Layne Christensen (LAYN) 10-K 14 Apr 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 06, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	LAYN
Entity Registrant Name	LAYNE CHRISTENSEN CO
Entity Central Index Key	888504
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,643,551
Entity Public Float			$213,576,055

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$21,661	$30,909
Customer receivables, less allowance of $4,199 and $7,481, respectively	110,779	88,217
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	93,014	88,744
Inventories	30,144	31,481
Deferred income taxes	376	4,100
Income taxes receivable	12,416	9,068
Restricted deposits-current	4,145	2,881
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		10,651
Other	10,170	14,166
Assets held for sale	1,823
Discontinued operations-current assets		36,640
Total current assets	284,528	316,857
Property and equipment:
Land	14,683	16,474
Buildings	38,717	37,600
Machinery and equipment	451,597	478,651
Property and equipment, gross	504,997	532,725
Less - Accumulated depreciation	-351,813	-341,332
Net property and equipment	153,184	191,393
Other assets:
Investment in affiliates	63,675	67,293
Goodwill	8,915	8,915
Other intangible assets, net	3,845	5,150
Restricted deposits-long term	4,231	4,964
Deferred income taxes	704	546
Deferred financing fees	7,134	5,313
Long-term retainage	8,919	6,713
Other	10,378	722
Discontinued operations-other assets		38,752
Total other assets	107,801	138,368
Total assets	545,513	646,618
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	82,556	60,922
Current maturities of long term debt	142	128
Accrued compensation	13,642	15,169
Accrued insurance expense	10,191	10,710
Accrued FCPA liability		10,352
Other accrued expenses	29,764	24,544
Acquisition escrow obligation-current		2,858
Income taxes payable	8,112	7,736
Deferred income taxes	1,180
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	34,109	31,255
Discontinued operations-current liabilities		31,853
Total current liabilities	179,696	195,527
Noncurrent liabilities:
Convertible notes	110,055	106,782
Long-term debt	22,082	336
Accrued insurance expense	15,553	16,883
Deferred income taxes	4,945	10,945
Other	31,523	24,256
Discontinued operations - noncurrent liabilities		1,186
Total noncurrent liabilities	184,158	160,388
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 60,000 and 30,000 shares authorized, 20,121 and 19,915 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	201	199
Capital in excess of par value	370,048	367,461
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-171,807	-61,656
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-17,227	-16,540
Total Layne Christensen Company stockholders' equity	181,215	289,464
Noncontrolling interest	444	1,239
Total equity	181,659	290,703
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$545,513	$646,618

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Customer receivables, allowance	$4,199	$7,481
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	20,121,000	19,915,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	20,121,000	19,915,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$797,601	$798,345	$1,013,924
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and impairment charges shown below)	-682,559	-666,295	-836,394
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-122,240	-134,314	-152,108
Depreciation and amortization	-49,283	-56,302	-57,571
Impairment charges		-14,646	-8,431
Loss on remeasurement of equity method investment			-7,705
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	1,388	-2,974	20,572
Restructuring costs	-2,698
Interest expense	-13,707	-7,132	-3,301
Other income, net	659	6,751	6,003
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-70,839	-76,567	-25,011
Income tax benefit (expense)	3,945	-53,177	10,029
Net loss from continuing operations	-66,894	-129,744	-14,982
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-42,433	1,693	-21,041
Net loss	-109,327	-128,051	-36,023
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-824	-588	-628
Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($110,151)	($128,639)	($36,651)
(Loss) income per share information attributable to Layne Christensen Company shareholders:
Basic loss per share - continuing operations	($3.45)	($6.65)	($0.80)
Basic (loss) income per share - discontinued operations	($2.16)	$0.09	($1.08)
Basic loss per share	($5.61)	($6.56)	($1.88)
Diluted loss per share - continuing operations	($3.45)	($6.65)	($0.80)
Diluted (loss) income per share - discontinued operations	($2.16)	$0.09	($1.08)
Diluted loss per share	($5.61)	($6.56)	($1.88)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and dilutive	19,630	19,598	19,485

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($109,327)	($128,051)	($36,023)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax expense of $0, $0 and $479, respectively)	-687	-10,048	-269
Other comprehensive loss	-687	-10,048	-269
Comprehensive loss	-110,014	-138,099	-36,292
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (all attributable to net income)	-824	-588	-628
Comprehensive loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($110,838)	($138,687)	($36,920)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$0	$0	$479

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital In Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)	Total Layne Stockholdersb Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning balance at Jan. 31, 2012	$451,881	$197	$351,057	$103,634	($6,223)	$448,665	$3,216
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2012		19,699,272
Net (loss) income	-36,023			-36,651		-36,651	628
Other comprehensive loss	-269				-269	-269
Issuance of nonvested shares		1	-1
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)		110,958
Expiration of performance contingent nonvested shares		-46,491
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options	1,004		1,004			1,004
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	54,637	54,637
Income tax benefit on exercise of options	-280		-280			-280
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	-2,743		-2,656			-2,656	-87
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,423						-1,423
Share-based compensation	2,924		2,924			2,924
Ending balance at Jan. 31, 2013	415,071	198	352,048	66,983	-6,492	412,737	2,334
Ending balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2013		19,818,376
Net (loss) income	-128,051			-128,639		-128,639	588
Other comprehensive loss	-10,048				-10,048	-10,048
Issuance of nonvested shares		1	-1
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)		107,646
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled	-56		-56			-56
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled (in shares)		-2,833
Expiration of performance contingent nonvested shares		-8,099
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options	1,105		1,105			1,105
Issuance of stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	72,611	72,611
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)		-72,725
Embedded conversion option on Convertible notes	11,128		11,128			11,128
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,683						-1,683
Share-based compensation	3,237		3,237			3,237
Ending balance at Jan. 31, 2014	290,703	199	367,461	-61,656	-16,540	289,464	1,239
Ending balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2014		19,914,976
Net (loss) income	-109,327			-110,151		-110,151	824
Other comprehensive loss	-687				-687	-687
Issuance of nonvested shares		6	-6
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)		652,258
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled	-28		-28			-28
Treasury stock purchased and subsequently cancelled (in shares)		-2,265
Forfeiture of nonvested shares		-4	4
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)		-444,362
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,619						-1,619
Share-based compensation	2,617		2,617			2,617
Ending balance at Jan. 31, 2015	$181,659	$201	$370,048	($171,807)	($17,227)	$181,215	$444
Ending balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2015		20,120,607

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net loss	($109,327)	($128,051)	($36,023)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flow from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	51,841	61,091	65,883
Impairment charges		14,646	8,431
Bad debt	2,539
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operations	39,131	-8,333	32,589
Loss on remeasurement of equity method investment			7,705
Deferred income taxes	-1,018	46,417	-37,898
Share-based compensation	2,617	3,237	2,924
Amortization of discount and deferred financing fees	5,767	2,147
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates	-1,388	2,974	-20,572
Dividends received from affiliates	5,005	8,023	7,080
Restructuring activities	987
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	-1,689	-6,110	-3,364
Changes in assets and liabilities, (exclusive of effects of acquisitions):
(Increase) decrease in customer receivables	-25,530	46,889	26,658
(Increase) decrease in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	-4,902	7,561	4,342
Decrease (increase) in inventories	1,513	2,516	-12,394
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	5,271	-14,319	1,306
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,947	-53,044	-13,947
Increase (decrease) in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	2,852	-996	-4,798
Other, net	-4,718	14,221	-3,171
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-23,102	-1,131	24,751
Cash flow from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-16,211	-34,409	-75,831
Additions to gas transportation facilities and equipment			-58
Additions to oil and gas properties			-1,512
Additions to mineral interests in oil and gas properties			-102
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired			-18,397
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	5,897	8,733	6,158
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash divested	-3,367	12,064	13,500
Deposit of cash into restricted accounts	-32,842	-4,964
Release of cash from restricted accounts	31,344		3,144
Distribution of restricted cash for prior year acquisitions			-3,144
Proceeds from redemption of preferred units	500
Proceeds from redemption of insurance contracts	11,094	3,565
Cash used in investing activities	-3,585	-15,011	-76,242
Cash flow from financing activities:
Borrowing under revolving facilities	46,444	310,744	469,200
Repayments under revolving loan facilities	-27,312	-402,354	-426,700
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable	2,454	-1,329	1,110
Repayments of long term debt			-2,590
Proceeds from long term 4.25% convertible notes		125,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	-4,332	-5,022
Principal payments under capital lease obligation	-661	-1,296	-93
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest			-2,743
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options		1,105	1,004
Purchases and retirement of treasury stock	-28	-56
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,619	-1,683	-1,423
Cash provided by financing activities	14,946	25,109	37,765
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,611	-1,196	-948
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-13,352	7,771	-14,674
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	35,013	27,242	41,916
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$21,661	$35,013	$27,242

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business – Layne Christensen Company and subsidiaries (together, “Layne” and “our”) is a global water management, construction and drilling company. 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 ownership interest in certain foreign affiliates operating in Latin America (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).
	Fiscal Year – Layne’s fiscal year end is January 31. References to fiscal years are to the twelve months then ended.
	Investment in Affiliated Companies – Investments in affiliates (20% to 50% owned) in which Layne has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not hold a controlling interest over operating and financial policies, are accounted for by the equity method. Layne evaluates its equity method investments for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate there is a loss in value of the investment that is other than a temporary decline.
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Layne and all of our subsidiaries where it exercises control. For investments in subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned, but where Layne exercises control, the equity held by the minority owners and their portions of net income (loss) are reflected as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
	Presentation – As discussed further in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne sold two of its components during FY 2015.  Costa Fortuna (“Costa Fortuna”) was sold on July 31, 2014 and Tecniwell was sold on October 31, 2014.  Both were previously reported in the Geonstruction operating segment.  Layne reclassified both components as discontinued operations for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013.  Amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets have also been reclassified.
	Business Segments – Layne reports its financial results under six reporting segments consisting of Water Resources, Inliner, Heavy Civil, Geoconstruction, Mineral Services and Energy Services.  Layne also reports certain other smaller operations as “Other” and corporate activities under the title ”Unallocated Corporate”.  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. Corporate assets are all assets not directly associated with a segment, and consist primarily of cash and deferred income taxes
	Use of and Changes in Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be perceived with certainty, and accordingly, these estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as Layne’s operating environment changes. While Layne believes that the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation – In accordance with ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The net exchange differences resulting from these translations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at period end exchange rates and nonmonetary items are measured at historical exchange rates.
	The cash flows and financing activities of Layne’s Mexican and most of its African operations are primarily denominated in the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, these operations use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
	Net foreign currency transaction losses for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were immaterial for FY 2015 and $0.1 million and $1.2 million for FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively, and are recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Revenue Recognition – Revenues are recognized on large, long-term construction contracts meeting the criteria of ASC Topic 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts”, using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. Contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the percentage of completion are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised. The nature of accounting for contracts is such that refinements of the estimating process for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors can and do change during a contract performance period which can result in a change to contract profitability from one financial reporting period to another. Some of the factors that can change the estimate of total contract revenue and cost include 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. These factors may result in revision to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions become known. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted construction contracts are made in the period in which such losses become known. When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, the entire loss is recorded during the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. Management focuses on evaluating the performance of contracts individually. In the ordinary course of business, but at least quarterly, Layne prepares updated estimates of cost and profit or loss for each contract. The cumulative effect of revisions in estimates of the total forecasted estimates of the total forecasted revenue and costs, including unapproved change orders and claims, during the course of the contract is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. Large changes in cost estimates on larger, more complex construction projects can have a material impact on the financial statements and are reflected in results of operations when they become known.  During FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, approximately $25.2 million, $17.8 million and $28.6 million in contract losses were recorded, respectively.
	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 us 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 claim revenues are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.  When determining the likelihood of eventual recovery, Layne considers such factors as its experience on similar projects and our 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 become known. Layne determines contracts such as these are completed based on acceptance by the customer.
	Contracts for mineral drilling services within Mineral Services are billable based on the quantity of drilling performed. Revenues are recognized in terms of the value of total work performed to date 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.  Provisions for estimated warranty obligations are made in the period in which the sales occur.
	Revenues for the sale of oil and gas by Layne’s discontinued Energy segment were recognized on the basis of volumes sold at the time of delivery to an end user or an interstate pipeline, net of amounts attributable to royalty or working interest holders.
	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 $27.8 million and $29.3 million and raw materials of $2.3 million and $2.2 million were included in inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Property and Equipment and Related Depreciation – Property and equipment (including major renewals and improvements) are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method. Depreciation expense was $48.0 million, $54.8 million and $55.1 million in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively. The useful lives used for the items within each property classification are as follows:
	Classification	Years
	Buildings	15 - 35
	Machinery and equipment	10-Mar
	Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Recoverability is evaluated by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the undiscounted associated cash flows.  When this comparison indicates that the carrying value of the asset is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value.  Fair value is determined based either on market quotes or appropriate valuation techniques.
	Goodwill –In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”, Layne is required to test for the impairment of goodwill 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.  Our reporting units are based on our organizational and reporting structure and are the same as our six reportable segments. Corporate and other assets and liabilities are allocated to the reporting units to the extent that they relate to the operations of those reporting units in determining their carrying amount. We have the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to determine the existence of events and circumstances that would lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If such a conclusion is reached, then we would be required to perform a quantitative impairment assessment of goodwill. However, if the assessment leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, no further assessments are required. As of December 31, 2014, we performed a qualitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, a quantitative assessment for the determination of impairment was made by comparing the carrying amount of each reporting unit with its fair value, which is calculated using a combination of market-related valuation models and discounted cash flow.
	See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the impairment charges recorded in FY 2014 and prior periods.
	Intangible Assets – Other intangible assets with finite lives primarily consist of tradenames, patents, software and software licenses. Intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to thirty-five years.
	Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the impairments recorded in FY 2013.
	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. Cash management and investment policies restrict investments to investment grade, highly liquid securities. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
	Restricted Deposits – Restricted deposits consist of escrow funds associated primarily with acquisitions and those amounts associated with certain letters of credit for on-going projects.
	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. Bad debt is expensed in selling, general and administrative costs.
	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. To manage this 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. During FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of Layne’s consolidated revenues.
	Accrued Insurance Expense – Layne maintains insurance programs where it is responsible for the amount of each claim up to a self-insured limit. Estimates are recorded for health and welfare, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance costs that are associated with these programs. These costs are estimated based in part on actuarially determined projections of future payments under these programs and include amounts incurred but not reported. Should a greater amount of claims occur compared to what was estimated or costs of the medical profession increase beyond what was anticipated, reserves recorded may not be sufficient and additional costs to the consolidated financial statements could be required.
	Costs estimated to be incurred in the future for employee health and welfare benefits, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance programs resulting from claims which have been incurred are accrued currently. Under the terms of the agreement with the various insurance carriers administering these claims, Layne is not required to remit the total premium until the claims are actually paid by the insurance companies.
	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 January 31, 2015 and 2014, due to the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for 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 the business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, some of Layne’s contracts contain provisions that require payment of liquidated damages if Layne is responsible for the failure to meet specified contractual milestone dates and the applicable customer asserts a claim under these provisions.  These contracts define the conditions under which our customers may make claims against Layne for liquidated damages.  In many cases in which Layne has historically had potential exposure for liquidated damages, such damages ultimately were not asserted by our customers.  It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarter or annual period could be materially affected by changes in Layne’s assumptions related to these proceedings or other contingencies. 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 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.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information –The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014		2013
	Income taxes	$	3,882	$	8,546	$	20,234
	Interest		6,737		3,591		3,972
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations		2,638		—		—
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC		—		466		—
	Accrued capital additions		774		1,096		1,896
	Capital lease obligations		—		1,440		—
	Income Taxes – Income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method, in which deferred taxes are recognized on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reviewed for recoverability and valuation allowances are provided as necessary. Provision for U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates is made only on those amounts in excess of funds considered to be invested indefinitely. In general, Layne records income tax expense during interim periods based on its best estimate of the full year’s effective tax rate. However, income tax expense relating to adjustments to Layne’s liabilities for uncertainty in income tax positions for prior reporting periods are accounted for discretely in the interim period in which it occurs. Income tax expense relating to adjustments for current year uncertain tax positions is accounted for as a component of the adjusted annualized effective tax rate.
	In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, Layne considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. Accounting guidance states that a cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against deferred tax assets. As such, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. In preparing future taxable income projections, Layne considers the periods in which future reversals of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences are likely to occur, future taxable income, taxable income available in prior carryback years and the availability of tax-planning strategies when determining the ability to realize recorded deferred tax assets.
	Layne’s estimate of uncertainty in income taxes is based on the framework established in the accounting for income taxes guidance. Layne recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions that meet this recognition threshold, Layne applies judgment, taking into account applicable tax laws and experience in managing tax audits, to determine the amount of tax benefits to recognize in the financial statements. For each position, the difference between the benefit realized on Layne’s tax return and the benefit reflected in the financial statements is recorded as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This liability is updated at each financial statement date to reflect the impacts of audit settlements and other resolution of audit issues, expiration of statutes of limitation, developments in tax law and ongoing discussions with taxing authorities.
	Income (Loss) Per Share – Income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 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. For periods in which Layne recognizes net income, diluted earnings per share is computed in the same way as basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued that were dilutive. Options to purchase common stock are included based on the treasury stock method for dilutive earnings (losses) per share except when their effect is antidilutive. The 4.25% Convertible Notes (defined in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements) are included in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method. Options to purchase 1,015,514, 1,105,812 and 1,285,303 shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 487,292, 292,423 and 275,666 non-vested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive.
	Share-Based Compensation – Layne recognizes the cost of all share-based instruments in the financial statements using a fair-value measurement of the associated costs. The fair value of share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model. In addition, Layne granted certain market based awards during FY 2015 and FY 2014, which were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation model.  See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Unearned compensation expense associated with the issuance of non-vested shares is amortized on a straight-line basis as the restrictions on the stock expire, subject to achievement of certain contingencies.
	Research and Development Costs – Research and development costs charged to expense during FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	New Accounting Pronouncements – See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements and their impact.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	(2) Acquisitions
	Fiscal Year 2013
	On October 4, 2012, Layne acquired 100% of the stock of Fursol Informatica S.r.l., (“Fursol”) an Italian company. Fursol was active in the business of production, marketing, installation and maintenance of software and electronic devices. Layne viewed the acquisition as an opportunity to benefit from Fursol’s technology to improve the performance and efficiency of its Geoconstruction operations. The aggregate purchase price was $1.0 million, of which $0.8 million was paid at the acquisition date, with the remainder of $0.2 million paid on October 4, 2013. The purchase price was allocated to an identifiable intangible asset associated with computer software valued at $1.5 million (with a weighted-average life of three years) and to a noncurrent liability of $0.5 million.
	The results of operations of Fursol have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations commencing on the closing date and are not significant.  Pro forma amounts related to Fursol for periods prior to the acquisition have not been presented since the acquisition would not have had a significant effect on the consolidated revenues or net loss.
	On July 15, 2010, Layne acquired a 50% interest in Diberil Sociedad Anónima (“Costa Fortuna”), a Uruguayan company and parent company to Costa Fortuna (Brazil and Uruguay) and accounted for the investment in affiliate using the equity method.  On May 30, 2012, Layne acquired the remaining 50% interest in Costa Fortuna. Layne expected Costa Fortuna to expand its geoconstruction capabilities into the Brazil market as well as serve as a platform for further expansion into South America. The aggregate purchase price for the remaining 50% of Costa Fortuna of $16.2 million was comprised of cash ($2.4 million of which was placed in escrow to secure certain representations, warranties and indemnifications).  In accordance with accounting guidance in moving Costa Fortuna to a fully consolidated basis, Layne remeasured the previously held equity investment to fair value and recognized a loss of $7.7 million during the second quarter of FY 2013. The fair value of the 50% noncontrolling interest was estimated to be $15.8 million at the time of the adjustment. The fair value assessment was determined based on the value of the current year transaction, discounted to reflect that the initial interest was noncontrolling, and that there was no ready public market for the interest. The discounts for lack of control and marketability were 5% and 10%, respectively, determined based on control premiums seen on recent transactions in the construction contractor and engineering services market and an estimate of the value of a put option on restricted stock using the Black-Scholes valuation method.
	Acquisition related costs of $0.2 million were recorded as an expense in the periods in which the costs were incurred. The purchase price allocation was based on an assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the internal operational assessments and other analyses which are Level 3 measurements. The preliminary purchase allocation recorded in the second quarter was adjusted as the valuation analysis progressed. As a result of the adjustment, goodwill was decreased $0.5 million from the initial amount. The adjustments made were retrospectively applied to the acquisition date, and did not have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements.
	Based on the allocation of the purchase price, the acquisition had the following effect on Layne’s consolidated financial position as of the closing date:
	(in thousands)	Costa Fortuna
	Working capital	$	3,592
	Property and equipment		33,500
	Goodwill		4,025
	Other intangible assets		1,000
	Other assets		9,131
	Other noncurrent liabilities		(16,981	)
	Total purchase price	$	34,267
	The $4.0 million of goodwill was assigned to Geoconstruction. The purchase price in excess of the value of Costa Fortuna’s net assets reflects the strategic value Layne placed on the business. At the time of acquisition, Layne believed it would benefit from synergies as these acquired operations were integrated with the existing operations. Layne had hoped the presence in Brazil would assist in obtaining contracts in that country as well as in South America. During the second quarter of FY 2014, based on the continued decline in revenues and forecasted results experienced due to a sluggish economy in Brazil during calendar year 2013, Layne reassessed its estimates of the fair value of the goodwill associated with Costa Fortuna. As a result of that reassessment, a $4.0 million impairment charge was recorded.
	The Costa Fortuna purchase agreement provided for a purchase price adjustment based on the levels of working capital and debt at closing. The adjustment resulted in an additional purchase price of $2.3 million, which was paid during the third quarter of FY 2013.
	The total purchase price above consisted of the $16.2 million cash purchase price, the $2.3 million purchase price adjustment, and the $15.8 million adjusted basis of Layne’s existing investment in Costa Fortuna.
	On July 31, 2014, Layne sold Costa Fortuna as described in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. Layne determined it was a discontinued operation and has reported it as such in this Form 10-K.

