Perma-Pipe International (PPIH) 10-Q 19 Sep 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Entity information Document

Entity information Document - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Sep. 07, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Document Information
Entity Registrant Name	Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.
Trading Symbol	PPIH
Entity Central Index Key	914,122
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,713,407
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 49,044,548

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Net sales	$ 26,852	$ 22,859	$ 50,353	$ 45,928
Cost of sales	23,794	19,879	45,510	40,956
Gross profit	3,058	2,980	4,843	4,972
Operating expenses
General and administrative expenses	3,856	3,720	8,142	8,908
Selling expenses	1,307	1,450	2,623	2,854
Total operating expenses	5,163	5,170	10,765	11,762
Loss from operations	(2,105)	(2,190)	(5,922)	(6,790)
Loss on consolidation of joint venture	0	0	0	(1,620)
Interest expense, net	157	97	314	323
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(2,262)	(2,287)	(6,236)	(8,733)
Income tax benefit	(564)	(1,077)	(1,049)	(1,334)
Loss from continuing operations	(1,698)	(1,210)	(5,187)	(7,399)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	1,309	0	1,109
Net (loss) income	$ (1,698)	$ 99	$ (5,187)	$ (6,290)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	7,679	7,481	7,645	7,416
Diluted	7,679	7,603	7,645	7,416
Loss per share from continuing operations
Basic and diluted	$ (0.22)	$ (0.16)	$ (0.68)	$ (1)
Earnings per share from discontinued operations
Basic and diluted	0	0.17	0	0.15
(Loss) earnings per share
Basic and diluted	$ (0.22)	$ 0.01	$ (0.68)	$ (0.85)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Net (loss) income	$ (1,698)	$ 99	$ (5,187)	$ (6,290)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	940	(888)	1,072	1,034
Unrealized loss on marketable security, net of tax	(87)	(5)	(92)	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	853	(893)	980	1,030
Comprehensive loss	$ (845)	$ (794)	$ (4,207)	$ (5,260)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,546	$ 7,603
Restricted cash	893	1,098
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $155 at July 31, 2017 and $305 at January 31, 2017	26,583	31,271
Inventories, net	16,031	13,565
Assets of discontinued operations	0	25
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,434	2,171
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	2,687	2,091
Total current assets	58,174	57,824
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	35,995	36,275
Other assets
Goodwill	2,388	2,279
Other assets	5,282	5,233
Total other assets	7,670	7,512
Total assets	101,839	101,611
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	10,695	10,901
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	4,248	4,236
Commissions and management incentives payable	876	1,845
Revolving line North America	7,930	3,813
Current maturities of long-term debt	585	658
Customers' deposits	3,129	2,640
Outside commissions payable	2,380	1,612
Liabilities of discontinued operations	156	199
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	631	1,100
Other accrued liabilities	2,446	2,360
Income taxes payable	330	684
Total current liabilities	33,406	30,048
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt, less current maturities	7,792	7,258
Deferred compensation liabilities	2,540	2,523
Deferred tax liabilities - long-term	1,893	1,829
Other long-term liabilities	567	540
Total long-term liabilities	12,792	12,150
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50,000 shares; 7,710 issued and outstanding at July 31, 2017 and 7,595 issued and outstanding at January 31, 2017	77	76
Additional paid-in capital	55,622	55,358
Treasury stock, 27 shares at January 31,2017	0	(170)
Retained earnings	1,686	6,873
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,744)	(2,724)
Total stockholders' equity	55,641	59,413
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 101,839	$ 101,611

Balance Sheet parenthetical (Pa

Balance Sheet parenthetical (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 155	$ 305
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	7,710	7,622
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,710	7,595
Treasury stock, number of shares held	0	27

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Shares, Outstanding		7,305,925
Treasury stock released		17,813
Shares issued		271,771
Stockholders' equity	$ 59,413	$ 76	$ 55,358	$ (170)	$ 6,873	$ (2,724)
Shares, Outstanding		7,595,509
Net loss	(5,187)				(5,187)
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares used for tax withholding	(86)	$ 1	(257)	$ 170
Stock-based compensation expense	521		521
Marketable security unrealized gain/loss	(142)					(142)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,159					1,159
Tax benefit/expense on above items	(37)					(37)
Treasury stock released				26,753
Shares issued		87,545
Stockholders' equity	$ 55,641	$ 77	$ 55,622	$ 0	$ 1,686	$ (1,744)
Shares, Outstanding		7,709,807

