AstroNova (ALOT) 10-K7 Apr 142014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ASTRO MED INC /NEW/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000008146	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	7,604,734	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$64,654,717

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$8,341	$30,999
Securities Available for Sale	18,766	8,509
Accounts Receivable, net of reserves of $370 in 2014 and $345 in 2013	11,366	9,376
Inventories	15,178	11,179
Deferred Tax Assets	1,673	1,866
Restricted Cash	1,800	1,800
Line of Credit Receivable	240	300
Note Receivable	250	250
Asset Held for Sale	2,120	2,016
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	1,383	696
Current Assets of Discontinued Operations	3,917	3,131
Total Current Assets	65,034	70,122
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
Land and Improvements	873	1,233
Buildings and Improvements	10,341	9,791
Machinery and Equipment	23,746	22,862
Total Property, Plant and Equipment , gross	34,960	33,886
Less Accumulated Depreciation	-27,368	-26,098
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, net	7,592	7,788
OTHER ASSETS	'	'
Goodwill	991	795
Note Receivable	440	756
Deferred Tax Asset	313	356
Identifiable Intangibles	3,400	'
Other	194	96
Total Other Assets	5,338	2,003
TOTAL ASSETS	77,964	79,913
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts Payable	2,374	1,938
Accrued Compensation	3,130	3,176
Other Accrued Expenses	2,310	3,164
Deferred Revenue	454	271
Income Taxes Payable	788	4,169
Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	836	807
Total Current Liabilities	9,892	13,525
Long Term Obligation	250	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities	77	111
Other Long Term Liabilities	1,131	1,289
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	'	1,151
TOTAL LIABILITIES	11,350	16,076
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred Stock, $10 Par Value, Authorized 100,000 shares, None Issued	'	'
Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued 9,291,225 shares in 2014 and 9,031,756 shares in 2013	465	452
Additional Paid-in Capital	41,235	38,786
Retained Earnings	37,201	36,092
Treasury Stock, at Cost, 1,730,042 shares in 2014 and 1,663,214 shares in 2013	-12,463	-11,666
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	176	173
Total Shareholders' Equity	66,614	63,837
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$77,964	$79,913

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Reserves	$370	$345
Preferred Stock, Par Value	$10	$10
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	'	'
Common Stock, Par Value	$0.05	$0.05
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	13,000,000	13,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	9,291,225	9,031,756
Treasury Stock, Shares	1,730,042	1,663,214

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net Sales	$68,592	$61,224
Cost of Sales	41,609	37,496
Gross Profit	26,983	23,728
Costs and Expenses:	'	'
Selling and Marketing	14,774	12,412
Research and Development	5,072	3,816
General and Administrative	5,604	4,574
Operating Expenses	25,450	20,802
Operating Income	1,533	2,926
Other Income (Expense):	'	'
Investment Income	72	55
Other, Net	-193	-96
Other Income (Expense)	-121	-41
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	1,412	2,885
Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations	175	847
Income from Continuing Operations	1,237	2,038
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes of $777 in 2014 and $5,351 in 2013	1,975	8,729
Net Income	$3,212	$10,767
Net Income per Common Share-Basic:	'	'
From Continuing Operations	$0.17	$0.28
From Discontinued Operations	$0.26	$1.18
Net Income Per Common Share-Basic	$0.43	$1.46
Net Income per Common Share-Diluted:	'	'
From Continuing Operations	$0.16	$0.27
From Discontinued Operations	$0.26	$1.17
Net Income Per Common Share-Diluted	$0.42	$1.44
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding-Basic	7,470	7,396
Dilutive effect of options outstanding	227	87
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding-Diluted	7,697	7,483
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$0.28	$0.35

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit) of discontinued operations	$777	$5,351

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income	$3,212	$10,767
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes and reclassification adjustments:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-14	60
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale	17	-8
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3	52
Comprehensive Income	$3,215	$10,819

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balance at beginning of year at Jan. 30, 2012	'	$448	$37,964	$27,920	($10,790)	$121
Par value (proceed) from the exercise of employee stock options	'	2	233	'	'	'
Shares issued to employee stock ownership plan	'	'	'	'	70	'
Net Income	10,767	'	'	10,767	'	'
Other comprehensive income	52	'	'	'	'	52
Share-based compensation	'	'	480	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-770	'	'	'	-770	'
Dividends paid	'	'	'	-2,595	'	'
Tax benefit (expense) of employee stock options	'	'	-68	'	'	'
Purchase of common stock from related parties	'	'	'	'	-176	'
Contribution of treasury shares to employee stock options plan	'	'	29	'	'	'
Employee option exercise and buyback	'	2	148	'	'	'
Balance at end of year at Jan. 31, 2013	63,837	452	38,786	36,092	-11,666	173
Par value (proceed) from the exercise of employee stock options	'	7	1,116	'	'	'
Net Income	3,212	'	'	3,212	'	'
Other comprehensive income	3	'	'	'	'	3
Share-based compensation	'	'	562	'	'	'
Dividends paid	'	'	'	-2,103	'	'
Tax benefit (expense) of employee stock options	'	'	158	'	'	'
Purchase of common stock from related parties	'	'	'	'	-797	'
Employee option exercise and buyback	'	4	674	'	'	'
Restricted stock awards	'	2	-61	'	'	'
Balance at end of year at Jan. 31, 2014	$66,614	$465	$41,235	$37,201	($12,463)	$176

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net Income	$3,212	$10,767
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided (Used) By Operating Activities:	'	'
Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations	-1,800	-10,162
Depreciation and Amortization	1,279	1,331
Share-Based Compensation	562	480
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	-636	-548
Excess Tax Benefit From Share-Based Compensation	-158	'
Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Impact of Acquisition and Divestiture:	'	'
Accounts Receivable	-2,588	-1,256
Inventories	-1,283	-240
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	1,469	-763
Income Taxes Payable	-3,515	4,307
Other	-109	-53
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	-3,567	3,863
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from Sales/Maturities of Securities Available for Sale	10,835	17,640
Purchases of Securities Available for Sale	-21,065	-14,825
Proceeds on the Sale of Grass	'	16,800
Line of Credit Issuance	'	-300
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	-1,128	-849
Acquisition of Miltope Ruggedized Printer Business	-6,732	'
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	-18,090	18,466
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from Common Shares Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans and Employee Stock Option Plans, Net of Payment of Minimum Tax Withholdings	944	232
Purchases of Treasury Stock	'	-770
Shares issued to ESOP	'	99
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation	158	'
Dividends Paid	-2,103	-2,595
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-1,001	-3,034
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-22,658	19,295
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	30,999	11,704
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	8,341	30,999
Supplemental Information:	'	'
Cash Paid During the Period for: Income Taxes, Net of Refunds	$5,085	$2,461

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'

	Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

	Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial data has been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Our fiscal year end is January 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.

	On January 31, 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Grass Technologies Product Group. Consequently, we have classified the results of operations of the Grass Technologies Product Group as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.

	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astro-Med, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

	Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

	Use of Estimates: The presentation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect these financial statements and accompanying notes. Some of the more significant estimates relate to the allowances for doubtful accounts and credits, inventory valuation, valuation and estimated lives of intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, income taxes, share-based compensation and warranty reserves. Management’s estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, past historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and management’s assessments of the probable future outcome of these matters. Consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates.

	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Similar investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as securities available for sale. Cash of $2,544,000 and $1,157,000 was held in foreign bank accounts at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, where available. The difference between cost and fair value, net of related tax effects, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.

	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (land improvements—10 to 20 years; buildings and improvements—10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Depreciation expense was $1,279,000 for fiscal 2014 and $1,331,000 for 2013.

	Revenue Recognition: Astro-Med’s product sales are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred and legal title and risk of loss have passed to the customer; and collectability is reasonably assured. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in sales while related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

	The majority of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the hardware system. Therefore, the Company’s hardware appliances are considered non-software elements and are not subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance.

	Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of equipment, software, installation and/or training services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when all the revenue recognition criteria for each unit are met. Delivery of installation and training services will vary based on certain factors such as the complexity of the equipment, staffing availability in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer.

	We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.

	Infrequently, Astro-Med recognizes revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, we determine whether we have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue. NRE fees have not been significant in the periods presented herein.

	Infrequently, Astro-Med receives requests from customers to hold product purchased from us for the customer’s convenience. Revenue is recognized for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement; the transfer of ownership of the purchased product; a fixed delivery date that is reasonable and consistent with the buyer’s business purpose; the readiness of the product for shipment; the use of customary payment terms; no continuing performance obligation by us; and segregation of the product from our inventories.

	Research and Development Costs: The Company complies with the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) FASB 730, “Research and Development” by charging any costs to expense when incurred, as well as by disclosing in the financial statements the amount of Research & Development charged to expense. These charges include: salaries and benefits, external engineering service costs, engineering related information costs and supplies. The Company also complies with ASC 985-20, “Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed” and ASC 350-40, “Internal-Use Software” in accounting for the costs of software either developed or acquired.

	Foreign Currency: The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with the translation adjustment recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Revenues and costs are translated at average exchange rates during the year. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments associated with our German subsidiary since its undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently invested. Our net foreign exchange losses were $190,000 and $158,000 for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	Advertising: Astro-Med expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs including advertising production, trade shows and other activities are designed to enhance demand for our products and amounted to approximately $1,236,000 and $750,000 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve: Astro-Med reimburses a portion of employee health insurance deductibles and co-payments. The total reimbursement amounted to approximately $201,000 and $313,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively. We accrued approximately $75,000 and $100,000 at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for estimated outstanding reimbursements due to employees, including a reserve for incurred but not reported amounts.



	Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset.

	In 2013, we recognized an impairment of $779,000 related to the Grass Technologies Product Group‘s manufacturing facilities located in Rockland, Massachusetts. This impairment was included as part of the Income from Discontinued Operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the period ended January 31, 2013. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.

	Intangible Assets: Intangible assets include the value of customer relationships and backlog rights acquired in connection with business acquisitions and are recorded at fair value as determined by the Company. These intangible assets have a definite life and are amortized over the assets useful life using a systematic and rational basis which is representative of the asset’s use. Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. For both 2014 and 2013, there were no impairment charges for intangible assets.

