Layne Christensen (LAYN) 10-Q 10 Dec 14 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
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 $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$35,931	$30,909
Customer receivables, less allowance of $4,270 and $7,481, respectively	109,956	88,217
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	107,565	88,744
Inventories	31,774	31,481
Deferred income taxes	3,950	4,100
Income taxes receivable	12,777	9,068
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	'	10,651
Restricted deposits-current	4,145	2,881
Discontinued operations-assets	'	36,640
Other	15,243	14,166
Total current assets	321,341	316,857
Property and equipment:	'	'
Land	16,360	16,474
Buildings	38,983	37,600
Machinery and equipment	457,434	478,651
Property and equipment, gross	512,777	532,725
Less - Accumulated depreciation	-348,662	-341,332
Net property and equipment	164,115	191,393
Other assets:	'	'
Investment in affiliates	63,783	67,293
Goodwill	8,915	8,915
Other intangible assets, net	4,136	5,150
Restricted deposits-long term	4,526	4,964
Deferred income taxes	489	546
Deferred financing fees, net	7,513	5,313
Discontinued operations-assets	'	38,752
Other	17,072	7,435
Total other assets	106,434	138,368
Total assets	591,890	646,618
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	85,810	60,922
Current maturities of long term debt	194	128
Accrued compensation	23,452	15,169
Accrued insurance expense	13,744	10,710
Accrued FCPA liability	5,127	10,352
Discontinued operations-current liabilities	'	31,853
Other accrued expenses	32,591	24,544
Acquisition escrow obligation-current	'	2,858
Income taxes payable	8,588	7,736
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	37,383	31,255
Total current liabilities	206,889	195,527
Noncurrent and deferred liabilities:	'	'
Convertible notes, net	109,210	106,782
Long-term debt	22,122	336
Accrued insurance expense	15,965	16,883
Deferred income taxes	9,894	10,945
Discontinued operations-long term liabilities	'	1,186
Other	21,602	24,256
Total noncurrent and deferred liabilities	178,793	160,388
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 60,000 and 30,000 shares authorized, 20,179 and 19,915 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	202	199
Capital in excess of par value	369,097	367,461
Accumulated deficit	-148,916	-61,656
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-14,837	-16,540
Total Layne Christensen Company equity	205,546	289,464
Noncontrolling interests	662	1,239
Total equity	206,208	290,703
Total liabilities and equity	$591,890	$646,618

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Customer receivables, allowance	$4,270	$7,481
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	20,179,000	19,915,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,179,000	19,915,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$222,906	$201,978	$603,698	$628,411
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-185,459	-166,313	-513,291	-522,388
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	-30,103	-36,621	-89,887	-110,389
Depreciation and amortization	-11,967	-14,055	-37,861	-42,223
Impairment charges	'	'	'	-14,646
Restructuring costs	-828	'	-2,156	'
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	-1,496	-2,300	973	-4,088
Interest expense	-3,259	-1,457	-10,333	-3,292
Other income, net	954	257	1,518	4,780
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-9,252	-18,511	-47,339	-63,835
Income tax benefit (expense)	5,544	3,276	3,575	-53,821
Net loss from continuing operations	-3,708	-15,235	-43,764	-117,656
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-778	-306	-42,433	3,862
Net loss	-4,486	-15,541	-86,197	-113,794
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-18	-231	-1,063	-577
Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($4,504)	($15,772)	($87,260)	($114,371)
Earnings per share information attributable to Layne Christensen shareholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic loss per share - continuing operations	($0.19)	($0.79)	($2.28)	($6.03)
Basic (loss) income per share - discontinued operations	($0.04)	($0.01)	($2.16)	$0.20
Basic loss per share	($0.23)	($0.80)	($4.44)	($5.83)
Diluted loss per share - continuing operations	($0.19)	($0.79)	($2.28)	($6.03)
Diluted (loss) income per share - discontinued operations	($0.04)	($0.01)	($2.16)	$0.20
Diluted loss per share	($0.23)	($0.80)	($4.44)	($5.83)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	19,634	19,622	19,629	19,589
Dilutive stock options and nonvested shares	0	0	0	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - dilutive	19,634	19,622	19,629	19,589

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($4,486)	($15,541)	($86,197)	($113,794)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $0, ($1,021), $0, and ($2,757), respectively)	-2,313	-1,163	-2,091	1,075
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $0	158	'	3,794	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,155	-1,163	1,703	1,075
Comprehensive loss	-6,641	-16,704	-84,494	-112,719
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-18	-231	-1,063	-577
Comprehensive loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($6,659)	($16,935)	($85,557)	($113,296)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$0	($1,021)	$0	($2,757)
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation, taxes	$0	$0	$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) Income	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	-113,794	'	'	-114,371	'	-114,371	577
Other comprehensive income	1,075	'	'	'	1,075	1,075	'
Issuance of nonvested shares	'	1	-1	'	'	'	'
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)	'	107,646	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled	-52	0	-52	0	0	-52	0
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled (in shares)	'	-2,634	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options	1,105	'	1,105	'	'	1,105	'
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	'	72,613	'	'	'	'	'
Cancellation of stock options issued	'	-8,099	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of nonvested shares	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)	'	-22,809	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,683	'	'	'	'	'	-1,683
Share-based compensation	2,535	'	2,535	'	'	2,535	'
Ending balance at Oct. 31, 2013	304,257	199	355,635	-47,388	-5,417	303,029	1,228
Ending balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2013	'	19,965,093	'	'	'	'	'
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	-86,197	'	'	-87,260	'	-87,260	1,063
Other comprehensive income	1,703	'	'	'	1,703	1,703	'
Issuance of nonvested shares	'	6	-6	'	'	'	'
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)	'	583,859	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled	-27	0	-27	0	0	-27	0
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled (in shares)	'	-2,051	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of nonvested shares	0	-3	3	0	0	0	0
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)	-317,939	-317,939	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,640	'	'	'	'	'	-1,640
Share-based compensation	1,666	'	1,666	'	'	1,666	'
Ending balance at Oct. 31, 2014	$206,208	$202	$369,097	($148,916)	($14,837)	$205,546	$662
Ending balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2014	'	20,178,845	'	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Cash flow from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($86,197)	($113,794)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flow from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	40,420	45,745
Amortization of discount and deferred financing costs	4,514	'
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operations	39,131	-8,333
Deferred income taxes	-769	47,900
Share-based compensation	1,666	2,535
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates	-973	4,088
Impairment charges	'	14,646
Restructuring activities	505	'
Dividends received from affiliates	4,481	6,129
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	-2,347	-4,716
Changes in current assets and liabilities:	'	'
(Increase) decrease in customer receivables	-21,639	28,424
(Increase) decrease in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	-19,367	1,254
Decrease in inventories	14	2,663
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	562	-4,659
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	31,694	-23,846
Increase (decrease) in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	6,131	-2,258
Other, net	-10,399	1,072
Cash used in operating activities	-12,573	-3,150
Cash flow from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-12,269	-25,479
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	5,762	7,717
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash divested	-3,766	12,064
Proceeds from redemption of insurance contracts	11,094	3,565
Proceeds from redemption of preferred units	500	'
Deposit of cash into restricted accounts	-32,849	'
Release of cash from restricted accounts	31,344	'
Cash used in investing activities	-184	-2,133
Cash flow from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowing under revolving loan facilities	46,420	286,161
Repayments under revolving loan facilities	-26,812	-275,116
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable	2,454	-959
Deferred financing costs	'	-397
Payment of debt issuance costs	-4,303	'
Principal payments under capital lease obligation	-611	-556
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,640	-1,683
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options	'	1,105
Purchases and retirement of treasury stock	-27	-52
Cash provided by financing activities	15,481	8,503
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,806	-1,474
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	918	1,746
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	35,013	27,242
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$35,931	$28,988

