Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Argan, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and two variable interest entities for which GPS is deemed to be the primary beneficiary (see Note 6 below) . The Company’s fiscal year ends on January 31. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In Note 18, the Company has provided certain financial information relating to the operating results and assets of its industry segments based on the manner in which management disaggregates the Company’s financial reporting for purposes of making internal operating decisions. Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, net revenues, expenses, and certain financial statement disclosures. Management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which it relies are reasonable based upon information available to it at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, the Company’s accounting for revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, assets with long and indefinite lives including goodwill, contingent obligations and deferred taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Fair Values – Current professional accounting guidance applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. The requirements prescribe a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices in an active market or the price of an identical asset or liability. Level 2 inputs are market data other than Level 1 inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices in an inactive market, and other observable information that can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and corroborated by little or no market data. The carrying value amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of business segments (as needed for purposes of determining indications of impairment to the carrying value of goodwill) is determined using an average of valuations based on market multiples and discounted cash flows, and consideration of our market capitalization. Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally from five to twenty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related asset or the lease term, whichever is shorter. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in earnings. Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets – The Company reviews for impairment, at least annually, the carrying values of goodwill and other purchased intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life. The Company evaluates these assets for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset value might be impaired. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to identify a potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The estimate of fair value of the reporting unit, generally a company’s operating segment, is determined using various valuation techniques, with the principal techniques being a discounted cash flow analysis and market multiple valuation. A discounted cash flow analysis requires making various judgmental assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. After taking into consideration industry and company trends, if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not deemed impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. Long-Lived Assets – Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and equipment and purchased intangible assets with definite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a carrying amount should be assessed. The Company compares the carrying value of the long-lived asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. In the event the Company determines that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, a loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is generally determined by using quoted market prices or valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash flows, appraisals, or other pricing models as appropriate. The useful lives and amortization of purchased intangible assets are described in Note 11. Revenue Recognition, Power Industry Services – Net revenues are recognized under various construction agreements, including agreements for which net revenues are based on either a fixed price or cost-plus-fee basis, with typical durations of one to three years. Net revenues from cost-plus-fee construction agreements are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the fee earned, measured using the cost-to-cost method. Net revenues from fixed price construction agreements, including a portion of estimated profit, are recognized as services are provided, based on costs incurred and estimated total contract costs using the percentage of completion method. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined. Unapproved change orders, which represent contract variations for which the Company has project owner approval for scope changes but not for the price associated with the scope changes, are reflected in net revenues when it is probable that the applicable costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price. As of January 31, 2012, unapproved change orders in the aggregate amount of approximately $975,000 were included in the total contract value amounts and reflected in the estimated total cost amounts of the corresponding contracts. Disputed change orders that are unapproved in regard to both scope and price are considered claims. The Company recognizes net revenues related to a claim only when an agreement on the amount has been reached with the project owner. Construction agreements may contain incentive fees that provide for increasing the Company’s total fee on a particular contract based on the actual amount of costs incurred in relation to an agreed upon target cost. The Company includes such fees in the determination of total estimated net revenues when management believes that it is probable that such fees have been earned, which is typically near the end of the contract performance period. Revenue Recognition, Telecommunications Infrastructure Services – This business segment generates net revenues under various arrangements, including contracts for which net revenues are based on either a fixed price or a time and materials basis. Net revenues from time and materials contracts are recognized when the related services are provided to the customer. Net revenues from fixed price contracts, including portions of estimated profit, are recognized as services are provided, based on costs incurred and estimated amounts of total contract costs using the percentage of completion method. Many of the contracts include multiple deliverables. Because these projects are fully integrated undertakings, the Company cannot separate the services provided into individual components. Losses on contracts, if any, are recognized in the periods in which they become known. Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effects of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. If management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, the carrying value will be reduced by a valuation allowance. The Company adopted the accounting and disclosure guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. There has not been any material effect on the consolidated financial statements as the result of adopting these requirements. Stock-Based Compensation – The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based upon fair value at the date of award using a fair value based option pricing model. The compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Argan, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and two variable interest entities for which GPS is deemed to be the primary beneficiary (see Note 6 below) . The Company’s fiscal year ends on January 31. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In Note 18, the Company has provided certain financial information relating to the operating results and assets of its industry segments based on the manner in which management disaggregates the Company’s financial reporting for purposes of making internal operating decisions.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, net revenues, expenses, and certain financial statement disclosures. Management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which it relies are reasonable based upon information available to it at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, the Company’s accounting for revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, assets with long and indefinite lives including goodwill, contingent obligations and deferred taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Values – Current professional accounting guidance applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. The requirements prescribe a fair value hierarchy that has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable, with use of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices in an active market or the price of an identical asset or liability. Level 2 inputs are market data other than Level 1 inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices in an inactive market, and other observable information that can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and corroborated by little or no market data.

