Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 04, 2013
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,714,729
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2013