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
	Description of Business—Layne Christensen Company (together with its subsidiaries “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 and South America. 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 (in the form of “FY2015”, etc.) 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 (“GAAP”) in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in Layne’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Layne’s consolidated financial statements included in Layne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2014 (“Annual Report”), as updated by a current report on Form 8-K filed October 29, 2014 for presentation of discontinued operations. 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 businesses, Costa Fortuna, on July 31, 2014 and another one of its businesses, Tecniwell, on October 31, 2014, both 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 these businesses have been reclassified to be presented a discontinued operations for the periods presented.  Unless noted otherwise, discussion in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements pertain to Layne’s continuing operations.
	Revenue Recognition—Revenues are recognized on large, long-term construction contracts meeting the criteria of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts” (“ASC Topic 605-35”), 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 can 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 supplies and raw materials.  Supplies of $29.6 million and $29.3 million and raw materials of $2.2 million and $2.2 million were included in inventories in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively.
	Goodwill —In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20, “Goodwill”, 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.
	Other 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 we consider 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.
	Layne believes at this time that the carrying values and useful lives of its long-lived assets continue to be appropriate.
	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 October 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, because of the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See 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 utilizing 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 simulation 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 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 and nonvested shares 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 nine months ended October 31, 2014, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.6 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014, as their effect was antidilutive. Options to purchase 1.3 million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and nine months ended October 31, 2013, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.3 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and nine months ended October 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:
			Nine Months
			Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013
	Income taxes		$	3,306	$	6,854
	Interest			3,517		2,912
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations			3,039		—
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC			—		432
	Accrued capital additions			570		439
	Deferred convertible notes offering fees			—		891
	New Accounting Pronouncements— 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 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	As of October 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:
		31-Oct-14							31-Jan-14
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted
		Carrying					Average		Carrying					Average
		Amount					Amortization		Amount					Amortization
							Period in							Period in
							Years							Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260	$	(3,556	)		14	$	6,260	$	(3,215	)		14
	Patents		905		(536	)		12		905		(503	)		12
	Software and licenses		1,458		(1,013	)		3		2,747		(1,794	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680		(453	)		6		680		(368	)		6
	Other		966		(575	)		22		966		(528	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	10,269	$	(6,133	)			$	11,558	$	(6,408	)
	Total amortization expense for other intangible assets was $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Indebtedness	'
	3. Indebtedness
	Debt outstanding as of October 31, 2014, and January 31, 2014, was as follows:
			October 31,			January 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2014
	Convertible Notes, net		$	109,210		$	106,782
	Asset-based revolving credit facility			21,994			—
	Capital lease obligations			339			480
	Less amounts representing interest			(17	)		(16	)
	Notes payable			—			—
	Total debt			131,526			107,246
	Less current maturities of long-term debt			(194	)		(128	)
	Total long-term debt		$	131,332		$	107,118
	Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility
	On April 15, 2014, Layne entered into a five-year $135.0 million (the “Maximum Credit”) senior secured asset-based 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.
	The ABL facility was amended on July 29, 2014 (the “First Amendment”) to permit the disposition of Layne’s Costa Fortuna business within the Geoconstruction segment and to change certain administrative provisions of the ABL facility.
	On September 15, 2014 Layne amended the ABL facility (“the Second Amendment”) to provide additional security interests in certain assets to a surety provider and to establish an additional reserve based on the value of the assets subject to such security interests (which is listed as the “equipment reserve” in definition of borrowing base below).  The Second Amendment fixed the applicable margin at 3.25% for LIBOR rate loans and 2.25% for alternate base rate loans until the fixed charge coverage ratio (measured on a trailing four fiscal quarter period) is at least 1.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters, at which time the applicable margin will revert to being determined based on usage of the ABL facility.  The Second Amendment also formalized certain additional monthly reporting requirements.
	The ABL facility was amended on October 28, 2014 (the “Third Amendment”) to (1) permit the disposition of Tecniwell, a business within the Geoconstruction segment, (2) restrict prepayment of indebtedness subordinate to the ABL facility to certain permitted refinancings of such indebtedness and (3) change the thresholds and any applicable grace period for when a Covenant Compliance Period will commence, as described below.
	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
	—	an equipment reserve, minus
	—	any additional reserves established from time to time by the co-collateral agents.
	As of October 31, 2014, the borrowing base was $123.8 million with $22.0 million borrowed under the ABL facility and $29.3 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving Excess Availability (described below) of $72.5 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.
	The ABL facility is guaranteed by Layne’s direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions described in the ABL facility.  The obligations under the ABL facility are secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of Layne and the subsidiary guarantors, subject to certain exceptions described in the ABL facility, including a pledge of up to 65% of the equity interests of Layne’s first tier foreign subsidiaries.
	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 our option, 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 ABL facility contains various restrictions and covenants, including restrictions on dispositions of certain assets, incurrence of indebtedness, investments, distributions, capital expenditures, acquisitions and prepayment of certain indebtedness.  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).
	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:
	—	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 April 15, 2014, for which the agent has received financial statements, 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 (as defined in the ABL facility) 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.
	After giving effect to the Third Amendment, if Excess Availability is less than the greater of 17.5% of Total Availability or $25.0 million for more than one business day, then 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 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, July 31, 2014 and October 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 (as defined in the ABL facility), 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.
	If an Event of Default 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, 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.
	Because Excess Availability currently is, and is expected to be for the next twelve months, sufficient not to trigger a Covenant Compliance Period, Layne is and anticipates being 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”) pursuant to an indenture dated November 12, 2013 between Layne and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). 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 October 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, pursuant to the Indenture, 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. However, the Third Amendment to the ABL facility precludes Layne from prepaying the Convertible Notes as long as the ABL facility is in place, other than with the proceeds of certain permitted refinancings.  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 October 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)			(15,790	)
Net carrying amount		$	109,210
-1	As of October 31, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 48 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.
Credit Agreement
Layne previously maintained a Credit Agreement dated March 25, 2011, among Layne, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndications Agent and PNC Bank and U.S. Bank National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents (the “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, Layne received net proceeds of approximately $105.4 million from the issuance of the Convertible Notes, which were used to pay all amounts then outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
On April 15, 2014, Layne entered into the ABL facility 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 October 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 nine months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	1,945		$	375		$	2,247		$	4,668
	Interest income		40			14			66			94
	Currency exchange (loss) gain		(186	)		46			(110	)		(90	)
	Other		(845	)		(178	)		(685	)		108
	Total	$	954		$	257		$	1,518		$	4,780
	Gain from the disposal of property and equipment of $1.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 2014 includes the gain on the sale of real estate of $1.0 million and the sale of other non-core assets.
	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 expensed during that period.
	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 as are the sale of other property and equipment.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	5. Income Taxes
	Income tax benefit (expense) for continuing operations of $5.5 million and $3.6 million were recorded in the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014, respectively, compared to $3.3 million and $(53.8) million for the same periods last year. Layne recorded a discrete period tax benefit of approximately $5.8 million and $5.6 million during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014 that were primarily related to the recognition of a $4.1 million tax benefit during the third quarter of FY2015 resulting from a change in Layne’s decision to carryback its domestic net operating loss generated in the prior fiscal year. Layne recorded no tax benefit on domestic deferred tax assets and certain foreign deferred tax assets generated during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014.  Layne recorded a discrete period tax benefit (expense) of approximately $3.3 million and $(47.3) million during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2013 that were primarily related to a valuation allowance recorded on Layne’s  domestic deferred tax assets during the second quarter.  The effective tax rates for continuing operations for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014 were 59.9% and 7.6 %, respectively, compared to 17.7 % and (84.3) % for the same periods of FY2014. The difference between the current year effective rates and the statutory effective rate resulted from the discrete period tax benefit discussed above, and the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets generated in the current year in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions.  The difference between the prior year effective rates and the statutory effective rate resulted from the discrete period tax benefit discussed above, an impairment to goodwill during the second quarter of FY14, on which no tax benefit was recorded, an increase in the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets generated in the current year in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions, and tax accruals recorded on certain foreign tax contingencies.
	After valuation allowances, Layne maintains no domestic net deferred tax assets and $2.1 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 October 31, and January 31, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded was $13.3 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 $6.0 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 October 31, and January 31, 2014, the total amount of liability for income tax-related interest and penalties was $8.4 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	6. Fair Value Measurements
	Layne’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance. The framework is based on the inputs used in the valuation, gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are listed below:
	Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets.
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions and best estimate of what inputs market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
	Layne’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Layne’s financial instruments held at fair value are presented below as of October 31, 2014, and January 31, 2014:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	31-Oct-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	4,145	$	4,145	$	—	$	—
	Current receivable on sale of business			400		400		—		—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,526		4,526		—		—
	Long term receivable on sale of business			2,639		—		—		2,639
	Financial Liabilities:
	Convertible Notes(1)			109,210		—		109,210		—
	31-Jan-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value			2,881		2,881		—		—
	Cash surrender value of company-owned life			10,651		—		10,651		—
	insurance(2)
	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 that Layne has reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash approximate 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 October 31, 2014, there were 1,417,252 shares which remained available to be granted under the plans. 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 407,579 restricted stock units and 176,280 performance vesting shares under the Layne Christensen Company 2006 Equity Incentive Plan during the nine months ended October 31, 2014.  The grants consist of both service-based awards and market-based awards.
	Layne recognized compensation cost for these share-based plans of $1.2 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.7 million and $2.5 million of compensation cost for these share-based plans during the nine months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the compensation costs for the nine months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to nonvested stock. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements was $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	A summary of nonvested share activity for the nine months ended October 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Number of			Average		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Grant Date		(in thousands)
					Fair Value
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2014		292,423		$	23.42	$	4,959
	Granted - Director's restricted stock units		13,090			17.19
	Granted - Restricted stock units		394,489			17.06
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		176,280			9.6
	Vested		(13,027	)		25.82
	Canceled		—			—
	Forfeitures		(317,939	)		18.54
	Nonvested stock at October 31, 2014		545,316		$	16.99	$	3,926
	Transactions for stock options for the nine months ended October 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				—
	Expired		(55,126	)		16.63				—
	Forfeited		(71,725	)		19.65				—
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		1,190,138		$	23.32		5.8		—
	Exercisable at February 1, 2014		790,905		$	24.84		4.5		592
	Exercisable at October 31, 2014		867,256		$	25.19		4.6		—
	All options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Layne’s common stock at the date of the grant. The weighted average fair value at the date of grant for the options granted was $6.58 and $8.15 for the nine months ended October 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 1.09%, respectively, and assumed volatility of all options outstanding are expected to be between 39.9 and 65.4. 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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, infrastructural 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. (Columbia)					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						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Income statement data:
	Revenues	$	38,502		$	42,270		$	147,517	$	176,217
	Gross profit		7,195			2,085			22,595		18,388
	Operating income (loss)		2,143			(3,904	)		6,680		(3,269	)
	Net (loss) income		(3,276	)		(4,653	)		316		(7,825	)