	Goodwill: Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two step process is then performed. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, step two is required to determine if there is an impairment of the goodwill. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying amount of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long–term operating cash flow performance. In addition, the Company uses the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving similar business, to support the conclusions based upon the income approach. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital, as well as discount factors and income tax rates.

	We performed a qualitative assessment for our 2014 analysis of goodwill. Based on this assessment, management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceed their fair values. Accordingly, no further testing was performed as management believes that there are no impairment issues in regards to goodwill at this time.

	Income Taxes: Astro-Med uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At January 31, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance was provided for deferred tax assets attributable to certain state R&D credit carryforwards.



	Astro-Med accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This guidance describes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires recognition of tax benefits that satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

	Net Income Per Common Share: Net income per common share has been computed and presented in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 260, “Earnings per Share.” Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based on the basic weighted average number of shares and potential common equivalent shares for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. In fiscal years 2014 and 2013, there were 126,800 and 583,512 common equivalent shares that were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: In circumstances where we are aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and allowances are established to state such receivables at their net realizable value. The remainder of the allowance is based upon historical write-off experience and current market assessments.

	Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, a note receivable, a line of credit receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. Investment securities, all of which are available for sale, are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices, when available. The note receivable is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on the present value of the discounted cash flows over the life of the note.

Share-Based Compensation: We account for share based awards granted to employees and directors using the FASB guidance included in ASC 718, “Stock Compensation.” Effective as of February 1, 2006, we adopted the “modified prospective” transition method provided in ASC 718. Under this method, share-based compensation is recognized in the consolidated statement of operation for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with prior authoritative guidance and for share-based payment awards granted subsequent to February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.

In accordance with ASC 718, share-based compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value of the share-based award when granted to an employee or director. We have estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate of share-based compensation requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk-free interest rate and the Company’s dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of our options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics and the actual vesting schedule of the grant and has assessed the expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The dividend assumption is based upon the prior year’s average dividend yield. No compensation expense is recognized for options that are forfeited for which the employee does not render the requested service. Our accounting for share-based compensation for restricted stock awards (“RSA”) and restricted stock units (“RSU”) is also based on the fair value method. The fair value of the RSUs and RSAs is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of the RSU or RSA.

The cash flow from the tax benefits that are a result of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) are classified as a cash inflow from financing activities and a cash outflow from operating activity in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 718. Tax deductions from certain stock option exercises are treated as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with relevant tax law.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

Income Taxes

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail on these amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We have adopted this guidance in the first quarter ended May 4, 2013 and have provided the disclosure required in Note 8. Since ASU 2013-02 only impacts presentation and disclosure requirements, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
Acquisition	Jan. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'

	Note 2—Acquisition

	On January 22, 2014, Astro-Med completed the acquisition of the Ruggedized Printer Product line from Miltope Corporation (Miltope), a company of VT Systems, which is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and testing of ruggedized computers and computer peripheral equipment for military, industry and commercial applications. Astro-Med’s ruggedized printer product line is part of the Test & Measurement (T&M) product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. The results of the Miltope’s ruggedized printer product line operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company since the acquisition date.

	The purchase price of the acquisition was $6,732,000 which was funded using existing cash on hand. Of the $6,732,000 purchase price, $500,000 will be held in escrow for twelve months following the acquisition date to provide an indemnity to the Company in the event of any breach in the representation, warranties and covenants of Miltope. The assets acquired consist of all of the assets of the Miltope ruggedized printer product line excluding plant and equipment and personnel. Acquisition related costs of approximately $90,000 are included in the general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with the guidance provided by FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.”

	As part of the acquisition, Miltope and Astro-Med have entered into a manufacturing services agreement under which Miltope will provide transition services and continue to manufacture printers for Astro-Med for up to six months until the Company transitions the manufacturing to its West Warwick, Rhode Island facility.



	The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value as follows:



	(In thousands)
	Accounts Receivable	$	713
	Inventories		2,503
	Identifiable Intangible Assets		3,400
	Goodwill		196
	Warranty Reserve		(80	)

	Total Purchase Price	$	6,732


	Goodwill of $196,000, which is deductible for tax purposes, represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value assigned to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Miltope. The carrying amount of the goodwill was allocated to the T&M segment of the Company.

	The following table reflects the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets and related estimated useful lives:



	(In thousands)	Fair			Useful Life
	(In thousands)	Value			(Years)
	Customer Contract Relationships	$	3,100			10
	Backlog		300			1

	Total	$	3,400


	No amortization expense has been included in the income statement for fiscal 2014 in regards to the above acquired intangibles.

	Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:



	(In thousands)	2015			2016		2017		2018		2019
	Estimated amortization expenses	$	702		$	357	$	349	$	331	$	278

	The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisition of Miltope occurred on either February 1, 2013 or 2012. This information has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent the results of operations that would have happened had the acquisition occurred as of the date indicated, nor of future results of operations.



		Years Ended
		January 31
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Net Revenue	$	75,362		$	69,453

	The impact on net income and earnings per share would not have been material to the Company in either year.

Securities_Available_for_Sale

Securities Available for Sale	12 Months Ended
Securities Available for Sale	Jan. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Securities Available for Sale	'

	Note 3—Securities Available for Sale

	Pursuant to our investment policy, securities available for sale include state and municipal securities with various contractual or anticipated maturity dates ranging from one month to three years. These securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes in shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities, if any, are determined on a specific identification basis. A decline in the fair value of any available for sale security below cost that is determined to be other than temporary will result in a write-down of its carrying amount to fair value. No such impairment charges were recorded for any period presented. All short-term investment securities have original maturities greater than 90 days.



	The fair value, amortized cost and gross unrealized gains and losses of the securities are as follows:



		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gains		Losses
	(In thousands)
	January 31, 2014
	State and Municipal Obligations	$	18,729	$	37	$	—	$	18,766


		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gains		Losses
	January 31, 2013
	State and Municipal Obligations	$	8,499	$	10	$	—	$	8,509


	The contractual maturity dates of these securities are as follows:



		January 31,
		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
	Less than one year	$	11,439	$	5,986
	One to three years		7,327		2,523

		$	18,766	$	8,509


	Actual maturities are expected to differ from contractual dates as a result of sales or earlier issuer redemptions.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
Inventories	Jan. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'

	Note 4—Inventories

	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The components of inventories are as follows:



		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Materials and Supplies	$	10,722		$	7,419
	Work-in-Progress		852			590
	Finished Goods		6,798			5,953

			18,372			13,962
	Inventory Reserve		(3,194	)		(2,783	)

	Balance at January 31	$	15,178		$	11,179


	The balance of inventory at January 31, 2014 includes $2,500,000 of inventory related to the acquisition of Miltope.

	Included within finished goods inventory is $767,000 and $812,000 of demonstration equipment at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
Accrued Expenses	Jan. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'

	Note 5—Accrued Expenses

	Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



		January 31,
		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
	Product replacement cost reserve	$	480	$	—
	Reserve for cash in escrow		—		1,800
	Warranty		355		350
	Professional fees		269		174
	Executive retirement package		250		—
	Health insurance reimbursement reserve		75		100
	Dealer commissions		55		91
	Other		826		649

		$	2,310	$	3,164

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
Line of Credit	Jan. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Line of Credit	'

	Note 6—Line of Credit

	On January 15, 2014, the Company amended its agreement with Wells Fargo Bank to increase the existing line of credit from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000. Borrowings under this line of credit bear interest at either a fluctuating 75 basis points below the base rate, as defined in the agreement, or at a fixed rate 150 basis points above LIBOR. At January 31, 2014, there were no borrowings against this line and the entire line is currently available.

Note_Receivable_and_Revolving_

Note Receivable and Revolving Line of Credit Issued	12 Months Ended
Note Receivable and Revolving Line of Credit Issued	Jan. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Note Receivable and Revolving Line of Credit Issued	'

	Note 7—Note Receivable and Revolving Line of Credit Issued

	On January 30, 2012, we completed the sale of our label manufacturing operations in Asheboro, North Carolina to Label Line Ltd. The net sales price of $1,000,000 was received in the form of a promissory note issued by Label Line Ltd. and is fully secured by a first lien on various collateral, including the Asheboro plant and plant assets. The note bears interest at the United States prime rate as of January 30, 2013 plus 50 basis points (3.75% at January 31, 2014) and is payable in sixteen quarterly installments of principal and interest commencing on January 30, 2013. The Note Receivable is disclosed at its present value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2014, $690,000 remains outstanding on this note.

	The terms of the Asheboro sale also included an agreement for Astro-Med to provide Label Line Ltd. with additional financing in form of a revolving line of credit in the amount of $600,000, which is fully secured by a first lien on various collateral, including the Asheboro plant and plant assets. This line of credit bears interest at a rate equal to the United States prime rate plus an additional margin of two percent of the outstanding credit balance (5.25% at January 31, 2014). Although the initial term was for a period of one-year from the date of the sale, the agreement has been extended through January 31, 2015. As of January 31, 2014, $240,000 remains outstanding on this revolving line of credit.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'

	Note 8—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

	The changes in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:



	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency			Unrealized Holding Gain			Total
		Translation			on Available for
		Adjustments			Sale Securities
	Balance at January 31, 2012	$	106		$	15		$	121
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		60			(8	)		52
	Amounts reclassified to Net Income		—			—			—

	Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		60			(8	)		52

	Balance at January 31, 2013		166			7			173
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(14	)		17			3
	Amounts Reclassified to Net Income		—			—			—

	Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(14	)		17			3

	Balance at January 31, 2014	$	152		$	24		$	176


	The amounts presented above in other comprehensive income are net of taxes.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'

	Note 9—Shareholders’ Equity

	The number of shares issued of common stock is summarized below:



			2014				2013
	Balance at beginning of year			9,031,756				8,956,488
	Exercise of employee stock options			210,790				66,313
	Restricted stock vesting			42,325				—
	Shares issued to employee stock purchase plan			3,989				5,976
	Share-based compensation			2,365				2,979

	Balance at end of year			9,291,225				9,031,756


	Common Stock: During fiscal 2014 the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock under the Company’s repurchase program. The Company purchased 110,000 shares of its common stock for $770,000 in fiscal 2013. As of January 31, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to an additional 390,000 shares Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

	During fiscal 2014 and 2013, certain of the Company’s employees delivered a total of 66,828 and 20,938 shares respectively, of the Company’s common stock to satisfy the exercise price for stock options exercised and related taxes. The shares delivered were valued at a total of $797,000 and $176,000, respectively and are included with the treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2014 and 2013. These transactions did not impact the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the Company’s current repurchase program.

