Significant accounting policies Investment in joint venture (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2013

Investment in joint venture [Abstract]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]

Investment in joint venture. In October 2009, the Company invested $5.9 million, which consisted of $2 million for a 49% interest and $3.9 million for a note receivable, in a Canadian joint venture with The Bayou Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of Aegion Corporation. The joint venture completed an acquisition of Garneau, Inc's pipe coating and insulation facility and associated assets located in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, which provides the Company the opportunity to participate in the growing oil sands market. In February 2012, the Company loaned $1 million to its Canadian joint venture to be used for capital expenditures.

The Company accounts for the investment in joint venture using the equity method. The financial results included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

	2012	2011
Share of income from joint venture	$1,386	$1,558

The following information summarizes the joint venture financial data as of January 31:

	2012	2011
Current assets	$14,058	$14,381
Noncurrent assets	19,442	14,259
Current liabilities	2,703	3,449
Noncurrent liabilities	18,274	15,403
Equity	12,524	9,789
Revenue	30,448	29,010
Gross profit	7,211	7,565
Income from continuing operations	3,380	5,137
Net income	$2,680	$3,189

	2012	2011
Share of income from joint venture	$1,386	$1,558

The following information summarizes the joint venture financial data as of January 31:

	2012	2011
Current assets	$14,058	$14,381
Noncurrent assets	19,442	14,259
Current liabilities	2,703	3,449
Noncurrent liabilities	18,274	15,403
Equity	12,524	9,789
Revenue	30,448	29,010
Gross profit	7,211	7,565
Income from continuing operations	3,380	5,137
Net income	$2,680	$3,189