Investments_in_Affiliates

Investments in Affiliates	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in Affiliates	(3) Investments in Affiliates
	Layne’s investments in affiliates generally are engaged in mineral drilling services and the manufacture and supply of drilling equipment, parts and supplies.  Investment in affiliates may include other construction joint ventures from time to time.
	On July 15, 2010, Layne acquired a 50% interest in Costa Fortuna. The interest was acquired for total cash consideration of $14.9 million, of which $10.1 million was paid to Costa Fortuna shareholders and $4.8 million was paid to Costa Fortuna to purchase newly issued Costa Fortuna stock. Concurrent with the investment, Costa Fortuna purchased Layne GeoBrazil, an equipment leasing company in Brazil wholly owned by Layne, for a cash payment of $4.8 million. Subsequent to the acquisition, Layne invested an additional $1.3 million in Costa Fortuna as its proportionate share of a capital contribution. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of Layne’s acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Costa Fortuna during May 2012.   Layne sold Costa Fortuna on July 31, 2014.
	A summary of material, jointly-owned affiliates, as well as their primary operating subsidiaries if applicable, and the percentages directly or indirectly owned by Layne are as follows as of January 31, 2015:
		Percentage Owned			Percentage Owned
		Directly			Indirectly
	Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S.A.		50	%
	(Panama)
	Boytec, S.A. (Panama)					50	%
	Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)					50
	Sondajes Colombia, S.A. (Colombia)					50
	Mining Drilling Fluids (Panama)					25
	Plantel Industrial S.A. (Chile)					50
	Christensen Chile, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. (Chile)		50
	Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. (Chile)					50
	Geoestrella S.A. (Chile)					25
	Diamantina Christensen Trading (Panama)		42.69
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Geotec, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. (Peru)		29.49
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Washington)		65
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Iowa)		50
	Financial information of the affiliates is reported with a one-month lag in the reporting period. Summarized financial information of the affiliates, including Costa Fortuna and its subsidiaries up to May 30, 2012(date of the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Costa Fortuna):
		As of and Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Balance sheet data:
	Current assets	$	106,461		$	131,533		$	168,770
	Noncurrent assets		67,166			82,807			74,572
	Current liabilities		27,869			39,347			57,998
	Noncurrent liabilities		17,438			17,477			21,203
	Income statement data:
	Revenues		171,813			220,778			444,871
	Gross profit		23,173			25,411			98,418
	Operating income (loss)		3,827			(2,999	)		57,934
	Net (loss) income		849			(5,960	)		43,990
	Layne had no significant transactions or balances with its affiliates as of January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and for the fiscal years then ended.
	Layne’s equity in undistributed earnings of the affiliates totaled $59.1 million, $62.7 million and $73.7 million as of January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively and an additional $4.6 million of investment in affiliates was recorded as equity method goodwill for certain of the investments at the time of acquisition.

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_o

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	(4) Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts
	Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:
		As of January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Cost incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	1,151,940		$	1,245,693
	Estimated earnings		370,683			348,501
			1,522,623			1,594,194
	Less: Billing to date		1,454,799			1,529,992
	Total	$	67,824		$	64,202
	Included in accompanying balance sheets under the following
	captions:
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing on	$	93,014		$	88,744
	uncompleted contracts
	Long-term retainage		8,919			6,713
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated		(34,109	)		(31,255	)
	earnings on uncompleted contracts
	Total	$	67,824		$	64,202
	Layne bills its customers based on specific contract terms. Substantially all billed amounts are collectible within one year. As of January 31, 2015 and 2014, Layne’s costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts included unbilled contract retainage amounts of $49.6 million and $45.8 million, respectively.

Impairment_Charges

Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment Charges	(5) Impairment Charges
	During the second quarter of FY 2014, based on the continued decline in revenues and forecasted results, Layne reassessed its estimates of the fair value of its reporting units. These circumstances indicated a potential impairment of goodwill in Geoconstruction and, as such, Layne assessed the fair value of its goodwill to determine if the carrying value exceeded its fair value.
	As a result of its analysis, Layne determined the carrying value of the Geoconstruction goodwill in the amount of $14.6 million exceeded its fair value and an impairment charge equal to that amount was recorded in the second quarter of FY 2014. The total assessed fair value of zero was determined based on Level 3 inputs.
	During FY 2013, due to the underperformance of certain product lines within Water Resources and Energy Services, Layne assessed the value of certain of its long-lived assets within those businesses. Layne also assessed the value of certain of its tradenames in light of strategic decisions for those product lines. As a result of its assessments, Layne concluded that impairments of value had occurred, and Layne recorded impairment charges. The impaired assets included specific patents, tradenames, property and equipment. The carrying value of the assets before impairment was $15.8 million and the impairments totaled $8.4 million, of which $4.4 million was associated with Water Resources and $4.0 million was associated with Energy Services. The charges consisted of $2.9 million associated with intangible assets, with the remainder consisting of adjustments to record tangible assets at an expected sales value. None of these operations had any associated goodwill recorded. Of the total assessed fair value of $7.4 million, the amount determined based on the income and market approach was $3.6 million, with the remainder based on Level 3 inputs (See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of Level 1, 2 and 3 inputs).

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	(6) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The carrying amount of goodwill attributed to each reporting segment was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Water Resources			Inliner			Heavy Civil				Geo-construction				Mineral Services			Energy Services			Other		Total
	Balance February 1, 2013	$	—		$	8,915		$	—			$	14,646			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	23,561
	Additions		—			—			—				—				—			—			—		—
	Impairment of goodwill												(14,646	)											(14,646	)
	Balance January 31, 2014		—			8,915			—				—				—			—			—		8,915
	Additions		—			—			—				—				—			—			—		-
	Balance January 31, 2015	$	—		$	8,915		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	8,915
	Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	$	(17,084	)	$	(23,130	)	$	(44,551	)		$	(14,646	)		$	(20,225	)	$	(445	)	$	—	$	(120,081	)
	Goodwill expected to be tax deductible was $0.9 million and $0.9 million as of January 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Other Intangible Assets
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following as of January 31:
		2015								2014
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260		$	(3,670	)	14		$	6,260			$	(3,215	)		14
	Patents		905			(548	)	12			905				(503	)		12
	Software and licenses		1,458			(1,134	)	3			2,747				(1,794	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680			(482	)	6			680				(368	)		6
	Other		966			(590	)	22			966				(528	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	10,269		$	(6,424	)			$	11,558			$	(6,408	)
	Total amortization expense for other intangible assets was $1.3 million, $1.5 million and $2.5 million in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively. Amortization expense for the subsequent five fiscal years is estimated as follows:
	(in thousands)	Amount
	2016	$	1,000
	2017		639
	2018		549
	2019		549
	2020		549
	Thereafter		559
	Total	$	3,845

Indebtedness

Indebtedness

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Indebtedness

(7) Indebtedness

Debt outstanding as of January 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

January 31,

January 31,

(in thousands)

2015

2014

4.25% Convertible Notes

$

110,055

$

106,782

Asset-based facility

21,964

—

Capitalized lease obligations

270

480

Less amounts representing interest

(10

)

(16

)

Notes payable

—

—

Total debt

132,279

107,246

Less current maturities of long-term debt

(142

)

(128

)

Total long-term debt

$

132,137

$

107,118

As of January 31, 2015, debt outstanding will mature as follows:

(in thousands)

4.25% Convertible Notes

Asset-based facility

Capitalized lease obligations

Total

2016

$

—

$

—

$

142

$

142

2017

—

—

102

102

2018

—

—

9

9

2019

110,055

—

7

110,062

2020

—

21,964

—

21,964

Total

$

110,055

$

21,964

$

260

$

132,279

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility

On April 15, 2014, Layne entered into a five-year $135.0 million senior secured asset-based facility, of which up to an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million will be 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 asset-based facility was amended on July 29, 2014, September 15, 2014, October 28, 2014 and January 23, 2015, to (1) permit the dispositions of Costa Fortuna and Tecniwell, businesses within the Geoconstruction segment, (2) restrict prepayment of indebtedness subordinate to the asset-based facility to certain permitted refinancings of such indebtedness, (3) change the thresholds and any applicable grace period for when a Covenant Compliance Period will commence, as described below, (4) impose certain other additional monthly reporting requirements, and (5) to provide additional security interests in certain assets to surety providers through equipment utilization agreements, which also provides for use of the specified assets by the surety provider under certain circumstances.  An additional reserve was established based on the value of the assets subject to the equipment utilization agreement (which is listed as the “equipment reserve” in the definition of borrowing based below).  The amendments 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 asset-based facility.

Availability under the asset-based facility will be the lesser of (i) $135.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement). The borrowing base is defined as:

·

85% of book value of eligible accounts receivable (other than unbilled receivables), plus

·

60% of eligible unbilled receivables, plus

·

real property availability, plus

·

equipment availability, minus

·

the supplemental reserve, minus

·

the equipment reserve, minus

·

any additional reserves established from time to time by the co-collateral agents.

As of January 31, 2015, the borrowing base was approximately $ 108.3 million with $21.9 million borrowed under the asset-based facility and $31.3 million of outstanding letters of credit, leaving Excess Availability (described below) of $55.1 million.

The balance sheet classification of the borrowings under the asset-based 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Layne has the right to request the lenders to further increase the asset-based facility 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 asset-based facility is guaranteed by assets of Layne’s direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions described in the asset-based facility.  The obligations under the asset-based 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 asset-based facility, including a pledge of up to 65% of the equity interest of Layne’s first tier foreign subsidiaries.

Advances under the asset-based 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 asset-based facility.