The carrying value amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of business segments (as needed for purposes of determining indications of impairment to the carrying value of goodwill) is determined using an average of valuations based on market multiples and discounted cash flows, and consideration of our market capitalization.

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are generally from five to twenty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related asset or the lease term, whichever is shorter. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in earnings.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets – The Company reviews for impairment, at least annually, the carrying values of goodwill and other purchased intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life. The Company evaluates these assets for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset value might be impaired. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to identify a potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The estimate of fair value of the reporting unit, generally a company’s operating segment, is determined using various valuation techniques, with the principal techniques being a discounted cash flow analysis and market multiple valuation. A discounted cash flow analysis requires making various judgmental assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. After taking into consideration industry and company trends, if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not deemed impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit.

Long-Lived Assets – Long-lived assets, consisting primarily of property and equipment and purchased intangible assets with definite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a carrying amount should be assessed. The Company compares the carrying value of the long-lived asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. In the event the Company determines that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, a loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is generally determined by using quoted market prices or valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash flows, appraisals, or other pricing models as appropriate. The useful lives and amortization of purchased intangible assets are described in Note 11.

Revenue Recognition, Power Industry Services – Net revenues are recognized under various construction agreements, including agreements for which net revenues are based on either a fixed price or cost-plus-fee basis, with typical durations of one to three years. Net revenues from cost-plus-fee construction agreements are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the fee earned, measured using the cost-to-cost method. Net revenues from fixed price construction agreements, including a portion of estimated profit, are recognized as services are provided, based on costs incurred and estimated total contract costs using the percentage of completion method. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined.

Unapproved change orders, which represent contract variations for which the Company has project owner approval for scope changes but not for the price associated with the scope changes, are reflected in net revenues when it is probable that the applicable costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price. As of January 31, 2012, unapproved change orders in the aggregate amount of approximately $975,000 were included in the total contract value amounts and reflected in the estimated total cost amounts of the corresponding contracts. Disputed change orders that are unapproved in regard to both scope and price are considered claims. The Company recognizes net revenues related to a claim only when an agreement on the amount has been reached with the project owner. Construction agreements may contain incentive fees that provide for increasing the Company’s total fee on a particular contract based on the actual amount of costs incurred in relation to an agreed upon target cost. The Company includes such fees in the determination of total estimated net revenues when management believes that it is probable that such fees have been earned, which is typically near the end of the contract performance period.

Revenue Recognition, Telecommunications Infrastructure Services – This business segment generates net revenues under various arrangements, including contracts for which net revenues are based on either a fixed price or a time and materials basis. Net revenues from time and materials contracts are recognized when the related services are provided to the customer. Net revenues from fixed price contracts, including portions of estimated profit, are recognized as services are provided, based on costs incurred and estimated amounts of total contract costs using the percentage of completion method. Many of the contracts include multiple deliverables. Because these projects are fully integrated undertakings, the Company cannot separate the services provided into individual components. Losses on contracts, if any, are recognized in the periods in which they become known.

Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effects of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. If management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, the carrying value will be reduced by a valuation allowance. The Company adopted the accounting and disclosure guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. There has not been any material effect on the consolidated financial statements as the result of adopting these requirements.

Stock-Based Compensation – The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based upon fair value at the date of award using a fair value based option pricing model. The compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details