Note 2 - Computation of Net Loss Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
Net loss per share – Class A Common Stock
Dividends declared	$ 1,331	$ 1,316
Allocation of undistributed net loss	(3,902)	(4,108)
Net loss	(2,571)	(2,792)
Less: Dividends declared	(1,331)	(1,316)
Undistributed net loss	$ (3,902)	$ (4,108)
Common Class A [Member]
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding—basic (in shares)	15,809	15,594
Weighted average potential shares of common stock (in shares)
Weighted average shares of common stock and potential common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)	15,809	15,594
Basic net loss per Class A common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.15)
Diluted net loss per Class A common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.15)
Net loss per share – Class A Common Stock
Dividends declared	$ 1,138	$ 1,124
Allocation of undistributed net loss	(3,337)	(3,508)
Net loss	(2,199)	(2,384)
Less: Dividends declared	(1,138)	(1,124)
Undistributed net loss	$ (3,337)	$ (3,508)
Common Class B [Member]
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding—basic (in shares)	3,210	3,204
Weighted average potential shares of common stock (in shares)
Weighted average shares of common stock and potential common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)	3,210	3,204
Basic net loss per Class A common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.13)
Diluted net loss per Class A common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.13)
Net loss per share – Class A Common Stock
Dividends declared	$ 193	$ 192
Allocation of undistributed net loss	(565)	(600)
Net loss	(372)	(408)
Less: Dividends declared	(193)	(192)
Undistributed net loss	$ (565)	$ (600)