	Astro-Med maintains the following benefit plans involving its common stock:

	Stock Plans: Astro-Med has one equity incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and other equity based awards may be granted to officers and certain employees. An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares were authorized for awards under the Plan. At January 31, 2014, 359,475 shares were available for grant under the Plan. Options granted to employees vest over four years. The exercise price of each stock option will be established at the discretion of the Compensation Committee; however, any incentive stock options granted must be at an exercise price of not less than fair market value at the date of grant. In fiscal year 2013, a portion of the Company’s executive’s long-term incentive compensation was awarded in the form of RSUs. The 2013 RSUs are earned if the Company achieves specific thresholds of net sales and annual operating income as established under the fiscal 2013 Domestic Management Bonus Plan and vest fifty percent on the first anniversary of the grant date and fifty percent on the second anniversary of the grant date provided that the grantee is employed on each vesting date by Astro-Med or an affiliate company. All such RSUs were earned in fiscal 2013 and fifty percent vested in March 2013; the balance will vest in March 2014, subject to the grantee’s continued employment. In April 2013, the Company granted options and RSUs to officers (“2014 RSUs”). Each 2014 RSU will be earned and vest as follows: twenty-five percent of the 2014 RSU vests on the third anniversary of the grant date, fifty percent of the 2014 RSU vests upon the Company achieving its cumulative budgeted net sales target for fiscal years 2014 through 2016 (the “Measurement Period”), and twenty-five percent of the total 2014 RSU vests upon the Company’s achieving a target average annual ORONA (operating income return on net assets as calculated under the Domestic Management Bonus Plan) for the Measurement Period. The grantee may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of more than fifty percent of the common stock issued upon vesting of the RSU until the first anniversary of the vesting date.

	The Plan provides for an automatic annual grant of ten-year options to purchase 5,000 shares of stock to each non-employee director upon the adjournment of each shareholders’ meeting. Each such option is exercisable at the fair market value as of the grant date and vests immediately prior to the next succeeding shareholders’ meeting. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, 20,000 options, were awarded each year to non-employee directors pursuant to the Plan. In addition to the automatic option grant under Plan, the Company has a Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program (the “Program”) which provides that each non-employee director is entitled to an annual cash retainer of $7,000 (the “Cash Retainer”), plus $500 for each Board and committee meeting attended. The non-employee director may elect for any fiscal year to receive all or a portion of the Cash Retainer in the form of common stock of the Company, which will be issued under the Plan. If a non-employee director elects to receive all or a portion of the Cash Retainer in the form of common stock, such shares shall be issued in four quarterly installments on the first day of each fiscal quarter, and the number of shares of common stock to be issued shall be based on the fair market value of such common stock on the date such installment is payable. The common stock received in lieu of such Cash Retainer will be fully vested. However, a non-employee director who receives common stock in lieu of all or a portion of the Cash Retainer may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the common stock prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such shares were issuable. In the event of the death or disability of a nonemployee director, or a change in control of the Company, any shares of common stock issued in lieu of such Cash Retainer, shall no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer.

	In addition, under the Program, each non-employee director receives RSAs with a value equal to $20,000 (the “Equity Retainer”) upon adjournment of each annual shareholders meeting. If a non-employee director is first appointed or elected to the Board of Directors effective on a date other than at the annual shareholders meeting, on the date of such appointment or election, the director shall receive a pro rata award of restricted common stock having a value based on the number of days remaining until the next annual meeting. The Equity Retainer will vest on the earlier of 12 months after the grant date or the date immediately prior to the next annual meeting of the shareholders following the meeting at which such RSAs were granted. However, a non-employee director may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the vested common stock prior to the second anniversary of the vesting date. In the event of the death or disability of a non-employee director, or a change in control of the Company, the RSAs shall immediately vest and shall no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer.



	Stock Options:

	Aggregated information regarding stock options granted under the Plan is summarized below:



			Number				Option Price		Weighted Average
			of Shares				Per Share		Option Price Per
									Share
	Options Outstanding, January 31, 2013			916,612			$	2.40-11.90	$	8.46
	Options Granted			56,800			$	10.50-10.60	$	10.54
	Options Exercised			(210,790	)		$	2.40-11.90	$	8.33
	Options Expired			(25,975	)		$	2.40-11.90	$	9.42

	Options Outstanding, January 31, 2014			736,647			$	5.78-11.90	$	8.63

	Options Exercisable, January 31, 2014			570,324			$	5.78-11.90	$	8.57

	Set forth below is a summary of options outstanding at January 31, 2014:



	Outstanding										Exercisable
	Range of		Options				Weighted Average		Remaining		Options		Weighted Average
	Exercise prices		Options				Exercise Price		Contractual Life		Options		Exercise Price
	$5.78-8.73			500,422			$	7.66		4.7		390,299	$	7.57
	$8.74-11.90			236,225			$	10.68		4.7		180,025	$	10.73

				736,647								570,324


	The fair value of each stock option granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:



		Years Ended January 31,
		2014		2013
Risk-free interest rate		0.81%-0.84%		0.62%-1.20%
Expected life (years)		5		5
Expected volatility		38.07%-38.46%		38.74%-39.46%
Expected dividend yield		2.63%		3.41-3.46%

The weighted average fair value of options granted during fiscal 2014 and 2013 was $2.79 and $2.02, respectively. As of January 31, 2014, there was $250,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested stock options granted under the plans. The expense is to be recognized over a weighted average of two years.

As of January 31, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value (the aggregate difference between the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on January 31, 2014, and the exercise price of the outstanding options) that would have been received by the option holders if all options had been exercised was $2,905,000 for all exercisable options and $3,707,000 for all options outstanding. The weighted average remaining contractual terms for these options are 3.6 years for options that are exercisable and 4.7 years for all options outstanding. The total aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2014 and 2013 was $706,000 and $241,000, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs)

Aggregated information regarding RSUs and RSAs granted under the Plan is summarized below:



		RSAs & RSUs				Weighted Average
		RSAs & RSUs				Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 31, 2013			96,900			$	8.1
Granted			57,544				10.14
Vested			(46,798	)			8.27
Expired or canceled			(1,150	)			8.35

Outstanding at January 31, 2014			106,496			$	9.12




As of January 31, 2014, there was $375,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and RSAs.

Share-based compensation expense has been recognized as follows:



		Years Ended January 31,
		2014				2013
(In thousands)
Stock Options		$	192			$	163
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units			370				317

Total		$	562			$	480


Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Astro-Med’s ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a 15% discount from fair market value on the date of purchase. A total of 247,500 shares were initially reserved for issuance under this plan. Summarized plan activity is as follows:



		Years Ended January 31,
		2014				2013
Shares reserved, beginning			64,231				70,207
Shares purchased			(3,989	)			(5,976	)

Shares reserved, ending			60,242				64,231


Employee Stock Ownership Plan: Astro-Med has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) providing retirement benefits to all eligible employees. Annual contributions in amounts determined by the Company’s Board of Directors are invested by the ESOP’s Trustees in shares of common stock of Astro-Med. Contributions may be in cash or stock. Astro-Med’s contributions (paid or accrued) amounted to $100,000 in both fiscal 2014 and 2013 and were recorded as compensation expense. All shares owned by the ESOP have been allocated to participants.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'

	Note 10—Income Taxes

	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:

			Years Ended
			January 31,
			2014				2013
	(In thousands)
	Domestic		$	537			$	1,850
	Foreign			875				1,035

			$	1,412			$	2,885




	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:



			Years Ended
			January 31,
			2014				2013
	(In thousands)
	Current:
	Federal		$	930			$	425
	State			179				(237	)
	Foreign			297				366

				1,406				554


	Deferred:
	Federal			(1,044	)			253
	State			(174	)			38
	Foreign			(13	)			2

				(1,231	)			293

			$	175			$	847


	The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% in fiscal 2014 and 35% in fiscal 2013 to income before income taxes due to the following:



			Years Ended
			January 31,
			2014				2013
	(In thousands)
	Income tax provision at statutory rate		$	480			$	1,010
	State taxes, net of federal tax effect			(74	)			114
	Change in valuation allowance			27				(49	)
	Change in reserves related to ASC 740 liability			(59	)			(197	)
	Meals and entertainment			38				55
	Domestic production deduction			(30	)			(60	)
	Share-based compensation			36				26
	Tax-exempt income			(22	)			(16	)
	R&D credits			(114	)			(106	)
	Foreign rate differential			(26	)			(22	)
	Other permanent differences and miscellaneous, net			(81	)			92

		$	175			$	847




The components of deferred income tax expense arise from various temporary differences and relate to items included in the statement of income. The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



		January 31,
		2014				2013
(In thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets:
Inventory		$	1,792			$	1,258
Stock-Based Compensation			535				403
State R&D Credits			258				231
Compensation Accrual			493				349
ASC 740 Liability Federal Benefit			290				361
Deferred Service Contract Revenue			181				106
Warranty Reserve			137				135
Reserve for Doubtful Accounts			127				117
Foreign Tax Credit			213				—
Other			119				166

			4,145				3,126
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Accumulated Tax Depreciation in Excess of Book Depreciation			830				532
Deferred Gain on Asset Held for Sale			897				—
Currency Translation Adjustment			173				189
Other			78				63

			1,978				784

Subtotal			2,167				2,342
Valuation Allowance			(258	)			(231	)

Net Deferred Tax Assets		$	1,909			$	2,111


In fiscal 2014, we reclassified $1,151,000 from non-current liabilities of discontinued operations to deferred taxes.

At January 31, 2014, we have state net operating loss carryforwards of $392,000, which can be used to offset future tax liabilities and expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2014.

