Layne Christensen (LAYN) 10-Q 9 Sep 14 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Jul-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'LAYN	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LAYNE CHRISTENSEN CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000888504	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	19,739,583

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$23,287	$34,842
Customer receivables, less allowance of $5,646 and $7,481, respectively	111,052	92,081
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	99,700	88,744
Inventories	42,312	41,839
Deferred income taxes	3,176	4,168
Income taxes receivable	7,929	9,068
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	'	10,651
Restricted deposits-current	4,145	2,881
Discontinued operations-assets	'	17,593
Other	14,544	14,990
Total current assets	306,145	316,857
Property and equipment:	'	'
Land	16,614	16,474
Buildings	41,565	39,149
Machinery and equipment	463,988	479,922
Property and equipment, gross	522,167	535,545
Less-Accumulated depreciation	-346,749	-343,871
Net property and equipment	175,418	191,674
Other assets:	'	'
Investment in affiliates	67,723	67,293
Goodwill	8,915	8,915
Other intangible assets, net	4,427	5,150
Restricted deposits-long term	4,949	4,964
Deferred income taxes	552	612
Deferred financing fees, net	7,732	5,313
Discontinued operations-assets	'	38,250
Other	16,016	7,590
Total other assets	110,314	138,087
Total assets	591,877	646,618
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	76,957	66,388
Current maturities of long term debt	9,316	7,926
Accrued compensation	28,202	17,699
Accrued insurance expense	13,250	10,710
Accrued FCPA liability	5,127	10,352
Discontinued operations-current liabilities	'	15,029
Other accrued expenses	29,565	25,360
Acquisition escrow obligation-current	'	2,858
Income taxes payable	8,976	7,950
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	28,296	31,255
Total current liabilities	199,689	195,527
Noncurrent and deferred liabilities:	'	'
Convertible notes, net	108,386	106,782
Long-term debt	21,738	336
Accrued insurance expense	15,862	16,883
Deferred income taxes	9,260	10,945
Discontinued operations-long term liabilities	'	1,186
Other	25,276	24,256
Total noncurrent and deferred liabilities	180,522	160,388
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 60,000 and 30,000 shares authorized, 20,264 and 19,915 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	203	199
Capital in excess of par value	367,913	367,461
Accumulated deficit	-144,412	-61,656
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-12,682	-16,540
Total Layne Christensen Company equity	211,022	289,464
Noncontrolling interests	644	1,239
Total equity	211,666	290,703
Total liabilities and equity	$591,877	$646,618

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Customer receivables, allowance	$5,646	$7,481
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	20,264,000	19,915,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,264,000	19,915,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$210,363	$221,254	$388,522	$438,683
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-178,998	-183,406	-333,145	-365,598
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-28,768	-35,788	-62,044	-75,996
Depreciation and amortization	-13,247	-14,113	-25,915	-28,221
Impairment charges	0	-14,646	'	-14,646
Restructuring costs	-1,328	'	-1,328	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	2,535	-1,307	2,469	-1,788
Interest expense	-3,160	-1,156	-7,298	-2,015
Other income, net	649	963	598	4,527
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-11,954	-28,199	-38,141	-45,054
Income tax expense	-165	-50,536	-1,936	-57,139
Net loss from continuing operations	-12,119	-78,735	-40,077	-102,193
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-42,840	4,192	-41,634	3,940
Net loss	-54,959	-74,543	-81,711	-98,253
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-69	-277	-1,045	-345
Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($55,028)	($74,820)	($82,756)	($98,598)
Earnings per share information attributable to Layne Christensen shareholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic loss per share-continuing operations	($0.63)	($4.03)	($2.10)	($5.23)
Basic (loss) income per share-discontinued operations	($2.18)	$0.22	($2.12)	$0.20
Basic loss per share	($2.81)	($3.81)	($4.22)	($5.03)
Diluted loss per share-continuing operations	($0.63)	($4.03)	($2.10)	($5.23)
Diluted (loss) income per share-discontinued operations	($2.18)	$0.22	($2.12)	$0.20
Diluted loss per share	($2.81)	($3.81)	($4.22)	($5.03)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	19,629	19,573	19,627	19,602
Dilutive stock options and nonvested shares	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding -dilutive	19,629	19,573	19,627	19,602

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($54,959)	($74,543)	($81,711)	($98,253)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $0, $4,064, $0 and $3,778, respectively)	-2,467	-348	222	-88
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $0	3,636	'	3,636	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,169	-348	3,858	-88
Comprehensive loss	-53,790	-74,891	-77,853	-98,341
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-69	-277	-1,045	-345
Comprehensive loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($53,859)	($75,168)	($78,898)	($98,686)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$0	$4,064	$0	$3,778
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation, taxes	$0	'	$0	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital In Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)	Total Layne Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning balance at Jan. 31, 2013	$415,071	$198	$352,048	$66,983	($6,492)	$412,737	$2,334
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2013	'	19,818,376	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	-98,253	'	'	-98,598	'	-98,598	345
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-88	'	'	'	-88	-88	'
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)	'	103,137	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of nonvested shares	'	1	-1	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled	-41	'	-41	'	'	-41	'
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled (in shares)	'	-2,051	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax deficiency on forfeiture of options	-92	'	-92	'	'	-92	'
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	'	72,611	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options	1,122	'	1,122	'	'	1,122	'
Cancellation of stock options issued	'	-8,099	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,591	'	'	'	'	'	-1,591
Share-based compensation	1,998	'	1,998	'	'	1,998	'
Ending balance at Jul. 31, 2013	318,126	199	355,034	-31,615	-6,580	317,038	1,088
Ending balance (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2013	'	19,983,974	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance at Jan. 31, 2014	290,703	199	367,461	-61,656	-16,540	289,464	1,239
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2014	'	19,914,976	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	-81,711	'	'	-82,756	'	-82,756	1,045
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,858	'	'	'	3,858	3,858	'
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)	'	581,289	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of nonvested shares	'	6	-6	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled	-27	'	-27	'	'	-27	'
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled (in shares)	'	-2,051	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)	-230,600	-230,600	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of nonvested shares	'	-2	2	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,640	'	'	'	'	'	-1,640
Share-based compensation	483	'	483	'	'	483	'
Ending balance at Jul. 31, 2014	$211,666	$203	$367,913	($144,412)	($12,682)	$211,022	$644
Ending balance (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2014	'	20,263,614	'	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Cash flow from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($81,711)	($98,253)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	28,449	30,585
Amortization of discount and deferred financing costs	3,187	'
Deferred income taxes	-633	47,973
Share-based compensation	483	1,998
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates	-2,469	1,788
Impairment charges	'	14,646
Dividends received from affiliates	2,037	4,180
Loss (gain) on sale of discontinued operations	38,321	-8,333
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	-188	-4,246
Restructuring activities	584	'
Other, net	-6,785	1,368
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects of dispositions:	'	'
(Increase) decrease customer receivables	-18,276	15,400
(Increase) decrease in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	-11,332	3,599
(Increase) decrease in inventories	-905	2,854
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	6,793	-5,491
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	16,951	-7,520
Decrease in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-2,969	-5,541
Cash used in operating activities	-28,463	-4,993
Cash flow from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-8,133	-17,369
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	1,720	7,237
Proceeds from insurance contracts	11,094	3,565
Proceeds from redemption of preferred units	500	'
Deposit of cash into restricted accounts	-32,851	'
Release of cash from restricted accounts	31,344	'
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,674	-6,567
Cash flow from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowing under revolving loan facilities	46,368	179,842
Repayments under revolving loan facilities	-26,812	-172,333
Net increase in notes payable	1,594	1,322
Principal payments under capital lease obligation	-567	-318
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options	'	1,122
Payment of debt issuance costs	-4,059	'
Purchases and retirement of treasury stock	-27	-41
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,640	-1,591
Cash provided by financing activities	14,857	8,003
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,794	-422
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-11,726	-3,979
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,013	27,242
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$23,287	$23,263