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Operating activities
Net loss	$ (5,187)	$ (6,290)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	2,509	2,830
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries	0	(867)
Deferred tax benefit	(260)	(277)
Stock-based compensation expense	521	582
Loss on consolidation of joint venture	0	1,620
Cash surrender value on life insurance policies	0	(132)
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets	(2)	2,364
Provision on uncollectible accounts	(298)	400
Gain from sale of marketable securities	(142)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	5,355	16,277
Inventories	(2,317)	5,004
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(1,065)	(296)
Accounts payable	(713)	(4,889)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	(1,019)	(5,884)
Customers' deposits	489	(1,824)
Income taxes receivable and payable	(1,442)	(1,418)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(513)	(1,233)
Other assets and liabilities	1,252	(2,140)
Net cash used in operating activities	(2,828)	(901)
Investing activities
Acquisition of interest in subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	(4,672)
Capital expenditures	(1,526)	(994)
Proceeds from surrender of corporate-owned life insurance policies	0	1,894
Proceeds from sale marketable securities	142	0
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	1	11,930
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,383)	8,158
Financing activities
Proceeds from revolving lines	16,936	21,113
Proceeds from debt	0	6,147
Payments of debt on revolving lines of credit	(13,237)	(29,835)
Payments of other debt	(120)	(10,044)
Increase (decrease) in drafts payable	285	(248)
Borrowings (payments) on capitalized lease obligations	567	(1,204)
Release of treasury stock	170	0
Stock options exercised and restricted shares issued	(256)	309
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,345	(13,762)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	604	104
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	738	(6,401)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period	8,701	18,955
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period	9,439	12,554
Supplemental cash flow information
Interest paid	362	457
Income taxes paid	524	1,142
Fixed assets acquired under capital leases	697	0
Funds held in escrow related to the sale of Filtration assets	$ 250	$ 502

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation [Text Block]	Basis of presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements of Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries ("PPIH," "Company," or "Registrant") are unaudited, but include all adjustments that the Company's management considers necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. These adjustments consist of normal recurring adjustments. Information and footnote disclosures have been omitted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2017 is derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results. Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company's fiscal year ends on January 31. Years and balances described as 2017 and 2016 are for the six months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. In February 2017, the Company announced that the board of directors had authorized Company management to move forward with the re-naming and re-branding of MFRI, Inc. under the Perma-Pipe name now that the Company operates in a single business segment under the Perma-Pipe brand, and the Company believes this decision will better serve its strategy, position it well in the industry and global market, and better reflect the Company’s mission and strategy, and positions it to leverage the strong reputation Perma-Pipe has established since beginning operations. The name change to Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. was effective March 20, 2017. The Company's common stock has been and will continue to be reported under its new ticker symbol “PPIH” since March 21, 2017.

Business segment reporting

Business segment reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Segment reporting [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Business segment reporting. As of January 31, 2016, PPIH is engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in one segment: Piping Systems. As described below, prior to January 29, 2016, the Company was also engaged in the manufacture and sale of products in the Filtration Products segment. Piping Systems engineers, designs, manufactures and sells specialty piping, leak detection and location systems . This segment's specialty piping systems include (i) industrial and secondary containment piping systems for transporting chemicals, hazardous fluids and petroleum products, (ii) insulated and jacketed district heating and cooling piping systems for efficient energy distribution to multiple locations from central energy plants, and (iii) oil and gas gathering flow and long lines for oil and mineral transportation. Piping Systems' leak detection and location systems are sold with many of its piping systems and on a stand-alone basis, to monitor areas where fluid intrusion may contaminate the environment, endanger personal safety, cause a fire hazard, impair essential services or damage equipment or property. Prior to January 29, 2016, the Company had a Filtration Products segment. This business is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. For further information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 4 Discontinued operations". For the three months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net sales. For the six months ended July 31, 2017 , no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net sales, and for the six months ended July 31, 2016 , one customer accounted for 11% of the Company's consolidated net sales. At July 31, 2017 , one customer accounted for 20% of accounts receivable. Two customers accounted for 33% of accounts receivable at January 31, 2017 . Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net sales Piping Systems $26,852 $22,859 $50,353 $45,928 Gross profit Piping Systems $3,058 $2,980 $4,843 $4,972 Loss from operations Piping Systems $62 ($714 ) ($1,397 ) ($2,415 ) Corporate ($2,167 ) ($1,476 ) (4,525 ) (4,375 ) Total loss from operations ($2,105 ) ($2,190 ) ($5,922 ) ($6,790 )