The valuation allowance at January 31, 2014 relates to certain state research and development tax credit carryforwards which are expected to expire unused. The change in the valuation allowance in 2014 is an increase of approximately $27,000 and represents an increase in the reserve due to the generation of research and development credits during the current year, net of federal benefit. The change in the valuation allowance in 2013 was a decrease of approximately $49,000 and represents a reduction in the reserve due to the expiration of research and development credit expensed during the year net of federal benefits.

The Company reasonably believes that it is possible that some unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties could decrease income tax expense in the next year due to either the review of previously filed tax returns or the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties follows:



		2014				2013
(In thousands)
Balance at February 1		$	941			$	780
Increases in prior period tax positions			31				16
Increases in current period tax positions			42				386
Reductions related to lapse of statute of limitations			(299	)			(241	)

Balance at January 31		$	715			$	941




If the $715,000 is recognized, $425,000 would decrease the effective tax rate in the period in which each of the benefits is recognized and the remainder would be offset by a reversal of deferred tax assets.

During fiscal 2014 and 2013 the Company recognized $68,000 of expense and $105,000 of benefit, respectively, related to interest and penalties, which are included as a component of income tax expense in the accompanying statement of income. At January 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had accrued potential interest and penalties of $416,000 and $348,000, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in U.S. federal jurisdictions, various state jurisdictions, and various foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations prior to 2010.

On September 13, 2013, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released final regulations that provided guidance on the application of IRC Section 263(a) for amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property, as well as the rules for materials and supplies and proposed regulations addressing dispositions and general asset accounts. The final regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of these new regulations and do not expect them to have a material impact to our financial statements.

At January 31, 2014, the Company has indefinitely reinvested $3,462,000 of the cumulative undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiary in Germany, all of which would be subject to U.S. taxes if repatriated to the U.S. Through January 31, 2014, the Company has not provided deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of this subsidiary because such earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Non-U.S. income taxes are, however, provided on these undistributed earnings.

Contractual_Obligations

Contractual Obligations	12 Months Ended
Contractual Obligations	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contractual Obligations	'

	Note 11—Contractual Obligations

	The following table summarizes our contractual obligations:



			Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
													and
													Thereafter
	(In thousands)
	Purchase Commitments*		$	12,134	$	11,027	$	909	$	198	$	—	$	—
	Operating Lease Obligations			607		311		164		80		52		—

			$	12,741	$	11,338	$	1,073	$	278	$	52	$	—



	*	Purchase commitments consists primarily of inventory and equipment purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business.

	The Company incurred rent and lease expenses in the amount of $599,000 and $607,000 for the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Nature_of_Operations_Segment_R

Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information	'

	Note 12—Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information

	The Company’s operations consist of the design, development, manufacture and sale of specialty data recorder and acquisition systems, label printing and applicator systems and related consumable supplies. The Company organizes and manages its business as a portfolio of products and services designed around a common theme of data acquisition and information output. The Company reports two reporting segments consistent with its sales product groups: Test & Measurement (T&M) and QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel).

	T&M produces data recording equipment used worldwide for a variety of recording, monitoring and troubleshooting applications for the aerospace, automotive, metal mill, power and telecommunications industries. QuickLabel produces an array of high-technology digital color and monochrome label printers, labeling software and consumables for a variety of commercial industries worldwide.



	Business is conducted in the United States and through foreign affiliates in Canada and Europe. Manufacturing activities are primarily conducted in the United States. Sales and service activities outside the United States are conducted through wholly-owned entities and, to a lesser extent, through authorized distributors and agents. Transfer prices are intended to produce gross profit margins as would be associated with an arms-length transaction.

	On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) in order to focus on its existing core businesses. Grass produced a range of instrumentation equipment and supplies for clinical neurophysiology (EEG and epilepsy monitoring), polysomnography (PSG—Sleep Monitoring) and biomedical research applications used by universities, medical centers and companies engaged in a variety of clinical and research activities. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of Grass as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 19 for further details.

	The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies herein. The Company evaluates segment performance based on the segment profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.

	Summarized below are the Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit (both in dollars and as a percentage of Net Sales) for each reporting segment:




	($ in thousands)		Net Sales						Segment Operating Profit					Segment Operating Profit %
	($ in thousands)		Net Sales						Segment Operating Profit					of Net Sales
			2014			2013			2014			2013		2014			2013
	T&M		$	19,527		$	17,636		$	2,655		$	3,109		13.6	%		17.6	%
	QuickLabel			49,065			43,588			5,154			4,380		10.5	%		10	%

	Total		$	68,592		$	61,224			7,809			7,489		11.4	%		12.2	%

	Product Replacement Costs									672			—
	Corporate Expenses									5,604			4,563

	Operating Income									1,533			2,926
	Other Expense									121			41

	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes									1,412			2,885
	Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations									175			847

										1,237			2,038
	Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes									1,975			8,729

	Net Income								$	3,212		$	10,767


	No customer accounted for greater than 10% of net sales in fiscal 2014 and 2013.

	Other information by segment is presented below:




	(In thousands)		Assets
			2014			2013
	T&M		$	17,049		$	10,493
	QuickLabel			25,306			23,468
	Discontinued Operations			3,917			3,131
	Corporate*			31,692			42,821

	Total		$	77,964		$	79,913




	*	Corporate assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, and building held for sale.




(In thousands)		Depreciation and						Capital Expenditures
(In thousands)		Amortization						Capital Expenditures
		2014			2013			2014			2013
T&M		$	640		$	435		$	585		$	383
QuickLabel			639			710			543			398
Discontinued Operations			—			186			—			68

Total		$	1,279		$	1,331		$	1,128		$	849


Geographical Data

Presented below is selected financial information by geographic area:




(In thousands)		Net Sales						Long-Lived Assets
		2014			2013			2014			2013
United States		$	48,679		$	44,613		$	10,115		$	6,741
Europe			14,909			12,324			538			609
Canada			2,569			2,136			339			438
Asia			1,167			910			—			—
Central and South America			908			752			—			—
Other			360			489			—			—

Total		$	68,592		$	61,224		$	10,992		$	7,788


Long-lived assets excludes goodwill assigned to the T&M segment of $1.0 and $0.7 million at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

ProfitSharing_Plan

Profit-Sharing Plan	12 Months Ended
Profit-Sharing Plan	Jan. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Profit-Sharing Plan	'

	Note 13—Profit-Sharing Plan

	Along with the ESOP described in Note 9, Astro-Med sponsors a Profit-Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) which provides retirement benefits to all eligible domestic employees. The Plan allows participants to defer a portion of their cash compensation and contribute such deferral to the Plan through payroll deductions. The Company makes matching contributions up to specified levels. The deferrals are made within the limits prescribed by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

	All contributions are deposited into trust funds. It is the policy of the Company to fund any contributions accrued. The Company’s annual contribution amounts are determined by the Board of Directors. Contributions paid or accrued amounted to $251,000 and $261,000 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Product_Warranty_Liability

Product Warranty Liability	12 Months Ended
Product Warranty Liability	Jan. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty Liability	'

	Note 14—Product Warranty Liability

	Astro-Med offers a manufacturer’s warranty for the majority of its hardware products. The specific terms and conditions of warranty vary depending upon the product sold and country in which the Company does business. For products sold in the United States, the Company provides a basic limited warranty, including parts and labor. The Company estimates the warranty costs based on historical claims experience and records a liability in the amount of such estimates at the time product revenue is recognized. The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Activity in the product warranty liability is as follows:



		January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of the year	$	350		$	343
	Warranties issued		447			783
	Settlements made		(442	)		(776	)

	Balance, end of the year	$	355		$	350

Product_Replacement_Costs

Product Replacement Costs	12 Months Ended
Product Replacement Costs	Jan. 31, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Product Replacement Costs	'

	Note 15—Product Replacement Costs

	In April 2013, tests conducted by the Company revealed that one of its suppliers had been using non-conforming part in certain models of Astro-Med’s Test & Measurement printers. No malfunctions have been reported by customers as a result of the non-conforming material.

	Upon identifying this issue, Astro-Med immediately suspended production of the printers, notified all customers and contacted the supplier who confirmed the problem. Astro-Med is working with its customers to replace the non-conforming material on existing printers with conforming material and will do this on a gradual basis over several months. The estimated costs associated with the replacement program were $672,000, which was based upon the number of printers shipped during the period the non-conforming material was used. Those costs were recognized and recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and are included in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. The Company has settled $192,000 in recovery expenses as of January 31, 2014 and the related remaining reserve amount of $480,000 is included in Other Accrued Expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet dated January 31, 2014.

	Astro-Med is currently receiving power supplies with compliant materials and has resumed printer production and shipments to customers.

	Since the supplier deviated from the agreed upon specifications for the power supply while providing certificates of conformance to the original specifications, in January 2014, Astro-Med received a $450,000 settlement from the supplier for recovery of the costs and expense associated with this issue. This settlement was recorded in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. In addition to this cash settlement, the Company will receive lower product prices from the supplier for a period of three years.

Concentration_of_Risk

Concentration of Risk	12 Months Ended
Concentration of Risk	Jan. 31, 2014
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Concentration of Risk	'

	Note 16—Concentration of Risk

	Credit is generally extended on an uncollateralized basis to almost all customers after review of credit worthiness. Concentration of credit and geographic risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number and general dispersion of accounts which constitute the Company’s customer base. The Company periodically performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers. The Company has not historically experienced significant credit losses on collection of its accounts receivable.

	Excess cash is invested principally in investment grade government and state municipal securities. The Company has established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that maintain safety of principal, liquidity and yield. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to reflect changes in market conditions. The Company has not historically experienced any significant losses on its cash equivalents or investments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'

	Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies

	Astro-Med is subject to contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business that cover a wide range of matters including, among others, contract and employment claims, workers compensation claims, product liability, warranty and modification, adjustment or replacement of component parts of units sold.

	Direct costs associated with the estimated resolution of contingencies are accrued at the earliest date at which it is deemed probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular future period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of the Company’s control.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Jan. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'

	Note 18—Fair Value Measurements

	We measure our financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered hierarchy for inputs used in management’s determination of fair value of financial instruments that emphasizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect management’s belief about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a financial instrument based on the best information available in the circumstances.