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
	Description of Business – Layne Christensen Company and subsidiaries (together, “Layne”) is a global water management, construction and drilling company, providing responsible solutions for water, mineral and energy challenges. Layne operates throughout North America as well as in parts of Africa, Australia, South America, and Italy. Its customers include government agencies, investor-owned water utilities, industrial companies, global mining companies, consulting and engineering firms, heavy civil construction contractors, oil and gas companies and agribusinesses. Layne has an ownership interest in certain foreign affiliates operating in Latin America.
	Fiscal Year – Layne’s fiscal year end is January 31. References to fiscal years are to the twelve months then ended.
	Presentation – Layne’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2014 (“Annual Report”). Layne believes the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year. In the notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
	As discussed further in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, Layne sold one of its components, Costa Fortuna, previously reported in the Geoconstruction operating segment. Amounts presented on the prior year condensed consolidated balance sheet and condensed consolidated statements of operations related to this component have been reclassed. Unless noted otherwise, discussion in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements pertain to Layne’s continuing operations.
	Borrowings and payments under the revolving loan facilities were previously reported as net borrowings under revolving loan facilities and as net repayments under revolving loan facilities within the statement of cash flows, rather than as gross amounts as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows”. The presentation for the six months ended July 31, 2013 has been corrected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements to present borrowing and payments under the revolving loan facilities on a gross basis, rather than a net basis, to conform to this requirement. The change in presentation had no effect on net cash provided by (used in) financing activities and does not affect Layne’s condensed consolidated balance sheets or condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, Layne’s historical net loss, loss per share, total assets and cash and cash equivalents remain unchanged.
	Revenue Recognition – Revenues are recognized on large, long-term construction contracts meeting the criteria of ASC Topic 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts”, using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. Contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the percentage of completion are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised. The nature of accounting for contracts is such that refinements of the estimating process for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors can and do change during a contract performance period which can result in a change to contract profitability including differing site conditions (to the extent that contract remedies are unavailable), the availability of skilled contract labor, the performance of major material suppliers, the performance of major subcontractors, unusual weather conditions and unexpected changes in material costs. When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, the entire loss is recorded during the accounting period in which it is estimated. Management focuses on evaluating the performance of contracts individually. In the ordinary course of business, but at least quarterly, Layne prepares updated estimates of the total forecasted revenue, cost and profit or loss for each contract. The cumulative effect of revisions in contract estimates is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. Because Layne has many contracts in process at any given time, these changes in estimates may offset each other minimizing the impact on overall profitability. However, large changes in cost estimates on larger, more complex construction projects can have a material impact on Layne’s financial statements.
	Layne records revenue on contracts relating to unapproved change orders and claims by including in revenue an amount less than or equal to the amount of the costs incurred by Layne to date for contract price adjustments that Layne seeks to collect from customers for delays, errors in specifications or designs, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to scope or price, or other unanticipated additional costs, in each case when recovery of the costs is considered probable. The amount of unapproved change orders and claims revenues are included in its consolidated balance sheets as part of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. When determining the likelihood of eventual recovery, Layne considers such factors as its experience on similar projects and its experience with the customer. As new facts become known, an adjustment to the estimated recovery is made and reflected in the current period.
	As allowed by ASC Topic 605-35, revenue is recognized on smaller, short-term construction contracts using the completed contract method. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted construction contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.
	Contracts for mineral exploration drilling services within Mineral Services are billable based on the quantity of drilling performed and revenues for these drilling contracts are recognized on the basis of actual footage or meterage drilled.
	Revenues for direct sales of equipment and other ancillary products not provided in conjunction with the performance of construction contracts are recognized at the date of delivery to, and acceptance by, the customer.
	Layne’s revenues are presented net of taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions with its customers, such as, but not limited to, sales, use, value-added and some excise taxes.
	Inventories – Layne values inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost of U.S. inventories and the majority of foreign operations are determined using the average cost method, which approximates FIFO. Inventories consist primarily of finished goods, supplies and raw materials. Finished goods of $3.1 million and $4.0 million, supplies of $36.3 million and $34.7 million and raw materials of $2.9 million and $3.1 million were included in inventories in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively.
	Goodwill – In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”, Layne is required to test for the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives on at least an annual basis. Layne conducts this evaluation annually as of December 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Layne believes at this time that the carrying value of the remaining goodwill is appropriate, although to the extent additional information arises or its strategies change, it is possible that Layne’s conclusions regarding impairment of the remaining goodwill could change and result in a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
	Long-lived Assets – Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors that are considered important which could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following:
		•		significant underperformance of assets;
		•		significant changes in the use of the assets; and
		•		significant negative industry or economic trends.
	Based on declines in actual and forecasted results during the quarter ended July 31, 2014, in Heavy Civil and Mineral Services, Layne has reviewed the recoverability of the asset values of its long-lived assets. No impairments were indicated by such analyses.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – Layne considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Layne’s cash equivalents are subject to potential credit risk. Its cash management and investment policies restrict investments to investment grade, highly liquid securities.
	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable – Layne makes ongoing estimates relating to the collectability of its accounts receivable and maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. In determining the amount of the allowance, Layne makes judgments about the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations, and also considers a review of accounts receivable aging, industry trends, customer financial strength, credit standing and payment history to assess the probability of collection.
	Layne does not establish an allowance for credit losses on long-term contract unbilled receivables. Adjustments to unbilled receivables related to credit quality, if they occur, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue.
	Concentration of Credit Risk – Layne grants credit to its customers, which may include concentrations in state and local governments. Although this concentration could affect its overall exposure to credit risk, management believes that its portfolio of accounts receivable is sufficiently diversified, thus spreading the credit risk. Management performs periodic credit evaluations of Layne’s customers’ financial condition, including monitoring its customers’ payment history and current credit worthiness. Layne does not generally require collateral in support of its trade receivables, but may require payment in advance or security in the form of a letter of credit or bank guarantee.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, customer receivables and accounts payable, approximate fair value at July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, due to the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to the fair value of indebtedness of Layne and Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for other fair value disclosures.
	Litigation and Other Contingencies – Layne is involved in litigation incidental to its business, the disposition of which is not expected to have a material effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in Layne’s assumptions related to these proceedings. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability is accrued in Layne’s condensed consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, is disclosed. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.
	Share-based Compensation – Layne recognizes the cost of all share-based instruments in the financial statements using a fair-value measurement of the associated costs. The fair value of service based share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model and for certain market based awards the fair value was determined using the Monte Carlo valuation model.
	Unearned compensation expense associated with the issuance of nonvested shares is amortized on a straight-line basis as the restrictions on the stock expire, subject to achievement of certain contingencies.
	Income (loss) Per Share – Income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For periods in which Layne recognizes net income, diluted earnings per common share is computed in the same way as basic earnings per common share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued that were dilutive. For periods in which Layne recognizes losses, the calculation of diluted loss per share is the same as the calculation of basic loss per share. Options to purchase common stock are included based on the treasury stock method for dilutive earnings per share, except when their effect is antidilutive. The Convertible Notes are included in the calculation of diluted loss per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method. Options to purchase 1.2 million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.6 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. Options to purchase 1.4 million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2013, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.4 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2013, as their effect was antidilutive.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information – The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
			Six Months
			Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013
	Income taxes		$	2,377	$	5,212
	Interest			3,233		1,686
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations			2,638		10,564
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC			—		432
	Accrued capital additions			464		486
	Recent Authoritative Guidance – The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” in April 2014. ASU 2014-08 amends the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This is effective for annual periods commencing on or after December 15, 2014. Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The guidance, which is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 defines the steps to recognize revenue for entities who have contracts with customers as well as requiring significantly expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from such contracts. Early adoption of this guidance is not permitted. This guidance provides companies with a choice of applying it retrospectively to each reporting period presented or by recognizing the cumulative effect of applying it at the date of initial application (February 1, 2017 for Layne) and not adjusting comparative information. At this point, Layne is currently evaluating the requirements and has not yet determined the impact of this new guidance.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period”. The guidance, which is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, contains explicit guidance on how to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.
	On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. The guidance, which is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, extends the responsibility for performing the going-concern assessment to management and contains guidance on how to perform a going-concern assessment and when going-concern disclosures would be required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	As of July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, Layne had $8.9 million of goodwill on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The goodwill is all attributable to the Inliner reporting segment.
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		July 31, 2014							January 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated			Weighted		Gross		Accumulated			Weighted
		Carrying		Amortization			Average		Carrying		Amortization			Average
		Amount					Amortization		Amount					Amortization
							Period in							Period in
							Years							Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260	$	(3,443	)		14	$	6,260	$	(3,215	)		14
	Patents		905		(525	)		12		905		(503	)		12
	Software and licenses		2,747		(2,180	)		3		2,747		(1,794	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680		(425	)		6		680		(368	)		6
	Other		966		(558	)		22		966		(528	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	11,558	$	(7,131	)			$	11,558	$	(6,408	)
	Total amortization expense for other intangible assets was $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.7 million and $0.9 million for the six months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Indebtedness	'
	3. Indebtedness
	Debt outstanding as of July 31, 2014, and January 31, 2014, whose carrying value approximates fair value, was as follows:
	(in thousands)		July 31,			January 31,
			2014			2014
	Convertible Notes		$	108,386		$	106,782
	Asset-backed revolving credit facility			21,552			—
	Capital lease obligations			396			480
	Less amounts representing interest			(20	)		(16	)
	Short-term notes payable			9,126			7,798
	Total debt			139,440			115,044
	Less notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt			(9,316	)		(7,926	)
	Total long-term debt		$	130,124		$	107,118
	Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility
	On April 15, 2014, Layne entered into a five-year $135.0 million (the “Maximum Credit”) senior secured asset-backed revolving credit facility (“ABL facility”), of which up to an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million is available in the form of letters of credit and up to an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million is available for short-term swingline borrowings. Availability under the ABL facility will be the lesser of (i) $135.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base. The borrowing base is generally defined as:
		•		85% of book value of eligible customer receivables, plus
		•		60% of eligible unbilled contract receivables, plus
		•		Up to 60% of the appraised fair value of certain real property, plus
		•		the lesser of net book value or 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of certain equipment, minus
		•		a supplemental reserve, minus
		•		any additional reserves established from time to time by the co-collateral agents.
	As of July 31, 2014, the borrowing base was $109.1 million with $21.6 million borrowed under the ABL facility and $26.8 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving Excess Availability (described below) of $60.7 million.
	The balance sheet classification of the borrowings under the ABL facility has been determined in accordance with ASC Topic 470-10-45, “Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements that Include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement”. Accordingly, the borrowings have been classified as a long-term liability in the accompanying balance sheet.
	Layne has the right to request the lenders to further increase the Maximum Credit up to an additional $65.0 million if it is not in default under the agreement, however, there are no commitments from the lenders for any such increase.
	Advances under the ABL facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, including the accuracy of certain representations and warranties and the absence of any default or event of default. Future advances may be used for general corporate and working capital purposes, and to pay fees and expenses associated with the ABL facility.
	Pursuant to the ABL facility agreement, the revolving loans will bear interest at either:
		•		the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin. The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of (a) the base rate, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Open rate plus 0.5%, and (c) the sum of the Daily LIBOR rate plus 1%, or
		•		the LIBOR rate (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) for the interest period in effect for such borrowing plus the applicable margin.
	Swingline loans will bear interest at the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin. In connection with letters of credit issued under the ABL facility, Layne will pay (i) a participation fee to the lenders equal to the applicable margin from time to time used to determine the interest rate on Eurodollar loans (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) on the average daily amount of such lender’s letter of credit exposure, as well as the issuing bank’s customary fees and charges. The applicable margin for each quarter varies based on the average undrawn availability under the ABL facility for the prior quarter.
	The ABL facility contains various restrictions and covenants. In general, provided that Layne maintains a certain level of Excess Availability, Layne will not be restricted from incurring additional unsecured indebtedness or making investments, distributions, capital expenditures or acquisitions. “Excess Availability” is generally defined as the amount by which the Total Availability exceeds outstanding loans and letters of credit under the ABL facility. “Total Availability” is equal to Layne’s borrowing base under the ABL facility (up to the amount of the Maximum Credit).
	In general, if Excess Availability is less than either:
		•		$20.0 million, or
		•		For a period of 5 consecutive business days, the greater of 17.5% of Total Availability or $25.0 million,
	a “Covenant Compliance Period” (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) will exist until Excess Availability has been equal to or greater than the greater of 17.5% of the Total Availability or $25.0 million for a period of 30 consecutive days. Layne and its subsidiaries must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a maximum first lien leverage ratio of not greater than 5.0 to 1.0 for the four fiscal quarters ended immediately preceding any Covenant Compliance Period and for any four fiscal quarter period ending during a Covenant Compliance Period. If Layne had been in a Covenant Compliance Period during the fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2014 and July 31, 2014, it would not have been in compliance with the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.
	The ABL facility also contains a subjective acceleration clause that can be triggered if the lenders determine that Layne has experienced a material adverse change. If triggered by the lenders, this clause would create an Event of Default which in turn would permit the lenders to accelerate repayment of outstanding obligations.
	In general, during a Covenant Compliance Period or if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, all of Layne’s funds received on a daily basis will be applied to reduce amounts owing under the ABL facility. Based on current projections Layne does not anticipate being in a Covenant Compliance Period during the next twelve months.
	Layne must maintain a cumulative minimum cash flow as defined in the agreement of not less than negative $45.0 million and during any twelve consecutive month period, a minimum cash flow of not less than negative $25.0 million, until the last to occur of:
		•		For a period of 30 consecutive days, Excess Availability is greater than the greater of 17.5% of the Total Availability or $25.0 million, and
		•		For two consecutive fiscal quarters after the closing date, the fixed charge coverage ratio (tested on a trailing four fiscal quarter basis) has been in excess of 1.0 to 1.0.
	Minimum cash flow is defined as consolidated EBITDA minus the sum of:
		•		capital expenditures,
		•		cash interest expense,
		•		any regularly scheduled amortized principal payments on indebtedness,
		•		cash taxes paid, and
		•		any amount in excess of $10.0 million paid with respect to the FCPA investigation.
	If an Event of Default (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) occurs and is continuing, the interest rate under the ABL facility will increase by 2% per annum and the lenders may accelerate all amounts owing under the ABL facility.
	Defaults under the ABL facility, which would permit the lenders to accelerate required payment and which would increase the applicable interest rate by 2% per annum, include (but are not limited to) the following:
		•		non-payment of principal, interest, fees and other amounts under the ABL facility,
		•		failure to comply with any of the negative covenants, certain of the specified affirmative covenants or other covenants under the ABL facility,
		•		failure to pay certain indebtedness when due,
		•		specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency,
		•		one or more judgments of $5.0 million not covered by insurance and not paid within a specified period, and
		•		a change in control as defined in the ABL facility.
	Layne is currently in compliance and expects to be in compliance with the applicable debt covenants associated with the ABL facility for the next twelve months.
	4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018
	In the fourth quarter of FY2014, Layne issued $125.0 million of 4.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 (“Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of Layne. The Convertible Notes will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into consideration consisting of, at Layne’s election, cash, shares of Layne’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Layne’s common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding May 15, 2018. However, before May 15, 2018, the Convertible Notes will not be convertible except in the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2013 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of Layne’s common stock for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than 130% of the conversion price on such trading day; (2) during the consecutive five business day period immediately after any five consecutive trading day period (the five consecutive trading day period being referred to as the “measurement period”) in which the trading price (as defined in the Indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, as determined following a request by a holder of the Convertible Notes in the manner required by the Indenture, for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of Layne’s common stock and the conversion rate on such trading day; (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events described in the Indenture; and (4) if Layne has called the Convertible Notes for redemption. Layne will be required to settle conversions in shares of Layne’s common stock, together with cash in lieu of any fractional shares, until such time as Layne obtains the approval of its shareholders to issue shares in excess of 20% of Layne’s outstanding shares. This is in accordance with NASDAQ Global Select Market listing standards. As of July 31, 2014, the if-converted value did not exceed its principal amount.
	The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2014. The Convertible Notes will mature on November 15, 2018, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.
	The initial conversion rate is 43.6072 shares of Layne’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $22.93 per share of Layne’s common stock). The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, Layne may be obligated to increase the conversion rate for any conversion that occurs in connection with certain corporate events, including Layne’s calling the Convertible Notes for redemption.
	On and after November 15, 2016, and prior to the maturity date, Layne may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Convertible Notes for cash if the sale price of Layne’s common stock equals or exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date Layne delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the Convertible Notes will have the right, at their option, to require Layne to repurchase their Convertible Notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
	Layne is currently in compliance and expects to be in compliance with the debt covenants associated with the Convertible Notes for the next twelve months.
	In accordance with ASC Topic 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options,” Layne separately accounts for the liability and equity conversion components of the Convertible Notes. The principal amount of the liability component of the Convertible Notes was $106.0 million as of the date of issuance based on the present value of its cash flows using a discount rate of 8.0%, Layne’s approximate borrowing rate at the date of the issuance for a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature. The carrying value of the equity conversion component was $19.0 million. A portion of the initial purchaser’s discount and commission and the offering costs totaling $0.8 million and deferred taxes totaling $7.1 million were allocated to the equity conversion component. The liability component will be accreted to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest method over five years.
	In accordance with guidance in ASC Topic 470-20 and ASC Topic 815-15, “Embedded Derivatives,” Layne determined that the embedded conversion components and other embedded derivatives of the Convertible Notes do not require bifurcation and separate accounting.
	The following table presents the carrying value of the Convertible Notes as of July 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Carrying amount of the equity conversion component		$	11,128
Principal amount of the Convertible Notes		$	125,000
Unamortized debt discount (1)			(16,614	)
Net carrying amount		$	108,386
-1	As of July 31, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 51 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.
Credit Agreement
Layne previously maintained a Credit Agreement which extended to March 25, 2016. During FY2014, the Credit Agreement was amended as it was unlikely Layne would be in compliance with its covenants for the quarters ended April 30, 2013, July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2013.
In November, 2013, the Convertible Notes offering, as discussed previously in this note to the condensed consolidated financial statements, generated net proceeds of approximately $105.4 million, which were used to pay all amounts then outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
On April 15, 2014, Layne entered into an ABL facility as discussed previously in this note to the condensed consolidated financial statements, and terminated the Credit Agreement. The balance owed on the Credit Agreement was $1.5 million as of April 15, 2014. Layne used a portion of the proceeds from the ABL facility to pay the outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement and to cash collateralize the then existing outstanding letters of credit of $32.6 million issued under the Credit Agreement until such letters of credit could be transitioned to the ABL facility. As of July 31, 2014, $4.1 million of cash collateralized letters of credit remain outstanding and are classified as short term restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Remaining unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.1 million associated with the Credit Agreement were written off as of April 15, 2014, in conjunction with the termination of the agreement.