Correction of immaterial error

Correction of immaterial error (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block]	Correction of immaterial errors. An error was identified during the preparation and review of the current quarter financial statements, as stock-based compensation cost and additional paid in capital had been reversed for vested equity awards that expired, terminated or were unexercised . The cumulative adjustment for the stock-based compensation cost covering the period from May 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016 was approximately $846 thousand . The adjustments applicable to the fiscal year ending January 31, 2017 were approximately $95 thousand for the three months ending April 30, 2016, $350 thousand for the three months ending July 31, 2016, $138 thousand for the three months ending October 31, 2016, and $213 thousand for the three months ending January 31, 2017. Pursuant to the guidance of Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99, Materiality, the Company concluded that the errors were not material to any of its prior period financial statements. The prior period financial statements were revised, in accordance with SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements . A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported balance sheet and stockholders' equity at January 31, 2017 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised Additional paid in capital $53,716 $1,642 $55,358 Retained earnings 8,515 (1,642 ) 6,873 A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported statement of operations for the three months ending July 31, 2016 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised General and administrative expense $3,370 $350 $3,720 Total operating expenses 4,820 350 5,170 Loss from operations (1,840 ) (350 ) (2,190 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (1,937 ) (350 ) (2,287 ) Loss from continuing operations (860 ) (350 ) (1,210 ) Net income 449 (350 ) 99 Loss per share from continuing operations (0.11 ) (0.05 ) (0.16 ) Earnings per share 0.06 (0.05 ) 0.01 A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported statement of operations for the six months ending July 31, 2016 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised General and administrative expense $8,463 $445 $8,908 Total operating expenses 11,317 445 11,762 Loss from operations (6,345 ) (445 ) (6,790 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (8,288 ) (445 ) (8,733 ) Loss from continuing operations (6,954 ) (445 ) (7,399 ) Net loss (5,845 ) (445 ) (6,290 ) Loss per share from continuing operations (0.94 ) (0.06 ) (1.00 ) Loss per share (0.79 ) (0.06 ) (0.85 ) A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported statement of cash flows for the six months ending July 31, 2016 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised Net loss ($5,845) ($445) ($6,290) Stock-based compensation expense 137 445 582

Discontinued operations (Notes)

Discontinued operations (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Discontinued operations
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	Discontinued operations. The domestic fabric filter business, which was included in discontinued operations, sold product until operations ceased in the second quarter of 2016. The Filtration business segment is reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements, and the notes to consolidated financial statements have been revised to conform to the current year reporting. There was $719 thousand of tax benefit for the three months ended July 31, 2016 and $703 thousand of tax benefit for the six months ended July 31, 2016 . Income (loss) from discontinued operations net of tax for the three and six months ended July 31, 2016 and 2017 was as follows: Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net sales from discontinued operations $— $3,276 $— $10,467 Gain on disposal of discontinued operations — 1,605 — 2,472 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 423 — (660 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes — 2,028 — 1,812 Income tax expense — 719 — 703 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $— $1,309 $— $1,109 Components of assets and liabilities from discontinued operations consist of the following: July 31, 2017 January 31, 2017 Current assets Trade accounts receivable, net $— $25 Total assets from discontinued operations $— $25 Current liabilities Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other $156 $199 Total liabilities from discontinued operations $156 $199 Cash flows from discontinued operations: Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 Net cash used in discontinued operating activities ($18 ) ($208 ) Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities — 7,574 Net cash used in discontinued financing activities — (7,365 )

Income taxes

Income taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes [Text Block]	Income taxes. The determination of the consolidated provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances requires management to make judgments and estimates. As a company with subsidiaries in foreign jurisdictions, the process of calculating income taxes involves estimating current tax obligations and exposures in each jurisdiction as well as making judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Income earned in the United Arab Emirates ("U.A.E.") is not subject to local country income tax. Additionally, the relative proportion of taxable income earned domestically versus internationally can fluctuate significantly from period to period. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax income, tax laws and the results of tax audits can affect the overall effective income tax rate, which impacts the level of income tax expense and net income. Judgments and estimates related to the Company's projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections. The Company's effective tax rate ("ETR") from continuing operations for the second quarter and year-to-date was 24.9% and 16.8% , respectively, compared to 47.1% and 15.3% during the respective prior-year periods. The change in the ETR from the prior year-to-date to the current year-to-date was mainly due to changes in the foreign income and loss activities. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at July 31, 2017 , recorded in other long-term liabilities was $0.2 million , all of which would impact the Company’s ETR if recognized. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, with $1,200 included in expense for the current quarter. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at July 31, 2017 associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $47,900 . The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") began an audit of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 in August 2016. In August 2017, the Company received a notice from the IRS that it had concluded the tax audit for the year ended January 31, 2015. No changes were made to the reported tax.

Long-lived assets and Goodwill

Long-lived assets and Goodwill (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets (including intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. A factor considered important that could trigger an impairment review includes a year-to-date loss from operations. An asset is considered impaired if its carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flow the asset is expected to generate. Piping Systems has a year-to-date loss, but based on the Company's review, there was no impairment of long-lived assets as of July 31, 2017 or January 31, 2017 . Goodwill. The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between intangible assets and the net tangible assets of the acquired business with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill . All identifiable goodwill as of July 31, 2017 and January 31, 2017 is attributable to the purchase of Perma-Pipe Canada, Ltd. ("PPC") January 31, 2017 Foreign exchange change effect July 31, 2017 Goodwill $2,279 $109 $2,388 In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance that simplifies the assessment of goodwill for impairment when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value by eliminating the requirement to determine the fair value of goodwill. Under the new guidance, the amount of goodwill impairment will be determined by the amount the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this new guidance in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company performs an impairment assessment of goodwill annually as of January 31 , or more frequently if triggering events occur, based on the estimated fair value of the related reporting unit or intangible asset. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There was no impairment to goodwill as of July 31, 2017.