	The fair value hierarchy is summarized as follows:


		•		Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
		•		Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
		•		Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

	Cash and cash equivalents; accounts receivables; line of credit receivable; accounts payable, note receivable, accrued compensation and other expenses; and income tax payable are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the these instruments.

	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:



	January 31, 2014		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
	Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)		$	4,734	$	—	$	—	$	4,734
	State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)			—		18,766		—		18,766

	Total		$	4,734	$	18,766	$	—	$	23,500


	January 31, 2013		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
	Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)		$	8,784	$	—	$	—	$	8,784
	State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)			8,509		—		—		8,509

	Total		$	17,293	$	—	$	—	$	17,293


	At the beginning of fiscal 2014, we transferred our investments in state and municipal obligations from Level 1 to Level 2 to more accurately reflect the inputs used in valuation pursuant to ASC 820.

	For our money market funds and state and municipal obligations, we utilize the market approach to measure fair value. The market approach is based on using quoted market prices for identical assets.

	For our Note Receivable we utilized the income approach to measure fair value by discounting the present value of the Note. The discount rate used is based on similar rates used for high credit ratings and highly collateralized lending.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Jan. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'

	Note 19—Discontinued Operations

	On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) which manufactured polysomnography and electroencephalography systems and related accessories and propriety electrodes for use in both research and clinical settings. The assets sold consisted primarily of working capital (exclusive of inventory and accounts payable related to manufacturing), the engineering, sales and support workforce, intellectual property and certain other related assets. The proceeds from the sale consisted of $18.6 million in cash, of which $16.8 million was recognized in fiscal 2013 and the remaining $1.8 million, which was held in escrow following the closing date of the transaction, was recognized in fiscal 2014.

	As part of this transaction, Astro-Med entered into a Transition Service Agreement (TSA) with the purchaser in which the Company has provided transition services and continued to manufacture Grass products for the purchaser through January 31, 2014, at which time the purchaser was obligated to acquire the remaining inventory. The Company determined that cash flows from this activity were not and will not be material to its recurring operations. At January 31, 2014, the Company has completed its responsibility under the TSA, closed its Rockland facility which is in the process of being sold (as described below) and terminated substantially all employees related to Grass.

	As a result of the above, the Company has classified the results of operations of the Grass Technologies Product Group as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

	Results for discontinued operations are as follows:



		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
	Net Sales	$	8,401	$	19,195
	Cost of Sales	$	7,353	$	9,072
	Gross Profit	$	1,048	$	10,123

	Operating Expenses	$	96	$	6,205
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	952	$	3,918

	Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations	$	1,800	$	10,162
	Income Tax Expense	$	777	$	5,351
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	1,975	$	8,729

	Included in the above calculation of the Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations for 2013 is a charge of $779,000 related to the impairment of the Grass Technologies Product Group facility located in Rockland, Massachusetts. The impairment charge was based on the fair value of the facility, less costs to sell, using market values for similar properties which is a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 18. In February 2014, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell the property to an independent buyer and this transaction is expected to close in April 2014. As a result, the property is currently disclosed at its fair market value and is classified as an asset held for sale in the accompanying balance sheet for the period ended January 31, 2014.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	Jan. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	'

	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES



	Description		Balance at		Provision		Deductions(2)			Balance
			Beginning		Charged to					at End
			of Year		Operations					of Year
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts(1):
	(In thousands)
	Year Ended January 31,
	2014		$	345	$	119	$	(94	)	$	370
	2013		$	356	$	70	$	(81	)	$	345


	-1	The allowance for doubtful accounts has been netted against accounts receivable as of the respective balance sheet dates.
	-2	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries, also includes foreign exchange adjustment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'

	Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial data has been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Our fiscal year end is January 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.

	On January 31, 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Grass Technologies Product Group. Consequently, we have classified the results of operations of the Grass Technologies Product Group as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.
Principles of Consolidation	'
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astro-Med, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassification	'
Reclassification	Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Use of Estimates	'

	Use of Estimates: The presentation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect these financial statements and accompanying notes. Some of the more significant estimates relate to the allowances for doubtful accounts and credits, inventory valuation, valuation and estimated lives of intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, income taxes, share-based compensation and warranty reserves. Management’s estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, past historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and management’s assessments of the probable future outcome of these matters. Consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Similar investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as securities available for sale. Cash of $2,544,000 and $1,157,000 was held in foreign bank accounts at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Securities Available for Sale	'
Securities Available for Sale	Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, where available. The difference between cost and fair value, net of related tax effects, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (land improvements—10 to 20 years; buildings and improvements—10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Depreciation expense was $1,279,000 for fiscal 2014 and $1,331,000 for 2013.
Revenue Recognition	'

	Revenue Recognition: Astro-Med’s product sales are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred and legal title and risk of loss have passed to the customer; and collectability is reasonably assured. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in sales while related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

	The majority of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the hardware system. Therefore, the Company’s hardware appliances are considered non-software elements and are not subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance.

	Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of equipment, software, installation and/or training services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when all the revenue recognition criteria for each unit are met. Delivery of installation and training services will vary based on certain factors such as the complexity of the equipment, staffing availability in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer.

	We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.

	Infrequently, Astro-Med recognizes revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, we determine whether we have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue. NRE fees have not been significant in the periods presented herein.

	Infrequently, Astro-Med receives requests from customers to hold product purchased from us for the customer’s convenience. Revenue is recognized for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement; the transfer of ownership of the purchased product; a fixed delivery date that is reasonable and consistent with the buyer’s business purpose; the readiness of the product for shipment; the use of customary payment terms; no continuing performance obligation by us; and segregation of the product from our inventories.
Research and Development Costs	'
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs: The Company complies with the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) FASB 730, “Research and Development” by charging any costs to expense when incurred, as well as by disclosing in the financial statements the amount of Research & Development charged to expense. These charges include: salaries and benefits, external engineering service costs, engineering related information costs and supplies. The Company also complies with ASC 985-20, “Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed” and ASC 350-40, “Internal-Use Software” in accounting for the costs of software either developed or acquired.
Foreign Currency	'
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency: The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with the translation adjustment recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Revenues and costs are translated at average exchange rates during the year. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments associated with our German subsidiary since its undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently invested. Our net foreign exchange losses were $190,000 and $158,000 for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Advertising	'
Advertising	Advertising: Astro-Med expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs including advertising production, trade shows and other activities are designed to enhance demand for our products and amounted to approximately $1,236,000 and $750,000 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively
Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve	'
Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve	Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve: Astro-Med reimburses a portion of employee health insurance deductibles and co-payments. The total reimbursement amounted to approximately $201,000 and $313,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively. We accrued approximately $75,000 and $100,000 at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for estimated outstanding reimbursements due to employees, including a reserve for incurred but not reported amounts.
Long-Lived Assets	'

	Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset.

	In 2013, we recognized an impairment of $779,000 related to the Grass Technologies Product Group‘s manufacturing facilities located in Rockland, Massachusetts. This impairment was included as part of the Income from Discontinued Operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the period ended January 31, 2013. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.
Intangible Assets	'

	Intangible Assets: Intangible assets include the value of customer relationships and backlog rights acquired in connection with business acquisitions and are recorded at fair value as determined by the Company. These intangible assets have a definite life and are amortized over the assets useful life using a systematic and rational basis which is representative of the asset’s use. Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. For both 2014 and 2013, there were no impairment charges for intangible assets.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill: Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two step process is then performed. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, step two is required to determine if there is an impairment of the goodwill. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying amount of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long–term operating cash flow performance. In addition, the Company uses the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving similar business, to support the conclusions based upon the income approach. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital, as well as discount factors and income tax rates.
	We performed a qualitative assessment for our 2014 analysis of goodwill. Based on this assessment, management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceed their fair values. Accordingly, no further testing was performed as management believes that there are no impairment issues in regards to goodwill at this time.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes: Astro-Med uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At January 31, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance was provided for deferred tax assets attributable to certain state R&D credit carryforwards.
	Astro-Med accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This guidance describes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires recognition of tax benefits that satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Net Income Per Common Share	'

	Net Income Per Common Share: Net income per common share has been computed and presented in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 260, “Earnings per Share.” Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based on the basic weighted average number of shares and potential common equivalent shares for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. In fiscal years 2014 and 2013, there were 126,800 and 583,512 common equivalent shares that were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: In circumstances where we are aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and allowances are established to state such receivables at their net realizable value. The remainder of the allowance is based upon historical write-off experience and current market assessments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, a note receivable, a line of credit receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. Investment securities, all of which are available for sale, are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices, when available. The note receivable is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on the present value of the discounted cash flows over the life of the note.
Share-Based Compensation	'

	Share-Based Compensation: We account for share based awards granted to employees and directors using the FASB guidance included in ASC 718, “Stock Compensation.” Effective as of February 1, 2006, we adopted the “modified prospective” transition method provided in ASC 718. Under this method, share-based compensation is recognized in the consolidated statement of operation for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with prior authoritative guidance and for share-based payment awards granted subsequent to February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.

	In accordance with ASC 718, share-based compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value of the share-based award when granted to an employee or director. We have estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate of share-based compensation requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk-free interest rate and the Company’s dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of our options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics and the actual vesting schedule of the grant and has assessed the expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The dividend assumption is based upon the prior year’s average dividend yield. No compensation expense is recognized for options that are forfeited for which the employee does not render the requested service. Our accounting for share-based compensation for restricted stock awards (“RSA”) and restricted stock units (“RSU”) is also based on the fair value method. The fair value of the RSUs and RSAs is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of the RSU or RSA.

	The cash flow from the tax benefits that are a result of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) are classified as a cash inflow from financing activities and a cash outflow from operating activity in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 718. Tax deductions from certain stock option exercises are treated as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with relevant tax law.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'

	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

	Income Taxes

	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

	Comprehensive Income

	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail on these amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We have adopted this guidance in the first quarter ended May 4, 2013 and have provided the disclosure required in Note 8. Since ASU 2013-02 only impacts presentation and disclosure requirements, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures	'
Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures	We measure our financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered hierarchy for inputs used in management’s determination of fair value of financial instruments that emphasizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect management’s belief about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a financial instrument based on the best information available in the circumstances.