Pursuant to the asset-based facility agreement, the revolving loans will bear interest at either:

·

the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin. The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of (a) the base rate, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Open rate plus 0.5%, and (c) the sum of the Daily LIBOR rate plus 1%. Or

·

the LIBOR rate (as defined in the asset-based 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 asset-based 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 asset-based 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 asset-based 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.

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 (or until March 31, 2015, the cumulative period from May 1, 2014), a minimum cash flow of not less than negative $25.0 million, until:

·

for a period for 30 consecutive days, Excess Availability is greater than the greater of 17.5% of the Total Availability or $25.0 million, and

·

for two consecutive fiscal quarters after the closing date, the fixed charge coverage ratio (tested on a trailing four fiscal quarter basis) has been in excess of 1.0 to 1.0.

Minimum cash flow is defined as consolidated EBITDA minus the sum of:

·

capital expenditures

·

cash interest expense

·

any regularly scheduled amortized principal payments on indebtedness

·

cash taxes and

·

any amount in excess of $10.0 million paid with respect to the FCPA investigation

After giving effect to the amendments, 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 asset-based 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 FY 2015 it would not have been in compliance with the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.  Layne also would not have been in compliance with the maximum first lien leverage ratio during the fiscal quarters ending July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2015 had a Covenant Compliance Period been in effect during those quarters.

The asset-based 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, this clause would create an Event of Default (as defined in the asset-based 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 asset-based 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 (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) occurs and is continuing, the interest rate under the asset-based facility will increase by 2% per annum and the lenders may accelerate all amounts owing under the asset-based facility. Defaults under the asset-based facility include (but are not limited to) the following:

·

non-payment of principal, interest, fees and other amounts under the asset-based facility

·

failure to comply with any of the negative covenants, certain of the specified affirmative covenants or other covenants under the asset-based 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.

·

a change in control as defined in the asset-based 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 applicate debt covenants associated with the asset-based facility for the next twelve months.

The asset-based facility was subsequently amended on March 2, 2015 to permit the issuance of the 8.0% Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes (8.0% Convertible Notes) in the offering described below, the exchange a portion of the 4.25% Convertible Notes in the related Exchange and the grant of the subordinated liens securing the 8.0% Convertible Notes issued in the offering. In addition, the amendment, among other things:

·        reduced the maximum amount that may be borrowed under the asset-based facility from $135.0 million to $120.0 million until Layne has delivered to the agent under the asset-based facility financial statements and a compliance certificate for any fiscal quarter commencing after the date of the amendment demonstrating, for such fiscal quarter and for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for four consecutive quarters ending with such fiscal quarters;

·        increased the applicable interest rate margin under the asset-based facility agreement by 0.5%;

·        increased the quarterly commitment fee on unused commitments from 0.375% to 0.5% if the daily average Total Revolving Exposure (as defined in the asset-based credit agreement) during the quarter exceeds 50% of the Total Revolving Commitments (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement);

·        eliminated any of Layne’s owned real estate from the borrowing base which accounted for approximately $4.2 million of Layne’s borrowing base at the time of such amendment;

·        requires the delivery of a monthly forecast of cash flows for the following 13-weeks;

·        if at the end of any business day, Layne or any of the co-borrowers under the asset-based facility have cash or cash equivalents (less any outstanding checks and electronic funds transfers) in excess of $15.0 million (excluding any amounts in bank accounts used solely for payroll, employee benefits or withholding taxes), require Layne to use such excess amounts to prepay any revolving loans then outstanding by the end of the following business day; and

·        will accelerate the maturity date to May 15, 2018 if each of the following has not yet occurred on or before such date: (i) either (a) all of the 8.0% Convertible  Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) in respect thereof) are converted or (b) the maturity date of the 8.0% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) is extended to a date which is after October 15, 2019, and (ii) either (a) all of the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) are converted, (b) the maturity date for the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) is extended to a date which is after October 15, 2019, or (c) the 4.25% Convertible Notes are effectively discharged. The 4.25% Convertible Notes will be effectively discharged after, among other things, Layne has irrevocably deposited with the trustee of the 4.25% Convertible Notes cash in an amount sufficient to pay any remaining interest and principal payments due on any then remaining unconverted 4.25% Convertible Notes, with irrevocable instructions to the trustee to make such payments to the holders of the 4.25% Convertible Notes as they become due.

The asset-based facility, as amended in March 2015, will permit Layne to make certain voluntary prepayments, payments, repurchases or redemptions, retirements, defeasances or acquisitions for value of the 8.0% Convertible Notes if the following payment conditions are satisfied:

·        there is no default before or after such action;

·        the Supplemental Reserve (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) is zero;

·        thirty-Day Excess Availability and Excess Availability (each as defined in the asset-based facility) on a pro forma basis is equal to or exceeds the greater of (A) 22.5% of the Total Availability and (B) $30.0 million; and

·        Layne has on a pro forma basis a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.1:1.0.

4.25% Convertible Senior Notes

On November 5, 2013 Layne entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Jefferies LLC (the “Initial Purchaser”) relating to the sale by Layne of $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 (the “4.25% Convertible Notes”), in a private placement to “qualified institutional buyers” in the U.S., as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Purchase Agreement contained customary representations, warranties and covenants by Layne together with customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Layne agreed to indemnify the Initial Purchaser against certain liabilities. The offering of the 4.25% Convertible Notes was completed on November 12, 2013, in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement. The sale of the 4.25% Convertible Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $105.4 million after deducting the Initial Purchaser’s discount and commission and the estimated offering expenses payable by Layne. These proceeds were used to pay down the existing balance on the then existing revolving credit agreement. The Purchase Agreement also provided the Initial Purchaser an option to purchase up to an additional $15.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Notes. On December 5, 2013, the Initial Purchaser exercised this option, which generated proceeds net of the Initial Purchaser’s discount and commission in the amount of $14.6 million. Layne used these proceeds primarily as an increase in cash on hand. The 4.25% Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated November 12, 2013 (the “4.25% Convertible Notes Indenture”), between Layne and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The 4.25% Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of Layne. The 4.25% Convertible Notes are 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 4.25% 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 4.25% Convertible Notes, as determined following a request by a holder of the 4.25% Convertible Notes in the manner required by the 4.25% Convertible Notes 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 4.25% Convertible Notes Indenture; and (4) if Layne has called the 4.25% 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 it has obtained stockholder approval to settle the 4.25% Convertible Notes in cash or a combination of cash and shares of Layne’s common stock. As of January 31, 2015, the if-converted value did not exceed its principal amount.

The 4.25% 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 4.25% Convertible Notes will mature on November 15, 2018, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.

The initial conversion rate was 43.6072 shares of Layne’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 4.25% 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 4.25% Convertible Notes for redemption.

On and after November 15, 2016, and prior to the maturity date, Layne may redeem all, but not less than all, of the 4.25% Convertible Notes for cash if the sale price of Layne’s common stock equals or exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date Layne delivers notice of the redemption. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 4.25% 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 4.25% Convertible Notes Indenture), holders of the 4.25% Convertible Notes will have the right, at their option, to require Layne to repurchase their 4.25% Convertible Notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

In accordance with ASC 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options,” Layne separately accounts for the liability and equity conversion components of the 4.25% Convertible Notes. The principal amount of the liability component of the 4.25% 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 4.25% Convertible Notes using the effective interest method over five years.

In accordance with guidance in ASC 470-20 and ASC 815-15, “Embedded Derivatives,” Layne determined that the embedded conversion components and other embedded derivatives of the 4.25% Convertible Notes do not require bifurcation and separate accounting.

The following table presents the carrying value of the 4.25% Convertible Notes:

January 31,

January 31,

(in thousands)

2015

2014

Carrying amount of the equity conversion component

$

11,128

$

11,128

Principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes

$

125,000

$

125,000

Unamortized debt discount (1)

(14,945

)

(18,218

)

Net carrying amount

$

110,055

$

106,782

-1

As of January 31, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 45 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes

On March 2, 2015, Layne completed its offering of approximately $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes (“8.0% Convertible Notes”).  The 8.0% Convertible Notes were offered to certain investors that held approximately $55.5 million of Layne’s 4.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 pursuant to terms in which the investors agreed to (i) exchange the 4.25% Convertible Notes owned by them for approximately $49.9 million of the 8.0% Convertible Notes and (ii) purchase approximately $49.9 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Convertible Notes at a cash price equal to the principal amount thereof.  The amount of accrued interest on the 4.25% Convertible Notes delivered by the investors in the exchange was credited to the cash purchase price payable by the investors in the purchase.

The sale of the 8.0% Convertible Notes generated net cash proceeds of approximately $45.0 million after deducting discounts and commissions, estimated offering expenses and accrued interest on the 4.25% Convertible Notes being exchanged.  Layne used the net cash proceeds to repay the then outstanding balance on the asset-based facility of $18.2 million with the remainder of the proceeds held for general working capital purposes.

The 8.0% Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of March 2, 2015 (the “8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture”), among Layne, the guarantor parties thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent. The 8.0% Convertible Notes are senior, secured obligations of Layne, with interest payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning May 1, 2015, at a rate of 8.0% per annum. The 8.0% Convertible Notes will mature on May 1, 2019; provided, however, that, unless all of the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or any permitted refinancing indebtedness in respect thereof) have been redeemed, repurchased, otherwise retired, discharged in accordance with their terms or converted into Layne’s common stock, or have been effectively discharged, in each case on or prior to August 15, 2018 or the scheduled maturity date of the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or any permitted refinancing indebtedness incurred in respect thereof) is extended to a date that is after October 15, 2019, the 8.0% Convertible Notes will mature on August 15, 2018.

The 8.0% Convertible Notes are Layne’s senior, secured obligations and:

·

rank senior in right of payment to all of Layne’s existing or future indebtedness that is specifically subordinated to the 8.0% Convertible Notes;

·

effectively rank senior in right of payment to all of Layne’s existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing the 8.0% Convertible Notes, subject to the rights of the holders of the First Priority Liens (as defined below);

·

are effectively subordinated to any debt of Layne’s foreign subsidiaries; and

·

are effectively subordinated to any of Layne’s First Priority Debt (as defined below) to the extent of the assets securing such debt.

The 8.0% Convertible Notes are guaranteed by Layne’s subsidiaries that currently are co-borrowers or guarantors under Layne’s asset-based facility, as well as all of Layne’s future wholly-owned U.S. restricted subsidiaries and, in certain cases, certain other subsidiaries of Layne. Each guarantee of the 8.0% Convertible Notes is the senior, secured obligation of the applicable subsidiary guarantor and:

·

ranks senior in right of payment to all existing or future indebtedness of that subsidiary guarantor that is specifically subordinated to such guarantee;

·

effectively ranks senior in right of payment to all existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness of that subsidiary guarantor to the extent of the assets securing such guarantee, subject to the rights of the holders of the First Priority Liens; and

·

is effectively subordinated to any First Priority Debt of that subsidiary guarantor to the extent of the assets securing such debt.

The 8.0% Convertible Notes are secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of Layne and the subsidiary guarantors, subject to certain exceptions. The liens on the assets securing the 8.0% Convertible Notes are junior in priority to the liens (the “First Priority Liens”) on such assets securing debt (the “First Priority Debt”) of Layne or the subsidiary guarantors under Layne’s asset-based facility and certain other specified existing or future obligations.

At any time prior to the maturity date, Layne may redeem for cash all, but not less than all, of the 8.0% Convertible Notes; provided, however, that Layne may not redeem the 8.0% Convertible Notes on a redemption date that is outside an Open Redemption Period (as defined below) unless the last reported sale price of Layne’s common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the conversion price of the 8.0% Convertible Notes in effect on each of at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which Layne delivers the redemption notice.

For these purposes, an “Open Redemption Period” means each of the periods (i) commencing on February 15, 2018 and ending on, and including, August 14, 2018 and (ii) commencing on November 1, 2018 and ending on April 30, 2019. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the 8.0% Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus (i) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date and (ii) if such redemption date is during an Open Redemption Period, an additional payment equal to the present value, as of the redemption date, of the following:

·

in the case of the Open Redemption Period ending on August 14, 2018, all regularly scheduled interest payments due on the 8.0% Convertible Notes to be redeemed on each interest payment date occurring after the redemption date and on or before August 15, 2018 (assuming, solely for these purposes, that August 15, 2018 were an interest payment date); or

·

in the case of the Open Redemption Period ending on April 30, 2019, all regularly scheduled interest payments due on the 8.0% Convertible Notes to be redeemed on each interest payment date occurring after the redemption date and on or before May 1, 2019.

In addition, upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 8.0% Convertible Notes will have the right, at their option, to require Layne to repurchase their 8.0% Convertible Notes in cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 8.0% Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The 8.0% Convertible Notes are convertible, at the option of the holders, into consideration consisting of 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 the maturity date. No holder will have the right to convert any 8.0% Convertible Notes into shares of common stock to the extent that the conversion would cause that holder to beneficially own more than 9.9% of the shares of Layne’s common stock then outstanding after giving effect to the proposed conversion.

The initial conversion rate was 85.4701 shares of Layne’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 8.0% Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $11.70 per share of Layne’s common stock), representing a 40.0% conversion premium over the last reported sale price per share of Layne’s common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 4, 2015, the date on which the 8.0% Convertible Notes were priced. The conversion rate is 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 8.0% Convertible Notes for redemption.

The 8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Layne and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, to: (1) incur additional indebtedness; (2) create liens; (3) declare or pay dividends on, make distributions with respect to, or purchase or redeem, Layne’s or its restricted subsidiaries equity interests, or make certain payments on subordinated or unsecured indebtedness or make certain investments; (4) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (5) engage in certain asset sales unless specified conditions are satisfied; and (6) designate certain subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. The 8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture also contains events of default after the occurrence of which the 8.0% Convertible Notes may be accelerated and become immediately due and payable.

