issued to ESPP, shares	3,640	4,697
Additional compensation cost that will be recognized in future periods	$800,000
Stock options issued	0	0
Stock options outstanding	0	16,944		25,778
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option	0
Director
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock units reserved for issuance in lieu of retainer fee	18,800	5,000
Minimum | Director
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of retainer fee to acquire common stock	50.00%
Maximum | Director
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of retainer fee to acquire common stock	100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted restricted stock unit	160,000	234,525
Conversion of stock RSU to Common, ratio	1
Convert to common stock	25.00%
Increment period for awards converted into common stock	4 years
Weighted average period additional compensation cost will be expensed	2 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Subsequent Event
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted restricted stock unit			217,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Award Subject to 2015 Performance Measures | Subsequent Event
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted restricted stock unit			45,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | General and Administrative Expense
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	676,000	767,000
Stock Options | General and Administrative Expense
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	0	20,000
Board of Directors Compensation | General and Administrative Expense | Director
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$130,000	32,000
Two Thousand Seven Employee Stock Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance under the plan					1,700,000	1,100,000	800,000	300,000

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Summary of unvested restricted stock units
Unvested restricted stock units, Beginning Balance	471,630	391,413
Granted restricted stock unit	160,000	234,525
Vested	-211,719	-99,844
Forfeited	-251,269	-54,464
Unvested restricted stock units, Ending Balance	168,642	471,630
Weighted Average Fair Value Per RSU, Beginning Balance	$4.77	$4.11
Awarded	$6.84	$5
Vested	$4.23	$3.15
Forfeited	$6.47	$3.40
Weighted Average Fair Value Per RSU, Ending Balance	$4.88	$4.77

Stock_and_Stockbased_Compensat3

Stock and Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of stock option activity
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	16,944	25,778
Stock options issued	0	0
Options exercised	-11,980	-3,827
Options forfeited		-5,007
Options expired	-4,964
Outstanding, Ending Balance	0	16,944
Exercisable, Ending Balance		16,944
Summary of stock option activity
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$4.09	$4.23
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercised	$4.09	$4.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options forfeited	$4.09	$5.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options expired	$4.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance		$4.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable		$4.09

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr2

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	2-May-12	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 13, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares issued		1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		8,185,323	8,185,323	1,000,000
Number of warrants		325,000
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares authorized		1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock and warrants value issued	$5,000,000	$840,000
Accretion amount		45,000	42,000
Warrants Exercise Price Tranche One
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, stock price per share				6
Number of warrants				125,000
Warrants Exercise Price Tranche Two
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, stock price per share				7
Number of warrants				200,000
Securities Purchase Agreement
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of warrants				325,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, stock price per share				5
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares authorized					1,000,000
Cumulative dividends at a rate		6.00%
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, liquidation preference per share	$5
Number of redemption price, accrued and unpaid dividends installment payments		36
Annual interest rate on redemption value payable		6.00%
Preferred stock and warrants value issued	$4,160,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock | Securities Purchase Agreement
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, shares issued				1,000,000
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, stock price per share				5

Redeemable_Convertible_Preferr3

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Preferred Stock and Warrants Calculated Using the Black Scholes Merton Pricing Model (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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

Employee_Benefit_and_Bonus_Pla1

Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of employees contribution	20.00%
Contribution to the plan		$201
Executive Performance
Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of employees who are covering executive performance of bonus plan	60
Executive Performance | Accrued Payroll and Benefits Expenses
Employee Benefit and Bonus Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	121	$813

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015
Director
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Overdue outstanding amount owed to law firm	$0	$0
Chief Executive Officer | Labor and Related Compensation
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Compensation amount	130,000	130,000
Percentage of amendment bonus	1.00%
Employment agreement expiration year	2015
Chief Executive Officer | Scenario Forecast | Labor and Related Compensation
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Compensation amount	130,000		130,000
General and Administrative Expense | Director
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Expenses related to legal advice	50,000	89,000
General and Administrative Expense | Chief Executive Officer
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Compensation amount included in general and administrative expenses	$130,000	$157,570

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments	2

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$13,693	$14,283	$13,430	$15,848	$16,496	$16,236	$13,499	$13,008	$57,254	$59,239
Gross profit (loss)	37	495	2,028	2,435	3,554	2,759	2,089	2,765	4,995	11,167
Income (loss) from continuing operations									-3,895	3,162
Corporate and other unallocated expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									-7,597	-6,995
Technical Products and Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									49,967	49,150
Gross profit (loss)									4,132	9,072
Technical Products and Services | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									3,177	8,061
Electrical and Instrumentation Construction
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									7,287	10,089
Gross profit (loss)									863	2,095
Electrical and Instrumentation Construction | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									$525	$2,096

Quarterly_Results_for_Continui2

Quarterly Results for Continuing Operations - 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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly information for the applicable time periods
Net sales	$13,693	$14,283	$13,430	$15,848	$16,496	$16,236	$13,499	$13,008	$57,254	$59,239
Gross Profit	37	495	2,028	2,435	3,554	2,759	2,089	2,765	4,995	11,167
Net income (loss)	($1,982)	($1,982)	$1,062	$848	$1,027	$1,202	$1,208	$1,813	($2,054)	$5,260
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	($0.25)	($0.25)	$0.12	$0.09	$0.12	$0.14	$0.14	$0.22	($0.29)	$0.62

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (Medical And Hospitalization Insurance Program, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Minimum insurance premium	$1,165,000	$879,000
Insurance reserves	166,000	254,000
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Liable for all claims per insured annual amount	70,000
Liable for all claims per insured aggregate amount	$1,500,000

Earnings_Loss_from_Continuing_2

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)									($2,399)	[1]	$4,918	[1]
Weighted average basic shares									8,182,034		7,990,690
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units									0	[2]	1,481,816	[2]
Total weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions									8,182,034		9,472,506
Earnings loss from continuing operations per common share:
Basic	($0.25)	($0.25)	$0.12	$0.09	$0.12	$0.14	$0.14	$0.22	($0.29)		$0.62
Dilutive									($0.29)		$0.56
[1]	Net income (loss) represents net income (loss) from continuing operations less the dividends on redeemable convertible preferred stock.
[2]	No units or shares are considered when losses cause the effect to be anti-dilutive.

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Impairment loss		$2,300		$2,300
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	($21)	($84)	($268)	($373)	($709)
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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
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

Discontinued_Operations_Conden

Discontinued Operations - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	($21)	($84)	($268)	($373)	($709)
Valuation provision ("impairment") on assets for sale		-2,300		-2,300
Income taxes on discontinued operations				0	0
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations				($2,673)	($709)

Discontinued_Operations_Conden1

Discontinued Operations - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$802		($1,079)
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		-496
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,769	[1]	-176	[1]
Net cash (used in) financing activities			-58
Advances (to) from parent	($1,078)		$730
[1]	Includes sale proceeds of $2.3 million.

Discontinued_Operations_Conden2

Discontinued Operations - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Proceeds from other assets	$2.30	$2.30