Acquisition_Tables

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquisition (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Unaudited Pro forma Information	'

	This information has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent the results of operations that would have happened had the acquisition occurred as of the date indicated, nor of future results of operations.



		Years Ended
		January 31
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Net Revenue	$	75,362		$	69,453
Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]	'
Purchase Price of the Acquisition Allocated on the Basis of the Estimated Fair Value	'

	The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value as follows:



	(In thousands)
	Accounts Receivable	$	713
	Inventories		2,503
	Identifiable Intangible Assets		3,400
	Goodwill		196
	Warranty Reserve		(80	)

	Total Purchase Price	$	6,732

Fair Value of the Acquired Identifiable Intangible Assets and Related Estimated Useful Lives	'
	The following table reflects the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets and related estimated useful lives:



	(In thousands)	Fair			Useful Life
	(In thousands)	Value			(Years)
	Customer Contract Relationships	$	3,100			10
	Backlog		300			1

	Total	$	3,400

Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense for Next Five Years	'

	Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:



	(In thousands)	2015			2016		2017		2018		2019
	Estimated amortization expenses	$	702		$	357	$	349	$	331	$	278

Securities_Available_for_Sale_

Securities Available for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Securities Available for Sale (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Amortized Cost and Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses of the Securities	'
	The fair value, amortized cost and gross unrealized gains and losses of the securities are as follows:


		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gains		Losses
	(In thousands)
	January 31, 2014
	State and Municipal Obligations	$	18,729	$	37	$	—	$	18,766


		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gains		Losses
	January 31, 2013
	State and Municipal Obligations	$	8,499	$	10	$	—	$	8,509

Contractual Maturity Dates of Securities	'

	The contractual maturity dates of these securities are as follows:



		January 31,
		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
	Less than one year	$	11,439	$	5,986
	One to three years		7,327		2,523

		$	18,766	$	8,509

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventories	'

	The components of inventories are as follows:



		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Materials and Supplies	$	10,722		$	7,419
	Work-in-Progress		852			590
	Finished Goods		6,798			5,953

			18,372			13,962
	Inventory Reserve		(3,194	)		(2,783	)

	Balance at January 31	$	15,178		$	11,179

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accrued Expenses (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Summary of Accrued Expenses	'

	Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



		January 31,
		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
	Product replacement cost reserve	$	480	$	—
	Reserve for cash in escrow		—		1,800
	Warranty		355		350
	Professional fees		269		174
	Executive retirement package		250		—
	Health insurance reimbursement reserve		75		100
	Dealer commissions		55		91
	Other		826		649

		$	2,310	$	3,164

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in the Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'

	The changes in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income by component are as follows:



	(In thousands)	Foreign Currency			Unrealized Holding Gain			Total
		Translation			on Available for
		Adjustments			Sale Securities
	Balance at January 31, 2012	$	106		$	15		$	121
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		60			(8	)		52
	Amounts reclassified to Net Income		—			—			—

	Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		60			(8	)		52

	Balance at January 31, 2013		166			7			173
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(14	)		17			3
	Amounts Reclassified to Net Income		—			—			—

	Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(14	)		17			3

	Balance at January 31, 2014	$	152		$	24		$	176

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Number of Shares Issued of Common Stock	'

	The number of shares issued of common stock is summarized below:



		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year		9,031,756			8,956,488
	Exercise of employee stock options		210,790			66,313
	Restricted stock vesting		42,325			—
	Shares issued to employee stock purchase plan		3,989			5,976
	Share-based compensation		2,365			2,979

	Balance at end of year		9,291,225			9,031,756

Aggregated Information Regarding Stock Options Granted	'
	Aggregated information regarding stock options granted under the Plan is summarized below:


		Number			Option Price			Weighted Average
		of Shares			Per Share			Option Price Per
								Share
	Options Outstanding, January 31, 2013		916,612		$	2.40-11.90		$	8.46
	Options Granted		56,800		$	10.50-10.60		$	10.54
	Options Exercised		(210,790	)	$	2.40-11.90		$	8.33
	Options Expired		(25,975	)	$	2.40-11.90		$	9.42

	Options Outstanding, January 31, 2014		736,647		$	5.78-11.90		$	8.63

	Options Exercisable, January 31, 2014		570,324		$	5.78-11.90		$	8.57
Summary of Options Outstanding	'
	Set forth below is a summary of options outstanding at January 31, 2014:


	Outstanding									Exercisable
	Range of	Options			Weighted Average			Remaining		Options		Weighted Average
	Exercise prices	Options			Exercise Price			Contractual Life		Options		Exercise Price
	$5.78-8.73		500,422		$	7.66			4.7		390,299	$	7.57
	$8.74-11.90		236,225		$	10.68			4.7		180,025	$	10.73

			736,647								570,324

Fair Value of Stock Options Granted	'

	The fair value of each stock option granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:



		Years Ended January 31,
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	0.81%-0.84%		0.62%-1.20%
	Expected life (years)	5		5
	Expected volatility	38.07%-38.46%		38.74%-39.46%
	Expected dividend yield	2.63%		3.41-3.46%
Aggregated Information Regarding RSUs Granted	'

	Aggregated information regarding RSUs and RSAs granted under the Plan is summarized below:



		RSAs & RSUs			Weighted Average
		RSAs & RSUs			Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 31, 2013		96,900		$	8.1
	Granted		57,544			10.14
	Vested		(46,798	)		8.27
	Expired or canceled		(1,150	)		8.35

	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		106,496		$	9.12

Share-Based Compensation Expense	'

	Share-based compensation expense has been recognized as follows:



		Years Ended January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Stock Options	$	192		$	163
	Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units		370			317

	Total	$	562		$	480

Summarized Plan Activity	'
	Summarized plan activity is as follows:


		Years Ended January 31,
		2014			2013
	Shares reserved, beginning		64,231			70,207
	Shares purchased		(3,989	)		(5,976	)

	Shares reserved, ending		60,242			64,231

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	'

	The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:

		Years Ended
		January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Domestic	$	537		$	1,850
	Foreign		875			1,035

		$	1,412		$	2,885

Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations	'

	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:



		Years Ended
		January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	930		$	425
	State		179			(237	)
	Foreign		297			366

			1,406			554


	Deferred:
	Federal		(1,044	)		253
	State		(174	)		38
	Foreign		(13	)		2

			(1,231	)		293

		$	175		$	847

Components of Difference Between Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations and Amount Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate	'

	The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% in fiscal 2014 and 35% in fiscal 2013 to income before income taxes due to the following:



		Years Ended
		January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Income tax provision at statutory rate	$	480		$	1,010
	State taxes, net of federal tax effect		(74	)		114
	Change in valuation allowance		27			(49	)
	Change in reserves related to ASC 740 liability		(59	)		(197	)
	Meals and entertainment		38			55
	Domestic production deduction		(30	)		(60	)
	Share-based compensation		36			26
	Tax-exempt income		(22	)		(16	)
	R&D credits		(114	)		(106	)
	Foreign rate differential		(26	)		(22	)
	Other permanent differences and miscellaneous, net		(81	)		92

		$	175		$	847

Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that gave Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'

	The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



		January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Inventory	$	1,792		$	1,258
	Stock-Based Compensation		535			403
	State R&D Credits		258			231
	Compensation Accrual		493			349
	ASC 740 Liability Federal Benefit		290			361
	Deferred Service Contract Revenue		181			106
	Warranty Reserve		137			135
	Reserve for Doubtful Accounts		127			117
	Foreign Tax Credit		213			—
	Other		119			166

			4,145			3,126
	Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Accumulated Tax Depreciation in Excess of Book Depreciation		830			532
	Deferred Gain on Asset Held for Sale		897			—
	Currency Translation Adjustment		173			189
	Other		78			63

			1,978			784

	Subtotal		2,167			2,342
	Valuation Allowance		(258	)		(231	)

	Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	1,909		$	2,111

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties	'

	A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties follows:



		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Balance at February 1	$	941		$	780
	Increases in prior period tax positions		31			16
	Increases in current period tax positions		42			386
	Reductions related to lapse of statute of limitations		(299	)		(241	)

	Balance at January 31	$	715		$	941

Contractual_Obligations_Tables

Contractual Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Contractual Obligations (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Contractual Obligations	'

	The following table summarizes our contractual obligations:



			Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
													and
													Thereafter
	(In thousands)
	Purchase Commitments*		$	12,134	$	11,027	$	909	$	198	$	—	$	—
	Operating Lease Obligations			607		311		164		80		52		—

			$	12,741	$	11,338	$	1,073	$	278	$	52	$	—



	*	Purchase commitments consists primarily of inventory and equipment purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business.

Nature_of_Operations_Segment_R1

Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit for Each Reporting Segment	'

	Summarized below are the Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit (both in dollars and as a percentage of Net Sales) for each reporting segment:



	($ in thousands)		Net Sales				Segment Operating Profit				Segment Operating Profit %
	($ in thousands)		Net Sales				Segment Operating Profit				of Net Sales
			2014		2013		2014		2013		2014			2013
	T&M		$	19,527	$	17,636	$	2,655	$	3,109		13.6	%		17.6	%
	QuickLabel			49,065		43,588		5,154		4,380		10.5	%		10	%

	Total		$	68,592	$	61,224		7,809		7,489		11.4	%		12.2	%

	Product Replacement Costs							672		—
	Corporate Expenses							5,604		4,563

	Operating Income							1,533		2,926
	Other Expense							121		41

	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes							1,412		2,885
	Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations							175		847

								1,237		2,038
	Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes							1,975		8,729

	Net Income						$	3,212	$	10,767

Summary of Other Information by Segment	'

	Other information by segment is presented below:




	(In thousands)		Assets
			2014		2013
	T&M		$	17,049	$	10,493
	QuickLabel			25,306		23,468
	Discontinued Operations			3,917		3,131
	Corporate*			31,692		42,821

	Total		$	77,964	$	79,913




	*	Corporate assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, and building held for sale.