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 Company’s operational organizational structure into discrete divisions based on its 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. Water Resources 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. Inliner has the ability to supply both traditional felt-based CIPP lining tubes cured with water or steam as well a 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 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, as well as 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. 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 business and its Tecniwell business, as discussed in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, Geoconstruction currently provides services in the U.S.
	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. Our service offerings include both exploratory (‘greenfield’) and definitional (‘brownfield’) drilling. Global mining companies engage 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						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	51,383		$	46,807		$	147,940		$	135,876
	Inliner		50,867			43,806			124,187			111,971
	Heavy Civil		54,006			63,820			156,594			213,431
	Geoconstruction		23,794			5,603			61,841			16,454
	Mineral Services		37,207			39,773			98,666			144,326
	Energy Services		5,428			1,727			12,973			5,268
	Other		5,687			5,481			14,587			15,241
	Intersegment eliminations		(5,466	)		(5,039	)		(13,090	)		(14,156	)
	Total revenues	$	222,906		$	201,978		$	603,698		$	628,411
	Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	(43	)	$	—		$	2,704		$	—
	Mineral Services		(1,453	)		(2,300	)		(1,731	)		(4,088	)
	Total equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	$	(1,496	)	$	(2,300	)	$	973		$	(4,088	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
	taxes
	Water Resources	$	4,932		$	583		$	11,891		$	2,193
	Inliner		6,614			5,717			15,183			12,025
	Heavy Civil		(2,200	)		352			(15,417	)		(1,190	)
	Geoconstruction		(2,033	)		(2,484	)		(2,274	)		(26,408	)
	Mineral Services		(2,106	)		(9,666	)		(7,049	)		(7,484	)
	Energy Services		(1,033	)		(1,167	)		(2,595	)		(2,656	)
	Other		393			(57	)		554			285
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(10,560	)		(10,332	)		(37,299	)		(37,308	)
	Interest expense		(3,259	)		(1,457	)		(10,333	)		(3,292	)
	Total loss from continuing operations	$	(9,252	)	$	(18,511	)	$	(47,339	)	$	(63,835	)
	before income taxes
	Product Line Revenue Information
	Water systems	$	54,541		$	47,783		$	155,880		$	141,708
	Water treatment technologies		4,276			8,580			13,209			29,157
	Sewer rehabilitation		50,867			43,806			124,187			111,971
	Water and wastewater plant construction		36,935			38,104			102,646			121,482
	Pipeline construction		12,194			17,529			40,214			64,029
	Soil stabilization		24,712			7,548			64,280			24,158
	Environmental and specialty drilling		2,002			1,979			5,242			4,613
	Exploration drilling		33,457			35,040			88,368			126,955
	Other		3,922			1,609			9,672			4,338
	Total revenues	$	222,906		$	201,978		$	603,698		$	628,411
	Geographic Information
	Revenue
	United States	$	196,877		$	174,573		$	536,401		$	522,161
	Africa/Australia		8,794			8,035			21,487			33,904
South America		3,928			5,696			11,157			14,080
Mexico		12,571			13,070			32,382			48,696
Other foreign		736			604			2,271			9,570
Total revenues	$	222,906		$	201,978		$	603,698		$	628,411

