Virco Mfg. (VIRC) 10-K 24 Apr 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VIRCO MFG CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	751365
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$36
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,852,640

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash	$470	$1,051
Trade accounts receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $200 at January 31, 2015 and 2014)	10,614	8,468
Other receivables	43	52
Income tax receivable	267	290
Inventories:
Finished goods	5,602	7,237
Work in process	11,487	11,116
Raw materials and supplies	9,589	9,427
Total inventories	26,678	27,780
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	156	203
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	743	1,795
Total current assets	38,971	39,639
Property, plant and equipment:
Land	1,671	1,671
Land improvements	851	1,185
Buildings and building improvements	47,047	47,271
Machinery and equipment	110,060	115,667
Leasehold improvements	1,909	2,328
Total property, plant and equipment	161,538	168,122
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	126,317	131,817
Net property, plant and equipment	35,221	36,305
Deferred income tax assets, net	624	611
Other assets	6,995	6,789
Total assets	81,811	83,344
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,901	12,355
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	4,199	3,594
Current portion of long-term debt	3,366	2,248
Other accrued liabilities	3,939	4,459
Total current liabilities	21,405	22,656
Non-current liabilities:
Accrued self-insurance	1,730	2,025
Accrued retirement benefits	28,986	23,951
Income tax payable	42	69
Non-current portion	6,153	6,000
Other accrued liabilities	922	1,038
Total non-current liabilities	37,833	33,083
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock:
Authorized 3,000,000 shares, $.01 par value; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock:
Authorized 25,000,000 shares, $.01 par value; issued and outstanding 14,852,640 shares in 2014 and 14,718,414 shares in 2013	149	147
Additional paid-in capital	116,348	115,978
Accumulated deficit	-73,690	-74,540
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-20,234	-13,980
Total stockholders’ equity	22,573	27,605
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$81,811	$83,344

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	$200	$200
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,852,640	14,718,414
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,852,640	14,718,414

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ino

Consolidated Statements of Inocme (Operations) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$164,052		$155,042		$157,913
Costs of goods sold	108,654		102,488		107,304
Gross profit	55,398		52,554		50,609
Selling, general and administrative expenses	52,741		52,587		52,369
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment	-2		-10		-37
Restructuring expense	287		1,408		760
Operating Income (Loss)	2,372		-1,431		-2,483
Interest expense, net	1,454		1,302		1,556
Income (loss) before income taxes	918		-2,733		-4,039
Income tax expense (benefit)	69		-1,003		-209
Net income (loss)	$849		($1,730)		($3,830)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$0.06	[1]	($0.12)	[1]	($0.27)	[1]
Diluted	$0.06	[1]	($0.12)	[1]	($0.27)	[1]
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	14,756		14,620		14,387
Diluted	14,987	[2]	14,620	[2]	14,387	[2]
[1]	Net loss per share for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.
[2]	For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, approximately 180,000 and 119,000 shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$849	($1,730)	($3,830)
Other comprehensive (loss) income :
Pension adjustments	-6,254	2,006	-658
Comprehensive (loss) income	($5,405)	$276	($4,488)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Jan. 31, 2012	$30,896	$144	$115,060	($68,980)	($15,328)
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2012		14,354,046
Net income (loss)	-3,830	0	0	-3,830	0
Pension adjustments, net of tax effect	-658	0	0	0	-658
Shares vested and others (in shares)		196,325
Shares vested and others	-86	2	-88	0	0
Stock compensation expense	698	0	698	0	0
Balance at Jan. 31, 2013	27,020	146	115,670	-72,810	-15,986
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2013		14,550,371
Net income (loss)	-1,730	0	0	-1,730	0
Pension adjustments, net of tax effect	2,006	0	0	0	2,006
Shares vested and others (in shares)		168,043
Shares vested and others	-214	1	-215	0	0
Stock compensation expense	523	0	523	0	0
Balance at Jan. 31, 2014	27,605	147	115,978	-74,540	-13,980
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2014		14,718,414
Net income (loss)	849	0	0	849
Pension adjustments, net of tax effect	-6,254	0	0	0	-6,254
Shares vested and others (in shares)		134,226
Shares vested and others	-129	2	-132	1	0
Stock compensation expense	502	0	502	0	0
Balance at Jan. 31, 2015	$22,573	$149	$116,348	($73,690)	($20,234)
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2015		14,852,640

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Pension adjustment tax effects	$0	$1,078	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$849	($1,730)	($3,830)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,408	4,209	4,368
Increase (decrease) in provision for doubtful accounts	115	-6	-75
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-2	-10	-37
Deferred income taxes	34	97	66
Stock-based compensation	502	523	698
Defined benefit Plan, recognized net gain (loss) due to settlements and curtailments	0	924	760
Amortization of net actuarial loss for pension plans	1,283	1,548	1,629
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	-2,261	376	4,057
Other receivables	9	56	293
Inventories	1,101	-2,464	2,475
Income taxes	-4	-105	-930
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	915	-58	567
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-5,290	-3,603	-2,781
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,659	-243	7,260
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	-3,314	-3,632	-2,050
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	2	19	53
Net investment in life insurance	-70	-25	244
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-3,382	-3,638	-1,753
Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt	33,750	28,851	28,422
Repayment of long-term debt	-32,479	-24,656	-35,876
Common stock repurchased	-129	-116	-97
Cash dividend paid	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,142	4,079	-7,551
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-581	198	-2,044
Cash at beginning of year	1,051	853	2,897
Cash at end of year	470	1,051	853
Interest	1,454	1,302	1,556
Income tax, net	$46	$74	$12