Other_Income_Net

Other Income, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income, Net	'
	4. Other Income, Net
	Other income, net consisted of the following for the three and six months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months					Six Months
		Ended July 31,					Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	278	$	934		$	330	$	4,325
	Interest income		20		238			28		81
	Currency exchange gain (loss)		137		(2	)		75		(138	)
	Other income (loss)		214		(207	)		165		259
	Total	$	649	$	963		$	598	$	4,527
	Other income for the three and six months ended July 31, 2014 decreased by $0.3 million and $3.9 million from the same periods last year primarily due to the reduction in gain from disposal of property and equipment.
	During July 2013, Layne determined its investment in a joint venture was no longer viable. The related investment of $0.6 million was determined to be unrecoverable and was written off as other expenses. In April 2013, Layne received insurance proceeds totaling $0.5 million as payment for equipment lost in a fire. These proceeds are included in gains from disposal of property and equipment.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	5. Income Taxes
	Income tax expense for continuing operations of $0.2 million and $1.9 million were recorded in the three and six months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, compared to $50.5 million and $57.1 million for the same periods last year. Layne recorded no tax benefit on domestic deferred tax assets and certain foreign deferred tax assets generated during the three and six months ended July 31, 2014. Included in tax expense for the three and six months ended July 31, 2013, Layne recorded $42.6 million and $50.6 million of discrete period non-cash charges relating to valuation allowances provided on deferred tax assets established in prior years. The effective tax rates for continuing operations for the three and six months ended July 31, 2014 were (1.4)% and (5.1)%, respectively, compared to (179.2)% and (126.8)% for the same periods last year. The difference in the effective rate as compared to the statutory rate for the three and six months ended July 31, 2014 was primarily due to valuation allowances recorded during the respective periods on current year losses. The difference in the effective rate as compared to the statutory rate for the three and six months ended July 31, 2013 was primarily due to the discrete period charge for valuation allowances provided on previously recorded deferred tax assets.
	After valuation allowances, Layne maintains no domestic net deferred tax assets and $1.4 million of deferred tax assets from various foreign jurisdictions where management believes that realization is more likely than not. Management will continue to evaluate all of the evidence in future quarters and will make a determination as to whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods. The establishment of a valuation allowance does not have any impact on cash, nor does such an allowance preclude Layne from using its loss carryforwards or utilizing other deferred tax assets in the future.
	As of July 31 and January 31, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded was $15.0 million and $15.3 million respectively, of which substantially all would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease during the next twelve months by approximately $4.0 million due to settlements of audit issues and expiration of statutes of limitation. Layne classifies uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year. Layne reports income tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. As of July 31 and January 31, 2014, the total amount of liability for income tax-related interest and penalties was $8.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	6. Fair Value Measurements
	Layne’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability. The financial instruments held at fair value are presented below as of July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	31-Jul-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	4,145	$	4,145	$	—	$	—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,949		4,949		—		—
	Financial Liabilities:
	Convertible Notes(1)			108,386		—		108,386		—
	31-Jan-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value			2,881		2,881		—		—
	Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance(2)			10,651		—		10,651		—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,964		4,964		—		—
	Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC			466		—		—		466
	Financial Liabilities:
	Convertible Notes (1)			106,782		—		106,782		—
	-1	The fair value of the Convertible Notes is based upon observable inputs of Layne’s underlying stock price and the time value of the conversion option, since observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes are not readily available.
	-2	The fair value of the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance is based on quoted prices for similar assets in actively traded markets
	Other Financial Instruments
	Layne uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value disclosures for its other financial instruments:
	Cash – The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximates their fair values and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
	Short-term and long-term debt – The fair value of debt instruments is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and is valued using a market approach based on quoted prices for similar instruments traded in active markets. Where quoted prices are not available, the income approach is used to value these instruments based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at estimated borrowing rates for similar debt instruments or on estimated prices based on current yields for debt issues of similar quality and terms.

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans

Stock and Stock Option Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock and Stock Option Plans	'
	7. Stock and Stock Option Plans
	Layne has stock option and employee incentive plans that provide for the granting of options to purchase or the issuance of shares of common stock at a price fixed by the Board of Directors or a committee. As of July 31, 2014, there were 1,282,995 shares which remain available to be granted under the plans as stock options. Layne has the ability to issue shares under the plans either from new issuances or from treasury, although it has previously always issued new shares and expects to continue to issue new shares in the future. Layne granted 405,009 restricted stock units under the Layne Christensen Company 2006 Equity Incentive Plan during the second quarter of FY2015. Layne also granted 176,280 performance vesting shares under the Layne Christensen Company 2006 Equity Incentive Plan during the second quarter of FY2015. The grants consist of both service based awards and market based awards.
	Compensation expense recognized for the three months ended July 31, 2014, was zero due to the reversal of previously recognized compensation expense, from forfeitures of nonvested awards and adjustments as a result of management’s analysis of the probability of performance conditions being satisfied. Layne recognized compensation cost for these share-based plans of $0.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2013, and $0.5 million and $2.0 million during the six months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was no income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements for the three months ended July 31, 2014. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements was $0.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2013, and $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	A summary of nonvested share activity for the six months ended July 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Number of			Average		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Grant Date		(in thousands)
					Fair Value
					(per share)
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2014		292,423		$	23.42	$	4,959
	Granted—Directors		13,090			17.19
	Granted—Restricted stock units		391,919			17.1
	Granted—Performance vesting shares		176,280			9.6
	Vested		(12,244	)		26.12
	Forfeited		(230,600	)		19.52
	Nonvested stock at July 31, 2014		630,868		$	16.88	$	6,845
	Transactions for stock options for the six months ended July 31, 2014, were as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Average		Average		(in thousands)
					Exercise Price		Remaining
							Contractual
							Term
							(Years)
	Outstanding at February 1, 2014		1,105,812		$	24.22		5.7	$	618
	Granted		211,177			15.62				—
	Forfeited		(22,237	)		21.67
	Expired		(55,126	)		16.63				—
	Outstanding at July 31, 2014		1,239,626			23.14		6.2		—
	Exercisable at February 1, 2014		790,905			24.84		4.5		592
	Exercisable at July 31, 2014		868,498			25.19		4.9		—
	All options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Layne’s common stock at the date of grant. The weighted average fair value at the date of grant for the options granted was $6.58 and $9.65 for the six months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value was based on an expected life of approximately seven years, no dividend yield, an average risk-free rate of 1.35% and 1.6%, respectively, and assumed volatility of all options outstanding are expected to be between 47.82% and 49.8%. The options have terms of ten years from the date of grant and generally vest ratably over periods of one month to five years. The aggregate intrinsic value was calculated using the difference between the current market price and the exercise price for only those options that have an exercise price less than the current market price.