Other_Income_Net

Other Income, Net	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income, Net	(8) Other Income, Net
	Other income, net consisted of the following:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	1,790		$	6,315		$	3,509
	Interest income		73			8			52
	Currency exchange loss		(15	)		(53	)		(1,238	)
	Other		(1,189	)		481			3,680
	Total	$	659		$	6,751		$	6,003
	For FY 2015, the gain from the disposal of property and equipment of $1.8 million includes the gain on sale of real estate of $1.0 million and the sale of other non-core assets.
	Included in the gain from disposal of property and equipment for FY 2014 are surplus assets which were sold throughout FY 2014, including items from the former corporate headquarters in Mission Woods, Kansas. Also included in the gain from disposal of property and equipment is the gain on the sale of a building in Massachusetts for $0.7 million which was being used by Geoconstruction until operations were consolidated in Dallas, Texas, and insurance proceeds were received totaling $0.7 million as payment for equipment lost in a fire.
	During July 2013, Layne determined an investment in a joint venture was no longer viable. The related investment of $0.6 million was determined to be unrecoverable and was written off and is included in other in the table above.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(9) Income Taxes
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Domestic	$	(57,747	)		$	(73,009	)		$	(60,745	)
	Foreign		(13,092	)			(3,558	)			35,734
	Total	$	(70,839	)		$	(76,567	)		$	(25,011	)
	Components of income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Currently due:
	U.S. federal	$	(4,668	)		$	(5,926	)		$	(1,049	)
	State and local		162				(460	)			(278	)
	Foreign		2,182				10,899				12,446
			(2,324	)			4,513				11,119
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal		(1,148	)			44,352				(19,582	)
	State and local		233				4,247				(1,430	)
	Foreign		(706	)			65				(136	)
			(1,621	)			48,664				(21,148	)
	Total	$	(3,945	)		$	53,177			$	(10,029	)
	A reconciliation of the total income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations to the statutory federal rate is as follows for the years ended January 31:
		2015								2014							2013
	(in thousands)	Amount				Effective				Amount			Effective				Amount			Effective
						Rate							Rate							Rate
	Income tax at statutory rate	$	(24,793	)			35		%	$	(26,798	)		35		%	$	(8,753	)		35		%
	State income tax, net		(1,622	)			2.3				(2,834	)		3.7				(1,156	)		4.6
	Difference in tax expense resulting from:
	Nondeductible goodwill impairment		—				—				4,781			(6.2	)			—			—
	Nondeductible expenses		(477	)			0.7				4,956			(6.5	)			1,004			(4.0	)
	Loss on remeasurement of equity method investment		—				—				—			—				2,697			(10.8	)
	Taxes on foreign affiliates		1,798				(2.5	)			12,178			(15.9	)			(4,707	)		18.8
	Taxes on foreign operations		(5,915	)			8.3				(13,385	)		17.5				4,698			(18.8	)
	Valuation allowance		27,901				(39.4	)			78,288			(102.3	)			(1,731	)		6.9
	Tax benefit related to tax expenses recorded on discontinued operations and equity		—				—				(10,821	)		14.1				—			—
	Changes in uncertain tax provisions		(1,010	)			1.4				5,330			(7.0	)			(1,166	)		4.7
	Other		173				(0.2	)			1,482			(1.9	)			(915	)		3.7
	Total	$	(3,945	)			5.6		%	$	53,177			(69.5	)	%	$	(10,029	)		40.1		%
	The FY 2015 benefit for nondeductible expenses resulted from the reversal of a prior year penalty accrual related to the FCPA investigation.  See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
	The tax effect of pretax income or loss from continuing operations generally is determined by a computation that does not consider the tax effect of other categories of income or loss (for example, other comprehensive income, discontinued operations, additional paid in capital, etc.). An exception to that general rule is provided when there is a pretax loss from continuing operations and pretax income from other categories of income. Pursuant to this exception, in FY 2014, Layne recorded an income tax benefit on continuing operations which offsets an income tax provision for discontinued operations and the additional paid in capital impact of the 4.25% Convertible Notes.
	Layne recorded $27.9 million and $78.3 million of valuation allowances from continuing operations on its net domestic and certain foreign deferred tax assets during FY 2015 and FY 2014, respectively. The $27.9 million valuation allowance recorded in FY 2015 was recorded on deferred tax assets generated during the year.  The deferred tax assets were primarily related to tax loss and tax credit carryforwards generated in the current year.  Of the $78.3 million valuation allowance recorded in FY 2014, $54.4 million related to deferred tax assets established during a prior year, and $23.9 million related to deferred tax assets established in the current year. The total valuation allowance at January 31, 2015 was $115.0 million comprised of a domestic valuation allowance of $103.6 million and a foreign valuation allowance of $11.4 million.
	In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, Layne concluded that it had a cumulative loss on domestic operations after adjusting for significant non-recurring charges for each of the three year periods ended January 31, 2015 and January 31, 2014. Layne considered the periods in which future reversals of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences are likely to occur, taxable income available in prior carry back years, and the availability of tax-planning strategies when determining the ability to realize recorded deferred tax assets. Based on this assessment, Layne concluded that it was not more likely than not that realization of its domestic deferred tax assets would occur in future periods, and accordingly a valuation allowance has been provided. Similar consideration was given to foreign deferred tax assets, and Layne concluded that certain foreign deferred tax assets were also not more likely than not to be realized and a valuation allowance was recorded. 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.  Layne was not in a cumulative three year loss position as of January 31, 2013, based on an analysis of income over the current and prior two fiscal years, after adjusting for significant non-recurring charges.  Layne determined that it was more likely than not the deferred tax asset was realizable at January 31, 2013, and no valuation allowance was needed at that time, other than for a portion of the foreign tax credit carryforwards, for which Layne has and continues to conclude that such carryforward benefits may not be used before they expire.
	Layne maintains $1.0 million of deferred tax assets in various foreign jurisdictions as of January 31, 2015, where management believes that realization is more likely than not. Layne’s foreign subsidiaries will need to generate taxable income of approximately $3.4 million in their respective jurisdictions where the deferred tax assets are recorded in order to fully realize the deferred tax asset. Management will continue to evaluate all of the evidence in future periods 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 net (loss) income from discontinued operations for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 was ($42.4 million), $1.7 million and ($21.0 million), respectively. These amounts are net of income tax (expense) benefits of ($0.7 million), ($3.5 million) and $14.4 million, respectively. The effective tax rates for discontinued operations were 1.6%, 67.4% and 40.7% for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively. The credit recognized as additional paid in capital relating to the 4.25% Convertible Notes issued during FY 2014 was $11.1 million net of income tax expense of $7.1 million recorded at an effective rate of 39%.
	Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of Layne’s assets and liabilities. The sources of these differences and their cumulative tax effects were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Accruals and reserves	$	25,130			$	30,540
	Share based compensation		3,327				5,106
	Tax deductible goodwill		2,361				3,141
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards		42,515				24,174
	Tax loss carryforwards		42,817				35,301
	Cumulative translation adjustment		6,593				4,718
	Capital loss carryforwards		12,011				—
	Other assets		1,712				1,865
	Total deferred tax asset		136,466				104,845
	Valuation allowance		(114,990	)			(72,487	)
	Buildings, machinery and equipment		(11,687	)			(16,488	)
	4.25% Convertible Notes		(5,829	)			(7,105	)
	Unremitted foreign earnings		(7,071	)			(11,188	)
	Other liabilities		(1,934	)			(3,876	)
	Total deferred tax liability		(26,521	)			(38,657	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(5,045	)		$	(6,299	)
	Layne had the following tax losses and tax credit carryforwards at January 31, 2015:
							Valuation
(dollars in millions)	Expiration		Amount				Amount
Federal net operating losses	2034-2035		$	26.8			$	(26.8	)
State net operating losses	2024-2035			5.9				(5.9	)
Federal capital loss carryforwards	2020			12				(12.0	)
Foreign tax loss carryforwards	2019-2030			10.2				(9.5	)
Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards	2018-2022			20				(20.0	)
Federal foreign tax loss carryforwards	2023-2025			22.4				(22.4	)
Total			$	97.3			$	(96.6	)
As of January 31, 2015, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and certain foreign affiliates included $53.1 million for which no federal income or foreign withholding taxes have been provided. These earnings, which are considered to be invested indefinitely, would become subject to income tax if they were remitted as dividends or if Layne were to sell its stock in the affiliates or subsidiaries. It is not practicable to determine the amount of income or withholding tax that would be payable upon remittance of these earnings.
Deferred income taxes were provided on undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries and foreign affiliates where the earnings are not considered to be invested indefinitely.
On September 13, 2013, the U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final Tangible Property Regulations (“TPR”) under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 162 and IRC Section 263(a). The regulations are not effective until tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014; however, certain portions may require an accounting method change on a retroactive basis, thus requiring an IRC Section 481(a) adjustment related to buildings, machinery and equipment and deferred taxes. Layne has analyzed the expected impact of the TPR and concluded that the expected impact is minimal.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest is as follows:
	Years Ended January 31,
(in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
Balance, beginning of year	$	15,312			$	11,996			$	13,322
Additions based on tax positions related to current year		187				766				2,501
Additions for tax positions of prior years		28				4,450				34
Settlement with tax authorities		(707	)			(1	)			(1,087	)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(308	)			(341	)			—
Reductions due to the lapse of statutes of limitation		(1,494	)			(1,558	)			(2,774	)
Balance, end of year	$	13,018			$	15,312			$	11,996
Substantially all of the unrecognized tax benefits recorded at January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 would affect the effective rate if recognized. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease during the next year by approximately $5.9 million due to settlements of audit issues and expiration of statutes of limitation.
Layne classifies interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. As of January 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $8.5 million, $8.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, of interest and penalties accrued associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The liability for interest and penalties increased (decreased) $0.1 million, ($1.3 million) and $0.3 million during FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively.
Layne files income tax returns in the U.S., various state jurisdictions and certain foreign jurisdictions. During the tax year ended January 31, 2015, the U.S. statute of limitations expired for the tax year ended January 31, 2011. The statute of limitations remains open for tax years ended January 31, 2012 through 2015. Layne is currently under examination for federal purposes for the tax year ended January 31, 2013, and there are several state examinations currently in progress.
Layne files income tax returns in the foreign jurisdictions where it operates. The returns are subject to examination which may be ongoing at any point in time. Tax liabilities are recorded based on estimates of additional taxes which will be due upon settlement of those examinations. The tax years subject to examination by foreign tax authorities vary by jurisdiction, but generally the tax years 2012 through 2015 remain open to examination.

Operating_Lease_Obligations

Operating Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease Obligations	(10) Operating Lease Obligations
	Future minimum lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year from January 31, 2015, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Operating Leases
	2016	$	6,547
	2017		5,681
	2018		5,479
	2019		5,497
	2020		5,714
	Minimum lease payments	$	28,918
	Layne’s operating leases are primarily for light and medium duty trucks, buildings and other equipment. Rent expense under operating leases (including insignificant amounts of contingent rental payments) was $19.7 million, $22.1 million and $22.9 million in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	(11) Employee Benefit Plans
	Layne’s salaried and certain hourly employees participate in Layne’s sponsored, defined contribution plans. Total expense recorded in selling, general and administrative costs for Layne’s portion of these plans was $3.2 million, $3.4 million and $4.0 million in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively.
	Layne has a deferred compensation plan for certain management employees. Participants may elect to defer up to 25% of their salaries and up to 50% of their bonuses to the plan. Matching contributions, and the vesting period of those contributions, are established at the discretion of Layne. Employee deferrals are vested at all times. The total amount deferred, including matching, in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 was $0.2 million, $0.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total liability for deferred compensation was $8.6 million and $9.7 million as of January 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively. These liabilities are primarily included in other long-term liabilities, except for those amounts due in the next twelve months.  Those liabilities are recorded in other current liabilities.
	Layne contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
	·	assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;
	·	if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers; and
	·	if Layne chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, Layne may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
	In accordance with accounting guidance, Layne evaluated each of its multiemployer plans to determine if any were individually significant. The evaluation was based on the following criteria:
	·	the total employees participating in the multiemployer plan compared to the total employees covered by the plan;
	·	the total contributions to the multiemployer plan as a percentage of the total contributions to the plan by all participating employers; and
	·	the amount of potential liability that could be incurred due to Layne’s withdrawal from the multiemployer plan, underfunded status of the plan or other participating employers’ withdrawal from the plan.
	As of January 31, 2015 and 2014, Layne did not participate in multiemployer plans that would be considered individually significant.
	Layne makes contributions to these multiemployer plans equal to the amounts accrued for pension expense. Total contributions and union pension expense for these plans was $2.9 million, $2.3 million and $3.2 million in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively. Information regarding assets and accumulated benefits of these plans has not been made available to Layne.
	Layne also provides supplemental retirement benefits to a former chief executive officer. Benefits are computed based on the compensation earned during the highest five consecutive years of employment reduced for a portion of Social Security benefits and an annuity equivalent of his defined contribution plan balance. Layne does not contribute to the plan or maintain any investment assets related to the expected benefit obligation. Layne has recognized the full amount of its actuarially determined pension liability. The current portion recognized in Layne’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as other accrued expenses was $0.3 million as of January 31, 2015 and 2014. The long-term portion recognized in Layne’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and 2014 were $5.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, as other non-current liabilities. Net periodic pension cost of the supplemental retirement benefits for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 was $1.3 million, $0.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

EquityBased_Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Equity-Based Compensation	(12) Equity-Based Compensation
	Layne has an equity-based compensation plan that provides 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 January 31, 2015, there were 1,539,950 shares which remain available to be granted under the plan as stock options or restricted stock awards. 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 recognized $2.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.9 million of compensation cost for share-based plans for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively. Of these amounts, $1.2 million, $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, related to non-vested stock. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements was $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively.  All options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Layne’s common stock at the date of grant. The options have terms of ten years from the date of grant and generally vest ratably over periods of one month to five years.
	The fair value of share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice or Black-Scholes valuation model. The valuations in each respective year were made using the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the stock price. Layne uses historical data to estimate early exercise and post-vesting forfeiture rates to be applied within the valuation model. The risk-free interest rate for the periods within the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted-average fair value per share at the date of grant for options granted during FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 was $5.59, $8.11 and $10.93, respectively.
				Years Ended January 31,
	Assumptions:			2015				2014				2013
	Weighted-average expected volatility				51.00%				49.20%				55.10%
	Expected dividend yield				0%				0%				0%
	Risk-free interest rate				1.46%				1.25%				1.32%
	Expected term (in years)				5.6				7				6
	Exercise multiple factor				1.89				2.1				2
	Post-vesting forfeiture				13.10%				2.40%				0%
	Stock option transactions for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were as follows:
		Number of Shares				Weighted				Weighted				Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
						Average Exercise				Average
						Price				Remaining
										Contractual Term
										(Years)
	Outstanding at February 1, 2012		1,133,211				26.12
	Granted		280,547				23.32
	Exercised		(54,637	)			17.44							$	13
	Forfeited		(73,818	)			24.5
	Outstanding at January 31, 2013		1,285,303				25.97
	Granted		227,869				20.8
	Exercised		(72,611	)			15.96								—
	Expired		(208,952	)			31.45
	Forfeited		(125,797	)			28.67
	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		1,105,812				24.22
	Granted		360,586				13.11
	Exercised		—				—								—
	Expired		(55,126	)			16.63
	Forfeited		(395,758	)			23.03
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		1,015,514				21.15				6.6				—
	Exercisable at January 31, 2013		965,750				25.95
	Exercisable at January 31, 2014		790,905				24.84
	Exercisable at January 31, 2015		653,978				24.46				5.2				—
	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.
	Nonvested stock awards having service requirements only, are valued as of the grant date closing stock price and generally vest ratably over service periods of one to five years. Other nonvested stock awards vest based upon Layne meeting various performance goals. Certain nonvested stock awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change of control (as defined in the plans) or the disability or the death of the executive and for equitable adjustment in the event of changes in Layne’s equity structure.  Layne granted certain performance based nonvested stock awards during FY 2015 and FY 2014, which were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
	Assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model for FY 2015 and FY 2014 were as follows:
				Years Ended January 31,
	Assumptions:			2015				2014
	Weighted-average fair value			$	8.96			$	14.61
	Weighted-average expected volatility				37	%			36.6	%
	Expected dividend yield				0	%			0	%
	Weighted-average risk free rate				0.9	%			0.4	%
	Non-vested share transactions for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were as follows:
		Number of Shares				Average Grant Date Fair Value				Intrinsic Value
										(in thousands)
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2012		226,919			$	29.94
	Granted		110,958				22.29
	Vested		(15,720	)			26.7
	Canceled		(46,491	)			27.79
	Nonvested stock at January 31, 2013		275,666				27.41
	Granted - Directors		4,744				21.08
	Granted - Restricted stock units		22,289				20.96
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		80,613				14.61
	Vested		(10,065	)			27.21
	Canceled		(8,099	)			20.89
	Forfeited		(72,725	)			16.97
	Nonvested stock at January 31, 2014		292,423				23.42
	Granted - Directors		13,090				17.19
	Granted - Restricted stock units		394,489				17.06
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		244,679				8.96
	Vested		(13,027	)			25.82
Forfeited		(444,362	)			18.95
Nonvested stock at January 31, 2015		487,292				14.86			$	3,942