Other intangible assets with de

Other intangible assets with definite lives (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Other intangible assets with definite lives. The Company owns several patents, including those covering features of its piping and electronic leak detection systems. Patents are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed the legal lives of the patents. The Company expenses costs incurred to renew or extend the term of intangible assets . Gross patents were $2.63 million as of July 31, 2017 and January 31, 2017 . Accumulated amortization was approximately $2.40 million and $2.38 million as of July 31, 2017 and January 31, 2017 , respectively. Full year amortizations for the next five years ending January 31 will be $44,700 in 2018 , $36,600 in 2019 , $33,700 in 2020 , $27,100 in 2021 , and $17,500 in 2022 , with the residual balance of $93,900 to be amortized in future periods thereafter. Patents are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Patent amortization expense $11 $11 $22 $22

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Stock-based compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation [Text Block]	Stock-based compensation. The Company has stock-based compensation awards that can be granted to eligible employees, officers or directors. Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense $65 $68 $59 $161 Restricted stock-based compensation expense $452 $390 $647 $668 The decrease in the six months restricted stock-based compensation expense relates to grants that vested in January 2017, and the increase in the three months comparison is due to new grants that were made in June 2017. Stock Options. The fair value of the outstanding option awards was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Six Months Ended July 31, Fair value assumptions 2017 2016 Expected volatility 43.2% 43.2% Risk free interest rate 1.2% 1.2% Dividend yield 0 0 Expected life 5.0 5.0 Option activity Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 31, 2017 524 $11.55 4.5 $534 Exercised (24 ) 6.74 29 Expired or forfeited (82 ) 23.49 Outstanding end of period 418 9.49 4.5 274 Exercisable end of period 383 $9.59 4.2 $249 Unvested option activity Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 31, 2017 74 $9.31 $69 Vested (32 ) Expired or forfeited (7 ) 11.97 Outstanding end of period 35 $8.42 $25 As of July 31, 2017 , there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.0 years. Restricted stock. The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the year: Restricted stock activity Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 31, 2017 290 $8.75 $2,540 Granted 175 8.02 Issued (55 ) Forfeited (38 ) 7.85 Outstanding end of period 372 $7.93 $2,988 As of July 31, 2017 , there was $1.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock granted under the plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.4 years .

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share [Text Block]	Earnings per share. Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 7,679 7,481 7,645 7,416 Dilutive effect of equity compensation plans — 122 — — Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming full dilution 7,679 7,603 7,645 7,416 Stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because the option exercise prices exceeded the average market prices of the common shares 163 356 163 378 Stock options with an exercise price below the average market price 255 248 255 226

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	Interest expense, net. Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest expense $193 $139 $358 $392 Interest income (36 ) (42 ) (44 ) (69 ) Interest expense, net $157 $97 $314 $323

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt. Debt totaled $16.3 million at July 31, 2017 , a net increase of $4.6 million since January 31, 2017 . Revolving lines North America . On September 24, 2014, the Company entered into the Credit and Security Agreement with a financial institution (as amended, "Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, which matures on September 24, 2018 , the Company can borrow up to a combined $15.0 million in the U.S. and Canada, subject to borrowing base availability from secured domestic and certain Canadian assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, and other requirements, under a revolving line of credit. The Credit Agreement covenants restrict debt, liens, share repurchases and investments, and require achieving a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio with respective performance metrics as defined by the Credit Agreement if a minimum availability is not met . On July 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. The North American revolving line balances as of July 31, 2017 and January 31, 2017 were included as current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, because the Credit Agreement has a subjective acceleration clause. Interest rates vary based on the average availability in the preceding fiscal quarter and are: (a) a margin in effect plus a base rate, if below certain availability limits; or (b) a margin in effect plus the Eurodollar rate for the corresponding interest period. On July 31, 2017 , the Company had borrowed $7.9 million at 5.5% and 4.2% and had $4.8 million available to it under the revolving line of credit. In addition, $0.2 million of availability was used under the Credit Agreement primarily to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases. Cash required for operations, as needed, is provided by draw downs on the line of credit. Revolving lines foreign . The Company also had credit arrangements used by its Middle Eastern subsidiaries. These credit arrangements are in the form of overdraft facilities and project financing at rates competitive in the countries in which the Company operates. Some credit arrangement covenants require a minimum tangible net worth to be maintained, including intercompany subordinated debt. In addition, some of the revolving credit facilities restrict payment of dividends. On July 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements. On July 31, 2017 , interest rates were based on the Emirates Inter Bank Offered Rate (EIBOR) plus 3.5% per annum, with a minimum interest rate of 4.5% per annum. On July 31, 2017, the Company's interest rates ranged from 5.0% to 6.5% , and the Company could borrow $23.0 million under these credit arrangements. On July 31, 2017 , $7.5 million of availability was used to support letters of credit to guarantee amounts committed for inventory purchases and for performance guarantees. As there were no borrowings under these credit arrangements, an additional $15.5 million remained unused. The foreign revolving lines balances as of January 31, 2017 were included as current maturities of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. On May 5, 2017 , Piping Systems obtained two capital leases for a total of 0.94 million CAD (approximately $0.7 million USD at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date) to finance vehicle equipment. The interest rate for these capital leases is 7.8% per annum with monthly principal and interest payments of $9 thousand , and these leases mature on April 30, 2021 .