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
	Business
	Virco Mfg. Corporation (the “Company”), which operates in one business segment, is engaged in the design, production and distribution of quality furniture for the commercial and education markets. Over 65 years of manufacturing operations have resulted in a wide product assortment. Major products include mobile tables, mobile storage equipment, desks, computer furniture, chairs, activity tables, folding chairs and folding tables. The Company manufactures its products in Torrance, California, and Conway, Arkansas, for sale primarily in the United States.
	The Company operates in a seasonal business, and requires significant amounts of working capital under its credit facility to fund acquisitions of inventory and finance receivables during the summer delivery season. Restrictions imposed by the terms of the Company’s credit facility may limit the Company’s operating and financial flexibility. However, management believes that its existing cash and available borrowings under its credit facility, and any cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund its working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other obligations through the next 12 months.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Virco Mfg. Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Management Use of Estimates
	Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities - and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities - at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of inventory; deferred tax assets and liabilities; useful lives of property, plant, and equipment; liabilities under pension, warranty, self-insurance, and environmental claims, revenue recognition; and the accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Fiscal Year End
	Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, refer to the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Sales to the Company’s recurring customers are generally made on open account with terms consistent with the industry. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and payment history. Past due accounts are determined based on how recently payments have been made in relation to the terms granted. Amounts are written off against the allowance in the period that the Company determines that the receivable is not collectable. The Company purchases insurance on receivables from certain commercial customers to minimize the Company’s credit risk. The Company does not typically obtain collateral to secure credit risk. Customers with inadequate credit are required to provide cash in advance or letters of credit. The Company does not assess interest on receivable balances. A substantial percentage of the Company’s receivables come from low-risk government entities. No customer exceeded 10% of the Company’s sales for each of the three years ended January 31, 2015. Foreign sales were approximately 7.7%, 7.5% and 10.0% of the Company’s sales for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable at January 31, 2015 or 2014. Because of the short time between shipment and collection, the net carrying value of receivables approximates the fair value for these assets.
	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	The fair values of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are classified in one of the three following categories, which are described below:
	Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in an active market.
	Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.
	Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and involve management judgment and our own assumptions about market participants and pricing.
	Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include assets associated with the Virco Employees Retirement Plan.
	Inventories
	Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) and includes material, labor, and factory overhead. The Company maintains allowances for estimated slow moving and obsolete inventory to reflect the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value. Allowances for slow moving and obsolete inventory are determined through a physical inspection of the product in connection with a physical inventory, a review of slow-moving product, and consideration of active marketing programs. The market for education furniture is traditionally driven by value, not style, and the Company has not typically incurred significant obsolescence expenses. If market conditions are less favorable than those anticipated by management, additional allowances may be required. Due to reductions in sales volume in the past years, the Company’s manufacturing facilities are operating at reduced levels of capacity. The Company records the cost of excess capacity as a period expense, not as a component of capitalized inventory valuation.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes based upon the following estimated useful lives:
	Land improvements	5 to 25 years
	Buildings and building improvements	5 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	shorter of lease or useful life
	The Company did not capitalize interest costs as part of the acquisition cost of property, plant and equipment for the years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The Company capitalizes the cost of significant repairs that extend the life of an asset. Repairs and maintenance that do not extend the life of an asset are expensed as incurred. Repair and maintenance expense was $1,616,000, $1,691,000 and $1,681,000 for fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense was $4,408,000, $4,209,000 and $4,368,000 for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company subleased space at one of its facilities on a month-to-month basis during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Rental income was $40,000 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	The Company has established asset retirement obligations related to leased manufacturing facilities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations.” Accrued asset retirement obligations are recorded at net present value and discounted over the life of the lease. Asset retirement obligations, included in other non-current liabilities were $572,000 and $563,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
		January 31,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	563,000		$	554,000
	Decrease in obligation	—			—
	Accretion expense	9,000			9,000
	Balance at end of period	$	572,000		$	563,000
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	An impairment loss is recognized in the event facts and circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, and an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Impairment is recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of the impaired asset over the fair value. Generally, fair value represents the Company’s expected future cash flows from the use of an asset or group of assets, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks involved. There were no impairments in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Net Income (Loss) per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilution effect of stock grants. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
	In thousands, except per share data	2014			2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)	$	849		$	(1,730	)	$	(3,830	)
	Denominator
	Weighted-average shares — basic	14,756			14,620			14,387
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	231			—			—
	Weighted-average shares — diluted (1)	14,987			14,620			14,387
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.06		$	(0.12	)	$	(0.27	)
	Diluted	0.06			(0.12		)	(0.27		)
	___________________
	-1	For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, approximately 180,000 and 119,000 shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
	Environmental Costs
	The Company is subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which it operates that (a) govern operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as the discharge of materials into the environment, as well as handling, storage, transportation and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, and (b) impose liability for response costs and certain damages resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous materials. Normal, recurring expenses related to operating the Company's factories in a manner that meets or exceeds environmental laws and regulations are matched to the cost of producing inventory.
	Despite our efforts to comply with existing laws and regulations, compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable.
	Costs incurred to investigate and remediate environmental waste are expensed, unless the remediation extends the useful life of the assets employed at the site. At January 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had not capitalized any remediation costs and had not recorded any amortization expense in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed in the period during which the advertising space is run. Selling, general and administrative expenses include advertising costs of $1,277,000 in 2014, $1,246,000 in 2013, and $1,103,000 in 2012. Prepaid advertising costs reported as an asset on the balance sheet at January 31, 2015 and 2014, were $244,000 and $242,000, respectively.
	Product Warranty Expense
	The Company provides a product warranty on most products. The standard warranty offered on products sold through January 31, 2005 is five years. Effective February 1, 2005, the standard warranty was increased to 10 years on products sold after February 1, 2005. Effective February 1, 2014 the Company modified its warranty to a limited lifetime warranty. The new warranty effective February, 1, 2014 is not anticipated to have a significant effect on warranty expense. The Company generally provides that customers can return a defective product during the specified warranty period following purchase in exchange for a replacement product or that the Company can repair the product at no charge to the customer. The Company determines whether replacement or repair is appropriate in each circumstance. The Company uses historic data to estimate appropriate levels of warranty reserves. Because product mix, production methods, and raw material sources change over time, historic data may not always provide precise estimates for future warranty expense. The Company recorded warranty reserves of $950,000 and $1,000,000 as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Self-Insurance
	In 2014 and 2013, the Company was self-insured for product and general liability losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, for workers’ compensation losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, and for auto liability up to $50,000 per occurrence. Actuaries assist the Company in determining its liability for the self-insured component of claims, which have been discounted to their net present value utilizing a discount rate of 0.50% in 2014 and 0.50% in 2013.
	Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost for shares that are expected to vest, on a straight-line basis, over the requisite service period of the award.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:
	January 31,
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Balance as of beginning of year	$	(13,980	)	$	(15,986	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(7,537		)	458
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,283			1,548
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(6,254		)	2,006
Balance as of end of year	$	(20,234	)	$	(13,980	)
The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of $1,283,000 and $1,548,000 for the years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to amortization of actuarial losses.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is recognized when title passes under its various shipping terms, when installation services are complete, and when collectability is reasonably assured. The Company reports sales net of sales returns and allowances, sales taxes imposed by various government authorities, cash discounts and rebate to customers. In most instances, the Company sells furniture on bids and contracts, which may include multiple elements. For sales that include freight to the customer, many sales are delivered on the same day shipped, with an average delivery being in route for 1 to 3 days. Installation, which involves carrying the furniture to the classroom and setting the desks and chairs in place, typically occurs the day the furniture is delivered.
In accordance with ASC 605, 25, “Revenue Recognition - Multiple-Element Arrangements,” revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are generally accounted for by the Company on a combined unit of accounting as our customers control our ability to deliver and install the furniture, and as a result the furniture delivery and installation are generally provided at the same time. We recognize the consideration for the combined unit of accounting once the final item has been delivered and installed.
Delivery Costs
For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, shipping and classroom delivery costs of approximately $15,411,000, $14,576,000 and $15,040,000, respectively, were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Accounting for Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded when it is determined to be more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.
Correction of Immaterial Errors
In connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the Company determined that certain payments directly made to customers, which were previously included in selling, general, and administrative expenses, should instead be reflected as decreases to net sales. The current year Consolidated Statement of Operations properly reflects payments directly made to customers as decreases to net sales. The Company evaluated the impact of this error on prior years’ financial statements and concluded that it was immaterial for the years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, and for all interim periods within those years. While the amounts included in prior years were considered to be immaterial, the Company elected to revise the presentation of previously reported amounts to be consistent with the presentation for the year ended January 31, 2015. The changes resulted in decreases to net sales, gross margin and selling, general, and administrative expenses of $878,000 and $944,000, for the years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The unaudited quarterly results included in Note 11 have also been updated to reflect this change for all periods presented.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") an updated standard on revenue recognition. This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance.  ASU 2014-09 provides enhancements to the quality and consistency of how revenue is reported while also improving comparability in the financial statements of companies reporting using US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  The core principle of the new standard is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so the Company may be required to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current authoritative guidance. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This standard sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate, each reporting period, whether there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if so, to provide related footnote disclosures. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016.  We are currently evaluating this new standard and expect it to have no impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Outstanding balances (in thousands) for the Company’s long-term debt were as follows:
		January 31,
	In thousands, except per share data	2015		2014
	Revolving credit line	$	9,366	$	8,248
	Other	153		—
	Total debt	9,519		8,248
	Less current portion	3,366		2,248
	Non-current portion	$	6,153	$	6,000
	On December 22, 2011 (the “Closing Date”), the Company and Virco Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Virco” and, together with the Company, the “Borrowers”) entered into a Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender (“PNC”). The credit agreement has been amended nine times subsequent to that date, which, among other things, extended the maturity date of the Credit Agreement for three years until December 22, 2017, reduced the maximum availability under the Credit Agreement by $10,000,000 to $50,000,000, modified, eliminated, or waived covenants, amended seasonal advances and established sub-lines for equipment financing.
	On March 31, 2015 the Company entered into Amendment No. 9, which retroactively modified the tangible net worth covenant at January 31, 2015 and established quarterly covenants for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2016.
	The Credit Agreement provides the Borrowers with a secured revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) of up to $50,000,000, with seasonal adjustments to the credit limit and subject to borrowing base limitations, and includes a sub-limit of up to $3,000,000 for issuances of letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility is an asset-based line of credit that is subject to a borrowing base limitation and generally provides for advances of up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus a percentage equal to the lesser of 60% of the value of eligible inventory or 85% of the liquidation value of eligible inventory, plus an amount ranging from $8,000,000 to $14,000,000 from February 1 through July 31 of each year, minus undrawn amounts of letters of credit and reserves. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Borrowers' personal property and certain of the Borrowers' real property. The principal amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement and any accrued and unpaid interest is due no later than December 22, 2017, and the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to certain prepayment penalties upon earlier termination of the Revolving Credit Facility. Prior to the maturity date, principal amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and reborrowed at the option of the Borrowers without premium or penalty, subject to borrowing base limitations, seasonal adjustments and certain other conditions.
	The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest, at the Borrowers' option, at either the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or the Eurodollar Currency Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for Alternate Base Rate loans is a percentage within a range of 0.75% to 1.75%, and the applicable margin for Eurodollar Currency Rate loans is a percentage within a range of 1.75% to 2.75%, in each case based on the EBITDA of the Borrowers at the end of each fiscal quarter, and may be increased at PNC's option by 2.0% during the continuance of an event of default. Accrued interest with respect to principal amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement is payable in arrears on a monthly basis for Alternative Base Rate loans, and at the end of the applicable interest period but at most every three months for Eurodollar Currency Rate loans.
	The Credit Agreement contains a covenant that forbids the Company from issuing dividends or making payments with respect to the Company's capital stock, and contains numerous other covenants that limit under certain circumstances the ability of the Borrowers and their subsidiaries to, among other things, merge with or acquire other entities, incur new liens, incur additional indebtedness, repurchase stock, sell assets outside of the ordinary course of business, enter into transactions with affiliates, or substantially change the general nature of the business of the Borrowers, taken as a whole. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain the following financial maintenance covenants: (1) a minimum tangible net worth amount, (2) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and (3) a minimum EBITDA amount, in each case as of the end of the relevant monthly, quarterly or annual measurement period. As of January 31, 2015 the Credit Agreement required the Company to maintain: (1) a minimum tangible net worth of at least $25,190,000 for the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2015, (2) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending January 31, 2015, and (3) a minimum EBITDA amount of $5,512,000 for the twelve consecutive fiscal months ending January 31, 2015. Subsequent to January 31, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 9 to the credit agreement which modified the tangible net worth covenant to $20,565,000.The actual results of the Company with respect to the foregoing financial covenants for the period ending January 31, 2015 were as follows: (1) the Company maintained a tangible net worth of $22,573,000 for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2015, (2) the Company maintained a fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than 1.00 to 1.00 for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ended January 31, 2015, and (3) the Company achieved EBITDA of $7,281,000 for the twelve consecutive fiscal months ending January 31, 2015.