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	10. Discontinued Operations
	Layne has undertaken a global strategic review of its operations during FY2015 to evaluate under-performing divisions, service lines or non-core assets.  During this review, once an under-performing business or non-core asset has been identified, management has moved quickly to complete its assessment as to the continuing viability for Layne or the marketability of such identified item.  As reported previously, during the second quarter of FY2015, Costa Fortuna, a line of business within Geoconstruction was identified and subsequently sold as described below.  During the third quarter of FY2015, Tecniwell, a line of business also within the Geoconstruction segment, was identified and subsequently sold.  A description of the sale and its effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements are discussed below.
	Tecniwell
	On October 31, 2014, Layne disposed of Tecniwell to Alberto Battini (50%) and Paolo Trubini (50%), an employee of Tecniwell at the time of disposal.  The transaction was a sale by Layne of all quotas representing 100% of the corporate capital of Tecniwell in exchange for $0.9 million.  The purchase price for the quotas is to be paid by each of the buyers (Battini and Trubini) individually, in equal amounts.  Layne received $0.5 million on October 31, 2014.  The unpaid balance of the purchase price is due and payable from each of the buyers to Layne on March 31, 2015.  The loss to Layne on the sale of the business was $0.8 million.  This loss is included on the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a loss from discontinued operations.
	Costa Fortuna
	On July 31, 2014, Layne disposed of Costa Fortuna to Aldo Corda, the original owner and the then current manager of the business at the time of the disposal.  The transaction was structured as a 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 Tecniwell and Costa Fortuna were as follows:
		As of January 31,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Major classes of assets
	Cash	$	4,104
	Accounts receivable		9,916
	Inventory		15,171
	Other current assets		7,449
	Total current assets discontinued operations		36,640
	Other assets discontinued operations		38,752
	Total major classes of assets of discontinued operations	$	75,392
	Major classes of liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	8,402
	Short-term borrowings		14,194
	Other current liabilities		9,257
	Total current liabilities discontinued operations		31,853
	Other long term liabilities discontinued operations		1,186
	Total major classes of liabilities of discontinued operations	$	33,039
	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 sold all of the preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC for $0.5 million, the then-recorded valuation.
	The major classes of items constituting the loss of Tecniwell, Costa Fortuna and SolmeteX are as follows:
		Three months						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue	$	5,430		$	14,484		$	32,555		$	50,064
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below		(4,210	)		(10,595	)		(25,388	)		(37,101	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)		(1,004	)		(3,041	)		(6,230	)		(9,425	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(4	)		(1,100	)		(2,559	)		(3,517	)
	Other expense items		(113	)		(718	)		(1,129	)		(2,515	)
	Total operating income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes		99			(970	)		(2,751	)		(2,494	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(67	)		664			(551	)		1,273
	Total operating income (loss) on discontinued operations	$	32		$	(306	)	$	(3,302	)	$	(1,221	)
	Total consideration	$	900		$	—		$	3,538		$	11,108
	Net book value of assets sold		(1,527	)		—			(38,610	)		(1,813	)
	Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation		(158	)		—			(3,794	)		—
	Fees associated with sale		(25	)		—			(145	)		(962	)
	Loss on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes		(810	)		—			(39,011	)		8,333
	Income tax expense		—			—			(120	)		(3,250	)
	Total (loss) income on discontinued operations	$	(778	)	$	(306	)	$	(42,433	)	$	3,862

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 Layne 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 Layne may be subject or that it 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, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors conducted an internal investigation into, 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 internal investigation suggested potential violations of the FCPA and certain local laws. 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. On October 27, 2014, Layne entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve the allegations concerning potential violations of the FCPA.  This settlement with the SEC resolves all outstanding government investigations with respect to Layne concerning potential FCPA violations.  Under the terms of the settlement, without admitting or denying the SEC’s allegations, Layne consented to entry of an administrative cease-and-desist order under the books and records, internal controls and anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA.  Layne agreed to pay to the SEC $4.7 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, and $0.4 million in penalties.  Layne also agreed to undertake certain compliance, reporting and cooperation obligations to the SEC for two years following the settlement date.  The amounts in connection with the settlement were fully accrued as of October 31, 2014 and were paid on November 6, 2014.
	On April 17, 2013, an individual person filed a purported class action suit against three of Layne’s subsidiaries and two other companies supposedly on behalf of all lessors and royalty owners from 2004 to the present. The plaintiff essentially alleges that Layne and two other companies allocated the market for mineral leasing rights and restrained trade in mineral leasing within the state of Kansas. The plaintiff seeks certification as a class and unquantified damages. 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 positions and will continue to represent 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 the Company’s 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 condensed 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	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Costs	'
	12. Restructuring Costs
	Layne commenced a restructuring plan (“Plan”) during the quarter ended July 31, 2014. The Plan involves, among other things, reductions in the global workforce, asset relocation or disposal and process improvements. The Plan is designed to achieve short and long-term cost reductions. For the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2014, Layne incurred one-time severance costs and other related personnel costs associated with the Plan. The accrued liability associated with the restructuring was approximately $0.8 million and $0.7 million as of October 31, 2014 and July 31, 2014, respectively.
		Incurred in the		Incurred in the		Estimate of
		three months ended		nine months ended		remaining amounts
	(in thousands)	31-Oct-14		31-Oct-14		to be incurred		Total
	Water Resources
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	272	$	332	$	23	$	355
	Other		41		41		9		50
	Total Water Resources	$	313	$	373	$	32	$	405
	Heavy Civil
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	17	$	54	$	216	$	270
	Other		-		-		-		-
	Total Heavy Civil	$	17	$	54	$	216	$	270
	Mineral Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	136	$	152	$	48	$	200
	Other		101		1,187		-		1,187
	Total Mineral Services	$	237	$	1,339	$	48	$	1,387
	Energy Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	4	$	54	$	-	$	54
	Other		-		-		-		-
	Total Energy Services	$	4	$	54	$	-	$	54
	Unallocated Corporate
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	257	$	336	$	38	$	374
	Other		-		-		50		50
	Total Unallocated Corporate	$	257	$	336	$	88	$	424
	Total	$	828	$	2,156	$	384	$	2,540