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	(13) 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 the hierarchy are as follows:
	·	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 Layne’s 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 January 31, 2015 and 2014:
						Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
	31-Jan-15
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	4,145		$	4,145		$	—			$	—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,231			4,231			—				—
	Financial Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout of acquired businesses(1)			—			—			—				—
	31-Jan-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	2,881		$	2,881		$	—			$	—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			4,964			4,964			—				—
	Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC			466			—			—				466
	Cash surrender value of company-owned life			10,651			—			10,651				—
	insurance (2)
	Financial Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout of acquired businesses(1)			—			—			—				—
	-1	The fair value of the contingent earnout of acquired businesses is determined using a mark-to-market modeling technique based on significant unobservable inputs calculated using a discounted future cash flows approach. Key assumptions include a discount rate of 41.2% and annual revenues of the acquired business, Intevras Technologies, LLC, ranging from $1.5 million to $6.1 million over the life of the earnout. The business was acquired in July 2010. The contingent earnout period expires in July 2015. On July 31, 2012, the contingent earnout was reassessed and, based on estimates of the likelihood of future revenues subject to the earnout provisions, assigned no value. The conclusions have not changed as of January 31, 2015.
	-2	The fair value of the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance was based on quoted prices for similar assets in actively traded markets.
	Other Financial Instruments
	Layne uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value disclosures for its other financial instruments:
	Cash – The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates their fair values and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
	Short-term and long-term debt, other than  the 4.25% Convertible Notes – 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.
	The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair values of the long-term debt:
			31-Jan-15					31-Jan-14
			Carrying		Fair			Carrying			Fair
	(in thousands)		Value		Value			Value			Value
	4.25% Convertible Notes		$	110,055	$	98,438		$	106,782		$	106,782
	Asset-based facility			21,964		21,964			—			—
	The 4.25% Convertible Notes are measured on a non-recurring basis using Level 1 inputs based upon observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes.
	In accordance with ASC Topic 360-10, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, we assess the fair value of certain non-financial assets on a non-recurring basis when there is an indicator that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable.  Using an undiscounted cash flow model in FY 2015 indicated that the carrying value of property and equipment in the Energy Services segment may not be fully recoverable.  Further analysis based on the fair value of the property and equipment determined that no impairment charges were necessary for FY 2015.   The fair value of the property and equipment was based on the orderly liquidation value of the property and equipment, which we consider a Level 2 fair value measurement.  Property and equipment with a carrying value of $18.5 million was considered to have a fair value of $19.1 million as of January 31, 2015.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	(14) 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, as is frequently the case, Layne 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 which 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 Layne will be able to continue to obtain such insurance protection. A successful claim or damage resulting from a hazard for which Layne is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on Layne. 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 has cooperated with the DOJ and SEC in connection with their review of the matter. The DOJ’s inquiry has been closed.
	As of January 31, 2014, Layne had accrued $10.4 million, representing its best estimate at that time, for settlement of these matters.  During the second quarter of FY 2015, Layne reduced its accrual to $5.2 million in connection with the DOJ’s closure of its investigation. 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 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.  On April 1, 2014, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed one of the other two company defendants without prejudice.  Since this litigation is at a very early state, Layne is currently unable to predict its outcome or estimate our exposure.
	Layne is involved in various other matters of litigation, claims and disputes which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Layne believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not, individually and in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect upon its business or consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is possible, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the assumptions related to these proceedings. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	(15) Discontinued Operations
	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 was paid in two equal payments. Layne received $0.5 million on October 31, 2014 and the remainder on January 22, 2015. The loss to Layne on the sale of the business was $0.8 million. This loss is included on the 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, Costa Fortuna’s parent company, 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss from discontinued operations.
	Prior to May 30, 2012 (the date of acquisition of the remaining 50% of Costa Fortuna), Layne accounted for Costa Fortuna using the equity method.  As such, operations prior to May 30, 2012 were not included in 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
	Total other assets - discontinued operations		38,752
	Total major classes of assets - 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 - discontinued operations	$	33,039
	SolmeteX
	Layne authorized the sale of its SolmeteX operations during the first quarter of FY 2014 as part of a strategic analysis of its businesses. As of April 30, 2013, Layne considered SolmeteX a discontinued operation and reflected it as such in the consolidated financial statements. On July 30, 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of Other Assets. During the second quarter of FY 2014, the gain on the sale of the operation was $8.3 million and was included on the Consolidated Statements 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.
	Energy
	After weighing alternatives, during the second quarter of FY 2013, Layne authorized the sale of the Energy segment and entered into negotiations for the sale of substantially all of the Energy segment assets to a third party. As of July 31, 2012, Layne considered the Energy segment as a discontinued operation and reflected it as such in the consolidated financial statements. Layne recorded a loss of $32.6 million as of July 31, 2012, based on the difference between its carrying value as a continuing operation and the expected selling price, less costs to sell. The tax benefit related to this loss was $12.5 million.
	On October 1, 2012, Layne completed the sale of all of the exploration and production assets of its Energy segment for $15.0 million. No additional loss on disposal of the net assets was recognized. Pursuant to the sale agreement, Layne received $13.5 million at the time of the sale and received $1.5 million in October 2013 upon termination of an indemnification escrow fund that was established at the closing of the sale. The sale agreement provides for additional proceeds of $2.0 million contingent on natural gas futures prices exceeding $5.25 per MMBTU for five months out of any given six consecutive months occurring during the 36 months following closing. The amount will be recorded as additional proceeds if the conditions are met.
	The financial results of discontinued operations include an accrual of $3.9 million recorded in the fourth quarter of FY 2013 associated with certain litigation claims, related to the discontinued Energy segment, which were retained by Layne.
	The financial results of the discontinued operations are as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Revenues	$	32,555		$	64,490		$	70,220
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(41,762	)		5,186			(35,466	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(671	)		(3,493	)		14,425
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations		(42,433	)		1,693			(21,041	)

Segments_and_Foreign_Operation

Segments and Foreign Operations	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments and Foreign Operations	(16) Segments and Foreign Operations
	Layne is a global solutions provider to the world of essential natural resources – water, minerals and energy. The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) reviews operating results to determine the appropriate allocation of resources within the organization.  The CODM defines the operational and organizational structure into discrete segments based on its primary product lines.
	Layne’s segments are defined as follows:
	Water Resources
	Water Resources provides its customers with every aspect of water supply system development and technology, including hydrologic design and construction, source of supply exploration, well and intake construction and well and pump rehabilitation. The segment 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 drill 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
	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 us 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 now has the ability to supply both traditional felt based CIPP lining tubes cured with water or steam as well as fiberglass based lining tubes cured with ultraviolet light. While Inliner focuses on its Inliner CIPP, it is committed to full system renewal. Inliner also provides a wide variety of other rehabilitative methods including Janssen structural renewal for service lateral connections and mainlines, slip lining, traditional excavation and replacement, and form and manhole renewal with cementitious and epoxy products. Inliner provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Heavy Civil
	Heavy Civil delivers sustainable solutions to government agencies and industrial clients by overseeing the design and construction of water and wastewater treatment plants and pipeline installation. In addition, Heavy Civil builds radial collector wells (Ranney Method), surface water intakes, pumping stations, hard rock tunnels and marine construction services – all in support of the world’s water infrastructure. Beyond water solutions, Heavy Civil also designs and constructs biogas facilities (anaerobic digesters) for the purpose of generating and capturing methane gas, an emerging renewable energy resource. Heavy Civil provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Geoconstruction
	Geoconstruction provides specialized geotechnical foundation construction services to the heavy civil, industrial, commercial and private construction markets around the globe. Geoconstruction has the expertise and equipment to provide the most appropriate deep foundation system, ground improvement and earth support solution to be applied given highly variable geological and site conditions. In addition, it has extensive experience in completing complex and schedule-driven major underground construction projects. Geoconstruction provides services that are focused primarily on the foundation systems for dams/levees, tunnel shafts, utility systems, subways or 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 provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Mineral Services
	Mineral Services conducts primarily aboveground drilling activities, including all phases of core drilling, reverse circulation, dual tube, hammer and rotary air-blast methods. The service offerings include both exploratory (‘greenfield’) and definition (‘brownfield’) drilling. Global mining companies hire Mineral Services to extract samples from their sites that they analyze for mineral content before investing heavily in development to extract the minerals. Mineral Services helps its clients determine if a minable mineral deposit exists on the site, the economic viability of mining the site and the geological properties of the ground, which helps in the determination of mine planning. Mineral Services also offers water management expertise. The primary markets are in the western U.S., Mexico, Australia, South America and Africa. Mineral Services also has ownership interests in foreign affiliates operating in Latin America that form its primary presence in this market.
	Energy Services
	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, an oil provenance, where Energy Services is providing water sourcing, transfer and treatment. Layne’s expertise in water well drilling coupled with its flat-hose transfer solution from the water source to the well site where hydraulic fracturing occurs, followed by treatment of the produced water and then recapture and recycling that water for reuse in other hydraulic fracturing operations, provides a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution to energy companies operating in a part of the country which has significant water shortages and drought. The system is designed to have virtually no surface discharge of formation or produced and treated water. Energy Services provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Other
	Other includes specialty and purchasing operations not included in one of the other 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. Corporate assets are all assets not directly associated with a segment, and consist primarily of cash and deferred income taxes.
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	196,243		$	175,875		$	214,091
	Inliner		175,001			148,384			133,256
	Heavy Civil		207,036			267,192			278,131
	Geoconstruction		77,032			26,242			78,045
	Mineral Services		120,217			172,960			302,119
	Energy Services		20,209			6,336			5,885
	Other		19,179			19,936			11,509
	Intersegment Eliminations		(17,316	)		(18,580	)		(9,112	)
	Total revenues	$	797,601		$	798,345		$	1,013,924
	Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	3,390		$	—		$	3,872
	Mineral Services		(2,002	)		(2,974	)		16,700
	Total equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	$	1,388		$	(2,974	)	$	20,572
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
	Water Resources	$	14,356		$	1,016		$	(1,290	)
	Inliner		22,870			17,650			9,936
	Heavy Civil		(21,502	)		(7,781	)		(32,308	)
	Geoconstruction		(4,443	)		(24,810	)		(4,127	)
	Mineral Services		(14,909	)		(9,534	)		49,406
	Energy Services		(3,661	)		(3,212	)		(7,444	)
	Other		(55	)		193			126
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(49,788	)		(42,957	)		(36,009	)
	Interest expense		(13,707	)		(7,132	)		(3,301	)
	Total loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(70,839	)	$	(76,567	)	$	(25,011	)
	Investment in affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	1,847		$	134		$	384
	Mineral Services		61,828			67,159			77,906
	Total investment in affiliates	$	63,675		$	67,293		$	78,290
		As of and Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Revenues by product line
	Water systems	$	207,363		$	179,372		$	219,693
	Water treatment technologies		15,226			34,005			47,778
	Sewer rehabilitation		175,001			148,384			133,256
	Water and wastewater plant construction		142,261			157,590			129,446
	Pipeline construction		49,026			77,497			108,408
	Soil stabilization		79,135			38,328			112,509
	Environmental and specialty drilling		6,393			7,543			7,246
	Exploration drilling		108,060			150,695			249,247
	Other		15,136			4,931			6,341
	Total revenues by product line	$	797,601		$	798,345		$	1,013,924
	Geographic Information:
	Revenues
United States	$	717,216		$	672,430		$	832,839
Africa/Australia		25,982			42,909			88,888
South America		13,106			16,056			19,161
Mexico		38,436			58,260			69,970
Other foreign		2,861			8,690			3,066
Total revenues	$	797,601		$	798,345		$	1,013,924
Depreciation and amortization
Water Resources	$	9,997		$	9,903		$	8,126
Inliner		2,767			2,805			2,647
Heavy Civil		4,060			6,491			7,096
Geoconstruction		7,305			7,495			7,826
Mineral Services		18,187			23,321			25,950
Energy Services		2,533			1,283			550
Other		2,175			2,344			—
Corporate		2,259			2,660			5,376
Total depreciation and amortization	$	49,283		$	56,302		$	57,571
	As of January 31,
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Assets
Water Resources	$	101,330		$	98,576
Inliner		76,071			67,384
Heavy Civil		94,283			99,963
Geoconstruction		50,240			55,682
Mineral Services		164,762			206,575
Energy Services		26,200			14,636
Other		6,127			6,947
Discontinued Operations		-			75,392
Corporate		26,500			21,463
Total assets	$	545,513		$	646,618
Property and equipment, net
United States	$	127,951		$	154,627
Africa/Australia		15,726			21,314
South America		4,882			5,931
Mexico		4,559			8,498
Other foreign		66			1,023
Total property and equipment, net	$	153,184		$	191,393
Capital Expenditures
Water Resources	$	2,037		$	2,864
Inliner		999			2,194
Heavy Civil		164			166
Geoconstruction		366			921
Mineral Services		2,855			7,741
Energy Services		7,454			7,732
Other		997			352
Discontinued operations		383			8,619
Corporate		634			4,460
Total capital expenditures	$	15,889		$	35,049

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs	(17) Restructuring Costs
	Layne commenced a restructuring plan (“Plan”) during the quarter ended July 31, 2014. The Plan involved, among other things, reductions in the global workforce, asset relocation or disposal and process improvements. The Plan was designed to achieve short and long-term cost reductions. As of January 31, 2015, the implementation Plan is substantially complete.  The accrued liability for costs associated with the restructuring was approximately $1.0 million as of January 31, 2015.
		Incurred as		Expected
		of January 31,		to be
		2015		incurred		Total
	Water Resources
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	380	$	—	$	380
	Other		55		—		55
	Total Water Resources	$	435	$	—	$	435
	Heavy Civil
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	54	$	—	$	54
	Other		—		—		—
	Total Heavy Civil	$	54	$	—	$	54
	Mineral Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	200	$	—	$	200
	Other		1,203		—		1,203
	Total Mineral Services	$	1,403	$	—	$	1,403
	Energy Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	89	$	—	$	89
	Other		—		—		—
	Total Energy Services	$	89	$	—	$	89
	Unallocated Corporate
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	717	$	—	$	717
	Other		—		50		50
	Total Unallocated Corporate	$	717	$	50	$	767
	Total restructuring costs	$	2,698	$	50	$	2,748

Relocation

Relocation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Relocation	(18) Relocation
	Layne moved into its new corporate headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb of Houston in September 2013. The move involved most executive positions in Layne’s corporate leadership, as well as certain other management and staff positions. The relocation is now complete. Expenses of $1.8 million, $8.6 million and $2.7 million were incurred for FY 2015, FY 2014, FY 2013, respectively.  The expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and consist primarily of employee relocation costs, severance and employee retention arrangements.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	(19) New Accounting Pronouncements
	On April 7, 2015, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”.  This guidance which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset.  Layne does not believe adoption of the ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.
	On February 18, 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”.  This guidance which is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP for limited partnerships and other variable interest entities (“VIE”).  Layne does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its financial statements.
	On August 27, 2014, 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.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payment 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.
	The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” on May 28, 2014. The guidance, when announced was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  On April 1, 2015, it was announced that a tentative decision had been reached by FASB to delay the implementation by a year.  This guidance defines the steps to recognize revenue for entities that 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 April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014.08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”. This ASU amends the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to provide additional disclosure 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. Layne will adopt this ASU beginning February1, 2015 for any future discontinued operations.  Layne does not believe adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements. Adoption will impact the additional disclosure required on future discontinued operations.

