Other intangible assets with definite lives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Other intangible assets with definite lives [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	$ 2,660,000		$ 2,660,000		$ 2,600,000
Accumulated amortization	2,270,000		2,270,000		2,230,000
Amortization expense, next twelve months	13,550		13,550
Amortization expense, year two	51,000		51,000
Amortization expense, year three	47,200		47,200
Amortization expense, year four	44,150		44,150
Amortization expense, year five	35,200		35,200
Amortization expense, thereafter	205,200		205,200
Patent amortization expense	$ 13,000	$ 12,000	$ 38,000	$ 38,000