Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 23, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC /CA/
Entity Central Index Key	0000110536
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$ 46,465,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,320,910
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2012