Restricted cash (Notes)

Restricted cash (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted cash. Restricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries was $0.9 million as of July 31, 2017 and January 31, 2017 . Restricted cash held by foreign subsidiaries related to an escrow account from the sale of Nordic Air Filtration and fixed deposits that also serve as security deposits and guarantees. Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $8,546 $11,612 Restricted cash 893 942 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cashflows $9,439 $12,554

Fair value of financial instrum

Fair value of financial instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Fair Value. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are reasonable estimates of their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount of the Company's short-term debt, revolving line of credit and long-term debt approximate fair value, because the majority of the amounts outstanding accrue interest at variable rates.

Acquisition (Notes)

Acquisition (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisition. On February 4, 2016 , PPIH acquired the remaining 51% ownership of PPC , a coating and insulation company in Camrose, Alberta that serves the oil and gas industry in Western Canada . The purchase price was $13.1 million CAD ( $9.6 million USD) in cash and debt at closing. This transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The following table represents the allocation of the total consideration in the acquisition of PPC: Total purchase consideration: Cash $7,587 Loan payable 2,000 Purchase consideration to third party 9,587 Fair value of 49% previously held equity interest 7,492 Total purchase consideration $17,079 Fair value of net assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents $2,915 Property and equipment 13,124 Goodwill 2,279 Net working capital 406 Other assets (liabilities) net (1,645 ) Net assets acquired $17,079 The acquisition resulted in $2.3 million of goodwill. Goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. The Company incurred legal, professional and other costs related to this acquisition. These one-time costs of $0.2 million were recognized as general and administrative expenses. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash loss of $1.6 million , which represents the difference between the pre-existing book value interest in PPC immediately prior to the acquisition remeasured to its fair value upon the acquisition date.

Recent accounting pronouncement

Recent accounting pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent accounting pronouncements [Text Block]	Recent accounting pronouncements . In October 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs rather than when transferred to a third party as required under the current guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact the guidance will have upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires entities to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases on their balance sheets. It also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606")", with several clarifying updates issued during 2016. This new standard will replace all current GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition guidance provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The mandatory adoption will require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, information about contract balances and performance obligations, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new revenue standards may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company has not yet selected the transition method. The Company currently expects to adopt the new revenue standards in the first quarter of 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and related disclosures and has not determined its adoption methodology. The Company has completed staff education and is currently in discovery and analysis phases of reviewing contracts and identifying potential differences that would result from applying the new standard to current contracts. This step is expected to be complete in October 2017. Then the Company will begin to identify and implement changes to the Company’s business processes, systems and controls to support adoption of the new standard in 2018. Although it is early in the evaluation process, the Company does not expect Topic 606 to have a material impact on the financial statements, though internal processes, record keeping and disclosures may be significantly impacted. The sales are not believed to be material, because Topic 606 generally supports the recognition of revenue over time under the cost-to-cost method for the majority of the contracts, which is consistent with the current percentage of completion revenue recognition model. The Company evaluated other recent accounting pronouncements and does not expect them to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications (Notes)

Reclassifications (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Reclassifications [Abstract]
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Reclassifications. Reclassifications were made to the prior-year consolidated statement of cash flows to conform to the current-year presentations and were not material to the financial statements.

Business segment (Tables)

Business segment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment reporting [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net sales Piping Systems $26,852 $22,859 $50,353 $45,928 Gross profit Piping Systems $3,058 $2,980 $4,843 $4,972 Loss from operations Piping Systems $62 ($714 ) ($1,397 ) ($2,415 ) Corporate ($2,167 ) ($1,476 ) (4,525 ) (4,375 ) Total loss from operations ($2,105 ) ($2,190 ) ($5,922 ) ($6,790 )