	In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a clean down provision that requires the Company to reduce borrowings under the line to less than $6,000,000 for a period of 60 consecutive days each fiscal year. The Company believes that normal operating cash flow will allow it to meet the clean down requirement with no adverse impact on the Company's liquidity.
	The Company was in violation of its minimum tangible net worth covenant for the relevant period ending January 31, 2015. However, as noted above, on March 31, 2015 the Company entered into Amendment No. 9, which retroactively modified the tangible net worth covenant at January 31, 2015. The Company was in compliance with the modified covenant. The Company expects to be in compliance for the next fiscal year.
	Events of default (subject to certain cure periods and other limitations) under the Credit Agreement include, but are not limited to, (i) non-payment of principal, interest or other amounts due under the Credit Agreement, (ii) the violation of terms, covenants, representations or warranties in the Credit Agreement or related loan documents, (iii) any event of default under agreements governing certain indebtedness of the Borrowers and certain defaults by the Borrowers under other agreements that would materially adversely affect the Borrowers, (iv) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation involving the Borrowers, (v) judgments or judicial actions against the Borrowers in excess of $250,000, subject to certain conditions, (vi) the failure of the Company to comply with Pension Benefit Plans (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (vii) the invalidity of loan documents pertaining to the Credit Agreement, (viii) a change of control of the Borrowers and (ix) the interruption of operations of any of the Borrowers' manufacturing facilities for five consecutive days during the peak season or fifteen consecutive days during any other time, subject to certain conditions.
	Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, substantially all of the Borrowers' accounts receivable are automatically and promptly swept to repay amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility upon receipt by the Borrowers. Due to this automatic liquidating nature of the Revolving Credit Facility, if the Borrowers breach any covenant, violate any representation or warranty or suffer any deterioration in their ability to borrow pursuant to the borrowing base calculation, the Borrowers may not have access to cash liquidity unless provided by PNC at its discretion. In addition, certain of the covenants and representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement contain limited or no materiality thresholds, and many of the representations and warranties must be true and correct in all material respects upon each borrowing, which the Borrowers expect to occur on an ongoing basis. There can be no assurance that the Borrowers will be able to comply with all such covenants and be able to continue to make such representations and warranties on an ongoing basis.
	The Company's line of credit with PNC is structured to provide seasonal credit availability during the Company's peak summer season. The Company believes that the Revolving Credit Facility will provide sufficient liquidity to meet its capital requirements in the next 12 months. Approximately $10,658,000 was available for borrowing as of January 31, 2015.
	As of January 31, 2015, long-term debt repayments are approximately as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending January 31,
	2016	$	3,366
	2017	6,153
	2018	—
	2019	—
	2020	—
	Thereafter	—
	Management believes that the carrying value of debt approximated fair value at January 31, 2015 and 2014, as all of the long-term debt bears interest at variable rates based on prevailing market conditions.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement Plans
	Pension Plans
	The Company maintains three defined benefit pension plans, the Virco Employees Retirement Plan (“Employee Plan”), the Virco Important Performers Retirement Plan (“VIP Plan”), and the Non-Employee Directors Retirement Plan (“Directors Plan”). The Company and its subsidiaries cover all employees hired prior to December 31, 2003 under the Employee Plan, which is a qualified noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan. Benefits under the Employee Plan are based on years of service and career average earnings. Benefit accruals under the Employee Plan were frozen effective December 31, 2003.
	The Company also provides a supplementary retirement plan for certain key employees, the VIP Plan. The VIP Plan provides a benefit up to 50% of average compensation for the last five years in the VIP Plan, offset by benefits earned under the Employee Plan. Benefit accruals under the VIP Plan were frozen effective December 31, 2003. The VIP Plan benefits are secured by a life insurance program. Substantially all assets securing the VIP Plan are held in a rabbi trust. These cash surrender values are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The cash surrender values of the policies securing the VIP Plan were $3,311,000 and $3,238,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Death benefits payable under life insurance policies held by the Plan were approximately $9,486,000 and $9,462,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company maintains a rabbi trust to hold assets related to the VIP Retirement Plan and a Split $ Life Insurance Plan.
	In April 2001, the Board of Directors established the Directors Plan, a non-qualified plan for non-employee directors of the Company. The Directors Plan provides a lifetime annual retirement benefit equal to the director’s annual retainer fee for the
	fiscal year in which the director terminates his or her position with the board, subject to the director providing 10 years of service to the Company. Benefit accruals under the Directors Plan were frozen effective December 31, 2003. At January 31, 2015, the Directors Plan did not hold any assets.
	The annual measurement date for all plans for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 is January 31. Effective December 31, 2003, the Company froze all future benefit accruals under the plans. Employees can continue to vest under the benefits earned to date, but no covered participants will earn additional benefits under the plan freeze.
	Accounting policy regarding pensions requires management to make complex and subjective estimates and assumptions relating to amounts which are inherently uncertain. Three primary economic assumptions influence the reported values of plan liabilities and pension costs. The Company takes the following factors into consideration: discount rate, assumed rate of return and rate of increase in compensation.
	The discount rate represents an estimate of the rate of return on a portfolio of high-quality fixed-income securities that would provide cash flows that match the expected benefit payment stream from the plans. When setting the discount rate, the Company utilizes a spot-rate yield curve developed from high-quality bonds currently available which reflects changes in rates that have occurred over the past year. This assumption is sensitive to movements in market rates that have occurred since the preceding valuation date, and therefore, may change from year to year.
	Because the Company froze future benefit accruals for all three defined benefit plans, the compensation increase assumption had no impact on pension expense, accumulated benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation for the period ended January 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.
	The assumed rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term returns available to investors who hold a mixture of stocks, bonds, and cash equivalent securities. When setting its expected return on plan asset assumptions, the Company considers long-term rates of return on various asset classes (both historical and forecasted, using data collected from various sources generally regarded as authoritative) in the context of expected long-term average asset allocations for its defined benefit pension plan. Two of the Company's defined benefit pension plans (the VIP Plan and the Directors Plan) are executive benefit plans that are not funded and are subject to the Company's creditors. Because these plans are not funded, the assumed rate of return has no impact on pension expense or the funded status of the plans.
	The Company maintains a trust for and funds the pension obligations for the Employee Plan. The board of directors appoints a Retirement Plan Committee that establishes a policy for investment and funding strategies. Approximately 70% of the trust assets are managed by investment advisors and held in common trust funds with the balance managed by the Retirement Plan Committee. The Retirement Plan Committee has established target asset allocations for its investment advisors, who invest the trust assets in a variety of institutional collective trust funds. The long-term asset allocation target provided to the investment advisors is 80% stock and 20% bond, with maximum allocations of 80% large cap stocks, 30% small cap stocks, and 30% international stock. The Company has established a custom benchmark derived from a variety of stock and bond indices that are weighted to approximate the asset allocation provided to the investment advisors. The investment advisors' performance is compared to the custom index as part of the evaluation of the investment advisors' performance. The Retirement Plan Committee receives monthly reports from the investment advisors and meets periodically with them to discuss investment performance.
	At January 31, 2015 and 2014, the amount of the plan assets invested in bond or short-term investment funds was 14% and 12%, respectively, and the balance of the trust was held in equity funds or investments. The trust does not hold any Company stock.
	During 2012 the pension plans were impacted by a reduction in discount rates and by a reduction in force. A reduction in the discount rate caused the liability for pension obligations to increase by approximately $2.0 million, $0.3 million, and $10,000 for the Employee Plan, the VIP Plan, and the Directors Plan, respectively. The increase in liability resulted in a comparable increase to AOCI. As part of a cost reduction plan, the Company offered benefits to employees who severed their employment with the Company. The severance benefits were paid in cash and did not include any additional benefits payable from retirement plan, the benefit formula was structured to reward employees with significant years of service, the same employees who would have earned benefits prior to the Employee Plan freeze in 2003. As a result of large distributions paid from the Employee Plan, a $760,000 settlement charge for the Employee Plan was recorded in the fourth quarter.
	During 2013 the pension plans were impacted by a reduction in force. Although the severance benefits were paid in cash and did not include any additional benefits payable from a retirement plan, the severance included employees with vested pension benefits. The pension trust made significant lump sum distributions to participants in the latter part of the year, resulting in settlement charges in the third and fourth quarters. During 2013, the pension liability decreased due to increased discount rates.
	During 2014, the pension plans were impacted severely by a material decrease in discount rates and by application of a new mortality table. A reduction in the discount rate caused pension obligations to increase by $5.4 million, $1.7 million, and $0.02 million for the Employee Plan, VIP Plan, and Director Plan, respectively.
	It is the Company's policy to contribute adequate funds to the trust accounts to cover benefit payments under the VIP Plan and Directors Plan and to maintain the funded status of the Employee Plan at a level which is adequate to avoid significant restrictions to the Employee Plan under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Company contributed $2.4 million, $1.8 million, and $2.0 million, to the trust in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Contributions during 2015 will depend upon actual investment results and benefit payments, but are anticipated to be approximately $2.3 million. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company paid approximately $580,000, $564,000 and $561,000 respectively, in benefits per year under the non-qualified plans. It is anticipated that contributions to non-qualified plans will be approximately $664,000 for 2015. At January 31, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $22.7 million ($20.2 million net of tax) is attributable to the pension plans.
	The following tables set forth (in thousands) the funded status of the Company’s pension plans at January 31, 2015, and 2014:
		Employee Plan						VIP Plan						Directors Plan
		1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation at beg. of year	$	32,069		$	32,840		$	7,662		$	8,054		$	439		$	468
	Service cost	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Interest cost	1,260			1,312			350			330			17			18
	Participant contributions				—						—			—			—
	Amendments				—						—			—			—
	Actuarial losses (gains)	5,962			596			2,636			(176		)	8			(29		)
	Plan settlement	—			(2,148		)				—						—
	Benefits paid	(1,583		)	(531		)	(544		)	(546		)	(36		)	(18		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	37,708		$	32,069		$	10,104		$	7,662		$	428		$	439
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value at beg. of year	$	18,168		$	16,875		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	2,172			2,122			—			—			—			—
	Company contributions	2,430			1,850			544			546			36			18
	Settlements	—			(2,148		)				—						—
	Benefits paid	(1,583		)	(531		)	(544		)	(546		)	(36		)	(18		)
	Fair value at end of year	$	21,187		$	18,168		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Funded Status
	Unfunded status of the plan	$	(16,521	)	$	(13,901	)	$	(10,104	)	$	(7,662	)	$	(428	)	$	(439	)
	Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
	Current liabilities	—			—			(613		)	(584		)	—			(66		)
	Non-current liabilities	(16,521		)	(13,901		)	(9,491		)	(7,078		)	(428		)	(373		)
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(16,521	)	$	(13,901	)	$	(10,104	)	$	(7,662	)	$	(428	)	$	(439	)
	Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position and Operations
	Accrued benefit liability	$	(16,521	)	$	(13,901	)	$	(10,104	)	$	(7,662	)	$	(428	)	$	(439	)
	Accumulated other comp. loss (gain)	—			14,235			4,716			2,259			—			(75		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(16,521	)	$	334		$	(5,388	)	$	(5,403	)	$	(428	)	$	(514	)
	Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	$	17,992		$	14,235		$	4,716		$	2,259		$	(37	)	$	(75	)
	Unamortized prior service costs	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Net initial asset recognition	—			—			—			—			—			—
		$	17,992		$	14,235		$	4,716		$	2,259		$	(37	)	$	(75	)
		Employee Plan						VIP Plan						Directors Plan
		1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14
	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
	Net loss (gain)	$	4,893		$	(407	)	$	2,636		$	(176	)	$	8		$	(29	)
	Prior service cost				—												—
	Amortization of (loss) gain	(1,136		)	(2,264		)	(178		)	(222		)	31			14
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization of initial asset	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	$	3,757		$	(2,671	)	$	2,458		$	(398	)	$	39		$	(15	)
	Items to be Recognized as a Component of Periodic Pension Cost for next fiscal year
	Prior service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,529			1,136			484			178			—			(31		)
	$	1,529		$	1,136		$	484		$	178		$	—		$	(31	)
Supplemental Data
Projected benefit obligation	$	37,708		$	32,069		$	10,104		$	7,662		$	428		$	439
Accumulated benefit obligation	37,708			32,069			10,104			7,662			428			439
Fair value of plan assets	21,187			18,168			—			—			—			—
Components of Net Cost
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost	1,260			1,312			350			330			17			18
Expected return on plan assets	(1,102		)	(1,119		)	—			—			—			—
Amortization of transition amount	—			—			—			—			—			—
Recognized (gain) loss due to curtailments	—			—			—			—			—			—
Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—						—
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,136			2,264			178			222			(31		)	(14		)
Benefit cost	$	1,294		$	2,457		$	528		$	552		$	(14	)	$	4
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
FYE 01-31-2016	$	4,789					$	613					$	51
FYE 01-31-2017	2,686						339						48
FYE 01-31-2018	1,619						325						45
FYE 01-31-2019	2,045						350						42
FYE 01-31-2020	1,737						368						39
FYE 01-31-2021 to 2025	11,117						1,916						148
Total	$	23,993					$	3,911					$	373
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligations at
Year-End
Discount rate	3.25		%	4.25		%	3.5		%	4.75		%	3.25		%	4.25		%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost
Discount rate	4.25		%	4		%	4.75		%	4.25		%	4.25		%	4		%
Expected return on plan assets	6.5		%	6.5		%	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
Employee Plan
	1/31/15			1/31/14
Level 1 Measurement
Cash & Cash Equivalents	$	528		$	372
Common Stock	6,476			5,085
Total Level 1	$	7,004		$	5,457
Level 2 Measurement
Bond Index Fund	$	427		$	354
Core Bond CIT Fund	1,457			1,172
US Aggregate Bond Index Fund	627			355
Large Cap Growth Index Fund	3,610			3,758
Large Cap Value Index Fund	3,561			2,765
Russell 2000 Index Fund	1,499			1,602
International Equity Index Fund	1,653			1,359
Managed Investment Fund	1,075			938
Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets Fund	274			408
Total Level 2	$	14,183		$	12,711
Level 3 Measurement
None	N/A			N/A
401(k) Retirement Plan
The Company’s retirement plan, which covers all U.S. employees, allows participants to defer from 1% to 50% of their eligible compensation through a 401(k) retirement program. Through December 31, 2001, the plan included an employee stock ownership component. The plan continues to include Virco stock as one of the investment options. At January 31, 2015 and 2014, the plan held 689,284 shares and 771,070 shares of Virco stock, respectively. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, the Company made a small contribution to employees enrolled in the Plan in connection with an auto enrollment program. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no employer match and therefore no compensation cost to the Company.
Life Insurance
The Company provided post-retirement life insurance to certain retired employees under the Dual Option Life Insurance Plan. Effective January 2004, the Company terminated this plan for active employees. The Company has purchased split-dollar life insurance on the lives of the covered participants. Death benefits due to participants are approximately $2,950,000. Cash surrender values of these policies, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, were $2,924,000 and $3,076,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Death benefits payable under the policies were approximately $5,696,000 and $5,990,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Death benefits received under the Plan in excess of the benefit obligation will be retained in the trust and used to secure and fund benefits payable under the VIP Pension Plan. The Company maintains a rabbi trust to hold assets related to the Dual Option Life Insurance Plan. All assets securing this plan are held in the rabbi trust.
The following sets forth the Company's change in death benefits payable during the years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:
	1/31/15			1/31/14
Liability beginning of year	$	2,401,000		$	2,316,000
Accretion expense	104,000			85,000
Present value of death benefits paid	(117,000		)	—
Liability end of year	$	2,388,000		$	2,401,000