	(In thousands)		Depreciation and				Capital Expenditures
	(In thousands)		Amortization				Capital Expenditures
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	T&M		$	640	$	435	$	585	$	383
	QuickLabel			639		710		543		398
	Discontinued Operations			—		186		—		68

	Total		$	1,279	$	1,331	$	1,128	$	849

Summary of Selected Financial Information by Geographic Area	'

	Presented below is selected financial information by geographic area:



	(In thousands)		Net Sales				Long-Lived Assets
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	United States		$	48,679	$	44,613	$	10,115	$	6,741
	Europe			14,909		12,324		538		609
	Canada			2,569		2,136		339		438
	Asia			1,167		910		—		—
	Central and South America			908		752		—		—
	Other			360		489		—		—

	Total		$	68,592	$	61,224	$	10,992	$	7,788

Product_Warranty_Liability_Tab

Product Warranty Liability (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Product Warranty Liability (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Activity in Product Warranty Liability	'

	The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Activity in the product warranty liability is as follows:



		January 31,
		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of the year	$	350		$	343
	Warranties issued		447			783
	Settlements made		(442	)		(776	)

	Balance, end of the year	$	355		$	350

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'

	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:



	January 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
	Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)	$	4,734	$	—	$	—	$	4,734
	State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)		—		18,766		—		18,766

	Total	$	4,734	$	18,766	$	—	$	23,500


	January 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
	Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)	$	8,784	$	—	$	—	$	8,784
	State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)		8,509		—		—		8,509

	Total	$	17,293	$	—	$	—	$	17,293

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Jan. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of Discontinued Operations	'

	Results for discontinued operations are as follows:



		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
	Net Sales	$	8,401	$	19,195
	Cost of Sales	$	7,353	$	9,072
	Gross Profit	$	1,048	$	10,123

	Operating Expenses	$	96	$	6,205
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	952	$	3,918

	Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations	$	1,800	$	10,162
	Income Tax Expense	$	777	$	5,351
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	1,975	$	8,729

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Highly liquid investments with an original maturity	'90 days or less	'
Cash of held in foreign bank accounts	$2,544,000	$1,157,000
Depreciation expense	1,279,000	1,331,000
Net foreign exchange losses	190,000	158,000
Advertising expense	1,236,000	750,000
Total reimbursement	201,000	313,000
Estimated outstanding reimbursements	75,000	100,000
Impairment charges for intangible assets	0	0
Number of common equivalent shares	126,800	583,512
Compensation expenses is recognized for option forfeited	0	'
Grass Technologies Product Group [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations	'	$779,000
Land Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'20 years	'
Land Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'10 years	'
Building and Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'45 years	'
Building and Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'10 years	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'10 years	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of the assets	'3 years	'

Acquisition_Additional_Informa

Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Funded acquisition using existing cash	$6,732,000	'
Transition services period	'6 months	'
Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Completion date of acquisition	22-Jan-14	'
Purchase price of the acquisition	6,732,000	'
Funded acquisition using existing cash	6,732,000	'
Amount held in escrow related to business acquisition	500,000	'
Duration of escrow deposits	'12 months	'
General and administrative expenses	90,000	'
Goodwill	196,000	196,000
Amortization expense	$0	'

Acquisition_Purchase_Price_of_

Acquisition - Purchase Price of the Acquisition has been Allocated on the Basis of the Estimated Fair Value (Detail) (Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014
Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts Receivable	'	$713,000
Inventories	2,500,000	2,503,000
Identifiable Intangible Assets	3,400,000	3,400,000
Goodwill	196,000	196,000
Warranty Reserve	'	-80,000
Total Purchase Price	'	$6,732,000

Acquisition_Value_of_the_Acqui

Acquisition - Value of the Acquired Identifiable Intangible Assets and Related Estimated Useful Lives (Detail) (Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014	Customer Contract Relationships [Member]	Backlog [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value	$3,400	$3,400	$3,100	$300
Useful Life	'	'	'10 years	'1 year

Acquisition_Summary_of_Estimat

Acquisition - Summary of Estimated Amortization Expense for Next Five Years (Detail) (Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Estimated amortization expenses, 2015	$702
Estimated amortization expenses, 2016	357
Estimated amortization expenses, 2017	349
Estimated amortization expenses, 2018	331
Estimated amortization expenses, 2019	$278

Acquisition_Unaudited_Pro_form

Acquisition - Unaudited Pro forma Information (Detail) (Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net Revenue	$75,362	$69,453

Securities_Available_for_Sale_1

Securities Available for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'
Impairment charges on available for sale security	$0
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'
Original maturity of short-term investments	'90 days
Anticipated maturity dates range	'1 month
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'
Anticipated maturity dates range	'3 years

Securities_Available_for_Sale_2

Securities Available for Sale - Fair Value, Amortized Cost and Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses of the Securities (Detail) (State and Municipal Obligations [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$18,729	$8,499
Gross Unrealized Gains	37	10
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fair Value	$18,766	$8,509

Securities_Available_for_Sale_3

Securities Available for Sale - Contractual Maturity Dates of Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Amortized Cost And Fair Value Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Less than one year	$11,439	$5,986
One to three years	7,327	2,523
Fair Value	$18,766	$8,509

Inventories_Components_of_Inve

Inventories - Components of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Materials and Supplies	$10,722	$7,419
Work-in-Progress	852	590
Finished Goods	6,798	5,953
Inventory, Gross	18,372	13,962
Inventory Reserve	-3,194	-2,783
Balance at January 31	$15,178	$11,179

Inventories_Additional_Infomat

Inventories - Additional Infomation (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 22, 2014
Inventories - Additional Infomation (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]	Miltope Ruggedized Printer Product Line Operation [Member]
Inventory demonstration equipment	$767,000	$812,000	'	'
Inventory related to acquisition	'	'	$2,500,000	$2,503,000

Accrued_Expenses_Summary_of_Ac

Accrued Expenses - Summary of Accrued expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Product replacement cost reserve	$480,000	'
Reserve for cash in escrow	'	1,800,000
Warranty	355,000	350,000
Professional fees	269,000	174,000
Executive retirement package	250,000	'
Health insurance reimbursement reserve	75,000	100,000
Dealer commissions	55,000	91,000
Other	826,000	649,000
Total	$2,310,000	$3,164,000

Line_of_Credit_Additional_Info

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 15, 2014
	Jan. 31, 2014	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit	'	$5,000,000	$10,000,000
Line of credit basis spread on base rate	0.75%	'	'
Line of credit basis spread on London interbank offered rate	1.50%	'	'

Note_Receivable_and_Revolving_1

Note Receivable and Revolving Line of Credit Issued - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2012
	Installment	Jan. 30, 2012
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales price	'	$1,000,000
Promissory note interest rate	3.75%	'
Interest commencement date	30-Jan-13	'
Interest installments	16	'
Promissory note outstanding	690,000	'
Revolving line of credit	600,000	'
Extended revolving line of credit	$240,000	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Promissory note interest rate	5.25%	'
Line of credit facility maturity date	31-Jan-15	'
Line of credit facility initial term	'1 year	'
Prime Rate [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on outstanding credit balance	0.50%	'
Prime Rate [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate on outstanding credit balance	2.00%	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Changes in the Balance of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$173	$121
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3	52
Amounts Reclassified to Net Income	'	'
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3	52
Ending Balance	176	173
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	166	106
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-14	60
Amounts Reclassified to Net Income	'	'
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-14	60
Ending Balance	152	166
Unrealized Holding Gain on Available for Sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	7	15
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	17	-8
Amounts Reclassified to Net Income	'	'
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	17	-8
Ending Balance	$24	$7

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Number of Shares Issued of Common Stock (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	9,031,756	8,956,488
Exercise of employee stock options	210,790	66,313
Restricted stock vesting	42,325	'
Shares issued to employee stock purchase plan	3,989	5,976
Share-based compensation	2,365	2,979
Balance at end of year	9,291,225	9,031,756

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock repurchased, shares	0	110,000
Common stock shares repurchased, value	'	$770,000
Common stock shares additional authorized	390,000	'
Company shares given to employees, shares	66,828	20,938
Company shares given to employees, value	797,000	176,000
Maximum disposal restricted percentage of RSU	50.00%	'
Stock options grant to each non-employee director	56,800	'
Non-employee director is entitled to an annual cash retainer	7,000	'
Non-employee director received restricted stock award value	20,000	'
Options granted weighted average fair value per share	$2.79	$2.02
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	706,000	241,000
Reservation of shares under Stock Purchase Plan	247,500	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan discount rate	15.00%	'
Compensation expense	100,000	100,000
Non-Employee Director [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares granted to non director employee directors	20,000	20,000
Non-employee director is entitled to an annual cash retainer additional	500	'
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Award vesting period	'4 years	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options	250,000	'
Expenses to be recognized over a weighted average period	'2 years	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of option exercised	2,905,000	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding	3,707,000	'
Weighted average remaining contractual terms for these options that are exercisable	'3 years 7 months 6 days	'
Weighted average remaining contractual terms for these options outstanding	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate shares authorized for awards under the plan	1,000,000	'
Shares available for grant under the plan	359,475	'
Equity Incentive Plan [Member] \| Non-Employee Director [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Option expiration period	'10 years	'
Stock options grant to each non-employee director	5,000	'
2013 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| First Anniversary [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit vested percentage	50.00%	'
2013 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Second Anniversary [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit vested percentage	50.00%	'
2014 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and RSAs	$375,000	'
2014 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Officer [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Cumulative budgeted net sales target measurement period	'2014 through 2016	'
2014 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Officer [Member] \| Net Sales Target [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit vested percentage	50.00%	'
2014 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Officer [Member] \| ORONA Target [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit vested percentage	25.00%	'
2014 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Officer [Member] \| Third Anniversary [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit vested percentage	25.00%	'
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Non-Employee Director [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Award vesting period	'12 months	'