Correction of immaterial erro25

Correction of immaterial error (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported balance sheet and stockholders' equity at January 31, 2017 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised Additional paid in capital $53,716 $1,642 $55,358 Retained earnings 8,515 (1,642 ) 6,873 A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported statement of operations for the three months ending July 31, 2016 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised General and administrative expense $3,370 $350 $3,720 Total operating expenses 4,820 350 5,170 Loss from operations (1,840 ) (350 ) (2,190 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (1,937 ) (350 ) (2,287 ) Loss from continuing operations (860 ) (350 ) (1,210 ) Net income 449 (350 ) 99 Loss per share from continuing operations (0.11 ) (0.05 ) (0.16 ) Earnings per share 0.06 (0.05 ) 0.01 A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported statement of operations for the six months ending July 31, 2016 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised General and administrative expense $8,463 $445 $8,908 Total operating expenses 11,317 445 11,762 Loss from operations (6,345 ) (445 ) (6,790 ) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (8,288 ) (445 ) (8,733 ) Loss from continuing operations (6,954 ) (445 ) (7,399 ) Net loss (5,845 ) (445 ) (6,290 ) Loss per share from continuing operations (0.94 ) (0.06 ) (1.00 ) Loss per share (0.79 ) (0.06 ) (0.85 ) A reconciliation of the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported statement of cash flows for the six months ending July 31, 2016 follows: As Reported Adjustment Revised Net loss ($5,845) ($445) ($6,290) Stock-based compensation expense 137 445 582

Discontinued operations (Tables

Discontinued operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Discontinued operations
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net sales from discontinued operations $— $3,276 $— $10,467 Gain on disposal of discontinued operations — 1,605 — 2,472 Income (loss) from discontinued operations — 423 — (660 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes — 2,028 — 1,812 Income tax expense — 719 — 703 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $— $1,309 $— $1,109 Components of assets and liabilities from discontinued operations consist of the following: July 31, 2017 January 31, 2017 Current assets Trade accounts receivable, net $— $25 Total assets from discontinued operations $— $25 Current liabilities Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other $156 $199 Total liabilities from discontinued operations $156 $199 Cash flows from discontinued operations: Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 Net cash used in discontinued operating activities ($18 ) ($208 ) Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities — 7,574 Net cash used in discontinued financing activities — (7,365 )

Long-lived assets and Goodwil27

Long-lived assets and Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	January 31, 2017 Foreign exchange change effect July 31, 2017 Goodwill $2,279 $109 $2,388

Other intangible assets with 28

Other intangible assets with definite lives (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Patent amortization expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Patent amortization expense $11 $11 $22 $22

Stock-based compensation Stock

Stock-based compensation Stock Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Stock-based compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense $65 $68 $59 $161 Restricted stock-based compensation expense $452 $390 $647 $668
Fair value assumptions [Table Text Block]	Six Months Ended July 31, Fair value assumptions 2017 2016 Expected volatility 43.2% 43.2% Risk free interest rate 1.2% 1.2% Dividend yield 0 0 Expected life 5.0 5.0
Option activity [Table Text Block]	Option activity Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 31, 2017 524 $11.55 4.5 $534 Exercised (24 ) 6.74 29 Expired or forfeited (82 ) 23.49 Outstanding end of period 418 9.49 4.5 274 Exercisable end of period 383 $9.59 4.2 $249
Unvested option activity [Table Text Block]	Unvested option activity Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 31, 2017 74 $9.31 $69 Vested (32 ) Expired or forfeited (7 ) 11.97 Outstanding end of period 35 $8.42 $25
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted stock activity Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Price Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 31, 2017 290 $8.75 $2,540 Granted 175 8.02 Issued (55 ) Forfeited (38 ) 7.85 Outstanding end of period 372 $7.93 $2,988

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 7,679 7,481 7,645 7,416 Dilutive effect of equity compensation plans — 122 — — Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming full dilution 7,679 7,603 7,645 7,416 Stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because the option exercise prices exceeded the average market prices of the common shares 163 356 163 378 Stock options with an exercise price below the average market price 255 248 255 226

Interest expense, net (Tables)

Interest expense, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest income and interest expense [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended July 31, Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest expense $193 $139 $358 $392 Interest income (36 ) (42 ) (44 ) (69 ) Interest expense, net $157 $97 $314 $323

Restricted cash Restricted cash

Restricted cash Restricted cash (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	Six Months Ended July 31, 2017 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $8,546 $11,612 Restricted cash 893 942 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cashflows $9,439 $12,554

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	Total purchase consideration: Cash $7,587 Loan payable 2,000 Purchase consideration to third party 9,587 Fair value of 49% previously held equity interest 7,492 Total purchase consideration $17,079 Fair value of net assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents $2,915 Property and equipment 13,124 Goodwill 2,279 Net working capital 406 Other assets (liabilities) net (1,645 ) Net assets acquired $17,079

