Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012 Y Subsidiaries Divisions	Jan. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2010
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Divisions operated in by Parent	3
Subsidiaries owned by parent	6
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capitalized software costs	$ 553	$ 1,280	$ 914
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life, minimum, years	3
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful lifes, maximum	20
Aerostar Integrated Systems [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest
Joint venture, ownership percentage	75.00%
Building and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, minimum, years	15
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, maximum, years	39
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Applied Technology [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, minimum, years	3
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, maximum, years	5
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Engineered Films [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, minimum, years	5
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, maximum, years	12
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Aerostar [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, minimum, years	3
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, maximum, years	5
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Electronic Systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, minimum, years	3
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, maximum, years	5
Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, minimum, years	3
Property, plant and equipment useful lives, maximum, years	7