Subsequent events (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2016

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent events [Text Block]

Note 15 - Subsequent events

As previously discussed, MFRI, through its wholly owned subsidiary Perma-Pipe Canada, Inc., acquired 100% ownership of BPPC, a coating and insulation company located in Alberta, Canada. The Company had owned a 49% interest in BPPC since 2009. On February 4, 2016, the remaining 51% interest in BPPC was acquired from a subsidiary of Aegion Corporation for consideration of approximately $9.6 million in cash and debt.