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	(20) Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
	Unaudited quarterly results were as follows:
			2015
	(in thousands, except per share data)		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	174,389		$	206,403		$	222,906		$	193,903
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)(1)			(151,731	)		(176,101	)		(185,459	)		(169,268	)
	Depreciation and amortization			(12,648	)		(13,246	)		(11,967	)		(11,422	)
	Net loss from continuing operations			(28,063	)		(11,993	)		(3,708	)		(23,130	)
	Net loss			(26,751	)		(54,960	)		(4,486	)		(23,130	)
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			(976	)		(69	)		(18	)		239
	Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company			(27,727	)		(55,029	)		(4,504	)		(22,891	)
	Basic loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.48	)		(0.61	)		(0.19	)		(1.17	)
	Diluted loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.48	)		(0.61	)		(0.19	)		(1.17	)
	Basic loss per share(2)			(1.41	)		(2.80	)		(0.23	)		(1.17	)
	Diluted loss per share(2)			(1.41	)		(2.80	)		(0.23	)		(1.17	)
	-1	As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne utilizes multiple methods of revenue recognition based on the nature of work performed. As a result, it is not practical to allocate a portion of depreciation and amortization to cost of revenues for the presentation of gross profit.
	-2	Loss per share was computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.
			2014
	(in thousands, except per share data)		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	211,916		$	214,517		$	201,978		$	169,934
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, amortization, and			(177,981	)		(178,094	)		(166,313	)		(143,907	)
	impairment charges shown below)(1)
	Depreciation and amortization			(14,082	)		(14,086	)		(14,055	)		(14,079	)
	Impairment charges			—			(14,646	)		—			—
	Net loss from continuing operations			(23,567	)		(78,854	)		(15,235	)		(12,088	)
	Net loss			(23,710	)		(74,543	)		(15,541	)		(14,257	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(69	)		(277	)		(231	)		(11	)
	Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company			(23,779	)		(74,820	)		(15,772	)		(14,268	)
	Basic loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.21	)		(4.03	)		(0.79	)		(0.62	)
	Diluted loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.21	)		(4.03	)		(0.79	)		(0.62	)
	Basic loss per share(2)			(1.22	)		(3.81	)		(0.80	)		(0.73	)
	Diluted loss per share(2)			(1.22	)		(3.81	)		(0.80	)		(0.73	)
	-1	As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne utilizes multiple methods of revenue recognition based on the nature of work performed. As a result, it is not practical to allocate a portion of depreciation and amortization to cost of revenues for the presentation of gross profit.
	-2	Loss per share was computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.
	The fourth quarter of FY 2014 was impacted by changes in estimate of incentive compensation of $7.4 million as a result of the decrease in results from operations experienced during the year. These plans are discretionary in nature, subject to board approval. The expense was reduced in the fourth quarter as results for the year were reviewed by the executive team. Also in the fourth quarter of FY 2014, Layne modified its vacation policy resulting in a decrease in expense of $4.5 million as a change in estimate.
	The second quarter of FY 2014 was impacted by a $14.6 million impairment charge which was recorded in Geoconstruction, representing the total carrying value of its goodwill. Layne reassessed its estimates of fair value of the goodwill of this segment as a result of continuing weakness as discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. Based on this analysis, it was determined the carrying value of goodwill exceeded its fair value. Also in the second quarter of FY 2014, Layne recorded a $50.6 million valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets as discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. This allowance was recorded as a result of continued weakness in Mineral Services and Geoconstruction.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	(21) Subsequent Events
	As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, on March 2, 2015, Layne completed Exchange and Subscription Agreements with certain investors that currently hold approximately $55.5 million of Layne’s 4.25% Convertible Notes.  In these agreements, the investors agreed to (i) exchange the 4.25% Convertible Notes for approximately $49.9 million of 8.0% Convertible Notes and  (ii) purchase approximately $49.9 million aggregate principal amount of additional 8.0% Convertible Notes.  The amount of the accrued interest on the 4.25% Convertible Notes delivered by investors in the exchange will be credited to the cash purchase price payable by investors in the purchase of the 8.0% Convertible Notes.  The 8.0% Convertible Notes will bear interest at a rate of 8.0% per year, payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on May 1, 2015.   See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for an additional discussion.   Layne expects to recognize a gain on extinguishment of debt in the quarter ending April 30, 2015.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
				Additions
	(in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charges to Costs and Expenses		Charges to Other Accounts			Deductions			Balance at End of Period
	Allowance for customer receivables:
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2013	$	8,141	$	1,763	$	—		$	(2,688	)	$	7,216
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2014		7,216		1,101		—			(836	)		7,481
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2015		7,481		2,539		—			(5,821	)		4,199
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset:
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2013	$	11,084	$	16	$	—		$	(1,746	)	$	9,354
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2014		9,354		69,114		(4,732	)		(1,249	)		72,487
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2015		72,487		44,618		(1,913	)		(202	)		114,990
	Allowance for inventory:
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2013	$	2,592	$	767	$	—		$	(294	)	$	3,065
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2014		3,065		1,027		—			(1,680	)		2,412
	Fiscal year ended January 31, 2015		2,412		18		—			(811	)		1,619

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business – Layne Christensen Company and subsidiaries (together, “Layne” and “our”) is a global water management, construction and drilling company. 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 ownership interest in certain foreign affiliates operating in Latin America (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year – Layne’s fiscal year end is January 31. References to fiscal years are to the twelve months then ended.
Investment in Affiliated Companies	Investment in Affiliated Companies – Investments in affiliates (20% to 50% owned) in which Layne has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not hold a controlling interest over operating and financial policies, are accounted for by the equity method. Layne evaluates its equity method investments for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate there is a loss in value of the investment that is other than a temporary decline.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Layne and all of our subsidiaries where it exercises control. For investments in subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned, but where Layne exercises control, the equity held by the minority owners and their portions of net income (loss) are reflected as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
Presentation	Presentation – As discussed further in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne sold two of its components during FY 2015.  Costa Fortuna (“Costa Fortuna”) was sold on July 31, 2014 and Tecniwell was sold on October 31, 2014.  Both were previously reported in the Geonstruction operating segment.  Layne reclassified both components as discontinued operations for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013.  Amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets have also been reclassified.
Business Segments	Business Segments – Layne reports its financial results under six reporting segments consisting of Water Resources, Inliner, Heavy Civil, Geoconstruction, Mineral Services and Energy Services.  Layne also reports certain other smaller operations as “Other” and corporate activities under the title ”Unallocated Corporate”.  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. Corporate assets are all assets not directly associated with a segment, and consist primarily of cash and deferred income taxes
Use of and Changes in Estimates	Use of and Changes in Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be perceived with certainty, and accordingly, these estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as Layne’s operating environment changes. While Layne believes that the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation	Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation – In accordance with ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The net exchange differences resulting from these translations are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at period end exchange rates and nonmonetary items are measured at historical exchange rates.
	The cash flows and financing activities of Layne’s Mexican and most of its African operations are primarily denominated in the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, these operations use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
	Net foreign currency transaction losses for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were immaterial for FY 2015 and $0.1 million and $1.2 million for FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively, and are recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition – Revenues are recognized on large, long-term construction contracts meeting the criteria of ASC Topic 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts”, using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. Contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the percentage of completion are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised. The nature of accounting for contracts is such that refinements of the estimating process for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors can and do change during a contract performance period which can result in a change to contract profitability from one financial reporting period to another. Some of the factors that can change the estimate of total contract revenue and cost include 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. These factors may result in revision to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions become known. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted construction contracts are made in the period in which such losses become known. When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, the entire loss is recorded during the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. Management focuses on evaluating the performance of contracts individually. In the ordinary course of business, but at least quarterly, Layne prepares updated estimates of cost and profit or loss for each contract. The cumulative effect of revisions in estimates of the total forecasted estimates of the total forecasted revenue and costs, including unapproved change orders and claims, during the course of the contract is reflected in the accounting period in which the facts that caused the revision become known. Large changes in cost estimates on larger, more complex construction projects can have a material impact on the financial statements and are reflected in results of operations when they become known.  During FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, approximately $25.2 million, $17.8 million and $28.6 million in contract losses were recorded, respectively.
	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 us 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 claim revenues are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.  When determining the likelihood of eventual recovery, Layne considers such factors as its experience on similar projects and our 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 become known. Layne determines contracts such as these are completed based on acceptance by the customer.
	Contracts for mineral drilling services within Mineral Services are billable based on the quantity of drilling performed. Revenues are recognized in terms of the value of total work performed to date 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.  Provisions for estimated warranty obligations are made in the period in which the sales occur.
	Revenues for the sale of oil and gas by Layne’s discontinued Energy segment were recognized on the basis of volumes sold at the time of delivery to an end user or an interstate pipeline, net of amounts attributable to royalty or working interest holders.
	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 $27.8 million and $29.3 million and raw materials of $2.3 million and $2.2 million were included in inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Property and Equipment and Related Depreciation
	Property and Equipment and Related Depreciation – Property and equipment (including major renewals and improvements) are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method. Depreciation expense was $48.0 million, $54.8 million and $55.1 million in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively. The useful lives used for the items within each property classification are as follows:
	Classification	Years
	Buildings	15 - 35
	Machinery and equipment	10-Mar
	Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Recoverability is evaluated by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the undiscounted associated cash flows.  When this comparison indicates that the carrying value of the asset is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value.  Fair value is determined based either on market quotes or appropriate valuation techniques.
Goodwill	Goodwill –In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”, Layne is required to test for the impairment of goodwill 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.  Our reporting units are based on our organizational and reporting structure and are the same as our six reportable segments. Corporate and other assets and liabilities are allocated to the reporting units to the extent that they relate to the operations of those reporting units in determining their carrying amount. We have the option of first performing a qualitative assessment to determine the existence of events and circumstances that would lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If such a conclusion is reached, then we would be required to perform a quantitative impairment assessment of goodwill. However, if the assessment leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, no further assessments are required. As of December 31, 2014, we performed a qualitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, a quantitative assessment for the determination of impairment was made by comparing the carrying amount of each reporting unit with its fair value, which is calculated using a combination of market-related valuation models and discounted cash flow.
	See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the impairment charges recorded in FY 2014 and prior periods.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets – Other intangible assets with finite lives primarily consist of tradenames, patents, software and software licenses. Intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to thirty-five years.
	Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the impairments recorded in FY 2013.
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. Cash management and investment policies restrict investments to investment grade, highly liquid securities. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Restricted Deposits	Restricted Deposits – Restricted deposits consist of escrow funds associated primarily with acquisitions and those amounts associated with certain letters of credit for on-going projects.
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. Bad debt is expensed in selling, general and administrative costs.
	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. To manage this 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. During FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of Layne’s consolidated revenues.
Accrued Insurance Expense	Accrued Insurance Expense – Layne maintains insurance programs where it is responsible for the amount of each claim up to a self-insured limit. Estimates are recorded for health and welfare, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance costs that are associated with these programs. These costs are estimated based in part on actuarially determined projections of future payments under these programs and include amounts incurred but not reported. Should a greater amount of claims occur compared to what was estimated or costs of the medical profession increase beyond what was anticipated, reserves recorded may not be sufficient and additional costs to the consolidated financial statements could be required.
	Costs estimated to be incurred in the future for employee health and welfare benefits, workers’ compensation, property and casualty insurance programs resulting from claims which have been incurred are accrued currently. Under the terms of the agreement with the various insurance carriers administering these claims, Layne is not required to remit the total premium until the claims are actually paid by the insurance companies.
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 January 31, 2015 and 2014, due to the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for 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 the business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, some of Layne’s contracts contain provisions that require payment of liquidated damages if Layne is responsible for the failure to meet specified contractual milestone dates and the applicable customer asserts a claim under these provisions.  These contracts define the conditions under which our customers may make claims against Layne for liquidated damages.  In many cases in which Layne has historically had potential exposure for liquidated damages, such damages ultimately were not asserted by our customers.  It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarter or annual period could be materially affected by changes in Layne’s assumptions related to these proceedings or other contingencies. 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 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.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information –The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014		2013
	Income taxes	$	3,882	$	8,546	$	20,234
	Interest		6,737		3,591		3,972
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations		2,638		—		—
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC		—		466		—
	Accrued capital additions		774		1,096		1,896
	Capital lease obligations		—		1,440		—
Income Taxes	Income Taxes – Income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method, in which deferred taxes are recognized on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reviewed for recoverability and valuation allowances are provided as necessary. Provision for U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates is made only on those amounts in excess of funds considered to be invested indefinitely. In general, Layne records income tax expense during interim periods based on its best estimate of the full year’s effective tax rate. However, income tax expense relating to adjustments to Layne’s liabilities for uncertainty in income tax positions for prior reporting periods are accounted for discretely in the interim period in which it occurs. Income tax expense relating to adjustments for current year uncertain tax positions is accounted for as a component of the adjusted annualized effective tax rate.
	In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, Layne considers both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. Accounting guidance states that a cumulative loss in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against deferred tax assets. As such, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. In preparing future taxable income projections, Layne considers the periods in which future reversals of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences are likely to occur, future taxable income, taxable income available in prior carryback years and the availability of tax-planning strategies when determining the ability to realize recorded deferred tax assets.
	Layne’s estimate of uncertainty in income taxes is based on the framework established in the accounting for income taxes guidance. Layne recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions that meet this recognition threshold, Layne applies judgment, taking into account applicable tax laws and experience in managing tax audits, to determine the amount of tax benefits to recognize in the financial statements. For each position, the difference between the benefit realized on Layne’s tax return and the benefit reflected in the financial statements is recorded as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This liability is updated at each financial statement date to reflect the impacts of audit settlements and other resolution of audit issues, expiration of statutes of limitation, developments in tax law and ongoing discussions with taxing authorities.
Income (Loss) Per Share	Income (Loss) Per Share – Income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 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. For periods in which Layne recognizes net income, diluted earnings per share is computed in the same way as basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued that were dilutive. Options to purchase common stock are included based on the treasury stock method for dilutive earnings (losses) per share except when their effect is antidilutive. The 4.25% Convertible Notes (defined in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements) are included in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method. Options to purchase 1,015,514, 1,105,812 and 1,285,303 shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 487,292, 292,423 and 275,666 non-vested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation – Layne recognizes the cost of all share-based instruments in the financial statements using a fair-value measurement of the associated costs. The fair value of share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model. In addition, Layne granted certain market based awards during FY 2015 and FY 2014, which were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation model.  See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Unearned compensation expense associated with the issuance of non-vested shares is amortized on a straight-line basis as the restrictions on the stock expire, subject to achievement of certain contingencies.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs – Research and development costs charged to expense during FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements – See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements and their impact.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Useful Lives within Property Classification	The useful lives used for the items within each property classification are as follows:
	Classification	Years
	Buildings	15 - 35
	Machinery and equipment	10-Mar
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information –The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and non-cash investing and financing activities were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014		2013
	Income taxes	$	3,882	$	8,546	$	20,234
	Interest		6,737		3,591		3,972
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Receivable on sale of discontinued operations		2,638		—		—
	Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC		—		466		—
	Accrued capital additions		774		1,096		1,896
	Capital lease obligations		—		1,440		—

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables) (Diberil Sociedad Anonima [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Diberil Sociedad Anonima [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price	Based on the allocation of the purchase price, the acquisition had the following effect on Layne’s consolidated financial position as of the closing date:
	(in thousands)	Costa Fortuna
	Working capital	$	3,592
	Property and equipment		33,500
	Goodwill		4,025
	Other intangible assets		1,000
	Other assets		9,131
	Other noncurrent liabilities		(16,981	)
	Total purchase price	$	34,267

Investments_in_Affiliates_Tabl

Investments in Affiliates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Affiliates and Percentages Owned	A summary of material, jointly-owned affiliates, as well as their primary operating subsidiaries if applicable, and the percentages directly or indirectly owned by Layne are as follows as of January 31, 2015:
		Percentage Owned			Percentage Owned
		Directly			Indirectly
	Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S.A.		50	%
	(Panama)
	Boytec, S.A. (Panama)					50	%
	Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)					50
	Sondajes Colombia, S.A. (Colombia)					50
	Mining Drilling Fluids (Panama)					25
	Plantel Industrial S.A. (Chile)					50
	Christensen Chile, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. (Chile)		50
	Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. (Chile)					50
	Geoestrella S.A. (Chile)					25
	Diamantina Christensen Trading (Panama)		42.69
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Geotec, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. (Peru)		29.49
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Washington)		65
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Iowa)		50
Summary of Financial Information of Affiliates	Financial information of the affiliates is reported with a one-month lag in the reporting period. Summarized financial information of the affiliates, including Costa Fortuna and its subsidiaries up to May 30, 2012(date of the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Costa Fortuna):
		As of and Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Balance sheet data:
	Current assets	$	106,461		$	131,533		$	168,770
	Noncurrent assets		67,166			82,807			74,572
	Current liabilities		27,869			39,347			57,998
	Noncurrent liabilities		17,438			17,477			21,203
	Income statement data:
	Revenues		171,813			220,778			444,871
	Gross profit		23,173			25,411			98,418
	Operating income (loss)		3,827			(2,999	)		57,934
	Net (loss) income		849			(5,960	)		43,990

