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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2012
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3. 
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

When determining fair value the Company uses a three-tier value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  Whenever possible, the Company uses observable market data. The Company relies on unobservable inputs only when observable market data is not available.  Classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table sets forth the financial assets, measured at fair value, as of April 30, 2012 and January 31, 2012:

   
Fair value measurement at reporting date using
 
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
      
(in thousands)
    
Money market mutual funds as of April 30, 2012
 $53,416  $-  $- 
Money market mutual funds as of January 31, 2012
 $48,242  $-  $- 

Money market mutual funds are classified as part of "Cash and equivalents" in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the amount of cash and equivalents included cash deposited with commercial banks of $24.9 million and $28.7 million as of April 30, 2012 and January 31, 2012, respectively.

There have been no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the quarter ended April 30, 2012.

The carrying amounts of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The Company's line of credit bears a variable market interest rate, subject to certain minimum interest rates. Therefore, should the Company have any amounts outstanding under the line of credit, the carrying value of the line of credit would reasonably approximate fair value. As of April 30, 2012, the Company's note payable bears a fixed rate of 6.5%. The estimated fair value of the note payable was approximately $17.0 million at April 30, 2012 and the carrying value was $16.1 million. The estimated fair value of the note payable is based primarily on expected market prices for bank loans with similar terms and maturities.