Other intangible assets with definite lives (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [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	$ 2,610,000		$ 2,610,000		$ 2,590,000
Accumulated amortization	2,370,000		2,370,000		$ 2,330,000
Amortization expense, next twelve months	11,500		11,500
Amortization expense, year two	43,150		43,150
Amortization expense, year three	34,150		34,150
Amortization expense, year four	31,150		31,150
Amortization expense, year five	24,800		24,800
Amortization expense, thereafter	98,125		98,125
Patent amortization expense	$ 12,000	$ 14,000	$ 34,000	$ 40,000