Shareholders_Equity_Aggregated

Shareholders' Equity - Aggregated Information Regarding Stock Options Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance, Number of Shares	916,612	'
Options Granted, Number of Shares	56,800	'
Options Exercised, Number of Shares	-210,790	-66,313
Options Expired, Number of Shares	-25,975	'
Ending balance, Number of Shares	736,647	916,612
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares	570,324	'
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Option Price Per Share	$8.46	'
Options Granted, Weighted Average Option Price Per Share	$10.54	'
Options Exercised, Weighted Average Option Price Per Share	$8.33	'
Options Expired, Weighted Average Option Price Per Share	$9.42	'
Ending balance, Weighted Average Option Price Per Share	$8.63	$8.46
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Option Price Per Share	$8.57	'
Range One [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Option Price Per Share, Lower range, Ending balance	'	$2.40
Options Outstanding, Option Price Per Share, Upper range, Ending balance	'	$11.90
Range Two [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Granted, Option Price Per Share, Lower range	$10.50	'
Options Granted, Option Price Per Share, Upper range	$10.60	'
Range Three [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Exercised, Option Price Per Share, Lower range	$2.40	'
Options Exercised, Option Price Per Share, Upper range	$11.90	'
Range Four [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Expired, Option Price Per Share, Lower range	$2.40	'
Options Expired, Option Price Per Share, Upper range	$11.90	'
Range Five [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Option Price Per Share, Lower range, Ending balance	$5.78	'
Options Outstanding, Option Price Per Share, Upper range, Ending balance	$11.90	'
Range Six [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options Exercisable, Option Price Per Share, Lower range	$5.78	'
Options Exercisable, Option Price Per Share, Upper range	$11.90	'

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Range One [Member]	Range Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding Range of Exercise prices, Lower Limit	'	'	$5.78	$8.74
Outstanding Range of Exercise prices, Upper Limit	'	'	$8.73	$11.90
Outstanding, Options	'	'	500,422	236,225
Option outstanding, total	736,647	916,612	'	'
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	$7.66	$10.68
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	$7.57	$10.73
Outstanding Remaining Contractual Life	'	'	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'4 years 8 months 12 days
Exercisable, Options	'	'	390,299	180,025
Options exercisable , total	570,324	'	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_Fair_Value

Shareholders' Equity - Fair Value of Stock Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected life (years)	'5 years	'5 years
Expected dividend yield	2.63%	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.81%	0.62%
Expected volatility	38.07%	38.74%
Expected dividend yield	'	3.41%
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.84%	1.20%
Expected volatility	38.46%	39.46%
Expected dividend yield	'	3.46%

Shareholders_Equity_Aggregated1

Shareholders' Equity - Aggregated Information Regarding RSUs Granted (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Beginning balance, Number of Options	96,900
Granted, Number of Options	57,544
Vested, Number of Options	-46,798
Expired or cancelled, Number of Options	-1,150
Ending balance, Number of Options	106,496
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.10
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$10.14
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.27
Expired or cancelled , Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.35
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$9.12

Shareholders_Equity_ShareBased

Shareholders' Equity - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation, Total	$562	$480
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation, Total	192	163
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation, Total	$370	$317

Shareholders_Equity_Summarized

Shareholders' Equity -Summarized Plan Activity (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity -Summarized Plan Activity (Detail)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Shares reserved, beginning balance	64,231	70,207
Shares purchased	-3,989	-5,976
Shares reserved, ending balance	60,242	64,231

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Domestic	$537	$1,850
Foreign	875	1,035
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	$1,412	$2,885

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes - Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Current:	'	'
Federal	$930	$425
State	179	-237
Foreign	297	366
Current Income Tax Expense	1,406	554
Deferred:	'	'
Federal	-1,044	253
State	-174	38
Foreign	-13	2
Deferred Income Tax Expense Total	-1,231	293
Total	$175	$847

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 30, 2012
Income Tax Benefit [Line Items]	'	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	34.00%	35.00%	'
Reclassification of deferred taxes from non-current liabilities of discontinued operations	$1,151,000	'	'
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	27,000	-49,000	'
Recognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties	715,000	941,000	780,000
Impact on effective tax rate, decrease	425,000	'	'
Recognized benefit/expense related to interest and penalties	68,000	-105,000	'
Accrued potential interest and penalties	416,000	348,000	'
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	3,462,000	'	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Benefit [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration beginning year	'2014	'	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	$392,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Dif

Income Taxes - Components of Difference Between Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations and Amount Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax provision at statutory rate	$480	$1,010
State taxes, net of federal tax effect	-74	114
Change in valuation allowance	27	-49
Change in reserves related to ASC 740 liability	-59	-197
Meals and entertainment	38	55
Domestic production deduction	-30	-60
Share-based compensation	36	26
Tax-exempt income	-22	-16
R&D credits	-114	-106
Foreign rate differential	-26	-22
Other permanent differences and miscellaneous, net	-81	92
Total	$175	$847

Income_Taxes_Tax_Effects_of_Te

Income Taxes - Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that gave Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Deferred Tax Assets:	'	'
Inventory	$1,792	$1,258
Stock-Based Compensation	535	403
State R&D Credits	258	231
Compensation Accrual	493	349
ASC 740 Liability Federal Benefit	290	361
Deferred Service Contract Revenue	181	106
Warranty Reserve	137	135
Reserve for Doubtful Accounts	127	117
Foreign Tax Credit	213	'
Other	119	166
Deferred Tax Assets, Total	4,145	3,126
Deferred Tax Liabilities:	'	'
Accumulated Tax Depreciation in Excess of Book Depreciation	830	532
Deferred Gain on Asset Held for Sale	897	'
Currency Translation Adjustment	173	189
Other	78	63
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Total	1,978	784
Subtotal	2,167	2,342
Valuation Allowance	-258	-231
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$1,909	$2,111

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at February 1	$941,000	$780,000
Increases in prior period tax positions	31,000	16,000
Increases in current period tax positions	42,000	386,000
Reductions related to lapse of statute of limitations	-299,000	-241,000
Balance at January 31	$715,000	$941,000

Contractual_Obligations_Summar

Contractual Obligations - Summary of Contractual Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Purchase Commitments, Total	$12,134
Purchase Commitments, 2015	11,027
Purchase Commitments, 2016	909
Purchase Commitments, 2017	198
Purchase Commitments, 2018	'
Purchase Commitments, 2019 and Thereafter	'
Operating Lease Obligations, Total	607
Operating Lease Obligations, 2015	311
Operating Lease Obligations, 2016	164
Operating Lease Obligations, 2017	80
Operating Lease Obligations, 2018	52
Operating Lease Obligations, 2019 and Thereafter	'
Contractual Obligation, Total	12,741
Contractual Obligation, 2015	11,338
Contractual Obligation, 2016	1,073
Contractual Obligation, 2017	278
Contractual Obligation, 2018	52
Contractual Obligation, 2019 and Thereafter	'

Contractual_Obligations_Additi

Contractual Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Rent and lease expenses	$599,000	$607,000

Nature_of_Operations_Segment_R2

Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
	Segment	Customer
	Customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Number of reporting segments	2	'
Customer accounted for greater than 10% of net sales	0	0
Goodwill assigned	$991	$795
T&M [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill assigned	$1,000	$700

Nature_of_Operations_Segment_R3

Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Net Sales and Segment Operating Profit for Each Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	$68,592	$61,224
Segment Operating Profit	7,809	7,489
Product Replacement Costs	672	'
Segment Operating Profit % of Net Sales	11.40%	12.20%
Corporate Expenses	5,604	4,563
Operating Income	1,533	2,926
Other Expense	121	41
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	1,412	2,885
Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations	175	847
Income from Continuing Operations	1,237	2,038
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes	1,975	8,729
Net Income	3,212	10,767
T&M [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	19,527	17,636
Segment Operating Profit	2,655	3,109
Segment Operating Profit % of Net Sales	13.60%	17.60%
QuickLabel [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	49,065	43,588
Segment Operating Profit	$5,154	$4,380
Segment Operating Profit % of Net Sales	10.50%	10.00%

Nature_of_Operations_Segment_R4

Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Summary of Other Information by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$77,964	$79,913
Depreciation and Amortization	1,279	1,331
Capital Expenditures	1,128	849
T&M [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	17,049	10,493
Depreciation and Amortization	640	435
Capital Expenditures	585	383
QuickLabel [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	25,306	23,468
Depreciation and Amortization	639	710
Capital Expenditures	543	398
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	3,917	3,131
Depreciation and Amortization	'	186
Capital Expenditures	'	68
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$31,692	$42,821

Nature_of_Operations_Segment_R5

Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information - Summary of Selected Financial Information by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	$68,592	$61,224
Long-Lived Assets	10,992	7,788
United States [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	48,679	44,613
Long-Lived Assets	10,115	6,741
Europe [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	14,909	12,324
Long-Lived Assets	538	609
Canada [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	2,569	2,136
Long-Lived Assets	339	438
Asia [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	1,167	910
Central and South America [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	908	752
Other [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Sales	$360	$489

ProfitSharing_Plan_Additional_

Profit-Sharing Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Contributions paid or accrued amounted	$251,000	$261,000

Product_Warranty_Liability_Act

Product Warranty Liability - Activity in Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Balance, beginning of the year	$350	$343
Warranties issued	447	783
Settlements made	-442	-776
Balance, end of the year	$355	$350

Product_Replacement_Costs_Addi

Product Replacement Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Estimated replacement cost	$672,000
Recovery expenses	192,000
Other accrued expenses	480,000
Amount received from supplier for recovery	$450,000
Lower product prices period	'3 years

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Assets And Liabilities Carrying Value And Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)	$4,734	$8,784
State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)	18,766	8,509
Total	23,500	17,293
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets And Liabilities Carrying Value And Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)	4,734	8,784
State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)	'	8,509
Total	4,734	17,293
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets And Liabilities Carrying Value And Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)	'	'
State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)	18,766	'
Total	18,766	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets And Liabilities Carrying Value And Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)	'	'
State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)	'	'
Total	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Deferred Financing Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds from sale	'	$16,800,000
Proceeds from sale held in escrow recognized	1,800,000	'
Impairment charge on assets related to discontinued operations	'	779,000
Grass Technologies Product Group [Member]	'	'
Deferred Financing Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds from sale	'	18,600,000
Proceeds from sale recognized	'	$16,800,000

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Net Sales	$8,401	$19,195
Cost of Sales	7,353	9,072
Gross Profit	1,048	10,123
Operating Expenses	96	6,205
Income from Discontinued Operations	952	3,918
Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations	1,800	10,162
Income Tax Expense	777	5,351
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes	$1,975	$8,729

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Detail) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$345	$356
Provision Charged to Operations	119	70
Deductions	-94	-81
Balance at End of Year	$370	$345