StockBased_Compensation_and_St

Stock-Based Compensation and Stockholders' Rights	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation and Stockholders' Rights	Stock-Based Compensation and Stockholders’ Rights
	Stock Incentive Plans
	The Company's two stock plans are the 2011 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and the 2007 Employee Incentive Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Under the 2011 Plan, the Company may grant an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares to its employees and non-employee directors in the form of stock options or awards. Restricted stock or stock units awarded under the 2011 Plan are expensed ratably over the vesting period of the awards. The Company determines the fair value of its restricted stock unit awards and related compensation expense as the difference between the market value of the awards on the date of grant less the exercise price of the awards granted. The Company granted 518,626 awards during fiscal 2014. As of January 31, 2015, there were approximately 878,694 shares available for future issuance under the 2011 Plan.
	Under the 2007 Plan, the Company may grant an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares to its employees and non-employee directors in the form of stock options or awards. Restricted stock or stock units awarded under the 2007 Plan are expensed ratably over the vesting period of the awards. The Company determines the fair value of its restricted stock unit awards and related compensation expense as the difference between the market value of the awards on the date of grant less the exercise price of the awards granted. The Company granted no awards during fiscal 2014. As of January 31, 2015, there were approximately 13,075 shares available for future issuance under the 2007 Plan.
	Accounting for the Plans
	Restricted Stock Unit Awards
	The following table presents a summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards:
				Expense for 12 months ended								Unrecognized
												Compensation
												Cost at
	Date of Grants	Units Granted	Terms of Vesting	1/31/15		1/31/14			1/31/13			1/31/15
	2011 Stock Incentive Plan
	6/24/14	28,626	1 year	$	49,000	$	—		$	—		$	25,000
	6/24/14	490,000	5 years	171,000		—			—			1,108,000
	12/3/13	10,000	1 year	13,000		6,000			—			—
	12/3/13	18,000	5 years	—		1,000			—			—
	6/25/13	71,430	1 year	50,000		100,000			—			—
	6/19/12	31,250	1 year	—		17,000			33,000			—
	6/19/12	520,000	5 years	157,000		160,000			111,000			366,000
	2007 Stock Incentive Plan
	6/19/12	78,125	1 year	—		41,000			82,000			—
	3/21/12	40,000	Immediate	—		—			80,000			—
	6/21/11	68,960	1 year	—		—			67,000			—
	6/16/09	382,500	5 years	62,000		198,000			226,000			—
	6/19/07	262,500	5 years	—		—			99,000			—
	Totals for the period			$	502,000	$	523,000		$	698,000		$	1,499,000
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit awards activity, and related information for the following years ended January 31, is as follows:
		2015				2014					2013
		Restricted		Weighted-		Restricted		Weighted-			Restricted			Weighted-
		stock units		average fair		stock units		average fair			stock units			average fair
				value of				value of						value of
				restricted				restricted						restricted
				stock units				stock units						stock units
	Outstanding at beginning of year	544,430		$	1.87	743,375		$	1.89		290,960			$	3.8
	Granted	518,626		2.61		99,430		2.07			669,375			1.62
	Vested	(232,430	)	2.38		(260,375	)	2.01			(204,960	)		3.63
	Forfeited	(18,000	)	2.61		(38,000	)	2			(12,000	)		3.5
	Outstanding at end of year	812,626		1.87		544,430		1.87			743,375			1.89
	Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year			$	2.61			$	2.07					$	1.62
	The aggregate fair value of restricted stock unit awards vested during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $553,000, $523,000 and $744,000, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The income tax expense (benefit) for the last three years is reconciled to the statutory federal income tax rate using the liability method as follows (in thousands):
		Year ended January 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Statutory	$	312		$	(929	)	$	(1,373	)
	State taxes (net of federal tax)	144			(47		)	(124		)
	Change in valuation allowance	(248		)	(253		)	1,480
	State rate adjustment	(8		)	82			49
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits	(19		)	(32		)	(246		)
	Other	(112		)	176			5
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	69		$	(1,003	)	$	(209	)
	Significant components of the expense (benefit) for income taxes (in thousands) attributed to continuing operations are as follows:
		Year ended January 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Current
	Federal	$	—		$	1		$	—
	State	35			(24		)	(275		)
		35			(23		)	(275		)
	Deferred
	Federal	232			(753		)	(1,192		)
	State	48			23			(223		)
		280			(730		)	(1,415		)
	Change in Valuation Allowance	(246		)	(250		)	1,481
		34			(980		)	66
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	69		$	(1,003	)	$	(209	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands) are comprised of the following:
		Year ended January 31,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets
	Accrued vacation and sick leave	$	1,003		$	913
	Retirement plans	10,887			8,960
	Insurance reserves	830			956
	Warranty	487			481
	Net operating loss carryforwards	13,303			12,494
	Intangibles	145			207
	Inventory	1,472			1,590
	Other	595			907
		$	28,722		$	26,508
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,407	)
	Other	(85		)	(76		)
		$	(1,543	)	$	(1,483	)
	Valuation allowance	(26,399		)	(24,210		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	780		$	815
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	156		$	203
	Long-term deferred tax assets	624			611
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from February 1, 2013 to January 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		January 31,
		2015			2014
	Balances as of February 1,	$	52		$	106
	Increases related to prior year tax positions	3			—
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions	—			(9		)
	Increases related to current year tax positions	6			5
	Decreases relating to settlements with taxing authorities	—			(19		)
	Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations	(25		)	(31		)
	Balance as of January 31,	$	36		$	52
	At January 31, 2015, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions were $36,000, of which $24,000 if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate.
	The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense which is consistent with the recognition of the items in prior reporting. The Company had recorded a liability for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $6,000 at January 31, 2015, and $16,000 at January 31, 2014. The Company closed its IRS examination for its tax return for the year ended January 31, 2011 with no changes. The Company is currently under IRS examination for the year ended January 31, 2013. No adjustments have been proposed. The years ended January 31, 2012 and forward remain open for examination by the IRS. The fiscal years ended January 31, 2011 and forward remain open for examination by state tax authorities. The Company is not currently under state examination.
	During 2014 and 2013, the Company completed Texas income tax examinations of the tax years ending January 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The examination did not materially impact the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The specific timing of when the resolution of each tax position will be reached is uncertain. As of January 31, 2015, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by $8,000 within the next 12 months due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance was recorded against the majority of the net deferred tax assets totaling $26,399,000 and $24,210,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At January 31, 2015, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes, expiring at various dates through 2035. At January 31, 2015, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $26,340,000 and $54,332,000, respectively.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments
	The Company has operating leases on real property and equipment that expire at various dates. The Torrance, CA manufacturing and distribution facility is leased under a 5-year operating lease that expires on February 28, 2020. One of the Conway, AR manufacturing facilities is leased under a 10-year operating lease that expires on March 31, 2018. The Company leases machinery and equipment under a 5-year operating lease arrangement. The Company has the option of buying out the assets at the end of the lease period. The Company leases trucks, automobiles, and forklifts under operating leases that include certain fleet management and maintenance services. Certain of the leases contain renewal or purchase options and require payment for property taxes and insurance. The Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis based on contractual lease payments. Allowances from lessors for tenant improvements have been included in the straight-line rent expense for applicable locations. Tenant improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the applicable lease.
	Minimum future lease payments (in thousands) for operating leases in effect as of January 31, 2015, are as follows:
	Year ending January 31,
	2016	$	3,364
	2017	4,059
	2018	4,541
	2019	4,176
	2020	4,157
	Thereafter	347
	Total minimum lease payments	20,644
	Less sublease revenues	—
		$	20,644
	Rent expense relating to operating leases was as follows (in thousands):
	Year ended January 31,
	2015	$	6,025
	2014	6,555
	2013	6,629
	The Company has issued purchase commitments for raw materials at January 31, 2015, of approximately $9,664,000. There were no commitments in excess of normal operating requirements.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies
	The Company and other furniture manufacturers are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the discharge of materials into the environment and the generation, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of waste and hazardous materials. The Company has expended, and expects to continue to spend, significant amounts in the future to comply with environmental laws. Normal recurring expenses relating to operating the Company factories in a manner that meets or exceeds environmental laws are matched to the cost of producing inventory. Despite the Company’s significant dedication to operating in compliance with applicable laws, there is a risk that the Company could fail to comply with a regulation or that applicable laws and regulations change. On these occasions, the Company records liabilities for remediation costs when remediation costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated.
	The Company is subject to contingencies pursuant to environmental laws and regulations that in the future may require the Company to take action to correct the effects on the environment of prior disposal practices or releases of chemical or petroleum substances by the Company or other parties.
	The Company has a self-insured retention for product and general liability losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, workers’ compensation liability losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, and for automobile liability losses up to $50,000 per occurrence. The Company has purchased insurance to cover losses in excess of the retention up to a limit of $30,000,000. The Company has obtained an actuarial estimate of its total expected future losses for liability claims and recorded a liability equal to the net present value of $2,130,000 and $2,425,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, based upon the Company’s estimated payout period of five years using a 0.5% and 0.5% discount rate, respectively.
	Workers’ compensation, automobile, general and product liability claims may be asserted in the future for events not currently known by management. Management does not anticipate that any related settlement, after consideration of the existing reserve for claims incurred and potential insurance recovery, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Estimated payments under the self-insurance programs are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending January 31,
	2015	$	400
	2016	375
	2017	375
	2018	375
	2019	375
	Thereafter	250
	Total	2,150
	Discount to net present value	(20		)
		$	2,130
	The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various legal proceedings resulting from operations in the normal course of business. It is the opinion of management, in consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of all such matters will not materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Warranty

Warranty	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranty	Warranty
	The Company provides a warranty against all substantial defects in material and workmanship. In 2005 the Company extended its standard warranty from five years to 10 years. Effective February 1, 2014 the Company modified its warranty to a limited lifetime warranty. The new warranty effective February 1, 2014 is not anticipated to have a significant effect on warranty expense. The Company’s warranty is not a guarantee of service life, which depends upon events outside the Company’s control and may be different from the warranty period. The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based upon both product sales data and an analysis of actual warranty claims incurred. The following is a summary of the Company’s warranty-claim activity during 2014 and 2013.
		January 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	1,000		$	1,000
	Provision for current year	650			600
	Provision for (benefits from) prior year	(258		)	(220		)
	Costs incurred	(442		)	(380		)
	Ending balance	$	950		$	1,000