Investment_in_Affiliates

Investment in Affiliates	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investment in Affiliates	'
	8. Investment in Affiliates
	Layne’s investments in affiliates are carried at the original cost of the investment consideration at the date acquired, plus Layne’s equity in undistributed earnings from that date. These affiliates are engaged in mineral exploration drilling, infrastructure construction and the manufacture and supply of drilling equipment, parts and supplies.
		Percentage			Percentage
		Owned			Owned
		Directly			Indirectly
	Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S.A. (Panama)		50	%
	Boytec, S.A. (Panama)					50	%
	Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)					50
	Sondajes Colombia, S.A. (Colombia)					50
	Mining Drilling Fluids (Panama)					25
	Plantel Industrial S.A. (Chile)					50
	Christensen Chile, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. (Chile)		50
	Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. (Chile)					50
	Geoestrella S.A. (Chile)					25
	Diamantina Christensen Trading (Panama)		42.69
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Geotec, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. (Peru)		29.49
	Case-Bencor, Joint Venture		65
	Financial information of the affiliates is reported with a one-month lag in the reporting period. The impacts of the lag on Layne’s investment and results of operations are not significant. Summarized financial information of the affiliates, was as follows:
		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended July 31,						Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Income statement data:
	Revenues	$	61,054		$	65,467		$	109,015	$	133,947
	Gross profit		8,820			6,897			15,400		16,303
	Operating income		3,419			349			4,537		635
	Net income (loss)		3,697			(2,539	)		3,592		(3,172	)

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segments	'
	9. Operating Segments
	Layne is a global solutions provider to the world of essential natural resources – water, minerals and energy. Management defines the operational organizational structure into discrete divisions based on primary product lines. Each division comprises a combination of individual district offices, which primarily offer similar types of services and serve similar types of markets.
	Layne’s segments are defined as follows:
	Water Resources Division
	Water Resources provides its customers with an array of water management solutions; discovery and defining of water sources through hydrologic studies, water supply development through water well drilling and intake construction, and water delivery through pipeline and pumping infrastructure. The division also brings new technologies to the water and wastewater markets and offers water treatment equipment engineering services, providing systems for the treatment of regulated and “nuisance” contaminants, specifically, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, radium, nitrate, perchlorate, and volatile organic compounds. Water Resources drills deep injection wells for industrial (primarily power) and municipal clients that need to dispose of wastewater associated with their processes. Water Resources provides water systems and services in most regions of the U.S.
	Inliner Division
	Inliner provides a wide range of process, sanitary and storm water rehabilitation solutions to municipalities and industrial customers dealing with aging infrastructure needs. Inliner focuses on its proprietary Inliner® cured-in-place pipe (“CIPP”) which allows it to rehabilitate aging sanitary sewer, storm water and process water infrastructure to provide structural rebuilding as well as infiltration and inflow reduction. Inliner’s trenchless technology minimizes environmental impact and reduces or eliminates surface and social disruption. Construction of a new wetout facility has been completed and Inliner now has the ability to supply both traditional felt based CIPP lining tubes cured with water or steam as well as fiberglass based lining tubes cured with ultraviolet light. Inliner is somewhat unique in that the technology itself, the liner tube manufacturer and the largest installer of the Inliner CIPP technology are all housed within Layne’s family of companies. While Inliner focuses on our proprietary Inliner CIPP, it is committed to full system renewal. Inliner also provides a wide variety of other rehabilitative methods including Janssen structural renewal for service lateral connections and mainlines, slip lining, traditional excavation and replacement, U-Liner high-density polyethylene fold and form and manhole renewal with cementitious and epoxy products. Inliner provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Heavy Civil Division
	Heavy Civil delivers sustainable solutions to government agencies and industrial clients by overseeing the design and construction of water and wastewater treatment plants and pipeline installation. In addition, Heavy Civil builds radial collector wells (Ranney Method), surface water intakes, pumping stations, hard rock tunnels and marine construction services-all in support of the world’s water infrastructure. Beyond water solutions, Heavy Civil also designs and constructs biogas facilities (anaerobic digesters) for the purpose of generating and capturing methane gas, an emerging renewable energy resource. Heavy Civil provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Geoconstruction Division
	Geoconstruction provides specialized geotechnical foundation construction services to the heavy civil, industrial, commercial and private construction markets around the globe. Geoconstruction has the expertise and equipment to provide the most appropriate deep foundation system, ground improvement and earth support solution to be applied given highly variable geological and site conditions. In addition, it offers extensive experience in successful completion of complex and schedule-driven major underground construction projects. Geoconstruction provides services that are focused primarily on the foundation systems for dams/ levees, tunnels, shafts, utility systems, subways and other transportation systems, commercial building and port facilities. Services offered include jet grouting, structural diaphragm and slurry cutoff walls, cement and chemical grouting, drilled piles, ground improvement and earth retention systems. Geoconstruction previously provided services in most regions of the U.S., as well as Brazil, Uruguay and Italy. With the sale of its Costa Fortuna operation, as discussed in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, Geoconstruction services will be provided in the U.S. and Italy.
	Mineral Services Division
	Mineral Services conducts primarily aboveground drilling activities, including all phases of core drilling, reverse circulation, dual tube, hammer and rotary air-blast methods. The service offerings include both exploratory (‘greenfield’) and definitional (‘brownfield’) drilling. Global mining companies hire Mineral Services to extract samples from sites that the mining companies analyze for mineral content before investing heavily in development to extract the minerals. Mineral Services helps its clients determine if a minable mineral deposit is on the site, the economic viability of the mining site and the geological properties of the ground, which helps in the determination of mine planning. Mineral Services also offers its customers water management and soil stabilization expertise. The primary markets are in the western U.S., Mexico, Australia, South America and Africa. Layne also has ownership interests in foreign affiliates operating in Latin America that form the primary presence in this market.
	Energy Services Division
	Energy Services focuses its efforts to provide a closed loop water management solution to energy companies involved in hydraulic fracturing. The initial focus is in the water-stressed Permian Basin of West Texas, where Energy Services is providing water sourcing, transfer and treatment for oil and gas producers. Layne’s expertise in water well drilling and water treatment, provides a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution for the water needs of energy companies operating in a part of the country which has significant water shortages and drought. Layne is able to transport water from the source to the well site (where hydraulic fracturing occurs), treat the produced water and then recapture and recycle the treated water for use in other hydraulic fracturing operations. The system is designed to have virtually no surface discharge of formation or produced and treated water. Energy Services offers its services in most regions of the U.S.
	Other
	Other includes specialty and purchasing operations not included in one of the other divisions.
	Financial information for Layne’s segments is presented below. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily consist of general and administrative functions performed on a company-wide basis and benefiting all segments. These costs include accounting, financial reporting, internal audit, treasury, corporate and securities law, tax compliance, executive management and board of directors.
		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended July 31,						Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	53,431		$	44,657		$	96,557		$	89,069
	Inliner		39,837			37,885			73,320			68,165
	Heavy Civil		53,170			75,771			102,588			149,611
	Geoconstruction		26,263			10,531			45,777			23,101
	Mineral Services		31,971			50,150			61,459			104,553
	Energy Services		4,717			1,748			7,545			3,541
	Other		4,957			4,826			8,900			9,760
	Intersegment eliminations		(3,983	)		(4,314	)		(7,624	)		(9,117	)
	Total revenues	$	210,363		$	221,254		$	388,522		$	438,683
	Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	2,747		$	—		$	2,747		$	—
	Mineral Services		(212	)		(1,307	)		(278	)		(1,788	)
	Total equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	$	2,535		$	(1,307	)	$	2,469		$	(1,788	)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
	Water Resources	$	5,134		$	1,636		$	6,959		$	1,610
	Inliner		3,726			3,969			8,569			6,308
	Heavy Civil		(4,637	)		(49	)		(13,217	)		(1,542	)
	Geoconstruction		649			(19,117	)		(71	)		(23,476	)
	Mineral Services		(1,144	)		1,042			(4,943	)		2,182
	Energy Services		(836	)		(923	)		(1,562	)		(1,489	)
	Other		41			(68	)		161			342
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(11,727	)		(13,533	)		(26,739	)		(26,974	)
	Interest expense		(3,160	)		(1,156	)		(7,298	)		(2,015	)
	Total loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(11,954	)	$	(28,199	)	$	(38,141	)	$	(45,054	)
	Product Line Revenue Information
	Water systems	$	56,910		$	46,673		$	101,339		$	93,925
	Water treatment technologies		5,134			9,811			8,933			20,577
	Sewer rehabilitation		39,837			37,885			73,320			68,165
	Water and wastewater plant construction		33,668			39,241			65,711			83,378
	Pipeline construction		14,559			26,923			28,020			46,500
	Soil stabilization		26,926			12,981			47,298			28,860
	Environmental and specialty drilling		1,549			2,089			3,240			2,634
	Exploration drilling		28,236			43,986			54,911			91,915
	Energy Services		3,544			1,665			5,750			2,729
	Total revenues	$	210,363		$	221,254		$	388,522		$	438,683
	Geographic Information
	Revenue
	United States	$	185,490		$	177,619		$	339,524		$	349,013
	Africa/Australia		7,401			13,977			12,693			28,483
	South America		3,545			4,474			7,229			8,384
	Mexico		9,197			16,054			19,811			35,632
Other foreign		4,730			9,130			9,265			17,171
Total revenues	$	210,363		$	221,254		$	388,522		$	438,683

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	10. Discontinued Operations
	Costa Fortuna
	Layne is currently performing a global strategic review of its operations to evaluate under-performing divisions, service lines or non-core assets. As part of this reassessment, Layne examined the strategy of expanding the Geoconstruction business into Brazil and other South American markets through its Costa Fortuna business (“Costa Fortuna”). Management considered the operating losses experienced at Costa Fortuna and the likelihood they would continue, the low volume of backlog during the second quarter of FY2015, as well as expected capital needs of the business. The sluggish economy in Brazil and the weak infrastructure demand were also considered. As a result of the evaluation in the second quarter, management determined that the expected return on its capital requirements was not sufficient to justify further investment. Therefore, Layne determined that Costa Fortuna would be disposed of during the second quarter of FY2015. Further, Layne determined Costa Fortuna met the criteria as a discontinued operation during the second quarter of FY2015 and reflected it as such in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	On July 31, 2014, Layne disposed of Costa Fortuna to Aldo Corda, the original owner and current manager of the business at the time of the disposal. The transaction was structured as the sale by Layne of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holub, S.A., a Uruguay sociedad anonima, and its subsidiaries in exchange for $4.4 million, payable to Layne as described below.
	In conjunction with the transaction, Layne acquired certain equipment with an estimated value of $2.1 million by reducing the intercompany receivable owed by Costa Fortuna. The remaining intercompany receivable due from Costa Fortuna was assigned as part of the transaction in exchange for $1.3 million.
	The purchase price for the shares and remaining intercompany receivable is payable in future years, beginning with the year ended December 31, 2015, based on 33.33% of Costa Fortuna’s income before taxes for such year. The unpaid portion of the purchase price will accrue interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum. The unpaid balance of the purchase price, plus accrued interest, is due and payable to Layne on July 31, 2024. The loss to Layne on the sale of the business was $38.3 million. This loss is included on the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a loss from discontinued operations.
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of Costa Fortuna were as follows:
		As of January 31,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Major classes of assets
	Cash	$	171
	Accounts receivable		6,053
	Inventory		4,813
	Other current assets		6,556
	Total current assets discontinued operations		17,593
	Total other assets discontinued operations		38,250
	Total major classes of assets of discontinued operations	$	55,843
	Major classes of liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	2,936
	Short-term borrowings		6,396
	Other current liabilities		5,697
	Total current liabilities discontinued operations		15,029
	Other long term liabilities discontinued operations		1,186
	Total major classes of liabilites of discontinued operations	$	16,215
	The major classes of items constituting the loss of Costa Fortuna are as follows:
		Three Months						Six Months Ended July
		Ended July 31,						31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue	$	6,314		$	10,761		$	19,395		$	19,778
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)		(7,861	)		(8,718	)		(15,865	)		(16,081	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)		(1,385	)		(1,133	)		(2,966	)		(2,869	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(1,279	)		(1,098	)		(2,534	)		(2,253	)
	Other expense items		(241	)		(1,289	)		(826	)		(1,541	)
	Total pretax operating loss on discontinued operations		(4,452	)		(1,477	)		(2,796	)		(2,966	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(67	)		288			(517	)		1,108
	Total operating loss on discontinued operations	$	(4,519	)	$	(1,189	)	$	(3,313	)	$	(1,858	)
	Net book value of proceeds to be received		2,638			—			2,638			—
	Net book value of assets sold		(37,083	)		—			(37,083	)		—
	Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation		(3,636	)		—			(3,636	)		—
	Fees associated with sale		(120	)		—			(120	)		—
	Pretax loss on sale of discontinued operations		(38,201	)		—			(38,201	)		—
	Income tax expense		(120	)		—			(120	)		—
	Total loss on discontinued operations	$	(42,840	)	$	(1,189	)	$	(41,634	)	$	(1,858	)
	SolmeteX
	Layne authorized the sale of its SolmeteX operations during the first quarter of FY2014 as part of an analysis of whether businesses align with the One Layne strategy. As of April 30, 2013, Layne considered SolmeteX a discontinued operation and reflected it as such in the condensed consolidated financial statements. On July 31, 2013, Layne completed the sale of its SolmeteX operations to a third party. Pursuant to the sale agreement, Layne received $750,000 in preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC and received $10.6 million of cash on August 1, 2013. The preferred units had a 4% yield accruing daily, compounded quarterly on the unreturned capital and unpaid preferred yield. Layne valued the units at $0.4 million based on the redemption timeline and the stated yield. These preferred units were recorded at their valuation amount on the balance sheet as part of Other Assets. During the second quarter of FY2014, the gain on the sale of the assets was $8.3 million and was included on the condensed consolidated statement of operations as income from discontinued operations.
	In July 2014, Layne redeemed for cash all of the preferred units to SolmeteX, LLC, for the then recorded valuation amount of $0.5 million.
	The financial results of the SolmeteX discontinued operation is as follows:
		Three Months			Six Months
		Ended July 31,			Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2013
	Revenues	$	1,691		$	3,552
	Income before income taxes		8,820			9,505
	Income tax expense		(3,439	)		(3,707	)
	Net income from discontinued operations		5,381			5,798