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_1

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of Business	'
	Description of Business—Layne Christensen Company (together with its subsidiaries “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 and South America. 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 (in the form of “FY2015”, etc.) 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 (“GAAP”) in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in Layne’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Layne’s consolidated financial statements included in Layne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2014 (“Annual Report”), as updated by a current report on Form 8-K filed October 29, 2014 for presentation of discontinued operations. 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 businesses, Costa Fortuna, on July 31, 2014 and another one of its businesses, Tecniwell, on October 31, 2014, both 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 these businesses have been reclassified to be presented a discontinued operations for the periods presented.  Unless noted otherwise, discussion in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements pertain to Layne’s continuing operations.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition—Revenues are recognized on large, long-term construction contracts meeting the criteria of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts” (“ASC Topic 605-35”), 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 can 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 supplies and raw materials.  Supplies of $29.6 million and $29.3 million and raw materials of $2.2 million and $2.2 million were included in inventories in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, respectively.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill —In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20, “Goodwill”, 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.
Other Long-lived Assets	'
	Other 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 we consider 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.
	Layne believes at this time that the carrying values and useful lives of its long-lived assets continue to be appropriate.
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 October 31, 2014 and January 31, 2014, because of the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See 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 utilizing 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 simulation 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 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 and nonvested shares 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 nine months ended October 31, 2014, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.6 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014, as their effect was antidilutive. Options to purchase 1.3 million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and nine months ended October 31, 2013, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 0.3 million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three and nine months ended October 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:
			Nine Months
			Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)		2014		2013
	Income taxes		$	3,306	$	6,854
	Interest			3,517		2,912
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations			3,039		—
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC			—		432
	Accrued capital additions			570		439
	Deferred convertible notes offering fees			—		891
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements— 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 GAAP. Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Covenants During Covenant Compliance Period	'
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Schedule of Debt Outstanding	'
	Debt outstanding as of October 31, 2014, and January 31, 2014, was as follows:
			October 31,			January 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			2014
	Convertible Notes, net		$	109,210		$	106,782
	Asset-based revolving credit facility			21,994			—
	Capital lease obligations			339			480
	Less amounts representing interest			(17	)		(16	)
	Notes payable			—			—
	Total debt			131,526			107,246
	Less current maturities of long-term debt			(194	)		(128	)
	Total long-term debt		$	131,332		$	107,118
Summary of Carrying Value of Convertible Notes	'
	The following table presents the carrying value of the Convertible Notes as of October 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)			(15,790	)
	Net carrying amount		$	109,210
	1	As of October 31, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 48 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_2

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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:
		Nine Months
		Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Income taxes	$	3,306	$	6,854
	Interest		3,517		2,912
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations		3,039		—
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC		—		432
	Accrued capital additions		570		439
	Deferred convertible notes offering fees		—		891

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	'
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		31-Oct-14							31-Jan-14
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted
		Carrying					Average		Carrying					Average
		Amount					Amortization		Amount					Amortization
							Period in							Period in
							Years							Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260	$	(3,556	)		14	$	6,260	$	(3,215	)		14
	Patents		905		(536	)		12		905		(503	)		12
	Software and licenses		1,458		(1,013	)		3		2,747		(1,794	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680		(453	)		6		680		(368	)		6
	Other		966		(575	)		22		966		(528	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	10,269	$	(6,133	)			$	11,558	$	(6,408	)

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other Income, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Income, Net	'
	Other income, net consisted of the following for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	1,945		$	375		$	2,247		$	4,668
	Interest income		40			14			66			94
	Currency exchange (loss) gain		(186	)		46			(110	)		(90	)
	Other		(845	)		(178	)		(685	)		108
	Total	$	954		$	257		$	1,518		$	4,780

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Instruments Held at Fair Value	'
	Layne’s financial instruments held at fair value are presented below as of October 31, 2014, and January 31, 2014:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	31-Oct-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	4,145	$	4,145	$	—	$	—
	Current receivable on sale of business			400		400		—		—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,526		4,526		—		—
	Long term receivable on sale of business			2,639		—		—		2,639
	Financial Liabilities:
	Convertible Notes(1)			109,210		—		109,210		—
	31-Jan-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value			2,881		2,881		—		—
	Cash surrender value of company-owned life			10,651		—		10,651		—
	insurance(2)
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	'
	A summary of nonvested share activity for the nine months ended October 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Number of			Average		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Grant Date		(in thousands)
					Fair Value
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2014		292,423		$	23.42	$	4,959
	Granted - Director's restricted stock units		13,090			17.19
	Granted - Restricted stock units		394,489			17.06
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		176,280			9.6
	Vested		(13,027	)		25.82
	Canceled		—			—
	Forfeitures		(317,939	)		18.54
	Nonvested stock at October 31, 2014		545,316		$	16.99	$	3,926
Schedule of Transactions for Stock Options	'
	Transactions for stock options for the nine months ended October 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				—
	Expired		(55,126	)		16.63				—
	Forfeited		(71,725	)		19.65				—
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		1,190,138		$	23.32		5.8		—
	Exercisable at February 1, 2014		790,905		$	24.84		4.5		592
	Exercisable at October 31, 2014		867,256		$	25.19		4.6		—

Investment_in_Affiliates_Table

Investment in Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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, infrastructural 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. (Columbia)					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						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Income statement data:
	Revenues	$	38,502		$	42,270		$	147,517	$	176,217
	Gross profit		7,195			2,085			22,595		18,388
	Operating income (loss)		2,143			(3,904	)		6,680		(3,269	)
	Net (loss) income		(3,276	)		(4,653	)		316		(7,825	)