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	The Company has evaluated events subsequent to January 31, 2015, to assess the need for potential recognition or disclosure in this report. Such events were evaluated through the date these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, it was determined that no subsequent events occurred that require recognition or additional disclosure in the financial statements except for Amendment No. 9, dated March 31, 2015 to the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2011, which is disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
	The Company’s quarterly results for the years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, as adjusted, are summarized as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Q1			Q2		Q3		Q4
	Year ended January 31, 2015
	Net sales*	$	23,383		$	53,042	$	62,273	$	25,354
	Gross profit*	8,030			20,696		20,672		6,000
	Net (loss) income	(3,855		)	5,203		4,632		(5,131		)
	Per common share
	Net (loss) income**
	Basic	$	(0.26	)	$	0.35	$	0.31	$	(0.35	)
	Assuming dilution	(0.26		)	0.35		0.31		(0.35		)
	Year ended January 31, 2014
	Net sales*	$	19,713		$	56,794	$	59,055	$	19,480
	Gross profit*	6,232			21,447		20,762		4,113
	Net (loss) income	(4,447		)	6,210		3,408		(6,901		)
	Per common share
	Net (loss) income**
	Basic	$	(0.31	)	$	0.43	$	0.23	$	(0.47	)
	Assuming dilution	(0.31		)	0.42		0.23		(0.47		)
	______________________________
	*	The Company revised the presentation of previously reported amounts to be consistent with the presentation for the year ended January 31, 2015. The changes resulted in decreases to net sales, gross margin and selling, general, and administrative expenses for the quarters ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	** Net loss per share was calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	VIRCO MFG. CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
	(In Thousands)
	Col. A	Col. B		Col. C		Col. E		Col. F
		Beginning Balance		Charged to (Reduced from)		Deductions from		Ending Balance
				Expenses		Reserves
	Allowance for doubtful accounts for the period ended:
	January 31, 2015	$	200	$	115	$	115	$	200
	January 31, 2014	$	275	$	3	$	78	$	200
	January 31, 2013	$	350	$	75	$	150	$	275
	Warranty reserve for the period ended:
	January 31, 2015	$	1,000	$	442	$	492	$	950
	January 31, 2014	$	1,000	$	380	$	380	$	1,000
	January 31, 2013	$	1,400	$	140	$	540	$	1,000
	Product, general, workers’ compensation and automobile liability reserves for the period ended:
	January 31, 2015	$	2,425	$	—	$	295	$	2,130
	January 31, 2014	$	2,985	$	—	$	560	$	2,425
	January 31, 2013	$	2,915	$	70	$	—	$	2,985
	Deferred tax valuation allowance for the period ended:
	January 31, 2015	$	24,210	$	2,189	$	—	$	26,399
	January 31, 2014	$	24,601	$	—	$	391	$	24,210
	January 31, 2013	$	22,859	$	1,742	$	—	$	24,601
	All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable, or are included in the Financial Statements or Notes thereto, and therefore are not required to be presented under this Item.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Virco Mfg. Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Management Use of Estimates	Management Use of Estimates
	Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities - and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities - at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of inventory; deferred tax assets and liabilities; useful lives of property, plant, and equipment; liabilities under pension, warranty, self-insurance, and environmental claims, revenue recognition; and the accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fiscal Year End	Fiscal Year End
	Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, refer to the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Sales to the Company’s recurring customers are generally made on open account with terms consistent with the industry. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and payment history. Past due accounts are determined based on how recently payments have been made in relation to the terms granted. Amounts are written off against the allowance in the period that the Company determines that the receivable is not collectable. The Company purchases insurance on receivables from certain commercial customers to minimize the Company’s credit risk. The Company does not typically obtain collateral to secure credit risk. Customers with inadequate credit are required to provide cash in advance or letters of credit. The Company does not assess interest on receivable balances. A substantial percentage of the Company’s receivables come from low-risk government entities. No customer exceeded 10% of the Company’s sales for each of the three years ended January 31, 2015. Foreign sales were approximately 7.7%, 7.5% and 10.0% of the Company’s sales for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable at January 31, 2015 or 2014. Because of the short time between shipment and collection, the net carrying value of receivables approximates the fair value for these assets.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	The fair values of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are classified in one of the three following categories, which are described below:
	Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in an active market.
	Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.
	Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and involve management judgment and our own assumptions about market participants and pricing.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) and includes material, labor, and factory overhead. The Company maintains allowances for estimated slow moving and obsolete inventory to reflect the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value. Allowances for slow moving and obsolete inventory are determined through a physical inspection of the product in connection with a physical inventory, a review of slow-moving product, and consideration of active marketing programs. The market for education furniture is traditionally driven by value, not style, and the Company has not typically incurred significant obsolescence expenses. If market conditions are less favorable than those anticipated by management, additional allowances may be required. Due to reductions in sales volume in the past years, the Company’s manufacturing facilities are operating at reduced levels of capacity. The Company records the cost of excess capacity as a period expense, not as a component of capitalized inventory valuation.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes based upon the following estimated useful lives:
	Land improvements	5 to 25 years
	Buildings and building improvements	5 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	shorter of lease or useful life
	The Company did not capitalize interest costs as part of the acquisition cost of property, plant and equipment for the years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The Company capitalizes the cost of significant repairs that extend the life of an asset. Repairs and maintenance that do not extend the life of an asset are expensed as incurred. Repair and maintenance expense was $1,616,000, $1,691,000 and $1,681,000 for fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense was $4,408,000, $4,209,000 and $4,368,000 for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company subleased space at one of its facilities on a month-to-month basis during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Rental income was $40,000 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	The Company has established asset retirement obligations related to leased manufacturing facilities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations.” Accrued asset retirement obligations are recorded at net present value and discounted over the life of the lease. Asset retirement obligations, included in other non-current liabilities were $572,000 and $563,000 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
		January 31,
		2015		2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	563,000	$	554,000
	Decrease in obligation	—		—
	Accretion expense	9,000		9,000
	Balance at end of period	$	572,000	$	563,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	An impairment loss is recognized in the event facts and circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, and an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Impairment is recorded based on the excess of the carrying amount of the impaired asset over the fair value. Generally, fair value represents the Company’s expected future cash flows from the use of an asset or group of assets, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risks involved.
Net Loss per Share	Net Income (Loss) per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilution effect of stock grants. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
	In thousands, except per share data	2014		2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)	$	849	$	(1,730	)	$	(3,830	)
	Denominator
	Weighted-average shares — basic	14,756		14,620			14,387
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	231		—			—
	Weighted-average shares — diluted (1)	14,987		14,620			14,387
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.06	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.27	)
	Diluted	0.06		(0.12		)	(0.27		)
	___________________
	-1	For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, approximately 180,000 and 119,000 shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Environmental Costs	Environmental Costs
	The Company is subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which it operates that (a) govern operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as the discharge of materials into the environment, as well as handling, storage, transportation and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, and (b) impose liability for response costs and certain damages resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous materials. Normal, recurring expenses related to operating the Company's factories in a manner that meets or exceeds environmental laws and regulations are matched to the cost of producing inventory.
	Despite our efforts to comply with existing laws and regulations, compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable.
	Costs incurred to investigate and remediate environmental waste are expensed, unless the remediation extends the useful life of the assets employed at the site. At January 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had not capitalized any remediation costs and had not recorded any amortization expense in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed in the period during which the advertising space is run. Selling, general and administrative expenses include advertising costs of $1,277,000 in 2014, $1,246,000 in 2013, and $1,103,000 in 2012. Prepaid advertising costs reported as an asset on the balance sheet at January 31, 2015 and 2014, were $244,000 and $242,000, respectively.
Product Warranty Expense	Product Warranty Expense
	The Company provides a product warranty on most products. The standard warranty offered on products sold through January 31, 2005 is five years. Effective February 1, 2005, the standard warranty was increased to 10 years on products sold after February 1, 2005. Effective February 1, 2014 the Company modified its warranty to a limited lifetime warranty. The new warranty effective February, 1, 2014 is not anticipated to have a significant effect on warranty expense. The Company generally provides that customers can return a defective product during the specified warranty period following purchase in exchange for a replacement product or that the Company can repair the product at no charge to the customer. The Company determines whether replacement or repair is appropriate in each circumstance. The Company uses historic data to estimate appropriate levels of warranty reserves. Because product mix, production methods, and raw material sources change over time, historic data may not always provide precise estimates for future warranty expense. The Company recorded warranty reserves of $950,000 and $1,000,000 as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Self-Insurance	Self-Insurance
	In 2014 and 2013, the Company was self-insured for product and general liability losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, for workers’ compensation losses up to $250,000 per occurrence, and for auto liability up to $50,000 per occurrence. Actuaries assist the Company in determining its liability for the self-insured component of claims, which have been discounted to their net present value utilizing a discount rate of 0.50% in 2014 and 0.50% in 2013.
Share-based Compensation Plans	Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost for shares that are expected to vest, on a straight-line basis, over the requisite service period of the award.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is recognized when title passes under its various shipping terms, when installation services are complete, and when collectability is reasonably assured. The Company reports sales net of sales returns and allowances, sales taxes imposed by various government authorities, cash discounts and rebate to customers. In most instances, the Company sells furniture on bids and contracts, which may include multiple elements. For sales that include freight to the customer, many sales are delivered on the same day shipped, with an average delivery being in route for 1 to 3 days. Installation, which involves carrying the furniture to the classroom and setting the desks and chairs in place, typically occurs the day the furniture is delivered.
	In accordance with ASC 605, 25, “Revenue Recognition - Multiple-Element Arrangements,” revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are generally accounted for by the Company on a combined unit of accounting as our customers control our ability to deliver and install the furniture, and as a result the furniture delivery and installation are generally provided at the same time. We recognize the consideration for the combined unit of accounting once the final item has been delivered and installed.
Delivery Costs	Delivery Costs
	For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, shipping and classroom delivery costs of approximately $15,411,000, $14,576,000 and $15,040,000, respectively, were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Accounting for Income Taxes	Accounting for Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes deferred income taxes under the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded when it is determined to be more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.
Correction of Immaterial Errors	Correction of Immaterial Errors
	In connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the Company determined that certain payments directly made to customers, which were previously included in selling, general, and administrative expenses, should instead be reflected as decreases to net sales. The current year Consolidated Statement of Operations properly reflects payments directly made to customers as decreases to net sales. The Company evaluated the impact of this error on prior years’ financial statements and concluded that it was immaterial for the years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, and for all interim periods within those years. While the amounts included in prior years were considered to be immaterial, the Company elected to revise the presentation of previously reported amounts to be consistent with the presentation for the year ended January 31, 2015. The changes resulted in decreases to net sales, gross margin and selling, general, and administrative expenses of $878,000 and $944,000, for the years ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The unaudited quarterly results included in Note 11 have also been updated to reflect this change for all periods presented.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") an updated standard on revenue recognition. This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance.  ASU 2014-09 provides enhancements to the quality and consistency of how revenue is reported while also improving comparability in the financial statements of companies reporting using US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  The core principle of the new standard is for companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so the Company may be required to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current authoritative guidance. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This standard sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate, each reporting period, whether there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and if so, to provide related footnote disclosures. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016.  We are currently evaluating this new standard and expect it to have no impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization computed on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes based upon estimated useful lives	Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes based upon the following estimated useful lives:
	Land improvements	5 to 25 years
	Buildings and building improvements	5 to 40 years
	Machinery and equipment	3 to 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	shorter of lease or useful life
Asset retirement obligations related to leased manufacturing facilities
		January 31,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	563,000		$	554,000
	Decrease in obligation	—			—
	Accretion expense	9,000			9,000
	Balance at end of period	$	572,000		$	563,000
Computation of basic and diluted loss per share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
	In thousands, except per share data	2014			2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)	$	849		$	(1,730	)	$	(3,830	)
	Denominator
	Weighted-average shares — basic	14,756			14,620			14,387
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	231			—			—
	Weighted-average shares — diluted (1)	14,987			14,620			14,387
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.06		$	(0.12	)	$	(0.27	)
	Diluted	0.06			(0.12		)	(0.27		)
	___________________
	-1	For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, approximately 180,000 and 119,000 shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:
		January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Balance as of beginning of year	$	(13,980	)	$	(15,986	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(7,537		)	458
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,283			1,548
	Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	(6,254		)	2,006
	Balance as of end of year	$	(20,234	)	$	(13,980	)

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding balances of long-term debt	Outstanding balances (in thousands) for the Company’s long-term debt were as follows:
		January 31,
	In thousands, except per share data	2015		2014
	Revolving credit line	$	9,366	$	8,248
	Other	153		—
	Total debt	9,519		8,248
	Less current portion	3,366		2,248
	Non-current portion	$	6,153	$	6,000
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	As of January 31, 2015, long-term debt repayments are approximately as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending January 31,
	2016	$	3,366
	2017	6,153
	2018	—
	2019	—
	2020	—
	Thereafter	—