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_o1

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Contractors [Abstract]
Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts	Costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:
		As of January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Cost incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	1,151,940		$	1,245,693
	Estimated earnings		370,683			348,501
			1,522,623			1,594,194
	Less: Billing to date		1,454,799			1,529,992
	Total	$	67,824		$	64,202
	Included in accompanying balance sheets under the following
	captions:
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing on	$	93,014		$	88,744
	uncompleted contracts
	Long-term retainage		8,919			6,713
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated		(34,109	)		(31,255	)
	earnings on uncompleted contracts
	Total	$	67,824		$	64,202

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Amount of Goodwill Attributed to Reporting Segment	The carrying amount of goodwill attributed to each reporting segment was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Water Resources			Inliner			Heavy Civil				Geo-construction				Mineral Services			Energy Services			Other		Total
	Balance February 1, 2013	$	—		$	8,915		$	—			$	14,646			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	23,561
	Additions		—			—			—				—				—			—			—		—
	Impairment of goodwill												(14,646	)											(14,646	)
	Balance January 31, 2014		—			8,915			—				—				—			—			—		8,915
	Additions		—			—			—				—				—			—			—		-
	Balance January 31, 2015	$	—		$	8,915		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—	$	8,915
	Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	$	(17,084	)	$	(23,130	)	$	(44,551	)		$	(14,646	)		$	(20,225	)	$	(445	)	$	—	$	(120,081	)
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following as of January 31:
		2015								2014
	(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260		$	(3,670	)	14		$	6,260			$	(3,215	)		14
	Patents		905			(548	)	12			905				(503	)		12
	Software and licenses		1,458			(1,134	)	3			2,747				(1,794	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680			(482	)	6			680				(368	)		6
	Other		966			(590	)	22			966				(528	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	10,269		$	(6,424	)			$	11,558			$	(6,408	)
Schedule of Amortization Expense	Amortization expense for the subsequent five fiscal years is estimated as follows:
	(in thousands)	Amount
	2016	$	1,000
	2017		639
	2018		549
	2019		549
	2020		549
	Thereafter		559
	Total	$	3,845

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt Outstanding	Debt outstanding as of January 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
			January 31,			January 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	4.25% Convertible Notes		$	110,055		$	106,782
	Asset-based facility			21,964			—
	Capitalized lease obligations			270			480
	Less amounts representing interest			(10	)		(16	)
	Notes payable			—			—
	Total debt			132,279			107,246
	Less current maturities of long-term debt			(142	)		(128	)
	Total long-term debt		$	132,137		$	107,118
Schedule of Debt Outstanding Maturities	As of January 31, 2015, debt outstanding will mature as follows:
	(in thousands)		4.25% Convertible Notes			Asset-based facility			Capitalized lease obligations		Total
	2016		$	—		$	—		$	142	$	142
	2017			—			—			102		102
	2018			—			—			9		9
	2019			110,055			—			7		110,062
	2020			—			21,964			—		21,964
	Total		$	110,055		$	21,964		$	260	$	132,279
Summary of Carrying Value of Convertible Notes	The following table presents the carrying value of the 4.25% Convertible Notes:
			January 31,			January 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Carrying amount of the equity conversion component		$	11,128		$	11,128
	Principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes		$	125,000		$	125,000
	Unamortized debt discount (1)			(14,945	)		(18,218	)
	Net carrying amount		$	110,055		$	106,782
	-1	As of January 31, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 45 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other Income, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income, Net	Other income, net consisted of the following:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	1,790		$	6,315		$	3,509
	Interest income		73			8			52
	Currency exchange loss		(15	)		(53	)		(1,238	)
	Other		(1,189	)		481			3,680
	Total	$	659		$	6,751		$	6,003

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes consisted of the following:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Domestic	$	(57,747	)		$	(73,009	)		$	(60,745	)
	Foreign		(13,092	)			(3,558	)			35,734
	Total	$	(70,839	)		$	(76,567	)		$	(25,011	)
Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense from Continuing Operations	Components of income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Currently due:
	U.S. federal	$	(4,668	)		$	(5,926	)		$	(1,049	)
	State and local		162				(460	)			(278	)
	Foreign		2,182				10,899				12,446
			(2,324	)			4,513				11,119
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal		(1,148	)			44,352				(19,582	)
	State and local		233				4,247				(1,430	)
	Foreign		(706	)			65				(136	)
			(1,621	)			48,664				(21,148	)
	Total	$	(3,945	)		$	53,177			$	(10,029	)
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense to Statutory Federal Rate	A reconciliation of the total income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations to the statutory federal rate is as follows for the years ended January 31:
		2015								2014							2013
	(in thousands)	Amount				Effective				Amount			Effective				Amount			Effective
						Rate							Rate							Rate
	Income tax at statutory rate	$	(24,793	)			35		%	$	(26,798	)		35		%	$	(8,753	)		35		%
	State income tax, net		(1,622	)			2.3				(2,834	)		3.7				(1,156	)		4.6
	Difference in tax expense resulting from:
	Nondeductible goodwill impairment		—				—				4,781			(6.2	)			—			—
	Nondeductible expenses		(477	)			0.7				4,956			(6.5	)			1,004			(4.0	)
	Loss on remeasurement of equity method investment		—				—				—			—				2,697			(10.8	)
	Taxes on foreign affiliates		1,798				(2.5	)			12,178			(15.9	)			(4,707	)		18.8
	Taxes on foreign operations		(5,915	)			8.3				(13,385	)		17.5				4,698			(18.8	)
	Valuation allowance		27,901				(39.4	)			78,288			(102.3	)			(1,731	)		6.9
	Tax benefit related to tax expenses recorded on discontinued operations and equity		—				—				(10,821	)		14.1				—			—
	Changes in uncertain tax provisions		(1,010	)			1.4				5,330			(7.0	)			(1,166	)		4.7
	Other		173				(0.2	)			1,482			(1.9	)			(915	)		3.7
	Total	$	(3,945	)			5.6		%	$	53,177			(69.5	)	%	$	(10,029	)		40.1		%
Schedule of Deferred Income Taxes	Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of Layne’s assets and liabilities. The sources of these differences and their cumulative tax effects were as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Accruals and reserves	$	25,130			$	30,540
	Share based compensation		3,327				5,106
	Tax deductible goodwill		2,361				3,141
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards		42,515				24,174
	Tax loss carryforwards		42,817				35,301
	Cumulative translation adjustment		6,593				4,718
	Capital loss carryforwards		12,011				—
	Other assets		1,712				1,865
	Total deferred tax asset		136,466				104,845
	Valuation allowance		(114,990	)			(72,487	)
	Buildings, machinery and equipment		(11,687	)			(16,488	)
	4.25% Convertible Notes		(5,829	)			(7,105	)
	Unremitted foreign earnings		(7,071	)			(11,188	)
	Other liabilities		(1,934	)			(3,876	)
	Total deferred tax liability		(26,521	)			(38,657	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(5,045	)		$	(6,299	)
Summary of Tax Losses and Tax Credit Carryforwards	Layne had the following tax losses and tax credit carryforwards at January 31, 2015:
								Valuation
	(dollars in millions)	Expiration		Amount				Amount
	Federal net operating losses	2034-2035		$	26.8			$	(26.8	)
	State net operating losses	2024-2035			5.9				(5.9	)
	Federal capital loss carryforwards	2020			12				(12.0	)
	Foreign tax loss carryforwards	2019-2030			10.2				(9.5	)
	Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards	2018-2022			20				(20.0	)
	Federal foreign tax loss carryforwards	2023-2025			22.4				(22.4	)
	Total			$	97.3			$	(96.6	)
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Penalties and Interest	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest is as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	15,312			$	11,996			$	13,322
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year		187				766				2,501
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		28				4,450				34
	Settlement with tax authorities		(707	)			(1	)			(1,087	)
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(308	)			(341	)			—
	Reductions due to the lapse of statutes of limitation		(1,494	)			(1,558	)			(2,774	)
	Balance, end of year	$	13,018			$	15,312			$	11,996

Operating_Lease_Obligations_Ta

Operating Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year from January 31, 2015, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Operating Leases
	2016	$	6,547
	2017		5,681
	2018		5,479
	2019		5,497
	2020		5,714
	Minimum lease payments	$	28,918

EquityBased_Compensation_Table

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options
				Years Ended January 31,
	Assumptions:			2015				2014				2013
	Weighted-average expected volatility				51.00%				49.20%				55.10%
	Expected dividend yield				0%				0%				0%
	Risk-free interest rate				1.46%				1.25%				1.32%
	Expected term (in years)				5.6				7				6
	Exercise multiple factor				1.89				2.1				2
	Post-vesting forfeiture				13.10%				2.40%				0%
Schedule of Stock Option Transactions	Stock option transactions for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were as follows:
		Number of Shares				Weighted				Weighted				Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
						Average Exercise				Average
						Price				Remaining
										Contractual Term
										(Years)
	Outstanding at February 1, 2012		1,133,211				26.12
	Granted		280,547				23.32
	Exercised		(54,637	)			17.44							$	13
	Forfeited		(73,818	)			24.5
	Outstanding at January 31, 2013		1,285,303				25.97
	Granted		227,869				20.8
	Exercised		(72,611	)			15.96								—
	Expired		(208,952	)			31.45
	Forfeited		(125,797	)			28.67
	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		1,105,812				24.22
	Granted		360,586				13.11
	Exercised		—				—								—
	Expired		(55,126	)			16.63
	Forfeited		(395,758	)			23.03
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		1,015,514				21.15				6.6				—
	Exercisable at January 31, 2013		965,750				25.95
	Exercisable at January 31, 2014		790,905				24.84
	Exercisable at January 31, 2015		653,978				24.46				5.2				—
Schedule of Non-vested Share Transactions	Non-vested share transactions for FY 2015, FY 2014 and FY 2013 were as follows:
		Number of Shares				Average Grant Date Fair Value				Intrinsic Value
										(in thousands)
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2012		226,919			$	29.94
	Granted		110,958				22.29
	Vested		(15,720	)			26.7
	Canceled		(46,491	)			27.79
	Nonvested stock at January 31, 2013		275,666				27.41
	Granted - Directors		4,744				21.08
	Granted - Restricted stock units		22,289				20.96
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		80,613				14.61
	Vested		(10,065	)			27.21
	Canceled		(8,099	)			20.89
	Forfeited		(72,725	)			16.97
	Nonvested stock at January 31, 2014		292,423				23.42
	Granted - Directors		13,090				17.19
	Granted - Restricted stock units		394,489				17.06
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		244,679				8.96
	Vested		(13,027	)			25.82
	Forfeited		(444,362	)			18.95
	Nonvested stock at January 31, 2015		487,292				14.86			$	3,942
Performance Based Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions	Assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model for FY 2015 and FY 2014 were as follows:
				Years Ended January 31,
	Assumptions:			2015				2014
	Weighted-average fair value			$	8.96			$	14.61
	Weighted-average expected volatility				37	%			36.6	%
	Expected dividend yield				0	%			0	%
	Weighted-average risk free rate				0.9	%			0.4	%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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 January 31, 2015 and 2014:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)	Carrying Value			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
	31-Jan-15
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value	$	4,145		$	4,145		$	—			$	—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value		4,231			4,231			—				—
	Financial Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout of acquired businesses(1)		—			—			—				—
	31-Jan-14
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value	$	2,881		$	2,881		$	—			$	—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value		4,964			4,964			—				—
	Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC		466			—			—				466
	Cash surrender value of company-owned life		10,651			—			10,651				—
	insurance (2)
	Financial Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout of acquired businesses(1)		—			—			—				—
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Long Term Debt	The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair values of the long-term debt:
		31-Jan-15					31-Jan-14
		Carrying		Fair			Carrying			Fair
	(in thousands)	Value		Value			Value			Value
	4.25% Convertible Notes	$	110,055	$	98,438		$	106,782		$	106,782
	Asset-based facility		21,964		21,964			—			—

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
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
	Total other assets - discontinued operations		38,752
	Total major classes of assets - 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 - discontinued operations	$	33,039
Operating Income (Loss)
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	The financial results of the discontinued operations are as follows:
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Revenues	$	32,555		$	64,490		$	70,220
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(41,762	)		5,186			(35,466	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(671	)		(3,493	)		14,425
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations		(42,433	)		1,693			(21,041	)

Segments_and_Foreign_Operation1

Segments and Foreign Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
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. Corporate assets are all assets not directly associated with a segment, and consist primarily of cash and deferred income taxes.
		Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	196,243		$	175,875		$	214,091
	Inliner		175,001			148,384			133,256
	Heavy Civil		207,036			267,192			278,131
	Geoconstruction		77,032			26,242			78,045
	Mineral Services		120,217			172,960			302,119
	Energy Services		20,209			6,336			5,885
	Other		19,179			19,936			11,509
	Intersegment Eliminations		(17,316	)		(18,580	)		(9,112	)
	Total revenues	$	797,601		$	798,345		$	1,013,924
	Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	3,390		$	—		$	3,872
	Mineral Services		(2,002	)		(2,974	)		16,700
	Total equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates	$	1,388		$	(2,974	)	$	20,572
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
	Water Resources	$	14,356		$	1,016		$	(1,290	)
	Inliner		22,870			17,650			9,936
	Heavy Civil		(21,502	)		(7,781	)		(32,308	)
	Geoconstruction		(4,443	)		(24,810	)		(4,127	)
	Mineral Services		(14,909	)		(9,534	)		49,406
	Energy Services		(3,661	)		(3,212	)		(7,444	)
	Other		(55	)		193			126
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(49,788	)		(42,957	)		(36,009	)
	Interest expense		(13,707	)		(7,132	)		(3,301	)
	Total loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(70,839	)	$	(76,567	)	$	(25,011	)
	Investment in affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	1,847		$	134		$	384
	Mineral Services		61,828			67,159			77,906
	Total investment in affiliates	$	63,675		$	67,293		$	78,290
		As of and Years Ended January 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Revenues by product line
	Water systems	$	207,363		$	179,372		$	219,693
	Water treatment technologies		15,226			34,005			47,778
	Sewer rehabilitation		175,001			148,384			133,256
	Water and wastewater plant construction		142,261			157,590			129,446
	Pipeline construction		49,026			77,497			108,408
	Soil stabilization		79,135			38,328			112,509
	Environmental and specialty drilling		6,393			7,543			7,246
	Exploration drilling		108,060			150,695			249,247
	Other		15,136			4,931			6,341
	Total revenues by product line	$	797,601		$	798,345		$	1,013,924
	Geographic Information:
	Revenues
	United States	$	717,216		$	672,430		$	832,839
	Africa/Australia		25,982			42,909			88,888
	South America		13,106			16,056			19,161
	Mexico		38,436			58,260			69,970
	Other foreign		2,861			8,690			3,066
	Total revenues	$	797,601		$	798,345		$	1,013,924
	Depreciation and amortization
	Water Resources	$	9,997		$	9,903		$	8,126
	Inliner		2,767			2,805			2,647
	Heavy Civil		4,060			6,491			7,096
	Geoconstruction		7,305			7,495			7,826
	Mineral Services		18,187			23,321			25,950
	Energy Services		2,533			1,283			550
	Other		2,175			2,344			—
	Corporate		2,259			2,660			5,376
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	49,283		$	56,302		$	57,571
		As of January 31,
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Assets
Water Resources	$	101,330		$	98,576
Inliner		76,071			67,384
Heavy Civil		94,283			99,963
Geoconstruction		50,240			55,682
Mineral Services		164,762			206,575
Energy Services		26,200			14,636
Other		6,127			6,947
Discontinued Operations		-			75,392
Corporate		26,500			21,463
Total assets	$	545,513		$	646,618
Property and equipment, net
United States	$	127,951		$	154,627
Africa/Australia		15,726			21,314
South America		4,882			5,931
Mexico		4,559			8,498
Other foreign		66			1,023
Total property and equipment, net	$	153,184		$	191,393
Capital Expenditures
Water Resources	$	2,037		$	2,864
Inliner		999			2,194
Heavy Civil		164			166
Geoconstruction		366			921
Mineral Services		2,855			7,741
Energy Services		7,454			7,732
Other		997			352
Discontinued operations		383			8,619
Corporate		634			4,460
Total capital expenditures	$	15,889		$	35,049