Business segment reporting (Det

Business segment reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)Segments	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment reporting
Number of reportable segments | Segments	1
Net sales	$ 26,852	$ 22,859	$ 50,353	$ 45,928
Gross profit	3,058	2,980	4,843	4,972
Loss from operations	(2,105)	(2,190)	$ (5,922)	(6,790)
Piping Systems [Member]
Segment reporting
Segment reporting information, description of Products and Services			Piping Systems engineers, designs, manufactures and sells specialty piping, leak detection and location systems
Net sales	26,852	22,859	$ 50,353	45,928
Gross profit	3,058	2,980	4,843	4,972
Loss from operations	62	(714)	(1,397)	(2,415)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment reporting
Loss from operations	$ (2,167)	$ (1,476)	$ (4,525)	$ (4,375)

Business segment reporting Conc

Business segment reporting Concentration risk percentage (Details)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016Rate	Jan. 31, 2017
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.00%		33.00%

Correction of immaterial erro36

Correction of immaterial error (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Error corrections and prior period adjustments, description						An error was identified during the preparation and review of the current quarter financial statements, as stock-based compensation cost and additional paid in capital had been reversed for vested equity awards that expired, terminated or were unexercised
Additional paid-in capital	$ 55,622	$ 55,358				$ 55,622
Retained earnings	1,686	6,873				1,686
General and administrative expenses	3,856			$ 3,720		8,142	$ 8,908
Total operating expenses	5,163			5,170		10,765	11,762
Loss from operations	(2,105)			(2,190)		(5,922)	(6,790)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(2,262)			(2,287)		(6,236)	(8,733)
Loss from continuing operations	(1,698)			(1,210)		(5,187)	(7,399)
Net (loss) income	$ (1,698)			$ 99		(5,187)	(6,290)
Stock-based compensation expense						$ 521	$ 582
Loss per share from continuing operations	$ (0.22)			$ (0.16)		$ (0.68)	$ (1)
Earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.22)			$ 0.01		$ (0.68)	$ (0.85)
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Additional paid-in capital		53,716
Retained earnings		8,515
General and administrative expenses				$ 3,370			$ 8,463
Total operating expenses				4,820			11,317
Loss from operations				(1,840)			(6,345)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes				(1,937)			(8,288)
Loss from continuing operations				(860)			(6,954)
Net (loss) income				$ 449			(5,845)
Stock-based compensation expense							$ 137
Loss per share from continuing operations				$ (0.11)			$ (0.94)
Earnings (loss) per share				$ 0.06			$ (0.79)
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Additional paid-in capital		1,642
Retained earnings		(1,642)
General and administrative expenses		$ 213	$ 138	$ 350	$ 95		$ 445	$ 846
Total operating expenses				350			445
Loss from operations				(350)			(445)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes				(350)			(445)
Loss from continuing operations				(350)			(445)
Net (loss) income				$ (350)			(445)
Stock-based compensation expense							$ 445
Loss per share from continuing operations				$ (0.05)			$ (0.06)
Earnings (loss) per share				$ (0.05)			$ (0.06)

Discontinued operations (Detail

Discontinued operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Discontinued operations
Discontinued operation, income tax expense	$ 0	$ 719	$ 0	$ 703

Discontinued operations Discont

Discontinued operations Discontinued financials (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	$ 0	$ 3,276	$ 0	$ 10,467
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations	0	1,605	0	2,472
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	423	0	(660)
Income from discontinued operations before income tax	0	2,028	0	1,812
Discontinued operation, income tax expense	0	719	0	703
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	$ 1,309	0	1,109
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, accounts receivable	0		0		$ 25
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	0		0		25
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	156		156		199
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	$ 156		156		$ 199
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities			(18)	(208)
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities			0	7,574
Net cash used in discontinued financing activities			$ 0	$ (7,365)

Income taxes Income taxes (Deta

Income taxes Income taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
effective income tax rate from continuing operations	24.90%	47.10%	16.80%	15.30%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 200,000		$ 200,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest expense	1,200
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	$ 47,900		$ 47,900
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Description			The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") began an audit of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 in August 2016. In August 2017, the Company received a notice from the IRS that it had concluded the tax audit for the year ended January 31, 2015. No changes were made to the reported tax.

Long-lived assets and Goodwil40

Long-lived assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
New Date of Annual Goodwill Impairment Test	impairment assessment of goodwill annually as of January 31
Impairment of long-lived assets	there was no impairment of long-lived assets as of July 31, 2017 or January 31, 2017
Goodwill recognized, description	allocated between intangible assets and the net tangible assets of the acquired business with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill
Goodwill	$ 2,388	$ 2,279
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 109
Goodwill no impairment	There was no impairment to goodwill as of July 31, 2017.