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of pension plans	The following tables set forth (in thousands) the funded status of the Company’s pension plans at January 31, 2015, and 2014:
		Employee Plan						VIP Plan						Directors Plan
		1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation at beg. of year	$	32,069		$	32,840		$	7,662		$	8,054		$	439		$	468
	Service cost	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Interest cost	1,260			1,312			350			330			17			18
	Participant contributions				—						—			—			—
	Amendments				—						—			—			—
	Actuarial losses (gains)	5,962			596			2,636			(176		)	8			(29		)
	Plan settlement	—			(2,148		)				—						—
	Benefits paid	(1,583		)	(531		)	(544		)	(546		)	(36		)	(18		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	37,708		$	32,069		$	10,104		$	7,662		$	428		$	439
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value at beg. of year	$	18,168		$	16,875		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	2,172			2,122			—			—			—			—
	Company contributions	2,430			1,850			544			546			36			18
	Settlements	—			(2,148		)				—						—
	Benefits paid	(1,583		)	(531		)	(544		)	(546		)	(36		)	(18		)
	Fair value at end of year	$	21,187		$	18,168		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Funded Status
	Unfunded status of the plan	$	(16,521	)	$	(13,901	)	$	(10,104	)	$	(7,662	)	$	(428	)	$	(439	)
	Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
	Current liabilities	—			—			(613		)	(584		)	—			(66		)
	Non-current liabilities	(16,521		)	(13,901		)	(9,491		)	(7,078		)	(428		)	(373		)
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(16,521	)	$	(13,901	)	$	(10,104	)	$	(7,662	)	$	(428	)	$	(439	)
	Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position and Operations
	Accrued benefit liability	$	(16,521	)	$	(13,901	)	$	(10,104	)	$	(7,662	)	$	(428	)	$	(439	)
	Accumulated other comp. loss (gain)	—			14,235			4,716			2,259			—			(75		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(16,521	)	$	334		$	(5,388	)	$	(5,403	)	$	(428	)	$	(514	)
	Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	$	17,992		$	14,235		$	4,716		$	2,259		$	(37	)	$	(75	)
	Unamortized prior service costs	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Net initial asset recognition	—			—			—			—			—			—
		$	17,992		$	14,235		$	4,716		$	2,259		$	(37	)	$	(75	)
		Employee Plan						VIP Plan						Directors Plan
		1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14			1/31/15			1/31/14
	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
	Net loss (gain)	$	4,893		$	(407	)	$	2,636		$	(176	)	$	8		$	(29	)
	Prior service cost				—												—
	Amortization of (loss) gain	(1,136		)	(2,264		)	(178		)	(222		)	31			14
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization of initial asset	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	$	3,757		$	(2,671	)	$	2,458		$	(398	)	$	39		$	(15	)
	Items to be Recognized as a Component of Periodic Pension Cost for next fiscal year
	Prior service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,529			1,136			484			178			—			(31		)
		$	1,529		$	1,136		$	484		$	178		$	—		$	(31	)
	Supplemental Data
	Projected benefit obligation	$	37,708		$	32,069		$	10,104		$	7,662		$	428		$	439
	Accumulated benefit obligation	37,708			32,069			10,104			7,662			428			439
	Fair value of plan assets	21,187			18,168			—			—			—			—
	Components of Net Cost
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	1,260			1,312			350			330			17			18
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,102		)	(1,119		)	—			—			—			—
	Amortization of transition amount	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Recognized (gain) loss due to curtailments	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	—			—			—			—						—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	1,136			2,264			178			222			(31		)	(14		)
	Benefit cost	$	1,294		$	2,457		$	528		$	552		$	(14	)	$	4
	Estimated Future Benefit Payments
	FYE 01-31-2016	$	4,789					$	613					$	51
	FYE 01-31-2017	2,686						339						48
FYE 01-31-2018	1,619						325						45
FYE 01-31-2019	2,045						350						42
FYE 01-31-2020	1,737						368						39
FYE 01-31-2021 to 2025	11,117						1,916						148
Total	$	23,993					$	3,911					$	373
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligations at
Year-End
Discount rate	3.25		%	4.25		%	3.5		%	4.75		%	3.25		%	4.25		%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost
Discount rate	4.25		%	4		%	4.75		%	4.25		%	4.25		%	4		%
Expected return on plan assets	6.5		%	6.5		%	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Fair value measurements of plan assets
		1/31/15			1/31/14
	Level 1 Measurement
	Cash & Cash Equivalents	$	528		$	372
	Common Stock	6,476			5,085
	Total Level 1	$	7,004		$	5,457
	Level 2 Measurement
	Bond Index Fund	$	427		$	354
	Core Bond CIT Fund	1,457			1,172
	US Aggregate Bond Index Fund	627			355
	Large Cap Growth Index Fund	3,610			3,758
	Large Cap Value Index Fund	3,561			2,765
	Russell 2000 Index Fund	1,499			1,602
	International Equity Index Fund	1,653			1,359
	Managed Investment Fund	1,075			938
	Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets Fund	274			408
	Total Level 2	$	14,183		$	12,711
	Level 3 Measurement
	None	N/A			N/A
Life insurance liability	The following sets forth the Company's change in death benefits payable during the years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:
		1/31/15			1/31/14
	Liability beginning of year	$	2,401,000		$	2,316,000
	Accretion expense	104,000			85,000
	Present value of death benefits paid	(117,000		)	—
	Liability end of year	$	2,388,000		$	2,401,000

StockBased_Compensation_and_St1

Stock-Based Compensation and Stockholders' Rights (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Award Activity	The following table presents a summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards:
				Expense for 12 months ended								Unrecognized
												Compensation
												Cost at
	Date of Grants	Units Granted	Terms of Vesting	1/31/15		1/31/14			1/31/13			1/31/15
	2011 Stock Incentive Plan
	6/24/14	28,626	1 year	$	49,000	$	—		$	—		$	25,000
	6/24/14	490,000	5 years	171,000		—			—			1,108,000
	12/3/13	10,000	1 year	13,000		6,000			—			—
	12/3/13	18,000	5 years	—		1,000			—			—
	6/25/13	71,430	1 year	50,000		100,000			—			—
	6/19/12	31,250	1 year	—		17,000			33,000			—
	6/19/12	520,000	5 years	157,000		160,000			111,000			366,000
	2007 Stock Incentive Plan
	6/19/12	78,125	1 year	—		41,000			82,000			—
	3/21/12	40,000	Immediate	—		—			80,000			—
	6/21/11	68,960	1 year	—		—			67,000			—
	6/16/09	382,500	5 years	62,000		198,000			226,000			—
	6/19/07	262,500	5 years	—		—			99,000			—
	Totals for the period			$	502,000	$	523,000		$	698,000		$	1,499,000
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit awards activity, and related information for the following years ended January 31, is as follows:
		2015				2014					2013
		Restricted		Weighted-		Restricted		Weighted-			Restricted			Weighted-
		stock units		average fair		stock units		average fair			stock units			average fair
				value of				value of						value of
				restricted				restricted						restricted
				stock units				stock units						stock units
	Outstanding at beginning of year	544,430		$	1.87	743,375		$	1.89		290,960			$	3.8
	Granted	518,626		2.61		99,430		2.07			669,375			1.62
	Vested	(232,430	)	2.38		(260,375	)	2.01			(204,960	)		3.63
	Forfeited	(18,000	)	2.61		(38,000	)	2			(12,000	)		3.5
	Outstanding at end of year	812,626		1.87		544,430		1.87			743,375			1.89
	Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year			$	2.61			$	2.07					$	1.62

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciled to statutory rate	The income tax expense (benefit) for the last three years is reconciled to the statutory federal income tax rate using the liability method as follows (in thousands):
		Year ended January 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Statutory	$	312		$	(929	)	$	(1,373	)
	State taxes (net of federal tax)	144			(47		)	(124		)
	Change in valuation allowance	(248		)	(253		)	1,480
	State rate adjustment	(8		)	82			49
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits	(19		)	(32		)	(246		)
	Other	(112		)	176			5
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	69		$	(1,003	)	$	(209	)
Significant components of expense (benefit)	Significant components of the expense (benefit) for income taxes (in thousands) attributed to continuing operations are as follows:
		Year ended January 31,
		2015			2014			2013
	Current
	Federal	$	—		$	1		$	—
	State	35			(24		)	(275		)
		35			(23		)	(275		)
	Deferred
	Federal	232			(753		)	(1,192		)
	State	48			23			(223		)
		280			(730		)	(1,415		)
	Change in Valuation Allowance	(246		)	(250		)	1,481
		34			(980		)	66
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	69		$	(1,003	)	$	(209	)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands) are comprised of the following:
		Year ended January 31,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets
	Accrued vacation and sick leave	$	1,003		$	913
	Retirement plans	10,887			8,960
	Insurance reserves	830			956
	Warranty	487			481
	Net operating loss carryforwards	13,303			12,494
	Intangibles	145			207
	Inventory	1,472			1,590
	Other	595			907
		$	28,722		$	26,508
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Tax in excess of book depreciation	$	(1,458	)	$	(1,407	)
	Other	(85		)	(76		)
		$	(1,543	)	$	(1,483	)
	Valuation allowance	(26,399		)	(24,210		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	780		$	815
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	156		$	203
	Long-term deferred tax assets	624			611
Unrecognized tax benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from February 1, 2013 to January 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		January 31,
		2015			2014
	Balances as of February 1,	$	52		$	106
	Increases related to prior year tax positions	3			—
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions	—			(9		)
	Increases related to current year tax positions	6			5
	Decreases relating to settlements with taxing authorities	—			(19		)
	Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations	(25		)	(31		)
	Balance as of January 31,	$	36		$	52

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments [Abstract]
Minimum future lease payments	Minimum future lease payments (in thousands) for operating leases in effect as of January 31, 2015, are as follows:
	Year ending January 31,
	2016	$	3,364
	2017	4,059
	2018	4,541
	2019	4,176
	2020	4,157
	Thereafter	347
	Total minimum lease payments	20,644
	Less sublease revenues	—
		$	20,644
Rent expense	Rent expense relating to operating leases was as follows (in thousands):
	Year ended January 31,
	2015	$	6,025
	2014	6,555
	2013	6,629

Contingencies_Tables

Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Contingencies [Abstract]
Estimated payments under the self-insurance programs	Estimated payments under the self-insurance programs are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending January 31,
	2015	$	400
	2016	375
	2017	375
	2018	375
	2019	375
	Thereafter	250
	Total	2,150
	Discount to net present value	(20		)
		$	2,130

Warranty_Tables

Warranty (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]
Warranty claim activity	The following is a summary of the Company’s warranty-claim activity during 2014 and 2013.
		January 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	1,000		$	1,000
	Provision for current year	650			600
	Provision for (benefits from) prior year	(258		)	(220		)
	Costs incurred	(442		)	(380		)
	Ending balance	$	950		$	1,000

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly results	The Company’s quarterly results for the years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, as adjusted, are summarized as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Q1			Q2		Q3		Q4
	Year ended January 31, 2015
	Net sales*	$	23,383		$	53,042	$	62,273	$	25,354
	Gross profit*	8,030			20,696		20,672		6,000
	Net (loss) income	(3,855		)	5,203		4,632		(5,131		)
	Per common share
	Net (loss) income**
	Basic	$	(0.26	)	$	0.35	$	0.31	$	(0.35	)
	Assuming dilution	(0.26		)	0.35		0.31		(0.35		)
	Year ended January 31, 2014
	Net sales*	$	19,713		$	56,794	$	59,055	$	19,480
	Gross profit*	6,232			21,447		20,762		4,113
	Net (loss) income	(4,447		)	6,210		3,408		(6,901		)
	Per common share
	Net (loss) income**
	Basic	$	(0.31	)	$	0.43	$	0.23	$	(0.47	)
	Assuming dilution	(0.31		)	0.42		0.23		(0.47		)
	______________________________
	*	The Company revised the presentation of previously reported amounts to be consistent with the presentation for the year ended January 31, 2015. The changes resulted in decreases to net sales, gross margin and selling, general, and administrative expenses for the quarters ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	** Net loss per share was calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Concentration of Credit risk) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Period of Manufacturing Operations	65 years
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Foreign sales revenue by percent	7.70%	7.50%	10.00%

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif4

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Repair and maintenance	$1,616,000	$1,691,000	$1,681,000
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,408,000	4,209,000	4,368,000
Rental income	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	25 years
Buildings and building improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	5 years
Buildings and building improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif5

