Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial data has been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our fiscal year end is January 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year. Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astro-Med, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year's financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Use of Estimates: The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect these financial statements and accompanying notes. Some of the more significant estimates relate to the allowances for doubtful accounts and credits, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, income taxes, share-based compensation and warranty reserves. Management's estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, past historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and management's assessments of the probable future outcome of these matters. Consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Similar investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as securities available for sale. Cash of $1,929,000 and $1,103,000 was held in foreign bank accounts at January 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, where available. The difference between cost and fair value, net of related tax effects, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (land improvements—10 to 20 years; buildings and improvements—10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Depreciation expense was $1,510,000 for fiscal 2012 and $1,504,000 for 2011. Revenue Recognition: Astro-Med's product sales are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred and legal title and risk of loss have passed to the customer; and collectability is reasonably assured. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in sales while related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to remove tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver the product's essential functionality from the scope of industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance. In October 2009, the FASB also amended the accounting standards for multiple-element revenue arrangements to: (i) provide updated guidance on how the elements in a multiple-element arrangement should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated; (ii) require an entity to allocate revenue amongst the elements in an arrangement using estimated selling prices ("ESP") if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the selling price or third-party evidence ("TPE") of the selling price; and (iii) eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method. We adopted this accounting guidance for applicable transactions originating on or materially modified after February 1, 2011. The impact of this adoption was not material to our financial position and results of operations during fiscal 2012. The majority of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the hardware system. Therefore, the Company's hardware appliances are considered non-software elements and are not subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance. Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of equipment, software, installation and/or training services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when all the revenue recognition criteria for each unit are met. Delivery of installation and training services will vary based on certain factors such as the complexity of the equipment, staffing availability in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. All of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the system as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of hardware system. We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met. Infrequently, Astro-Med recognizes revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, we determine whether we have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue. NRE fees have not been significant in the periods presented herein. Infrequently, Astro-Med receives requests from customers to hold product purchased from us for the customer's convenience. Revenue is recognized for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement; the transfer of ownership of the purchased product; a fixed delivery date that is reasonable and consistent with the buyer's business purpose; the readiness of the product for shipment; the use of customary payment terms; no continuing performance obligation by us and segregation of the product from our inventories. Research and Development Costs: The Company complies with the guidance provided in FASB ASC 730, "Research and Development" by charging any costs to expense when incurred, as well as by disclosing in the financial statements the amount of R&D charged to expense. These charges include: salaries and benefits, external engineering service costs, engineering related information costs and supplies. The Company also complies with ASC 985-20, "Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed" and ASC 350-40, "Internal-Use Software" in accounting for the costs of software either developed or acquired. Foreign Currency: The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with the translation adjustment recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. Revenues and costs are translated at average exchange rates during the year. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments associated with our German subsidiary since its undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently invested. Our net foreign exchange losses were $27,000 and $44,000 for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Advertising: Astro-Med expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs including advertising production, trade shows and other activities are designed to enhance demand for our products and amounted to approximately $1,128,000 and $1,187,000 in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve: Astro-Med reimburses a portion of employee health insurance deductibles and co-payments. The total reimbursement amounted to approximately $613,000 and $538,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. We accrued approximately $150,000 and $135,000 at January 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for estimated outstanding reimbursements due to employees, including a reserve for incurred but not reported amounts. Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Goodwill: Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted new accounting guidance which simplifies goodwill impairment testing. Under the new guidance, goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two step process is then performed. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, step two is required to determine if there is an impairment of the goodwill. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying amount of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit's expected long –term operating cash flow performance. In addition, the Company uses the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving similar business, to support the conclusions based upon the income approach. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital, as well as discount factors and income tax rates. We performed a qualitative assessment for our 2012 analysis of goodwill. Based on this assessment, management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceed their fair values. Accordingly, no further testing was performed as management believes that there are no impairment issues in regards to goodwill at this time. Income Taxes: Astro-Med uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At January 31, 2012 and 2011, a valuation allowance was provided for deferred tax assets attributable to certain state R&D credit carryforwards. Astro-Med accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, "Accounting for Income Taxes." This guidance describes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires recognition of tax benefits that satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Net Income Per Common Share: Net income per common share has been computed and presented in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 260, "Earnings per Share." Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based on the basic weighted average number of shares and potential common shares for stock options outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. In fiscal years 2012 and 2011, there were 664,690 and 752,397 options that were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: In circumstances where we are aware of a customer's inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and allowances are established to state such receivables at their net realizable value. The remainder of the allowance is based upon historical write-off experience and current market assessments. Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, a note receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. Investment securities, all of which are available for sale, are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices, when available. The note receivable is a long-term asset and is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on the present value of the discounted cash flows over the life of the note. Comprehensive Income: In accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 220, "Comprehensive Income," we report the change in net assets during the period from non-owner sources by major components and as a single total. The consolidated statement of comprehensive income has been included with the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity on page 33. Accumulated other comprehensive income at January 31, 2012 consists of net unrealized gains on available for sale securities of $15,121 and net translation gains on foreign operations of $106,150. Share-Based Compensation: We account for stock options granted to employees and directors using the FASB guidance included in ASC 718, "Stock Compensation." Effective as of February 1, 2006, we adopted the "modified prospective" transition method provided in ASC 718. Under this method, share-based compensation is recognized in the consolidated statement of operation for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with prior authoritative guidance and for share-based payment awards granted subsequent to February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. In accordance with ASC 718, share-based compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate of share-based compensation requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk-free interest rate and the Company's dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of our options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics and the actual vesting schedule of the grant and has assessed the expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The dividend assumption is based upon the prior year's average dividend yield. No compensation expense is recognized for options that are forfeited for which the employee does not render the requested service. The cash flow from the tax benefits that are a result of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) are classified as a cash inflow from financing activities and a cash outflow from operating activity in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 718. Tax deductions from certain stock option exercises are treated as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with relevant tax law. Recent Accounting Pronouncements: Goodwill In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2011-08, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment" which is intended to reduce the complexity and costs related to the testing goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 allows an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment in order to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test already included in Topic 350. An entity will no longer be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-08 also expands upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. This amended guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, however early adoption is permitted. We have elected to early adopt ASU-2011-08 and have applied the provisions to our fiscal 2012 analysis of goodwill. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Comprehensive Income In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which requires entities to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. While ASU 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income, it does not change the components that are recognized in net income or comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. ASU 2011-05 also requires entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, "Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassification of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-05," which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and must be applied retrospectively. We will adopt this guidance in our first quarter ended April 28, 2012. Since ASU 2011-05 impacts presentation only, the adoption of this guidance will not have any effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Fair Value Measurements In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs," which is intended to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP or IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additionally, ASU 2011-04 clarifies the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-04 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Except for ASU's discussed above, all other ASUs issued by the FASB as of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial data has been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our fiscal year end is January 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astro-Med, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year's financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Use of Estimates: The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect these financial statements and accompanying notes. Some of the more significant estimates relate to the allowances for doubtful accounts and credits, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, income taxes, share-based compensation and warranty reserves. Management's estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, past historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and management's assessments of the probable future outcome of these matters. Consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Similar investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as securities available for sale. Cash of $1,929,000 and $1,103,000 was held in foreign bank accounts at January 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, where available. The difference between cost and fair value, net of related tax effects, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.

Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (land improvements—10 to 20 years; buildings and improvements—10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Depreciation expense was $1,510,000 for fiscal 2012 and $1,504,000 for 2011.

Revenue Recognition: Astro-Med's product sales are recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred and legal title and risk of loss have passed to the customer; and collectability is reasonably assured. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales. Rights of return are not included in sales arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. Discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in sales while related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to remove tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver the product's essential functionality from the scope of industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance. In October 2009, the FASB also amended the accounting standards for multiple-element revenue arrangements to:

(i) provide updated guidance on how the elements in a multiple-element arrangement should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated;

(ii) require an entity to allocate revenue amongst the elements in an arrangement using estimated selling prices ("ESP") if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the selling price or third-party evidence ("TPE") of the selling price; and

(iii) eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.

We adopted this accounting guidance for applicable transactions originating on or materially modified after February 1, 2011. The impact of this adoption was not material to our financial position and results of operations during fiscal 2012.

The majority of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the hardware system. Therefore, the Company's hardware appliances are considered non-software elements and are not subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance.

Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of equipment, software, installation and/or training services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when all the revenue recognition criteria for each unit are met. Delivery of installation and training services will vary based on certain factors such as the complexity of the equipment, staffing availability in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer. All of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the system as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of hardware system.

We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on VSOE if available, third-party evidence ("TPE") if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price ("ESP") if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.

Infrequently, Astro-Med recognizes revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, we determine whether we have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue. NRE fees have not been significant in the periods presented herein.

Infrequently, Astro-Med receives requests from customers to hold product purchased from us for the customer's convenience. Revenue is recognized for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SAB No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement; the transfer of ownership of the purchased product; a fixed delivery date that is reasonable and consistent with the buyer's business purpose; the readiness of the product for shipment; the use of customary payment terms; no continuing performance obligation by us and segregation of the product from our inventories.