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	11. Contingencies
	Layne’s drilling activities involve certain operating hazards that can result in personal injury or loss of life, damage and destruction of property and equipment, damage to the surrounding areas, release of hazardous substances or wastes and other damage to the environment, interruption or suspension of drill site operations and loss of revenues and future business. The magnitude of these operating risks is amplified when Layne, as is frequently the case, conducts a project on a fixed-price, bundled basis where it delegates certain functions to subcontractors but remains responsible to the customer for the subcontracted work. In addition, Layne is exposed to potential liability under foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations, contractual indemnification agreements or otherwise in connection with its services and products. Litigation arising from any such occurrences may result in Layne being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting large claims. Although Layne maintains insurance protection that it considers economically prudent, there can be no assurance that any such insurance will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances or against all claims or hazards to which it may be subject or that Layne will be able to continue to obtain such insurance protection. A successful claim or damage resulting from a hazard for which Layne is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on it. In addition, Layne does not maintain political risk insurance with respect to its foreign operations.
	As previously reported, in connection with updating its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) policy, questions were raised internally in late September 2010 about, among other things, the legality of certain payments by Layne to agents and other third parties interacting with government officials in certain countries in Africa. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors engaged outside counsel to conduct an internal investigation to review these payments with assistance from outside accounting firms. The internal investigation found documents and information suggesting that improper payments, which may have violated the FCPA and other local laws, were made over a considerable period of time, by or on behalf of, certain foreign subsidiaries of Layne to third parties interacting with government officials in Africa relating to, among other things, the payment of taxes, the importing of equipment and the employment of expatriates. Layne made a voluntary disclosure to the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding the results of the investigation and have cooperated with the DOJ and the SEC in connection with their review of the matter. On August 6, 2014, the DOJ notified Layne that inquiry into this matter has been closed. The investigation by the SEC remains ongoing.
	Layne is engaged in discussions with the SEC regarding a potential negotiated resolution of these matters. Layne believes that it is likely that any settlement will include both the payment of a civil monetary fine and the disgorgement of any improper benefits. Based on the results of Layne’s internal investigation, an analysis of recent and similar FCPA resolutions and discussions with the staff of the SEC, the current estimate of a potential settlement amount for resolving these matters (including the amount of a monetary civil penalty and the disgorgement of improper benefits plus pre-judgment interest) is $5.1 million. As a result, and taking into account the DOJ’s decision to close its investigation into this matter, Layne has reduced its previous accrual for resolution of this matter from $10.4 million to $5.1 million.
	On April 17, 2013, an individual person filed a purported class action suit against three of Layne’s subsidiaries previously engaged in oil and gas production activities and two other companies supposedly on behalf of all lessors and royalty owners from 2004 to the present. Plaintiff essentially alleges that Layne and the two other companies allocated the market for mineral leasing rights and restrained trade in mineral leasing within the state of Kansas. The plaintiff’s suit was initially filed in the District Court of Wilson County, Kansas. On July 3, 2013, the case was removed by a co-defendant to the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. On April 1, 2014, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed one of the other two company defendants without prejudice. The case is still in the early stages of the proceedings, but Layne believes it has meritorious legal position and will continue to represent and defend Layne’s interests vigorously in this matter.
	Layne is involved in various other matters of litigation, claims and disputes which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Layne believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not, individually and in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect upon its business or consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is possible, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the assumptions related to these proceedings. In accordance with GAAP, Layne records a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. To the extent additional information arises or the strategies change, it is possible that Layne’s estimate of its probable liability in these matters may change.

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Costs	'
	12. Restructuring Costs
	On June 12, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (“Plan”). The implementation cost of the Plan was initially expected to cost between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. Management has spent considerable time evaluating and refining the Plan during the second quarter of FY2015. As of July 31, 2014, the implementation cost is expected to be approximately $3.5 million, the majority of which would result in cash expenditures. Approximately $0.9 million is expected to be comprised of one-time severance charges and related expenses due to select reductions in the global workforce. Other expenses would result from charges associated with process improvements and asset impairments.
	During the second quarter of FY2015, Layne began implementing its restructuring Plan. Initial reductions of personnel occurred throughout the organization. Consolidation of certain locations to improve upon efficiencies also occurred. Layne expects to continue with the restructuring Plan and to recognize the implementation costs associated with executing this Plan during the remainder of FY2015. The liability associated with the restructuring as of July 31, 2014 is approximately $0.7 million.
	(in thousands)	Incurred for		Remaining		Total
		three months ended		to be
		31-Jul-14		incurred
	Severance and other personnel-related costs
	Water Resources	$	60	$	312	$	372
	Heavy Civil		37		—		37
	Mineral Services		16		151		167
	Energy Services		50		—		50
	Unallocated Corporate		79		211		290
	Other
	Water Resources		—		175		175
	Mineral Services		1,086		—		1,086
	Unallocated Corporate		—		1,310		1,310
	Total	$	1,328	$	2,159	$	3,487

