Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies - Changes in the net carrying value of Equity Method investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 2,805	$ 3,217
(Loss) income from equity investment	(72)	83	$ 28
Balance at end of year	2,371	2,805	3,217
All Equity Method Investments [Member] | Applied Technology [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	2,805	3,217	3,684
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	135	0	0
(Loss) income from equity investment	(72)	83	28
Amortization of intangible assets	(497)	(495)	(495)
Balance at end of year	$ 2,371	$ 2,805	$ 3,217