Significant accounting policies Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventory Write-down	$ 600,000
Raw materials	27,330,000	31,820,000
Work in process	2,855,000	2,333,000
Finished goods	4,311,000	4,051,000
Subtotal	34,496,000	38,204,000
Less allowances	949,000	675,000
Inventories, net	$ 33,547,000	$ 37,529,000