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_1

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of Business	'
	Description of Business – Layne Christensen Company and subsidiaries (together, “Layne”) is a global water management, construction and drilling company, providing responsible solutions for water, mineral and energy challenges. Layne operates throughout North America as well as in parts of Africa, Australia, South America, and Italy. Its customers include government agencies, investor-owned water utilities, industrial companies, global mining companies, consulting and engineering firms, heavy civil construction contractors, oil and gas companies and agribusinesses. Layne has an ownership interest in certain foreign affiliates operating in Latin America.
Fiscal Year	'
	Fiscal Year – Layne’s fiscal year end is January 31, References to fiscal years are to the twelve months then ended.
Presentation	'
	Presentation – Layne’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2014 (“Annual Report”). Layne believes the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year. In the notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
	As discussed further in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, Layne sold one of its components, Costa Fortuna, previously reported in the Geoconstruction operating segment. Amounts presented on the prior year condensed consolidated balance sheet and condensed consolidated statements of operations related to this component have been reclassed. Unless noted otherwise, discussion in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements pertain to Layne’s continuing operations.
	Borrowings and payments under the revolving loan facilities were previously reported as net borrowings under revolving loan facilities and as net repayments under revolving loan facilities within the statement of cash flows, rather than as gross amounts as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows”. The presentation for the six months ended July 31, 2013 has been corrected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements to present borrowing and payments under the revolving loan facilities on a gross basis, rather than a net basis, to conform to this requirement. The change in presentation had no effect on net cash provided by (used in) financing activities and does not affect Layne’s condensed consolidated balance sheets or condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, Layne’s historical net loss, loss per share, total assets and cash and cash equivalents remain unchanged.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition – Revenues are recognized on large, long-term construction contracts meeting the criteria of ASC Topic 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts”, using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. Contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the percentage of completion are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised. The nature of accounting for contracts is such that refinements of the estimating process for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors can and do change during a contract performance period which can result in a change to contract profitability including differing site conditions (to the extent that contract remedies are unavailable), the availability of skilled contract labor, the performance of major material suppliers, the performance of major subcontractors, unusual weather conditions and unexpected changes in material costs. When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, the entire loss is recorded during the accounting period in which it is estimated. Management focuses on evaluating the performance of contracts individually. In the ordinary course of business, but at least quarterly, Layne prepares updated estimates of the total forecasted revenue, cost and profit or loss for each contract. The cumulative effect of revisions in contract estimates is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. Because Layne has many contracts in process at any given time, these changes in estimates may offset each other minimizing the impact on overall profitability. However, large changes in cost estimates on larger, more complex construction projects can have a material impact on Layne’s financial statements.
	Layne records revenue on contracts relating to unapproved change orders and claims by including in revenue an amount less than or equal to the amount of the costs incurred by Layne to date for contract price adjustments that Layne seeks to collect from customers for delays, errors in specifications or designs, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to scope or price, or other unanticipated additional costs, in each case when recovery of the costs is considered probable. The amount of unapproved change orders and claims revenues are included in its consolidated balance sheets as part of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. When determining the likelihood of eventual recovery, Layne considers such factors as its experience on similar projects and its experience with the customer. As new facts become known, an adjustment to the estimated recovery is made and reflected in the current period.
	As allowed by ASC Topic 605-35, revenue is recognized on smaller, short-term construction contracts using the completed contract method. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted construction contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.
	Contracts for mineral exploration drilling services within Mineral Services are billable based on the quantity of drilling performed and revenues for these drilling contracts are recognized on the basis of actual footage or meterage drilled.
	Revenues for direct sales of equipment and other ancillary products not provided in conjunction with the performance of construction contracts are recognized at the date of delivery to, and acceptance by, the customer.
	Layne’s revenues are presented net of taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions with its customers, such as, but not limited to, sales, use, value-added and some excise taxes.
Inventories	'
	Inventories – Layne values inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost of U.S. inventories and the majority of foreign operations are determined using the average cost method, which approximates FIFO. Inventories consist primarily of finished goods, supplies and raw materials. Finished goods of $3.1 million and $4.0 million, supplies of $36.3 million and $34.7 million and raw materials of $2.9 million and $3.1 million were included in inventories in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill – In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”, Layne is required to test for the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives on at least an annual basis. Layne conducts this evaluation annually as of December 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Layne believes at this time that the carrying value of the remaining goodwill is appropriate, although to the extent additional information arises or its strategies change, it is possible that Layne’s conclusions regarding impairment of the remaining goodwill could change and result in a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
Long-lived Assets	'
	Long-lived Assets – Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors that are considered important which could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following:
		•		significant underperformance of assets;
		•		significant changes in the use of the assets; and
		•		significant negative industry or economic trends.
	Based on declines in actual and forecasted results during the quarter ended July 31, 2014 in Heavy Civil and Mineral Services, Layne has reviewed the recoverability of the asset values of its long-lived assets. No impairments were indicated by such analyses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – Layne considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Layne’s cash equivalents are subject to potential credit risk. Its cash management and investment policies restrict investments to investment grade, highly liquid securities.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable	'
	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable – Layne makes ongoing estimates relating to the collectability of its accounts receivable and maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. In determining the amount of the allowance, Layne makes judgments about the creditworthiness of significant customers based on ongoing credit evaluations, and also considers a review of accounts receivable aging, industry trends, customer financial strength, credit standing and payment history to assess the probability of collection.
	Layne does not establish an allowance for credit losses on long-term contract unbilled receivables. Adjustments to unbilled receivables related to credit quality, if they occur, are accounted for as a reduction of revenue.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk – Layne grants credit to its customers, which may include concentrations in state and local governments. Although this concentration could affect its overall exposure to credit risk, management believes that its portfolio of accounts receivable is sufficiently diversified, thus spreading the credit risk. Management performs periodic credit evaluations of Layne’s customers’ financial condition, including monitoring its customers’ payment history and current credit worthiness. Layne does not generally require collateral in support of its trade receivables, but may require payment in advance or security in the form of a letter of credit or bank guarantee.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, customer receivables and accounts payable, approximate fair value at July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, due to the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to the fair value of indebtedness of Layne and Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for other fair value disclosures.
Litigation and Other Contingencies	'
	Litigation and Other Contingencies – Layne is involved in litigation incidental to its business, the disposition of which is not expected to have a material effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in Layne’s assumptions related to these proceedings. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability is accrued in Layne’s condensed consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, is disclosed. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.
Share-based Compensation	'
	Share-based Compensation – Layne recognizes the cost of all share-based instruments in the financial statements using a fair-value measurement of the associated costs. The fair value of service based share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model and for certain market based awards the fair value was determined using the Monte Carlo valuation model.
	Unearned compensation expense associated with the issuance of nonvested shares is amortized on a straight-line basis as the restrictions on the stock expire, subject to achievement of certain contingencies.
Income (loss) Per Share	'
	Income (loss) Per Share – Income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For periods in which Layne recognizes net income, diluted earnings per common share is computed in the same way as basic earnings per common share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued that were dilutive. For periods in which Layne recognizes losses, the calculation of diluted loss per share is the same as the calculation of basic loss per share. Options to purchase common stock are included based on the treasury stock method for dilutive earnings per share, except when their effect is antidilutive. The Convertible Notes are included in the calculation of diluted loss per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method. Options to purchase 1.2 million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.6 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. Options to purchase 1.4 million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2013, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.4 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and six months ended July 31, 2013, as their effect was antidilutive.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information – The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
			Six Months
			Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013
	Income taxes		$	2,377	$	5,212
	Interest			3,233		1,686
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations			2,638		10,564
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC			—		432
	Accrued capital additions			464		486
Recent Authoritative Guidance	'
	Recent Authoritative Guidance – The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” in April 2014. ASU 2014-08 amends the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This is effective for annual periods commencing on or after December 15, 2014. Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The guidance, which is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 defines the steps to recognize revenue for entities who have contracts with customers as well as requiring significantly expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from such contracts. Early adoption of this guidance is not permitted. This guidance provides companies with a choice of applying it retrospectively to each reporting period presented or by recognizing the cumulative effect of applying it at the date of initial application (February 1, 2017 for Layne) and not adjusting comparative information. At this point, Layne is currently evaluating the requirements and has not yet determined the impact of this new guidance.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period”. The guidance, which is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, contains explicit guidance on how to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.
	On August 27, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. The guidance, which is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, extends the responsibility for performing the going-concern assessment to management and contains guidance on how to perform a going-concern assessment and when going-concern disclosures would be required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_2

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information – The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
		Six Months
		Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Income taxes	$	2,377	$	5,212
	Interest		3,233		1,686
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations		2,638		10,564
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC		—		432
	Accrued capital additions		464		486

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	'
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		July 31, 2014							January 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated			Weighted		Gross		Accumulated			Weighted
		Carrying		Amortization			Average		Carrying		Amortization			Average
		Amount					Amortization		Amount					Amortization
							Period in							Period in
							Years							Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260	$	(3,443	)		14	$	6,260	$	(3,215	)		14
	Patents		905		(525	)		12		905		(503	)		12
	Software and licenses		2,747		(2,180	)		3		2,747		(1,794	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680		(425	)		6		680		(368	)		6
	Other		966		(558	)		22		966		(528	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	11,558	$	(7,131	)			$	11,558	$	(6,408	)

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt Outstanding	'
	Debt outstanding as of July 31, 2014, and January 31, 2014, whose carrying value approximates fair value, was as follows:
	(in thousands)		July 31,			January 31,
			2014			2014
	Convertible Notes		$	108,386		$	106,782
	Asset-backed revolving credit facility			21,552			—
	Capital lease obligations			396			480
	Less amounts representing interest			(20	)		(16	)
	Short-term notes payable			9,126			7,798
	Total debt			139,440			115,044
	Less notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt			(9,316	)		(7,926	)
	Total long-term debt		$	130,124		$	107,118
Summary of Carrying Value of Convertible Notes	'
	The following table presents the carrying value of the Convertible Notes as of July 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Carrying amount of the equity conversion component		$	11,128
	Principal amount of the Convertible Notes		$	125,000
	Unamortized debt discount (1)			(16,614	)
	Net carrying amount		$	108,386
	-1	As of July 31, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 51 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other Income, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Income, Net	'
	Other income, net consisted of the following for the three and six months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months					Six Months
		Ended July 31,					Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	278	$	934		$	330	$	4,325
	Interest income		20		238			28		81
	Currency exchange gain (loss)		137		(2	)		75		(138	)
	Other income (loss)		214		(207	)		165		259
	Total	$	649	$	963		$	598	$	4,527

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Instruments Held at Fair Value	'
	The financial instruments held at fair value are presented below as of July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	31-Jul-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	4,145	$	4,145	$	—	$	—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,949		4,949		—		—
	Financial Liabilities:
	Convertible Notes(1)			108,386		—		108,386		—
	31-Jan-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value			2,881		2,881		—		—
	Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance(2)			10,651		—		10,651		—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,964		4,964		—		—
	Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC			466		—		—		466
	Financial Liabilities:
	Convertible Notes (1)			106,782		—		106,782		—
	-1	The fair value of the Convertible Notes is based upon observable inputs of Layne’s underlying stock price and the time value of the conversion option, since observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes are not readily available.
	-2	The fair value of the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance is based on quoted prices for similar assets in actively traded markets

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_T

Stock and Stock Option Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	'
	A summary of nonvested share activity for the six months ended July 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Number of			Average		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Grant Date		(in thousands)
					Fair Value
					(per share)
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2014		292,423		$	23.42	$	4,959
	Granted—Directors		13,090			17.19
	Granted—Restricted stock units		391,919			17.1
	Granted—Performance vesting shares		176,280			9.6
	Vested		(12,244	)		26.12
	Forfeited		(230,600	)		19.52
	Nonvested stock at July 31, 2014		630,868		$	16.88	$	6,845
Schedule of Transactions for Stock Options	'
	Transactions for stock options for the six months ended July 31, 2014, were as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Average		Average		(in thousands)
					Exercise Price		Remaining
							Contractual
							Term
							(Years)
	Outstanding at February 1, 2014		1,105,812		$	24.22		5.7	$	618
	Granted		211,177			15.62				—
	Forfeited		(22,237	)		21.67
	Expired		(55,126	)		16.63				—
	Outstanding at July 31, 2014		1,239,626			23.14		6.2		—
	Exercisable at February 1, 2014		790,905			24.84		4.5		592
	Exercisable at July 31, 2014		868,498			25.19		4.9		—

Investment_in_Affiliates_Table

Investment in Affiliates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Affiliates and Percentages Owned	'
	Layne’s investments in affiliates are carried at the original cost of the investment consideration at the date acquired, plus Layne’s equity in undistributed earnings from that date. These affiliates are engaged in mineral exploration drilling, infrastructure construction and the manufacture and supply of drilling equipment, parts and supplies.
		Percentage			Percentage
		Owned			Owned
		Directly			Indirectly
	Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S.A. (Panama)		50	%
	Boytec, S.A. (Panama)					50	%
	Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)					50
	Sondajes Colombia, S.A. (Colombia)					50
	Mining Drilling Fluids (Panama)					25
	Plantel Industrial S.A. (Chile)					50
	Christensen Chile, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. (Chile)		50
	Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. (Chile)					50
	Geoestrella S.A. (Chile)					25
	Diamantina Christensen Trading (Panama)		42.69
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Geotec, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. (Peru)		29.49
	Case-Bencor, Joint Venture		65
Summary of Financial Information of Affiliates	'
	Summarized financial information of the affiliates, was as follows:
		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended July 31,						Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Income statement data:
	Revenues	$	61,054		$	65,467		$	109,015	$	133,947
	Gross profit		8,820			6,897			15,400		16,303
	Operating income		3,419			349			4,537		635
	Net income (loss)		3,697			(2,539	)		3,592		(3,172	)

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Information for Segments	'
	Financial information for Layne’s segments is presented below. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily consist of general and administrative functions performed on a company-wide basis and benefiting all segments. These costs include accounting, financial reporting, internal audit, treasury, corporate and securities law, tax compliance, executive management and board of directors.
		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended July 31,						Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	53,431		$	44,657		$	96,557		$	89,069
	Inliner		39,837			37,885			73,320			68,165
	Heavy Civil		53,170			75,771			102,588			149,611
	Geoconstruction		26,263			10,531			45,777			23,101
	Mineral Services		31,971			50,150			61,459			104,553
	Energy Services		4,717			1,748			7,545			3,541
	Other		4,957			4,826			8,900			9,760
	Intersegment eliminations		(3,983	)		(4,314	)		(7,624	)		(9,117	)
	Total revenues	$	210,363		$	221,254		$	388,522		$	438,683
	Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	2,747		$	—		$	2,747		$	—
	Mineral Services		(212	)		(1,307	)		(278	)		(1,788	)
	Total equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	$	2,535		$	(1,307	)	$	2,469		$	(1,788	)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
	Water Resources	$	5,134		$	1,636		$	6,959		$	1,610
	Inliner		3,726			3,969			8,569			6,308
	Heavy Civil		(4,637	)		(49	)		(13,217	)		(1,542	)
	Geoconstruction		649			(19,117	)		(71	)		(23,476	)
	Mineral Services		(1,144	)		1,042			(4,943	)		2,182
	Energy Services		(836	)		(923	)		(1,562	)		(1,489	)
	Other		41			(68	)		161			342
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(11,727	)		(13,533	)		(26,739	)		(26,974	)
	Interest expense		(3,160	)		(1,156	)		(7,298	)		(2,015	)
	Total loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(11,954	)	$	(28,199	)	$	(38,141	)	$	(45,054	)
	Product Line Revenue Information
	Water systems	$	56,910		$	46,673		$	101,339		$	93,925
	Water treatment technologies		5,134			9,811			8,933			20,577
	Sewer rehabilitation		39,837			37,885			73,320			68,165
	Water and wastewater plant construction		33,668			39,241			65,711			83,378
	Pipeline construction		14,559			26,923			28,020			46,500
	Soil stabilization		26,926			12,981			47,298			28,860
	Environmental and specialty drilling		1,549			2,089			3,240			2,634
	Exploration drilling		28,236			43,986			54,911			91,915
	Energy Services		3,544			1,665			5,750			2,729
	Total revenues	$	210,363		$	221,254		$	388,522		$	438,683
	Geographic Information
	Revenue
	United States	$	185,490		$	177,619		$	339,524		$	349,013
	Africa/Australia		7,401			13,977			12,693			28,483
	South America		3,545			4,474			7,229			8,384
	Mexico		9,197			16,054			19,811			35,632
	Other foreign		4,730			9,130			9,265			17,171
	Total revenues	$	210,363		$	221,254		$	388,522		$	438,683