Research and Development Costs: The Company complies with the guidance provided in FASB ASC 730, "Research and Development" by charging any costs to expense when incurred, as well as by disclosing in the financial statements the amount of R&D charged to expense. These charges include: salaries and benefits, external engineering service costs, engineering related information costs and supplies. The Company also complies with ASC 985-20, "Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed" and ASC 350-40, "Internal-Use Software" in accounting for the costs of software either developed or acquired.

Foreign Currency: The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with the translation adjustment recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. Revenues and costs are translated at average exchange rates during the year. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments associated with our German subsidiary since its undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently invested. Our net foreign exchange losses were $27,000 and $44,000 for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Advertising: Astro-Med expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs including advertising production, trade shows and other activities are designed to enhance demand for our products and amounted to approximately $1,128,000 and $1,187,000 in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve: Astro-Med reimburses a portion of employee health insurance deductibles and co-payments. The total reimbursement amounted to approximately $613,000 and $538,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. We accrued approximately $150,000 and $135,000 at January 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for estimated outstanding reimbursements due to employees, including a reserve for incurred but not reported amounts.

Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill: Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted new accounting guidance which simplifies goodwill impairment testing. Under the new guidance, goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two step process is then performed. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, step two is required to determine if there is an impairment of the goodwill. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying amount of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit's expected long –term operating cash flow performance. In addition, the Company uses the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving similar business, to support the conclusions based upon the income approach. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital, as well as discount factors and income tax rates.

We performed a qualitative assessment for our 2012 analysis of goodwill. Based on this assessment, management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceed their fair values. Accordingly, no further testing was performed as management believes that there are no impairment issues in regards to goodwill at this time.

Income Taxes: Astro-Med uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At January 31, 2012 and 2011, a valuation allowance was provided for deferred tax assets attributable to certain state R&D credit carryforwards.

Astro-Med accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, "Accounting for Income Taxes." This guidance describes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires recognition of tax benefits that satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

Net Income Per Common Share: Net income per common share has been computed and presented in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 260, "Earnings per Share." Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based on the basic weighted average number of shares and potential common shares for stock options outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. In fiscal years 2012 and 2011, there were 664,690 and 752,397 options that were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: In circumstances where we are aware of a customer's inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and allowances are established to state such receivables at their net realizable value. The remainder of the allowance is based upon historical write-off experience and current market assessments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, a note receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. Investment securities, all of which are available for sale, are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices, when available. The note receivable is a long-term asset and is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on the present value of the discounted cash flows over the life of the note.

Comprehensive Income: In accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 220, "Comprehensive Income," we report the change in net assets during the period from non-owner sources by major components and as a single total. The consolidated statement of comprehensive income has been included with the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity on page 33. Accumulated other comprehensive income at January 31, 2012 consists of net unrealized gains on available for sale securities of $15,121 and net translation gains on foreign operations of $106,150.

Share-Based Compensation: We account for stock options granted to employees and directors using the FASB guidance included in ASC 718, "Stock Compensation." Effective as of February 1, 2006, we adopted the "modified prospective" transition method provided in ASC 718. Under this method, share-based compensation is recognized in the consolidated statement of operation for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with prior authoritative guidance and for share-based payment awards granted subsequent to February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.

In accordance with ASC 718, share-based compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate of share-based compensation requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk-free interest rate and the Company's dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of our options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics and the actual vesting schedule of the grant and has assessed the expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The dividend assumption is based upon the prior year's average dividend yield. No compensation expense is recognized for options that are forfeited for which the employee does not render the requested service.

The cash flow from the tax benefits that are a result of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) are classified as a cash inflow from financing activities and a cash outflow from operating activity in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 718. Tax deductions from certain stock option exercises are treated as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with relevant tax law.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

Goodwill

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2011-08, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment" which is intended to reduce the complexity and costs related to the testing goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 allows an entity the option to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment in order to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test already included in Topic 350. An entity will no longer be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-08 also expands upon the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider between annual impairment tests in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. This amended guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, however early adoption is permitted. We have elected to early adopt ASU-2011-08 and have applied the provisions to our fiscal 2012 analysis of goodwill. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which requires entities to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. While ASU 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income, it does not change the components that are recognized in net income or comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. ASU 2011-05 also requires entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, "Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassification of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standard Update No. 2011-05," which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and must be applied retrospectively. We will adopt this guidance in our first quarter ended April 28, 2012. Since ASU 2011-05 impacts presentation only, the adoption of this guidance will not have any effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Fair Value Measurements

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs," which is intended to improve the comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP or IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additionally, ASU 2011-04 clarifies the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the provisions of ASU 2011-04 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Except for ASU's discussed above, all other ASUs issued by the FASB as of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.