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 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						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	51,383		$	46,807		$	147,940		$	135,876
	Inliner		50,867			43,806			124,187			111,971
	Heavy Civil		54,006			63,820			156,594			213,431
	Geoconstruction		23,794			5,603			61,841			16,454
	Mineral Services		37,207			39,773			98,666			144,326
	Energy Services		5,428			1,727			12,973			5,268
	Other		5,687			5,481			14,587			15,241
	Intersegment eliminations		(5,466	)		(5,039	)		(13,090	)		(14,156	)
	Total revenues	$	222,906		$	201,978		$	603,698		$	628,411
	Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	(43	)	$	—		$	2,704		$	—
	Mineral Services		(1,453	)		(2,300	)		(1,731	)		(4,088	)
	Total equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	$	(1,496	)	$	(2,300	)	$	973		$	(4,088	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
	taxes
	Water Resources	$	4,932		$	583		$	11,891		$	2,193
	Inliner		6,614			5,717			15,183			12,025
	Heavy Civil		(2,200	)		352			(15,417	)		(1,190	)
	Geoconstruction		(2,033	)		(2,484	)		(2,274	)		(26,408	)
	Mineral Services		(2,106	)		(9,666	)		(7,049	)		(7,484	)
	Energy Services		(1,033	)		(1,167	)		(2,595	)		(2,656	)
	Other		393			(57	)		554			285
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(10,560	)		(10,332	)		(37,299	)		(37,308	)
	Interest expense		(3,259	)		(1,457	)		(10,333	)		(3,292	)
	Total loss from continuing operations	$	(9,252	)	$	(18,511	)	$	(47,339	)	$	(63,835	)
	before income taxes
	Product Line Revenue Information
	Water systems	$	54,541		$	47,783		$	155,880		$	141,708
	Water treatment technologies		4,276			8,580			13,209			29,157
	Sewer rehabilitation		50,867			43,806			124,187			111,971
	Water and wastewater plant construction		36,935			38,104			102,646			121,482
	Pipeline construction		12,194			17,529			40,214			64,029
	Soil stabilization		24,712			7,548			64,280			24,158
	Environmental and specialty drilling		2,002			1,979			5,242			4,613
	Exploration drilling		33,457			35,040			88,368			126,955
	Other		3,922			1,609			9,672			4,338
	Total revenues	$	222,906		$	201,978		$	603,698		$	628,411
	Geographic Information
	Revenue
	United States	$	196,877		$	174,573		$	536,401		$	522,161
	Africa/Australia		8,794			8,035			21,487			33,904
	South America		3,928			5,696			11,157			14,080
	Mexico		12,571			13,070			32,382			48,696
	Other foreign		736			604			2,271			9,570
	Total revenues	$	222,906		$	201,978		$	603,698		$	628,411

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The major classes of assets and liabilities of Tecniwell and Costa Fortuna were as follows:
		As of January 31,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Major classes of assets
	Cash	$	4,104
	Accounts receivable		9,916
	Inventory		15,171
	Other current assets		7,449
	Total current assets discontinued operations		36,640
	Other assets discontinued operations		38,752
	Total major classes of assets of discontinued operations	$	75,392
	Major classes of liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	8,402
	Short-term borrowings		14,194
	Other current liabilities		9,257
	Total current liabilities discontinued operations		31,853
	Other long term liabilities discontinued operations		1,186
	Total major classes of liabilities of discontinued operations	$	33,039
Operating Income (Loss)	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The major classes of items constituting the loss of Tecniwell, Costa Fortuna and SolmeteX are as follows:
		Three months						Nine Months
		Ended October 31,						Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenue	$	5,430		$	14,484		$	32,555		$	50,064
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below		(4,210	)		(10,595	)		(25,388	)		(37,101	)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)		(1,004	)		(3,041	)		(6,230	)		(9,425	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(4	)		(1,100	)		(2,559	)		(3,517	)
	Other expense items		(113	)		(718	)		(1,129	)		(2,515	)
	Total operating income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes		99			(970	)		(2,751	)		(2,494	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(67	)		664			(551	)		1,273
	Total operating income (loss) on discontinued operations	$	32		$	(306	)	$	(3,302	)	$	(1,221	)
	Total consideration	$	900		$	—		$	3,538		$	11,108
	Net book value of assets sold		(1,527	)		—			(38,610	)		(1,813	)
	Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation		(158	)		—			(3,794	)		—
	Fees associated with sale		(25	)		—			(145	)		(962	)
	Loss on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes		(810	)		—			(39,011	)		8,333
	Income tax expense		—			—			(120	)		(3,250	)
	Total (loss) income on discontinued operations	$	(778	)	$	(306	)	$	(42,433	)	$	3,862

Restructuring_Costs_Tables

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	The Plan is designed to achieve short and long-term cost reductions. For the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2014, Layne incurred one-time severance costs and other related personnel costs associated with the Plan. The accrued liability associated with the restructuring was approximately $0.8 million and $0.7 million as of October 31, 2014 and July 31, 2014, respectively.
		Incurred in the		Incurred in the		Estimate of
		three months ended		nine months ended		remaining amounts
	(in thousands)	31-Oct-14		31-Oct-14		to be incurred		Total
	Water Resources
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	272	$	332	$	23	$	355
	Other		41		41		9		50
	Total Water Resources	$	313	$	373	$	32	$	405
	Heavy Civil
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	17	$	54	$	216	$	270
	Other		-		-		-		-
	Total Heavy Civil	$	17	$	54	$	216	$	270
	Mineral Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	136	$	152	$	48	$	200
	Other		101		1,187		-		1,187
	Total Mineral Services	$	237	$	1,339	$	48	$	1,387
	Energy Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	4	$	54	$	-	$	54
	Other		-		-		-		-
	Total Energy Services	$	4	$	54	$	-	$	54
	Unallocated Corporate
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	257	$	336	$	38	$	374
	Other		-		-		50		50
	Total Unallocated Corporate	$	257	$	336	$	88	$	424
	Total	$	828	$	2,156	$	384	$	2,540

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_3

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			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]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplies	$29.60	$29.30	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Raw materials	$2.20	$2.20	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average shares	'	'	1.2	1.3	1.2	1.3	0.6	0.3	0.6	0.3

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_4

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Income taxes	$3,306	$6,854
Interest	3,517	2,912
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Receivable on sale of discontinued operations	3,039	'
Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC	'	432
Accrued capital additions	570	439
Deferred convertible notes offering fees	'	$891

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 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	1,000,000	1,200,000	'
Inliner [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$8,900,000	'	$8,900,000	'	$8,900,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$10,269	$11,558
Accumulated Amortization	-6,133	-6,408
Tradenames [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	6,260	6,260
Accumulated Amortization	-3,556	-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	-536	-503
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'12 years	'12 years
Software and licenses [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,458	2,747
Accumulated Amortization	-1,013	-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	-453	-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	($575)	($528)
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	'22 years	'22 years

Indebtedness_Debt_Outstanding_

Indebtedness - Debt Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Convertible Notes, net	$109,210	$106,782
Asset-based revolving credit facility	21,994	'
Capital lease obligations	339	480
Less amounts representing interest	-17	-16
Notes payable	0	0
Total debt	131,526	107,246
Less current maturities of long-term debt	-194	-128
Total long-term debt	$131,332	$107,118

Indebtedness_Assetbased_Revolv

Indebtedness - Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 15, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 15, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 15, 2014

Apr. 15, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Period of Twelve Consecutive Month [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Federal Funds Open Rate [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Swingline Borrowings [Member]

Second Amendment

Second Amendment

Second Amendment

Second Amendment

Third Amendment

Third Amendment

Third Amendment

Minimum

LIBOR [Member]

Alternate Base Rate [Member]

Minimum

Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of revolving credit facility

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

0.50%

'

'

'

'

3.25%

2.25%

'

'

'

Coverage ratio description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Second Amendment fixed the applicable margin at 3.25% for LIBOR rate loans and 2.25% for alternate base rate loans until the fixed charge coverage ratio (measured on a trailing four fiscal quarter period) is at least 1.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters, at which time the applicable margin will revert to being determined based on usage of the ABL facility.