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of Costa Fortuna	'
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of Costa Fortuna were as follows:
		As of January 31,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Major classes of assets
	Cash	$	171
	Accounts receivable		6,053
	Inventory		4,813
	Other current assets		6,556
	Total current assets discontinued operations		17,593
	Total other assets discontinued operations		38,250
	Total major classes of assets of discontinued operations	$	55,843
	Major classes of liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	2,936
	Short-term borrowings		6,396
	Other current liabilities		5,697
	Total current liabilities discontinued operations		15,029
	Other long term liabilities discontinued operations		1,186
	Total major classes of liabilites of discontinued operations	$	16,215
Schedule of Major Classes of Items Constituting the Loss of Costa Fortuna	'
	The major classes of items constituting the loss of Costa Fortuna are as follows:
		Three Months						Six Months Ended July
		Ended July 31,						31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue	$	6,314		$	10,761		$	19,395		$	19,778
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)		(7,861	)		(8,718	)		(15,865	)		(16,081	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)		(1,385	)		(1,133	)		(2,966	)		(2,869	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(1,279	)		(1,098	)		(2,534	)		(2,253	)
	Other expense items		(241	)		(1,289	)		(826	)		(1,541	)
	Total pretax operating loss on discontinued operations		(4,452	)		(1,477	)		(2,796	)		(2,966	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(67	)		288			(517	)		1,108
	Total operating loss on discontinued operations	$	(4,519	)	$	(1,189	)	$	(3,313	)	$	(1,858	)
	Net book value of proceeds to be received		2,638			—			2,638			—
	Net book value of assets sold		(37,083	)		—			(37,083	)		—
	Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation		(3,636	)		—			(3,636	)		—
	Fees associated with sale		(120	)		—			(120	)		—
	Pretax loss on sale of discontinued operations		(38,201	)		—			(38,201	)		—
	Income tax expense		(120	)		—			(120	)		—
	Total loss on discontinued operations	$	(42,840	)	$	(1,189	)	$	(41,634	)	$	(1,858	)
Schedule of Financial Results of SolmeteX Discontinued Operation	'
	The financial results of the SolmeteX discontinued operation is as follows:
		Three Months			Six Months
		Ended July 31,			Ended July 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2013
	Revenues	$	1,691		$	3,552
	Income before income taxes		8,820			9,505
	Income tax expense		(3,439	)		(3,707	)
	Net income from discontinued operations		5,381			5,798

Restructuring_Costs_Tables

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	(in thousands)	Incurred for		Remaining		Total
		three months ended		to be
		31-Jul-14		incurred
	Severance and other personnel-related costs
	Water Resources	$	60	$	312	$	372
	Heavy Civil		37		—		37
	Mineral Services		16		151		167
	Energy Services		50		—		50
	Unallocated Corporate		79		211		290
	Other
	Water Resources		—		175		175
	Mineral Services		1,086		—		1,086
	Unallocated Corporate		—		1,310		1,310
	Total	$	1,328	$	2,159	$	3,487

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_3

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Stock Option [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Nonvested Shares [Member]

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finished goods

$3,100,000

'

'

$4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Supplies

36,300,000

'

'

34,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Raw materials

2,900,000

'

'

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charges

$0

$14,646,000

$14,646,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average shares

'

'

'

'

1.2

1.4

1.2

1.4

0.6

0.4

0.6

0.4

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_4

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Income taxes	$2,377	$5,212
Interest	3,233	1,686
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Receivable on sale of discontinued operations	2,638	10,564
Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC	'	432
Accrued capital additions	$464	$486

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$8,915,000	'	$8,915,000	'	$8,915,000
Total amortization expense for other intangible assets	300,000	400,000	700,000	900,000	'
Inliner [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$8,915,000	'	$8,915,000	'	$8,915,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$11,558	$11,558
Accumulated Amortization	-7,131	-6,408
Tradenames [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	6,260	6,260
Accumulated Amortization	-3,443	-3,215
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'14 years	'14 years
Patents [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	905	905
Accumulated Amortization	-525	-503
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'12 years	'12 years
Software and licenses [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	2,747	2,747
Accumulated Amortization	-2,180	-1,794
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'3 years	'3 years
Non-competition agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	680	680
Accumulated Amortization	-425	-368
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'6 years	'6 years
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	966	966
Accumulated Amortization	($558)	($528)
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'22 years	'22 years

Indebtedness_Debt_Outstanding_

Indebtedness - Debt Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Convertible Notes	$108,386	$106,782
Asset-backed revolving credit facility	21,552	'
Capital lease obligations	396	480
Less amounts representing interest	-20	-16
Short-term notes payable	9,126	7,798
Total debt	139,440	115,044
Less notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	-9,316	-7,926
Total long-term debt	130,124	107,118
Total debt	$139,440	$115,044

Indebtedness_Assetbacked_Revol

Indebtedness - Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 15, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Amount outstanding	'	$21,552,000
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Term of revolving credit facility	'5 years	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	135,000,000	'
Borrowings details	'	'Lesser of (i) $135.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base. The borrowing base is generally defined as 85% of book value of eligible customer receivables, plus 60% of eligible unbilled contract receivables, plus Up to 60% of the appraised fair value of certain real property, plus the lesser of net book value or 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of certain equipment, minus a supplemental reserve, minus any additional reserves established from time to time by the co-collateral agents.
Percentage of book value of eligible customer receivables for borrowing base	85.00%	'
Percentage of eligible unbilled contract receivables for borrowing base	60.00%	'
Percentage of net orderly liquidation value of certain equipment	85.00%	'
Borrowing base	'	109,100,000
Amount outstanding	'	21,600,000
Leaving excess availability	'	60,700,000
Loans interest rate description	'	'Pursuant to the ABL facility agreement, the revolving loans will bear interest at either: b" the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin. The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of (a) the base rate, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Open rate plus 0.5%, and (c) the sum of the Daily LIBOR rate plus 1%, or b" (ii) the LIBOR rate (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) for the interest period in effect for such borrowing plus the applicable margin.
Excess availability to determine excess availability	'	25,000,000
Number of consecutive business days to determine excess availability	'	'5 days
Percentage of Total Availability	'	17.50%
Covenant compliance period description	'	'In general, if Excess Availability is less than either $20.0 million, or For a period of 5 consecutive business days, the greater of 17.5% of Total Availability or $25.0 million, a bCovenant Compliance Periodb (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) will exist until Excess Availability has been equal to or greater than the greater of 17.5% of the Total Availability or $25.0 million for a period of 30 consecutive days.
Covenant compliance period	'	'30 days
Cumulative minimum cash flow	'	-45,000,000
FCPA investigation expenses	'	10,000,000
Percentage of increase in interest rate in case of default	'	2.00%
Non coverage insurance amount	'	5,000,000
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Period of Twelve Consecutive Month [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Cumulative minimum cash flow	'	-25,000,000
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	75,000,000	'
Amount outstanding	'	26,800,000
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Swingline Borrowings [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	15,000,000	'
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Open Rate [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate	'	0.50%
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate	'	1.00%
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of appraised fair value of certain real property	60.00%	'
Additional borrowing capacity	'	65,000,000
Covenant Compliance, First lien leverage ratio	'	500.00%
Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Excess availability	'	$20,000,000
Covenant Compliance, Fixed charge coverage ratio	'	100.00%

Indebtedness_Convertible_Senio

Indebtedness - Convertible Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
	TradingDay
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	$125,000,000	$125,000,000
Debt instrument trading days	20	'
Debt instrument consecutive trading days	'30 days	'
Debt Instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%
Minimum percentage of outstanding shares to issue shares	20.00%	'
Debt instrument frequency of periodic payment	'	'The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year
Debt instrument maturity, Beginning date	'	15-May-14
Debt instrument maturity, Ending date	'	15-Nov-18
Common stock initial conversion rate	43.6072	'
Common stock conversion principal amount	1,000	'
Initial conversion price per share	$22.93	'
Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed	100.00%	'
Principal amount of the liability component	106,000,000	'
Discount rate	8.00%	'
Carrying amount of equity component	19,000,000	11,128,000
Discount and commission and the offering costs	800,000	'
Deferred taxes	$7,100,000	'
Convertible Notes maturing period	'5 years	'
Measurement Period [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument consecutive trading days	'5 days	'
Debt instrument convertible threshold percentage	98.00%	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument convertible threshold percentage	130.00%	'
Percentage of redemption price	130.00%	'

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2014
Schedule of Convertible Notes [Line Items]	'		'
Net carrying amount	$108,386,000		$106,782,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Convertible Notes [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying amount of the equity conversion component	11,128,000		19,000,000
Principal amount of the Convertible Notes	125,000,000		125,000,000
Unamortized debt discount	-16,614,000	[1]	'
Net carrying amount	$108,386,000		'
[1]	As of July 31, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 51 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of1

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Remaining period over which unamortized debt discount will be amortized	'51 months
Percentage of effective interest rate	9.00%

Indebtedness_Credit_Agreement_

Indebtedness - Credit Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 15, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
		Credit Agreement [Member]	Credit Agreement [Member]	Convertible Notes Offering [Member]
			Short term restricted cash [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net proceeds from issuance of notes	'	'	'	$105,400,000
Amount outstanding	21,552,000	1,500,000	'	'
Letter of credit outstanding	'	32,600,000	4,100,000	'
Remaining unamortized debt issuance costs written off associated with the termination of Credit agreement	'	$1,100,000	'	'

Other_Income_Net_Detail

Other Income, Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$278	$934	$330	$4,325
Interest income	20	238	28	81
Currency exchange gain (loss)	137	-2	75	-138
Other income (loss)	214	-207	165	259
Total	$649	$963	$598	$4,527

Other_Income_Net_Additional_In

Other Income, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Reduction in gain on disposal of assets	'	'	($0.30)	($3.90)
Investment written off	0.6	'	'	'
Insurance proceeds for equipment lost in fire	'	$0.50	'	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$165,000	$50,536,000	$1,936,000	$57,139,000	'
Tax benefit recorded on domestic and foreign deferred tax assets	0	'	0	'	'
Tax expense (benefit) recorded related to deferred tax assets	'	42,600,000	'	50,600,000	'
Effective tax rate for continued operations	-1.40%	-179.20%	-5.10%	-126.80%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	15,000,000	'	15,000,000	'	15,300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized	15,000,000	'	15,000,000	'	15,300,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to settlements of audit issues and expiration of statutes of limitation	'	'	4,000,000	'	'
Liability for income tax-related interest and penalties	8,700,000	'	8,700,000	'	8,400,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	0	'	0	'	'
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	$1,400,000	'	$1,400,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value Measurements - Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value Measurements - Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 [Member]

