Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013 Subsidiaries Divisions	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
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	$ 7	$ 553	$ 1,280
Aerostar Integrated Systems [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest
Joint venture, ownership percentage	75.00%
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life, minimum, years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	15 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Applied Technology [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Engineered Films [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Aerostar [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life, minimum, years	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	39 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Applied Technology [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Engineered Films [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Aerostar [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture, fixtures, office equipment and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment useful lives	7 years