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

$135,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$75,000,000

$15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings details

'

'

'Lesser of (i) $135.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base. The borrowing base is defined as: b" 85% of book value of eligible customer receivables, plus b" 60% of eligible unbilled contract receivables, plus b" Up to 60% of the appraised fair value of certain real property, plus b" the lesser of net book value or 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of certain equipment, minus b" a supplemental reserve, minus b" 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%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

100.00%

'

Percentage of appraised fair value of certain real property

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of net orderly liquidation value of certain equipment

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing base

'

'

123,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding

21,994,000

'

22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding amount

'

'

29,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leaving excess availability

'

'

72,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

65,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of pledge equity interests of first tier foreign subsidiaries

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans interest rate description

'Pursuant to the ABL facility agreement, the revolving loans will bear interest at our option, at either: o 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 o the LIBOR rate (as defined in the ABL facility agreement) for the interest period in effect for such borrowing plus the applicable margin.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Total Availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.50%

'

'

Percentage of less than greater of total availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.50%

'

'

Covenant compliance period description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'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

'

'

Excess availability to determine excess availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

Covenant compliance period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

Maximum First lien Leverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500.00%

Non coverage insurance amount

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative minimum cash flow

'

'

-45,000,000

-25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Litigation Settlement penalties

'

'

$10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of increase in interest rate in case of default

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indebtedness_Convertible_Senio

Indebtedness - Convertible Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
	D
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	'
Minimum	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument convertible threshold percentage	130.00%	'
Percentage of redemption price	130.00%	'
Measurement Period [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument consecutive trading days	'5 days	'
Debt instrument convertible threshold percentage	98.00%	'

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Convertible Notes [Line Items]	'		'
Net carrying amount	$109,210		$106,782
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]	'		'
Schedule Of Convertible Notes [Line Items]	'		'
Carrying amount of the equity conversion component	11,128		19,000
Principal amount of the Convertible Notes	125,000		125,000
Unamortized debt discount	-15,790	[1]	'
Net carrying amount	$109,210		'
[1]	As of OctoberB 31, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 48 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of1

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Remaining period over which unamortized debt discount will be amortized	'48 months
Percentage of effective interest rate	9.00%

Indebtedness_Credit_Agreement_

Indebtedness - Credit Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Apr. 15, 2014	Oct. 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	21,994,000	1,500,000	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding amount	'	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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$1,945	$375	$2,247	$4,668
Interest income	40	14	66	94
Currency exchange (loss) gain	-186	46	-110	-90
Other	-845	-178	-685	108
Total	$954	$257	$1,518	$4,780

Other_Income_Net_Additional_In

Other Income, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	'	'	$1,945,000	$375,000	$2,247,000	$4,668,000
Gains on sale of real estate	'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'
Investment written off	600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from redemption of insurance contracts	'	$500,000	'	'	$11,094,000	$3,565,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit (expense)	$5,544,000	'	$3,276,000	$3,575,000	($53,821,000)	'
Tax expense (benefit) recorded related to deferred tax assets	5,800,000	'	3,300,000	5,600,000	47,300,000	'
Deferred tax assets, net operating loss carryforwards, domestic	4,100,000	'	'	4,100,000	'	'
Tax benefit on impairment of goodwill	'	0	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate for continued operations	59.90%	'	17.70%	7.60%	-84.30%	'
Change in loss on equity investment tax benefit	'	'	'	0	'	'
Tax benefit on domestic deferred tax assets	0	'	'	0	'	'
Tax benefit on foreign deferred tax assets	0	'	'	0	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	13,300,000	'	'	13,300,000	'	15,300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized	13,300,000	'	'	13,300,000	'	15,300,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to settlements of audit issues and expiration of statutes of limitation	'	'	'	6,000,000	'	'
Liability for income tax-related interest and penalties	8,400,000	'	'	8,400,000	'	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	$2,100,000	'	'	$2,100,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2014
Financial Assets:	'		'
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance	$10,651		'
Financial Liabilities:	'		'
Convertible Notes	106,782		109,210
Carrying Value [Member]	'		'
Financial Assets:	'		'
Current restricted deposits held at fair value	2,881		4,145
Current receivable on sale of business	'		400
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance	10,651	[1]	'
Long term restricted deposits held at fair value	4,964		4,526
Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC	466		'
Long term receivable on sale of business	'		2,639
Financial Liabilities:	'		'
Convertible Notes	106,782	[2]	109,210	[2]
Fair Value Measurements [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Financial Assets:	'		'
Current restricted deposits held at fair value	2,881		4,145
Current receivable on sale of business	'		400
Long term restricted deposits held at fair value	4,964		4,526
Fair Value Measurements [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Financial Assets:	'		'
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance	10,651	[1]	'
Financial Liabilities:	'		'
Convertible Notes	106,782	[2]	109,210	[2]
Fair Value Measurements [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Financial Assets:	'		'
Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC	466		'
Long term receivable on sale of business	'		$2,639
[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 Laynebs 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])	Oct. 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		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares available to be granted under the plans	1,417,252	'	1,417,252	'
Compensation cost	$1,200,000	$500,000	$1,666,000	$2,535,000
Income tax benefit	'	'	700,000	1,000,000
Weighted average fair value at the date of grant for the options granted	'	'	$6.58	$8.15
Expected life	'	'	'7 years	'7 years
Dividend yield	'	'	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	'	'	1.35%	1.09%
Terms of options granted	'	'	'10 years	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Volatility rate	'	'	39.90%	39.90%
Vesting period	'	'	'1 month	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Volatility rate	'	'	65.40%	65.40%
Vesting period	'	'	'5 years	'
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares granted	'	'	407,579	'
Performance Shares	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares granted	'	'	176,280	'
Nonvested Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost	'	'	$500,000	$1,100,000