Financial Assets:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current restricted deposits held at fair value

'

$4,145

$2,881

$2,881

$4,145

$4,145

$2,881

'

'

'

Long term restricted deposits held at fair value

'

4,949

4,964

4,964

4,949

4,949

4,964

'

'

'

Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance

'

'

10,651

10,651

[1]

'

'

'

'

10,651

[1]

'

Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC

432

'

'

466

'

'

'

'

'

466

Financial Liabilities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Notes

'

$108,386

$106,782

$106,782

[2]

$108,386

[2]

'

'

$108,386

[2]

$106,782

[2]

'

[1]

The fair value of the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance is based on quoted prices for similar assets in actively traded markets

[2]

The fair value of the Convertible Notes is based upon observable inputs of Layne's underlying stock price and the time value of the conversion option, since observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes are not readily available.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Parent

Fair Value Measurements (Parenthetical) (Detail) (4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member])	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_A

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available to be granted under the plans	1,282,995	'	1,282,995	'
Compensation cost	$0	$800,000	$483,000	$1,998,000
Income tax benefit	$0	$300,000	$200,000	$800,000
Weighted average fair value at the date of grant for the options granted	'	'	$6.58	$9.65
Expected life	'	'	'7 years	'7 years
Dividend yield	'	'	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	'	'	1.35%	1.60%
Terms of options granted	'	'	'10 years	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Volatility rate	'	'	47.82%	47.82%
Vesting period	'	'	'1 month	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Volatility rate	'	'	49.80%	49.80%
Vesting period	'	'	'5 years	'
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares granted	405,009	'	391,919	'
Performance Vesting Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares granted	176,280	'	176,280	'

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_S

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Summary of Nonvested Share Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	'	292,423
Number of shares, Vested	'	-12,244
Number of shares, Forfeited	'	-230,600
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at ending balance	630,868	630,868
Average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	'	$23.42
Average grant date fair value, Vested	'	$26.12
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited	'	$19.52
Average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	16.88	$16.88
Intrinsic value, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	'	$4,959
Intrinsic value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	6,845	$6,845
Director [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares, Granted	'	13,090
Average grant date fair value, Granted	'	$17.19
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares, Granted	405,009	391,919
Average grant date fair value, Granted	'	$17.10
Performance Vesting Shares [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of shares, Granted	176,280	176,280
Average grant date fair value, Granted	'	$9.60

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_T1

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Transactions for Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Number of shares, Outstanding at beginning balance	1,105,812	'
Number of shares, Granted	211,177	'
Number of shares, Forfeited	-22,237	'
Number of shares, Expired	-55,126	'
Number of shares, Outstanding at ending balance	1,239,626	1,105,812
Number of shares, Exercisable at beginning balance	790,905	'
Number of shares, Exercisable at ending balance	868,498	790,905
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning balance	$24.22	'
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$15.62	'
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited	$21.67	'
Weighted average exercise price, Expired	$16.63	'
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at ending balance	$23.14	$24.22
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at beginning balance	$24.84	'
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at ending balance	$25.19	$24.84
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'5 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	'4 years 10 months 24 days	'4 years 6 months
Intrinsic value, Outstanding at beginning balance	$618	'
Intrinsic value, Outstanding at ending balance	'	618
Intrinsic value, Exercisable at beginning balance	592	'
Intrinsic value, Exercisable at ending balance	'	$592

Investment_in_Affiliates_Detai

Investment in Affiliates (Detail)	Jul. 31, 2014
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S.A. [Member] | Panama [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Christensen Chile, S.A. [Member] | Chile [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Christensen Commercial, S.A. [Member] | Chile [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Christensen Commercial, S.A. [Member] | Peru [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	35.38%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. [Member] | Chile [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Diamantina Christensen Trading [Member] | Panama [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	42.69%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Geotec, S.A. [Member] | Peru [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	35.38%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. [Member] | Peru [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	29.49%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Case Bencor Joint Venture [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	65.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Boytec, S.A. [Member] | Panama [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. [Member] | Mexico [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Sondajes Colombia, S.A. [Member] | Colombia [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Mining Drilling Fluids [Member] | Panama [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	25.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Plantel Industrial S.A. [Member] | Chile [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. [Member] | Chile [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	50.00%
Percentage Owned Indirectly [Member] | Geoestrella S.A. [Member] | Chile [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage Owned	25.00%

Investment_in_Affiliates_Finan

Investment in Affiliates - Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Income statement data:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$61,054	$65,467	$109,015	$133,947
Gross profit	8,820	6,897	15,400	16,303
Operating income	3,419	349	4,537	635
Net income (loss)	$3,697	($2,539)	$3,592	($3,172)

Operating_Segments_Financial_I

Operating Segments - Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$210,363	$221,254	$388,522	$438,683
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-11,954	-28,199	-38,141	-45,054
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	2,535	-1,307	2,469	-1,788
Interest expense	-3,160	-1,156	-7,298	-2,015
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	53,431	44,657	96,557	89,069
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,134	1,636	6,959	1,610
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	39,837	37,885	73,320	68,165
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	3,726	3,969	8,569	6,308
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	53,170	75,771	102,588	149,611
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-4,637	-49	-13,217	-1,542
Operating Segments [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	26,263	10,531	45,777	23,101
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	649	-19,117	-71	-23,476
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	2,747	'	2,747	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	31,971	50,150	61,459	104,553
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,144	1,042	-4,943	2,182
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	-212	-1,307	-278	-1,788
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,717	1,748	7,545	3,541
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-836	-923	-1,562	-1,489
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,957	4,826	8,900	9,760
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	41	-68	161	342
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-3,983	-4,314	-7,624	-9,117
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-11,727	-13,533	-26,739	-26,974
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	($3,160)	($1,156)	($7,298)	($2,015)

Operating_Segments_Additional_

Operating Segments - Additional Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$210,363	$221,254	$388,522	$438,683
Water systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	56,910	46,673	101,339	93,925
Water treatment technologies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	5,134	9,811	8,933	20,577
Sewer rehabilitation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	39,837	37,885	73,320	68,165
Water and wastewater plant construction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	33,668	39,241	65,711	83,378
Pipeline construction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	14,559	26,923	28,020	46,500
Soil stabilization [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	26,926	12,981	47,298	28,860
Environmental and specialty drilling [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	1,549	2,089	3,240	2,634
Exploration drilling [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	28,236	43,986	54,911	91,915
Energy Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$3,544	$1,665	$5,750	$2,729

Operating_Segments_Geographic_

Operating Segments - Geographic Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$210,363	$221,254	$388,522	$438,683
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	185,490	177,619	339,524	349,013
Africa / Australia [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	7,401	13,977	12,693	28,483
South America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	3,545	4,474	7,229	8,384
Mexico [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	9,197	16,054	19,811	35,632
Other foreign [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$4,730	$9,130	$9,265	$17,171

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
			Costa Fortuna [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]
								Other Assets [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price for discontinued operation	'	'	$4,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated value of equipment acquired related to discontinued operation	'	'	2,100,000	'	'	'	'	'
Remaining intercompany receivable due assigned as part of the transaction related to discontinued operation	'	'	1,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price payable to Layne, beginning date	'	'	31-Dec-15	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of income before taxes of discontinued operation to determine payable to company	'	'	33.33%	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on accrued purchase price	'	'	2.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Due date of unpaid balance of purchase price	'	'	31-Jul-24	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations	-38,321,000	8,333,000	-38,300,000	'	'	'	8,300,000	'
Cash proceeds from sale agreement of discontinued operation	'	'	'	10,600,000	'	'	'	'
Preferred units of discontinued operation	'	'	'	'	750,000	'	750,000	'
Preferred units, percentage yield accruing daily and compounded quarterly	'	'	'	'	4.00%	'	'	'
Preferred units, valuation amount	'	432,000	'	'	'	'	'	400,000
Proceeds from redemption of preferred units	$500,000	'	'	'	'	$500,000	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Major classes of assets	'
Total current assets discontinued operations	$17,593
Total other assets discontinued operations	38,250
Major classes of liabilities	'
Total current liabilities discontinued operations	15,029
Other long term liabilities discontinued operations	1,186
Costa Fortuna [Member]	'
Major classes of assets	'
Cash	171
Accounts receivable	6,053
Inventory	4,813
Other current assets	6,556
Total current assets discontinued operations	17,593
Total other assets discontinued operations	38,250
Total major classes of assets of discontinued operations	55,843
Major classes of liabilities	'
Accounts payable	2,936
Short-term borrowings	6,396
Other current liabilities	5,697
Total current liabilities discontinued operations	15,029
Other long term liabilities discontinued operations	1,186
Total major classes of liabilities of discontinued operations	$16,215

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu1

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Major Classes of Items Constituting Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	($42,840)	$4,192	($41,634)	$3,940
Costa Fortuna [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	6,314	10,761	19,395	19,778
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-7,861	-8,718	-15,865	-16,081
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-1,385	-1,133	-2,966	-2,869
Depreciation and amortization	-1,279	-1,098	-2,534	-2,253
Other expense items	-241	-1,289	-826	-1,541
Total pretax operating loss on discontinued operations	-4,452	-1,477	-2,796	-2,966
Income tax (expense) benefit	-67	288	-517	1,108
Total operating loss on discontinued operations	-4,519	-1,189	-3,313	-1,858
Net book value of proceeds to be received	2,638	'	2,638	'
Net book value of assets sold	-37,083	'	-37,083	'
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation	-3,636	'	-3,636	'
Fees associated with sale	-120	'	-120	'
Pretax loss on sale of discontinued operations	-38,201	'	-38,201	'
Income tax expense	-120	'	-120	'
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	($42,840)	($1,189)	($41,634)	($1,858)

Discontinued_Operations_Financ

Discontinued Operations - Financial Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	($42,840)	$4,192	($41,634)	$3,940
SolmeteX [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	1,691	'	3,552
Income before income taxes	'	8,820	'	9,505
Income tax expense	'	-3,439	'	-3,707
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	'	$5,381	'	$5,798

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated settlement cost	$5,127	$10,352
Threatened Litigation [Member] | Proposed Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Settlement [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated settlement cost	$5,127	$10,352

Restructuring_Costs_Additional

Restructuring Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 12, 2014	Jun. 12, 2014
		Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected cost to implement	$3.50	$0.90	$1.50	$2.50
Liability associated with restructuring	$0.70	'	'	'

Restructuring_Costs_Schedule_o

Restructuring Costs - Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	$1,328	'
Remaining to be incurred	2,159	'
Total	3,487	584
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	60	'
Remaining to be incurred	312	'
Total	372	'
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	37	'
Total	37	'
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	16	'
Remaining to be incurred	151	'
Total	167	'
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	50	'
Total	50	'
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	79	'
Remaining to be incurred	211	'
Total	290	'
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining to be incurred	175	'
Total	175	'
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	1,086	'
Total	1,086	'
Other Restructuring [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining to be incurred	1,310	'
Total	$1,310	'