Product Warranty Liability

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2012

Product Warranty Liability [Abstract]

Note 12—Product Warranty Liability

Astro-Med offers a manufacturer's warranty for the majority of its hardware products. The specific terms and conditions of warranty vary depending upon the product sold and country in which the Company does business. For products sold in the United States, the Company provides a basic limited warranty, including parts and labor. The Company estimates the warranty costs based on historical claims experience and records a liability in the amount of such estimates at the time product revenue is recognized. The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Activity in the product warranty liability is as follows:


	January 31,
	2012			2011
Balance, beginning of the year	$	258,082		$	260,235
Warranties issued		660,756			499,906
Settlements made		(575,736	)		(502,059	)

Balance, end of the year	$	343,102		$	258,082