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_S

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Summary of Nonvested Share Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 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	-13,027
Number of shares, Canceled	0
Number of shares, Forfeitures	-317,939
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at ending balance	545,316
Average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	$23.42
Average grant date fair value, Vested	$25.82
Average grant date fair value, Canceled	$0
Average grant date fair value, Forfeitures	$18.54
Average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	$16.99
Intrinsic value, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	$4,959
Intrinsic value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	$3,926
Director's restricted stock units	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
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	407,579
Average grant date fair value, Granted	$17.06
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Director's Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares, Granted	13,090
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Non Director	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares, Granted	394,489
Performance Shares	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares, Granted	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 $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 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, Expired	-55,126	'
Number of shares, Forfeited	-71,725	'
Number of shares, Outstanding at ending balance	1,190,138	1,105,812
Number of shares, Exercisable at beginning balance	790,905	'
Number of shares, Exercisable at ending balance	867,256	790,905
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning balance	$24.22	'
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$15.62	'
Weighted average exercise price, Expired	$16.63	'
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited	$19.65	'
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at ending balance	$23.32	$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	'5 years 9 months 18 days	'5 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	'4 years 7 months 6 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)	Oct. 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Income statement data:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$38,502	$42,270	$147,517	$176,217
Gross profit	7,195	2,085	22,595	18,388
Operating income (loss)	2,143	-3,904	6,680	-3,269
Net (loss) income	($3,276)	($4,653)	$316	($7,825)

Operating_Segments_Financial_I

Operating Segments - Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$222,906	$201,978	$603,698	$628,411
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	-1,496	-2,300	973	-4,088
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-9,252	-18,511	-47,339	-63,835
Interest expense	-3,259	-1,457	-10,333	-3,292
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	51,383	46,807	147,940	135,876
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	4,932	583	11,891	2,193
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	50,867	43,806	124,187	111,971
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	6,614	5,717	15,183	12,025
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	54,006	63,820	156,594	213,431
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,200	352	-15,417	-1,190
Operating Segments [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	23,794	5,603	61,841	16,454
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	-43	'	2,704	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,033	-2,484	-2,274	-26,408
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	37,207	39,773	98,666	144,326
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	-1,453	-2,300	-1,731	-4,088
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,106	-9,666	-7,049	-7,484
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	5,428	1,727	12,973	5,268
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,033	-1,167	-2,595	-2,656
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	5,687	5,481	14,587	15,241
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	393	-57	554	285
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-5,466	-5,039	-13,090	-14,156
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-10,560	-10,332	-37,299	-37,308
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	($3,259)	($1,457)	($10,333)	($3,292)

Operating_Segments_Additional_

Operating Segments - Additional Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$222,906	$201,978	$603,698	$628,411
Water systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	54,541	47,783	155,880	141,708
Water treatment technologies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,276	8,580	13,209	29,157
Sewer rehabilitation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	50,867	43,806	124,187	111,971
Water and wastewater plant construction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	36,935	38,104	102,646	121,482
Pipeline construction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	12,194	17,529	40,214	64,029
Soil stabilization [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	24,712	7,548	64,280	24,158
Environmental and specialty drilling [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,002	1,979	5,242	4,613
Exploration drilling [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	33,457	35,040	88,368	126,955
Other product line [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$3,922	$1,609	$9,672	$4,338

Operating_Segments_Geographic_

Operating Segments - Geographic Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$222,906	$201,978	$603,698	$628,411
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	196,877	174,573	536,401	522,161
Africa / Australia [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	8,794	8,035	21,487	33,904
South America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	3,928	5,696	11,157	14,080
Mexico [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	12,571	13,070	32,382	48,696
Other foreign [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$736	$604	$2,271	$9,570

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
			Costa Fortuna [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	SolmeteX [Member]	Tecniwell [Member]	Tecniwell [Member]	Tecniwell [Member]
								Other Assets [Member]		Alberto Battini [Member]	Paolo Trubini [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-14	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations	-39,131,000	8,333,000	-38,300,000	'	'	'	8,300,000	'	800,000	'	'
Cash proceeds from sale agreement of discontinued operation	'	'	'	10,600,000	'	'	'	'	500,000	'	'
Preferred units of discontinued operation	'	'	'	'	750,000	'	750,000	'	'	'	'
Preferred units, percentage yield accruing daily and compounded quarterly	'	'	'	'	4.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	'	'	'
Proceeds from redemption of preferred units	500,000	'	'	'	'	500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Disposed of Operation to Buyer	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Purchase price for discontinued operation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$900,000	'	'
Due date of unpaid balance of purchase price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31-Mar-15	'	'

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	$36,640
Other assets discontinued operations	38,752
Major classes of liabilities	'
Total current liabilities discontinued operations	31,853
Other long term liabilities discontinued operations	1,186
Tecniwell and Costa Fortuna [Member]	'
Major classes of assets	'
Cash	4,104
Current receivable on sale of business	9,916
Inventory	15,171
Other current assets	7,449
Total current assets discontinued operations	36,640
Other assets discontinued operations	38,752
Total major classes of assets of discontinued operations	75,392
Major classes of liabilities	'
Accounts payable	8,402
Short-term borrowings	14,194
Other current liabilities	9,257
Total current liabilities discontinued operations	31,853
Other long term liabilities discontinued operations	1,186
Total major classes of liabilities of discontinued operations	$33,039

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu1

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Major Classes of Items Constituting Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total (loss) income on discontinued operations	($778)	($306)	($42,433)	$3,862
Tecniwell, Costa Fortuna and SolmeteX [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	5,430	14,484	32,555	50,064
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-4,210	-10,595	-25,388	-37,101
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-1,004	-3,041	-6,230	-9,425
Depreciation and amortization	-4	-1,100	-2,559	-3,517
Other expense items	-113	-718	-1,129	-2,515
Total operating income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes	99	-970	-2,751	-2,494
Income tax (expense) benefit	-67	664	-551	1,273
Total operating income (loss) on discontinued operations	32	-306	-3,302	-1,221
Total consideration	900	'	3,538	11,108
Net book value of assets sold	-1,527	'	-38,610	-1,813
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation	-158	'	-3,794	'
Fees associated with sale	-25	'	-145	-962
Loss on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes	-810	'	-39,011	8,333
Income tax expense	'	'	-120	-3,250
Total (loss) income on discontinued operations	($778)	($306)	($42,433)	$3,862

Restructuring_Costs_Additional

Restructuring Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Liability associated with restructuring	$0.80	$0.70

Restructuring_Costs_Schedule_o

Restructuring Costs - Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	$828	$2,156
Remaining to be incurred	384	384
Total	'	2,540
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	313	373
Remaining to be incurred	32	32
Total	'	405
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	17	54
Remaining to be incurred	216	216
Total	'	270
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	237	1,339
Remaining to be incurred	48	48
Total	'	1,387
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	4	54
Total	'	54
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	257	336
Remaining to be incurred	88	88
Total	'	424
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	272	332
Remaining to be incurred	23	23
Total	'	355
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	17	54
Remaining to be incurred	216	216
Total	'	270
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	136	152
Remaining to be incurred	48	48
Total	'	200
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	4	54
Total	'	54
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	257	336
Remaining to be incurred	38	38
Total	'	374
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	41	41
Remaining to be incurred	9	9
Total	'	50
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Incurred	101	1,187
Total	'	1,187
Other Restructuring [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining to be incurred	50	50
Total	'	$50

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (Threatened Litigation [Member], Proposed Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Settlement [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2014
Threatened Litigation [Member] | Proposed Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Settlement [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Litigation Settlement Interest	$4.70
Litigation Settlement penalties	$0.40