Other intangible assets with 41

Other intangible assets with definite lives (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method			Patents are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed the legal lives of the patents.
Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Intent or Ability to Renew or Extend Arrangement			The Company expenses costs incurred to renew or extend the term of intangible assets
Gross patents	$ 2,630,000		$ 2,630,000
Accumulated amortization	2,400,000		2,400,000		$ 2,380,000
Amortization expense, next twelve months	44,700		44,700
Amortization expense, year two	36,600		36,600
Amortization expense, year three	33,700		33,700
Amortization expense, year four	27,100		27,100
Amortization expense, year five	17,500		17,500
Amortization expense, thereafter	93,900		93,900
Patent amortization expense	$ 11,000	$ 11,000	$ 22,000	$ 22,000

Stock-based compensation Stock-

Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 65	$ 68	$ 59	$ 161
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock based compensation expense	$ 452	$ 390	$ 647	$ 668

Stock-based compensation Fair v

Stock-based compensation Fair value assumptions (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	43.20%	43.20%
Risk free interest rate	1.20%	1.20%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected life	5 years 10 days	5 years 10 days

Stock-based compensation Option

Stock-based compensation Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Option activity [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 100
Unrecognized compensation expense recognized period	2 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Option activity [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 1,900
Unrecognized compensation expense recognized period	2 years 4 months 30 days
Stock Option [Member]
Option activity [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year		524
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		$ 11.55
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		4 years 5 months 30 days
Options Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 274	$ 534
Options, exercises in period	(24)
Options, exercises in period, weighted average exercise price	$ 6.74
Options, exercises in period, intrinsic value	$ 29
Expired or forfeited	(82)
Expired or Forfeited Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 23.49
Outstanding end of period	418
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 9.49
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 5 months 30 days
Exercisable end of period	383
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 9.59
Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 2 months 30 days
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 249
unvested option [Member]
Option activity [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year	35	74
Options, vested, number of shares	(32)
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 8.42	$ 9.31
Options Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 25	$ 69
Expired or forfeited	(7)
Expired or Forfeited Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 11.97

Stock-based compensation Restri

Stock-based compensation Restricted stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Outstanding	372	290
Share-based compensation nonvested weighted average grant date fair value	$ 7.93	$ 8.75
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 2,988	$ 2,540
Granted	175
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 8.02
Issued	(55)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited	(38)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 7.85

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Earnings per share [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	7,679	7,481	7,645	7,416
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans	0	122	0	0
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming full dilution	7,679	7,603	7,645	7,416
Stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because the option exercise prices exceeded the average market prices of the common shares	163	356	163	378
Stock options with an exercise price below the average market price	255	248	255	226

Interest expense, net (Details)

Interest expense, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 193	$ 139	$ 358	$ 392
Interest income	(36)	(42)	(44)	(69)
Interest expense, net	$ 157	$ 97	$ 314	$ 323

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)Rate
Debt [Line Items]
Debt	$ 16.3
Debt, net change	$ 4.6
UNITED STATES
Debt [Line Items]
Maturity date	Sep. 24, 2018
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 15
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	require achieving a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio with respective performance metrics as defined by the Credit Agreement if a minimum availability is not met
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	in compliance
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	(a) a margin in effect plus a base rate, if below certain availability limits; or (b) a margin in effect plus the Eurodollar rate for the corresponding interest period.
Prime interest rate | Rate	5.50%
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 0.2
North America [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Revolving line, amount outstanding	7.9
Revolving line, remaining borrowing capacity	$ 4.8
CANADA
Debt [Line Items]
Eurodollar interest rate | Rate	4.20%
Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 23
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance	in compliance with the covenants under the credit arrangements.
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	interest rates were based on the Emirates Inter Bank Offered Rate (EIBOR) plus 3.5% per annum, with a minimum interest rate of 4.5% per annum. On July 31, 2017, the Company's interest rates ranged from 5.0% to 6.5%
Revolving line, remaining borrowing capacity	$ 15.5
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 7.5

Debt Lease debt (Details)

Debt Lease debt (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease, issuance date	May 5, 2017
Proceeds from capital lease	$ 700
Capital lease, interest rate during period | Rate	7.80%
Capital lease, periodic payment	$ 9
Capital lease, maturity date	Apr. 30, 2021

Restricted cash (Details)

Restricted cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,546	$ 7,603	$ 11,612
Restricted cash	893	1,098	942
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cashflows	$ 9,439	$ 8,701	$ 12,554	$ 18,955

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement					Feb. 4, 2016
Business Acquisition, Name of Acquired Entity					PPC
Business Acquisition, Description of Acquired Entity					a coating and insulation company in Camrose, Alberta that serves the oil and gas industry in Western Canada
Cash to acquire businesses					$ 7,587
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred					2,000
Business Combination, Purchase consideration to third party					9,587
Business Combination, Step Acquisition,Fair value of 49% previously held equity interest					7,492
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred					17,079
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents					2,915
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment					13,124
Goodwill	$ 2,388		$ 2,388		2,279
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net working capital					406
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other assets (liabilities), net					(1,645)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net assets acquired					17,079
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs					$ 200
Loss on consolidation of joint venture	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,620