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Asset Retirement Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Asset retirement obligation beginning of period	$563	$554
Decrease in obligation	0	0
Accretion expense	9	9
Asset retirement obligation end of period	$572	$563

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif6

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Oct. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2014		Apr. 30, 2014		Jan. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2013		Apr. 30, 2013		Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($5,131)		$4,632		$5,203		($3,855)		($6,901)		$3,408		$6,210		($4,447)		$849		($1,730)		($3,830)
Weighted-average shares — basic																	14,756,000		14,620,000		14,387,000
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans																	231,000		0		0
Weighted-average shares — diluted																	14,987,000	[1]	14,620,000	[1]	14,387,000	[1]
Basic	($0.35)	[2]	$0.31	[2]	$0.35	[2]	($0.26)	[2]	($0.47)	[2]	$0.23	[2]	$0.43	[2]	($0.31)	[2]	$0.06	[3]	($0.12)	[3]	($0.27)	[3]
Diluted	($0.35)	[2]	$0.31	[2]	$0.35	[2]	($0.26)	[2]	($0.47)	[2]	$0.23	[2]	$0.42	[2]	($0.31)	[2]	$0.06	[3]	($0.12)	[3]	($0.27)	[3]
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents																			180,000		119,000
[1]	For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, approximately 180,000 and 119,000 shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
[2]	Net loss per share was calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.
[3]	Net loss per share for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif7

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Advertising Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising cost	$1,277	$1,246	$1,103
Prepaid advertising costs	$244	$242

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif8

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Product Warranty Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Warranty [Line Items]
Accrued warranty balance	950	$1,000	$1,000
Minimum [Member]
Warranty [Line Items]
Product warranty period	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Warranty [Line Items]
Product warranty period	10 years

Summary_of_Business_and_Signif9

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Self-Insurance) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.50%	0.50%
Product and General Liability [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self insurance reserve	250,000	250,000
Workers Compensation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self insurance reserve	250,000	250,000
Automobile Losses [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self insurance reserve	50,000	50,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Manufacturing Operations and Shipping Fees) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Shipping and delivery costs	$15,411	$14,576	$15,040

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning of year	($13,980)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1,283	1,548	1,629
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-6,254	2,006	-658
Balance as of end of year	-20,234	-13,980
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance as of beginning of year	-13,980	-15,986
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-7,537	458
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	1,283	1,548
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income	-6,254	2,006	-658
Balance as of end of year	($20,234)	($13,980)	($15,986)

Recovered_Sheet3

Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Correction of Immaterial Errors) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Impact of prior period immaterial error on net sales, gross margin and S,G&A expenses	($878,000)	($944,000)

Debt_Longterm_Debt_Details

Debt (Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$9,519	$8,248
Less current portion	3,366	2,248
Non-current portion	6,153	6,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	9,366	8,248
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$153	$0

Debt_Longterm_Debt_Repayments_

Debt (Long-term Debt Repayments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$3,366
2016	6,153
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	$0

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum EBITDA	$7,281,000
Revolving credit facility	50,000,000
Sub-limit for issuances of letters of credit	3,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility bears interest increased	2.00%
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	1
Debt Instrumet, Covenant, Maintained Tangible Net Worth	22,573,000
Provision to reduce borrowings under the line	6,000,000
Provision to reduce borrowings under the line, period	60 days
Judgments or judicial actions against the borrowers in excess	250,000
Accounts receivable [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowing base limitation	85.00%
Inventory [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowing base limitation	60.00%
Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	8,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	14,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Accounts receivable [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowing base limitation	85.00%
Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum EBITDA	5,512,000
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	1
PNC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity	10,658,000
PNC [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Minimum tangible net worth covenant	25,190,000
Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility bears interest range of	1.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility bears interest range of	2.75%
Alternate Base Rate Loans [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility bears interest range of	0.75%
Alternate Base Rate Loans [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility bears interest range of	1.75%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrumet, Covenant, Maintained Tangible Net Worth		$20,565,000

Retirement_Plans_Pension_Plans

Retirement Plans (Pension Plans, Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Life	$9,486,000	$9,462,000
Restructuring expense	287,000	1,408,000	760,000
Company contributions	2,400,000	1,800,000	2,000,000
Benefit payments	580,000	564,000	561,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	22,700,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	20,200,000
Employee Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Percentage of trust assets managed	70.00%
Liability increase for pension obligations	5,400,000		2,000,000
Company contributions	2,430,000	1,850,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss net of tax	0	14,235,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-4,893,000	407,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	0	0
VIP Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit of average compensation	50.00%
Benefit of average compensation period	5 years
Cash surrender value	3,311,000	3,238,000
Liability increase for pension obligations	1,700,000		300,000
Company contributions	544,000	546,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss net of tax	4,716,000	2,259,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-2,636,000	176,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	0	0
Directors Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Director years of service	10 years
Liability increase for pension obligations	20,000		10,000
Company contributions	36,000	18,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss net of tax	0	-75,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-8,000	29,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	0	0
Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Restructuring expense			760,000
Common Stock [Member] | Employee Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Long-term asset allocation target	80.00%
Debt Securities [Member] | Employee Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Long-term asset allocation target	20.00%
Short-term investment funds	14.00%	12.00%
Large Cap Stock [Member] | Employee Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Long-term asset allocation target	80.00%
Small Cap Stock [Member] | Employee Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Long-term asset allocation target	30.00%
International Stock [Member] | Employee Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Long-term asset allocation target	30.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Estimated contributions to qualified pension plans for 2015				2,300,000
Estimated future contributions to non-qualified plans for 2015				$664,000

Retirement_Plans_Funded_Status

Retirement Plans (Funded Status) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Change in Plan Assets
Company contributions	$2,400	$1,800	$2,000
Employee Plan [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beg. of year	32,069	32,840
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	1,260	1,312
Participant contributions		0
Amendments		0
Actuarial losses (gains)	5,962	596
Plan settlement	0	-2,148
Benefits paid	-1,583	-531
Benefit obligation at end of year	37,708	32,069
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value at beg. of year	18,168	16,875
Actual return on plan assets	2,172	2,122
Company contributions	2,430	1,850
Plan settlement	0	-2,148
Benefits paid	-1,583	-531
Fair value at end of year	21,187	18,168
Unfunded status of the plan	-16,521	-13,901
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
Current liabilities	0	0
Non-current liabilities	-16,521	-13,901
Accrued benefit cost	-16,521	-13,901
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position and Operations
Accrued benefit liability	-16,521	-13,901
Accumulated other comp. loss (gain)	0	-14,235
Net amount recognized	-16,521	334
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	17,992	14,235
Unamortized prior service costs	0	0
Net initial asset recognition	0	0
Net periodic pension expense, included in AOCI	17,992	14,235
VIP Retirement Plan [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beg. of year	7,662	8,054
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	350	330
Participant contributions		0
Amendments		0
Actuarial losses (gains)	2,636	-176
Plan settlement		0
Benefits paid	-544	-546
Benefit obligation at end of year	10,104	7,662
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value at beg. of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Company contributions	544	546
Plan settlement		0
Benefits paid	-544	-546
Fair value at end of year	0	0
Unfunded status of the plan	-10,104	-7,662
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
Current liabilities	-613	-584
Non-current liabilities	-9,491	-7,078
Accrued benefit cost	-10,104	-7,662
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position and Operations
Accrued benefit liability	-10,104	-7,662
Accumulated other comp. loss (gain)	-4,716	-2,259
Net amount recognized	-5,388	-5,403
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	4,716	2,259
Unamortized prior service costs	0	0
Net initial asset recognition	0	0
Net periodic pension expense, included in AOCI	4,716	2,259
Directors Plan [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beg. of year	439	468
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	17	18
Participant contributions	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial losses (gains)	8	-29
Plan settlement		0
Benefits paid	-36	-18
Benefit obligation at end of year	428	439
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value at beg. of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Company contributions	36	18
Plan settlement		0
Benefits paid	-36	-18
Fair value at end of year	0	0
Unfunded status of the plan	-428	-439
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
Current liabilities	0	-66
Non-current liabilities	-428	-373
Accrued benefit cost	-428	-439
Amounts Recognized in Statement of Financial Position and Operations
Accrued benefit liability	-428	-439
Accumulated other comp. loss (gain)	0	75
Net amount recognized	-428	-514
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)	-37	-75
Unamortized prior service costs	0	0
Net initial asset recognition	0	0
Net periodic pension expense, included in AOCI	($37)	($75)

Retirement_Plans_Periodic_Pens

Retirement Plans (Periodic Pension Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	$1,283	$1,548	$1,629
Total recognized in other Comprehensive Income	6,254	-2,006	658
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	20,200
Employee Plan [Member]
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Net loss (gain)	4,893	-407
Prior service cost		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	-1,136	-2,264
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	0
Amortization of initial asset	0	0
Total recognized in other Comprehensive Income	3,757	-2,671
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain)	1,529	1,136
Net periodic pension cost	1,529	1,136
Projected benefit obligation	37,708	32,069	32,840
Accumulated benefit obligation	37,708	32,069
Fair value of plan assets	21,187	18,168	16,875
Components of Net Cost
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	1,260	1,312
Expected return on plan assets	1,102	1,119
Amortization of transition amount	0	0
Recognized (gain) loss due to curtailments	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	1,136	2,264
Benefit cost	1,294	2,457
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
FYE 01-31-2016	4,789
FYE 01-31-2017	2,686
FYE 01-31-2018	1,619
FYE 01-31-2019	2,045
FYE 01-31-2020	1,737
FYE 01-31-2021 to 2025	11,117
Total	23,993
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligations at Year-End
Discount rate	3.25%	4.25%
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost
Discount rate	4.25%	4.00%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%
VIP Retirement Plan [Member]
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Net loss (gain)	2,636	-176
Prior service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	-178	-222
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	0
Amortization of initial asset	0	0
Total recognized in other Comprehensive Income	2,458	-398
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain)	484	178
Net periodic pension cost	484	178
Projected benefit obligation	10,104	7,662	8,054
Accumulated benefit obligation	10,104	7,662
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0
Components of Net Cost
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	350	330
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of transition amount	0	0
Recognized (gain) loss due to curtailments	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	178	222
Benefit cost	528	552
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
FYE 01-31-2016	613
FYE 01-31-2017	339
FYE 01-31-2018	325
FYE 01-31-2019	350
FYE 01-31-2020	368
FYE 01-31-2021 to 2025	1,916
Total	3,911
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligations at Year-End
Discount rate	3.50%	4.75%
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost
Discount rate	4.75%	4.25%
Directors Plan [Member]
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Net loss (gain)	8	-29
Prior service cost		0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)	31	14
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	0
Amortization of initial asset	0	0
Total recognized in other Comprehensive Income	39	-15
Items not yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Pension Expense, Included in AOCI
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain)	0	-31
Net periodic pension cost	0	-31
Projected benefit obligation	428	439	468
Accumulated benefit obligation	428	439
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0
Components of Net Cost
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	17	18
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of transition amount	0	0
Recognized (gain) loss due to curtailments	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	-31	-14
Benefit cost	-14	4
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
FYE 01-31-2016	51
FYE 01-31-2017	48
FYE 01-31-2018	45
FYE 01-31-2019	42
FYE 01-31-2020	39
FYE 01-31-2021 to 2025	148
Total	$373
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Benefit Obligations at Year-End
Discount rate	3.25%	4.25%
Weighted Average Assumptions to Determine Net Periodic Pension Cost
Discount rate	4.25%	4.00%

Retirement_Plans_Fair_Value_of

Retirement Plans (Fair Value of Employee Plan Assets) (Details) (Employee Plan [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$21,187	$18,168	$16,875
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7,004	5,457
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,183	12,711
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	528	372
Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,476	5,085
Bond Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	427	354
Core Bond CIT Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,457	1,172
US Aggregate Bond Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	627	355
Large Cap Growth Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,610	3,758
Large Cap Value Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,561	2,765
Russell 2000 Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,499	1,602
International Equity Index Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,653	1,359
Managed Investment Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,075	938
Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets Fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$274	$408

Retirement_Plans_401k_Retireme

Retirement Plans (401(k) Retirement Plan) (Details) (401(k) Retirement Plan [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Virco stock held in plan	689,284	771,070
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Participant deferral percentage allowance	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Participant deferral percentage allowance	50.00%

Retirement_Plans_Life_Insuranc

Retirement Plans (Life Insurance) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, Life	$9,486,000	$9,462,000
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Amount	2,950,000
Liability beginning of year	2,401,000	2,316,000
Accretion expense	104,000	85,000
Present value of death benefits paid	-117,000	0
Liability end of year	2,388,000	2,401,000
Cash surrender value	2,924,000	3,076,000
Company purchase of life insurance for participants	$5,696,000	$5,990,000

StockBased_Compensation_and_St2

Stock-Based Compensation and Stockholders' Rights (Restricted Stock Units) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Weighted- average fair value of restricted stock units
Aggregate fair value of stock awards vested during the period	$553,000	$523,000	$744,000
Restricted Stock or Stock Units [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	518,626	99,430	669,375
Expense for 12 months ended	502,000	523,000	698,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	1,499,000
Restricted Stock Units
Beginning balance	544,430	743,375	290,960
Granted	518,626	99,430	669,375
Vested	-232,430	-260,375	-204,960
Forfeited	-18,000	-38,000	-12,000
Ending balance	812,626	544,430	743,375
Weighted- average fair value of restricted stock units
Beginning balance	$1.87	$1.89	$3.80
Granted	$2.61	$2.07	$1.62
Vested	$2.38	$2.01	$3.63
Forfeited	$2.61	$2	$3.50
Ending balance	$1.87	$1.87	$1.89
2011 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock or Stock Units [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	518,626
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	518,626
2011 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Issued on Six Twenty Four Two Thousand Fourteen Vesting Over One Year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	28,626
Maximum term of stock options	1 year
Expense for 12 months ended	49,000	0	0
Unrecognized compensation at cost	25,000
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	28,626
2011 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Issued On Two Thousand fourteen Vesting Over Five Year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	490,000
Maximum term of stock options	5 years
Expense for 12 months ended	171,000	0	0
Unrecognized compensation at cost	1,108,000
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	490,000
2011 Plan [Member] | RestrictedStockIssuedOnTwoThousandThirteenTwelveThreeVestingOverFiveYears [Domain]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	18,000
Maximum term of stock options	5 years
Expense for 12 months ended	0	1,000	0
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	18,000
2011 Plan [Member] | 10,000 units of restricted stock issued on 12/3/2013 vesting over 1 year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	10,000
Maximum term of stock options	1 year
Expense for 12 months ended	13,000	6,000	0
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	10,000
2011 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Issued on Two Thousand Thirteen Six Twenty Five Vesting Over One Year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	71,430
Maximum term of stock options	1 year
Expense for 12 months ended	50,000	100,000	0
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	71,430
2011 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units Issued On Two Thousand Twelve Six Nineteen Vesting Over One Year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	31,250
Maximum term of stock options	1 year
Expense for 12 months ended	0	17,000	33,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	31,250
2011 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Issued On Two Thousand Twelve Six Nineteen Vesting Over Five Years [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	520,000
Maximum term of stock options	5 years
Expense for 12 months ended	157,000	160,000	111,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	366,000
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	520,000
2007 Plan [Member] | Grants of Restricted Stock, issued 6/19/2012, vesting over 1 year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	78,125
Maximum term of stock options	1 year
Expense for 12 months ended	0	41,000	82,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	78,125
2007 Plan [Member] | 40,000 Grants of Restricted Stock, issued 3/21/2012, vesting immediately [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	40,000
Expense for 12 months ended	0	0	80,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	40,000
2007 Plan [Member] | 68,960 Grants of Restricted Stock, issued 6/21/2011, vesting over 1 year [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	68,960
Maximum term of stock options	1 year
Expense for 12 months ended	0	0	67,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	68,960
2007 Plan [Member] | 382,500 Restricted Stock Units, issued 6/16/2009, vesting over 5 years [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	382,500
Maximum term of stock options	5 years
Expense for 12 months ended	62,000	198,000	226,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	382,500
2007 Plan [Member] | 262,500 Restricted Stock Units, issued 6/19/2007, vesting over 5 years [Member]
Summary of restricted stock and stock unit awards
Granted	262,500
Maximum term of stock options	5 years
Expense for 12 months ended	0	0	99,000
Unrecognized compensation at cost	$0
Restricted Stock Units
Granted	262,500

StockBased_Compensation_and_St3

Stock-Based Compensation and Stockholders' Rights (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of stock awards vested during the period	$553	$523	$744
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Restricted Stock or Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted during the year	518,626	99,430	669,375
Restricted Stock or Stock Units [Member] | 2007 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant of stock option or awards	1,000,000
Stock available for future issuance	13,075
Restricted Stock or Stock Units [Member] | 2011 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted during the year	518,626
Stock available for future issuance	878,694

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes (Income Tax Expense Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory	$312	($929)	($1,373)
State taxes (net of federal tax)	144	-47	-124
Change in valuation allowance	-248	-253	1,480
State rate adjustment	-8	82	49
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	-19	-32	-246
Other	-112	176	5
Income tax expense (benefit)	$69	($1,003)	($209)

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Current
Federal	$0	$1	$0
State	35	-24	-275
Current income tax benefit (expense)	35	-23	-275
Deferred
Federal	232	-753	-1,192
State	48	23	-223
Total deferred income taxes	280	-730	-1,415
Change in Valuation Allowance	-246	-250	1,481
Deferred income taxes	34	-980	66
Income tax expense (benefit)	$69	($1,003)	($209)

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets
Accrued vacation and sick leave	$1,003	$913
Retirement plans	10,887	8,960
Insurance reserves	830	956
Warranty	487	481
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,303	12,494
Intangibles	145	207
Inventory	1,472	1,590
Other	595	907
Total deferred tax assets	28,722	26,508
Deferred tax liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	-1,458	-1,407
Other	-85	-76
Total deferred tax liabilities	-1,543	-1,483
Valuation allowance	-26,399	-24,210
Net deferred tax asset	780	815
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	156	203
Long-term deferred tax assets	$624	$611

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, unrecognized tax benefits	$52	$106
Increases related to prior year tax positions	3	0
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	0	-9
Increases related to current year tax positions	6	5
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	0	-19
Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations	-25	-31
Ending Balance, unrecognized tax benefits	$36	$52

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$36	$52	$106
Unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably impact effective tax rate	24
Liability for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	6	16
Unrecognized tax benefit amount that is reasonably possible to decrease	8
Valuation allowance	26,399	24,210
Federal net operating loss carryforward	26,340
State net operating loss carryforward	$54,332

Commitments_Lease_Terms_Detail

Commitments (Lease Terms) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Manufacturing and Distribution Facility in Torrance, CA [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Operating lease period	5 years
Manufacturing Facility in Conway, AR [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Operating lease period	10 years

Commitments_Minimum_Future_Lea

Commitments (Minimum Future Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Operating leases payments due 2016	$3,364
Operating leases payments due 2017	4,059
Operating leases payments due 2018	4,541
Operating leases payments due 2019	4,176
Operating leases payments due 2020	4,157
Operating leases payments due Thereafter	347
Total minimum lease payments	20,644
Less sublease revenues	0
Total	$20,644

Commitments_Rent_Expense_Detai

Commitments (Rent Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Commitments [Abstract]
Rent expense	$6,025	$6,555	$6,629

Commitments_Purchase_Commitmen

Commitments (Purchase Commitments) (Details) (Raw Materials [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Raw Materials [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase commitment	$9,664,000

Contingencies_Details_Textual

Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Liability retention losses	$30,000,000
Expected future losses	2,130,000	2,425,000
Estimated payout period	5 years
Discount rate	0.50%	0.50%
Product and General Liability [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self insurance reserve	250,000	250,000
Workers Compensation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self insurance reserve	250,000	250,000
Automobile Losses [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self insurance reserve	$50,000	$50,000

Contingencies_Minimum_Self_Ins

Contingencies (Minimum Self Insurance Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Self Insurance, Future Estimated Payments Due
Estimated self insurance payments due in 2015	$400
Estimated self insurance payments due in 2016	375
Estimated self insurance payments due in 2017	375
Estimated self insurance payments due in 2018	375
Estimated self insurance payments due in 2019	375
Estimated self insurance payments due thereafter	250
Estimated self insurance payments, gross	2,150
Discount to net present value	-20
Estimated self insurance payments, net	$2,130

Warranty_Details

Warranty (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Warranty claim activity
Beginning accrued warranty balance	$1,000	$1,000
Provision	650	600
Provision for (benefits from) prior year	-258	-220
Costs incurred	-442	-380
Ending accrued warranty balance	$950	$1,000
Minimum [Member]
Warranty [Line Items]
Product warranty period	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Warranty [Line Items]
Product warranty period	10 years

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_De

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Oct. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2014		Apr. 30, 2014		Jan. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2013		Apr. 30, 2013		Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$25,354	[1]	$62,273	[1]	$53,042	[1]	$23,383	[1]	$19,480	[1]	$59,055	[1]	$56,794	[1]	$19,713	[1]	$164,052		$155,042		$157,913
Gross profit	6,000	[1]	20,672	[1]	20,696	[1]	8,030	[1]	4,113	[1]	20,762	[1]	21,447	[1]	6,232	[1]	55,398		52,554		50,609
Net income (loss)	($5,131)		$4,632		$5,203		($3,855)		($6,901)		$3,408		$6,210		($4,447)		$849		($1,730)		($3,830)
Per common share
Basic (dollar per share)	($0.35)	[2]	$0.31	[2]	$0.35	[2]	($0.26)	[2]	($0.47)	[2]	$0.23	[2]	$0.43	[2]	($0.31)	[2]	$0.06	[3]	($0.12)	[3]	($0.27)	[3]
Assuming dilution (dollar per share)	($0.35)	[2]	$0.31	[2]	$0.35	[2]	($0.26)	[2]	($0.47)	[2]	$0.23	[2]	$0.42	[2]	($0.31)	[2]	$0.06	[3]	($0.12)	[3]	($0.27)	[3]
[1]	The Company revised the presentation of previously reported amounts to be consistent with the presentation for the year ended January 31, 2015. The changes resulted in decreases to net sales, gross margin and selling, general, and administrative expenses for the quarters ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
[2]	Net loss per share was calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.
[3]	Net loss per share for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were calculated based on basic shares outstanding due to the anti-dilutive effect on the inclusion of common stock equivalent shares.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	$200	$275	$350
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to (Reduced from) Expenses	115	3	75
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions from Reserves	115	78	150
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	200	200	275
Warranty reserve
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	1,000	1,000	1,400
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to (Reduced from) Expenses	442	380	140
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions from Reserves	492	380	540
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	950	1,000	1,000
Product, general, workers’ compensation and automobile liability reserves
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	2,425	2,985	2,915
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to (Reduced from) Expenses	0	0	70
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions from Reserves	295	560	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	2,130	2,425	2,985
Deferred tax valuation allowance
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	24,210	24,601	22,859
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to (Reduced from) Expenses	2,189	0	1,742
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions from Reserves	0	391	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	$26,399	$24,210	$24,601