Restructuring_Costs_Tables

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The Plan was designed to achieve short and long-term cost reductions. As of January 31, 2015, the implementation Plan is substantially complete.  The accrued liability for costs associated with the restructuring was approximately $1.0 million as of January 31, 2015.
		Incurred as		Expected
		of January 31,		to be
		2015		incurred		Total
	Water Resources
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	380	$	—	$	380
	Other		55		—		55
	Total Water Resources	$	435	$	—	$	435
	Heavy Civil
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	54	$	—	$	54
	Other		—		—		—
	Total Heavy Civil	$	54	$	—	$	54
	Mineral Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	200	$	—	$	200
	Other		1,203		—		1,203
	Total Mineral Services	$	1,403	$	—	$	1,403
	Energy Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	89	$	—	$	89
	Other		—		—		—
	Total Energy Services	$	89	$	—	$	89
	Unallocated Corporate
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	717	$	—	$	717
	Other		—		50		50
	Total Unallocated Corporate	$	717	$	50	$	767
	Total restructuring costs	$	2,698	$	50	$	2,748

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results	Unaudited quarterly results were as follows:
			2015
	(in thousands, except per share data)		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	174,389		$	206,403		$	222,906		$	193,903
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)(1)			(151,731	)		(176,101	)		(185,459	)		(169,268	)
	Depreciation and amortization			(12,648	)		(13,246	)		(11,967	)		(11,422	)
	Net loss from continuing operations			(28,063	)		(11,993	)		(3,708	)		(23,130	)
	Net loss			(26,751	)		(54,960	)		(4,486	)		(23,130	)
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			(976	)		(69	)		(18	)		239
	Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company			(27,727	)		(55,029	)		(4,504	)		(22,891	)
	Basic loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.48	)		(0.61	)		(0.19	)		(1.17	)
	Diluted loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.48	)		(0.61	)		(0.19	)		(1.17	)
	Basic loss per share(2)			(1.41	)		(2.80	)		(0.23	)		(1.17	)
	Diluted loss per share(2)			(1.41	)		(2.80	)		(0.23	)		(1.17	)
	-1	As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne utilizes multiple methods of revenue recognition based on the nature of work performed. As a result, it is not practical to allocate a portion of depreciation and amortization to cost of revenues for the presentation of gross profit.
	-2	Loss per share was computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.
			2014
	(in thousands, except per share data)		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenues		$	211,916		$	214,517		$	201,978		$	169,934
	Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, amortization, and			(177,981	)		(178,094	)		(166,313	)		(143,907	)
	impairment charges shown below)(1)
	Depreciation and amortization			(14,082	)		(14,086	)		(14,055	)		(14,079	)
	Impairment charges			—			(14,646	)		—			—
	Net loss from continuing operations			(23,567	)		(78,854	)		(15,235	)		(12,088	)
	Net loss			(23,710	)		(74,543	)		(15,541	)		(14,257	)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(69	)		(277	)		(231	)		(11	)
	Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company			(23,779	)		(74,820	)		(15,772	)		(14,268	)
	Basic loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.21	)		(4.03	)		(0.79	)		(0.62	)
	Diluted loss per share - continuing operations(2)			(1.21	)		(4.03	)		(0.79	)		(0.62	)
	Basic loss per share(2)			(1.22	)		(3.81	)		(0.80	)		(0.73	)
	Diluted loss per share(2)			(1.22	)		(3.81	)		(0.80	)		(0.73	)
	-1	As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne utilizes multiple methods of revenue recognition based on the nature of work performed. As a result, it is not practical to allocate a portion of depreciation and amortization to cost of revenues for the presentation of gross profit.
	-2	Loss per share was computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013
	Segments	Customer	Customer
	Customer
	Operations
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of components sold	2
Net foreign currency transaction losses	$15,000	$53,000	$1,238,000
Contract losses	25,200,000	17,800,000	28,600,000
Supplies	27,800,000	29,300,000
Raw materials	2,300,000	2,200,000
Depreciation expense	48,000,000	54,800,000	55,100,000
Number of reportable segments	6
Number of customers accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues	0	0	0
Method used to determine the fair value of share-based compensation granted	The fair value of share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model. In addition, Layne granted certain market based awards during FY 2015 and FY 2014, which were valued using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
Research and development costs	$100,000	$200,000	$300,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%			4.25%
Stock Option [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average shares	1,015,514	1,105,812	1,285,303
Nonvested Shares [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average shares	487,292	292,423	275,666
Costa Fortuna [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Date of components sold	31-Jul-14
Tecniwell [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Date of components sold	31-Oct-14
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates, percentage of ownership	20.00%
Estimated useful lives of amortizable intangible assets	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates, percentage of ownership	50.00%
Estimated useful lives of amortizable intangible assets	35 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Useful Lives within Property Classification (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives	15 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives	35 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives	10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes	$3,882	$8,546	$20,234
Interest	6,737	3,591	3,972
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Receivable on sale of discontinued operations	2,638
Preferred units received in SolmeteX, LLC		466
Accrued capital additions	774	1,096	1,896
Capital lease obligations		$1,440

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 04, 2013	Oct. 04, 2012	30-May-12	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 15, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price of acquisition			$18,397,000
Loss on remeasurement of equity investment			7,705,000
Discounts for lack of control	5.00%
Discounts for lack of marketability	10.00%
Goodwill	8,915,000	8,915,000	23,561,000
Impairment of goodwill		14,646,000
Geoconstruction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			14,646,000
Impairment of goodwill		14,646,000		14,646,000	14,646,000
Fursol [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of stock acquired							100.00%
Aggregate purchase price of acquisition							1,000,000
Amount of cash paid in acquisition						200,000	800,000
Purchase price allocation to noncurrent liability							500,000
Diberil Sociedad Anonima [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial percentage of interest acquired										50.00%
Remaining percentage of interest acquired								50.00%
Aggregate purchase price to acquire remaining equity interest								16,200,000
Amount of acquisition purchase price placed in escrow								2,400,000
Loss on remeasurement of equity investment									7,700,000
Estimated fair value of noncontrolling interest before acquisition								15,800,000	15,800,000
Acquisition related costs	200,000
Purchase price allocation, goodwill adjustment	500,000
Additional purchase price of acquisition								2,300,000
Diberil Sociedad Anonima [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill								4,000,000
Impairment of goodwill					4,000,000
Computer Software [Member] | Fursol [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible asset associated with acquisition							$1,500,000
Weighted-average life	3 years

Acquisitions_Schedule_of_Alloc

Acquisitions - Schedule of Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	30-May-12
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$8,915,000	$8,915,000	$23,561,000
Costa Fortuna [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working capital				3,592,000
Property and equipment				33,500,000
Goodwill				4,025,000
Other intangible assets				1,000,000
Other assets				9,131,000
Other noncurrent liabilities				-16,981,000
Total purchase price				$34,267,000

Investments_in_Affiliates_Addi

Investments in Affiliates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	30-May-12	Jul. 15, 2010
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Recorded equity method goodwill	$8,915,000	$8,915,000	$23,561,000
Investments In Affiliates [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in undistributed earnings of affiliates	59,100,000	62,700,000	73,700,000
Recorded equity method goodwill	4,600,000
Layne GeoBrazil [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business	4,800,000
Costa Fortuna [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired					50.00%
Cash consideration for interest acquired	14,900,000
Cash payments to Costa Fortuna shareholders for interest acquired	10,100,000
Cash payments to Costa Fortuna to purchase newly issued stock	4,800,000
Additional investment cost	1,300,000
Remaining percentage of interest acquired				50.00%
Recorded equity method goodwill				$4,025,000

Investments_in_Affiliates_Deta

Investments in Affiliates (Detail)	Jan. 31, 2015
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] | Washington [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Owned	65.00%
Percentage Owned Directly [Member] | Case Bencor Joint Venture [Member] | Iowa [Member]
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage Owned	50.00%
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%

Investments_in_Affiliates_Fina

Investments in Affiliates - Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Balance sheet data:
Current assets	$106,461	$131,533	$168,770
Noncurrent assets	67,166	82,807	74,572
Current liabilities	27,869	39,347	57,998
Noncurrent liabilities	17,438	17,477	21,203
Income statement data:
Revenues	171,813	220,778	444,871
Gross profit	23,173	25,411	98,418
Operating income (loss)	3,827	-2,999	57,934
Net (loss) income	$849	($5,960)	$43,990

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_o2

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractors [Abstract]
Cost incurred on uncompleted contracts	$1,151,940	$1,245,693
Estimated earnings	370,683	348,501
Cost incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	1,522,623	1,594,194
Less: Billing to date	1,454,799	1,529,992
Total	67,824	64,202
Included in accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	93,014	88,744
Long-term retainage	8,919	6,713
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-34,109	-31,255
Total	$67,824	$64,202

Costs_and_Estimated_Earnings_o3

Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Contractors [Abstract]
Unbilled contract retainage amount	$49.60	$45.80

Impairment_Charges_Additional_

Impairment Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill		$14,646,000
Goodwill, fair value		8,915,000	23,561,000		8,915,000
Carrying value of assets before impairment		646,618,000			545,513,000
Impairment charges	14,646,000	14,646,000	8,431,000
Impairment charges, intangible assets			2,900,000
Geoconstruction [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Carrying value of goodwill					14,600,000
Impairment of goodwill	14,646,000	14,646,000		14,646,000
Goodwill, fair value			14,646,000
Water Resources And Energy Services Business [Member] | Patents, Tradenames, Property and Equipment [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Carrying value of assets before impairment			15,800,000
Impairment charges			8,400,000
Impaired assets, fair value			7,400,000
Water Resources And Energy Services Business [Member] | Patents, Tradenames, Property and Equipment [Member] | Income and Market Approach [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impaired assets, fair value			3,600,000
Water Resources [Member] | Patents, Tradenames, Property and Equipment [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment charges			4,400,000
Energy Services [Member] | Patents, Tradenames, Property and Equipment [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Impairment charges			4,000,000
Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Goodwill, fair value					$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$23,561,000			$8,915,000
Impairment of goodwill	-14,646,000
Ending Balance	8,915,000			8,915,000
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				-120,081,000
Water Resources [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				-17,084,000
Inliner [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				8,915,000	8,915,000
Ending Balance	8,915,000			8,915,000	8,915,000
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				-23,130,000
Heavy Civil [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				-44,551,000
Geoconstruction [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	14,646,000
Impairment of goodwill	-14,646,000	-14,646,000	-14,646,000
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				-14,646,000
Mineral Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				-20,225,000
Energy Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses				($445,000)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill expected to be tax deductible	$0.90	$0.90
Total amortization expense for other intangible assets	$1.30	$1.50	$2.50

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$10,269	$11,558
Accumulated Amortization	-6,424	-6,408
Tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,260	6,260
Accumulated Amortization	-3,670	-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	-548	-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	-1,134	-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	-482	-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	($590)	($528)
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	22 years	22 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2016	$1,000
2017	639
2018	549
2019	549
2020	549
Thereafter	559
Total	$3,845	$5,150

Indebtedness_Debt_Outstanding_

Indebtedness - Debt Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Asset-based facility	$21,964
Capitalized lease obligations	270	480
Less amounts representing interest	-10	-16
Total debt	132,279	107,246
Less current maturities of long-term debt	-142	-128
Total long-term debt	132,137	107,118
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
4.25% Convertible Notes	$110,055	$106,782

Indebtedness_Debt_Outstanding_1

Indebtedness - Debt Outstanding Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2016	$142
2017	102
2018	9
2019	110,062
2020	21,964
Total	132,279
4.25% Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019	110,055
Total	110,055
Asset-based Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	21,964
Total	21,964
Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2016	142
2017	102
2018	9
2019	7
Total	$260

Indebtedness_Assetbased_Revolv

Indebtedness - Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 05, 2013	Mar. 02, 2015	Apr. 15, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding	$21,964,000
Loans interest rate description	Pursuant to the asset-based facility agreement, the revolving loans will bear interest at either: o7 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 o7 the LIBOR rate (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) for the interest period in effect for such borrowing plus the applicable margin.
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of revolving credit facility		5 years
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage			4.25%
Debt instrument, extended maturity date			15-Oct-19
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description	No holder will have the right to convert any 8.0% Convertible Notes into shares of common stock to the extent that the conversion would cause that holder to beneficially own more than 9.9% of the shares of Laynebs common stock then outstanding after giving effect to the proposed conversion.
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage			8.00%
Debt instrument maturity date			1-May-19
Debt instrument, extended maturity date			15-Aug-18
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of revolving credit facility				5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity				135,000,000
Borrowings details	Lesser of (i) $135.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement). The borrowing base is defined as: b" 85% of book value of eligible accounts receivable (other than unbilled receivables), plus b" 60% of eligible unbilled receivables, plus b" real property availability, plus b" equipment availability, minus b" the supplemental reserve, minus b" the equipment reserve, minus b" any additional reserves established from time to time by the co-collateral agents.
Percentage of book value of eligible accounts receivable for borrowing base				85.00%
Percentage of eligible unbilled receivables for borrowing base				60.00%
Borrowing base	108,300,000
Amount outstanding	21,900,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount	31,300,000
Leaving excess availability	55,100,000
Percentage of pledge equity interests of first tier foreign subsidiaries	65.00%
Cumulative minimum cash flow	-45,000,000
Litigation Settlement penalties	10,000,000
Percentage of increase in interest rate in case of default	2.00%
Non coverage insurance amount	5,000,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of real estate accounted for borrowing base			4,200,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Period of Twelve Consecutive Month [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cumulative minimum cash flow	-25,000,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity	65,000,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate	1.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Open Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate	0.50%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coverage ratio description	The amendments 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 asset-based facility.
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second Amendment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio					100.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second Amendment [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate					3.25%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second Amendment [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent added to reference rate in effect from time to time to set the interest rate					2.25%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Third Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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 asset-based 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
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Third Amendment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	100.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Third Amendment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum First lien Leverage Ratio	500.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description	Will accelerate the maturity date to May 15, 2018 if each of the following has not yet occurred on or before such date: (i) either (a) all of the 8.0% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) in respect thereof) are converted or (b) the maturity date of the 8.0% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) is extended to a date which is after October 15, 2019, and (ii) either (a) all of the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) are converted, (b) the maturity date for the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) is extended to a date which is after October 15, 2019, or (c) the 4.25% Convertible Notes are effectively discharged.
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			120,000,000
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio			100.00%
Covenant compliance period			30 days
Increase in applicable interest rate margin			0.50%
Availability of cash or cash equivalents limit			15,000,000
Debt instrument maturity date			15-May-18
Debt instrument, extended maturity date			15-Oct-19
Supplemental reserve			0
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment | Pro Forma [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Availability			22.50%
Excess availability to determine excess availability			30,000,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment | Minimum [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of quarterly commitment fee on unused commitments			0.38%
Percentage of Total Revolving Exposure exceeding which quarterly commitment fee on unused commitments will increase			50.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment | Minimum [Member] | Pro Forma [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio			110.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment | Maximum [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of quarterly commitment fee on unused commitments			0.50%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				75,000,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Swingline Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$15,000,000

Indebtedness_Convertible_Senio

Indebtedness - Convertible Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 05, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
		TradingDay
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred taxes			($5,045,000)	($6,299,000)
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		110,000,000	125,000,000	125,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage		4.25%	4.25%
Net proceeds from issuance of notes		105,400,000
Debt instrument issuance date			12-Nov-13
Debt instrument agreement date			5-Nov-13
Proceeds from additional issuance of notes	14,600,000
Debt instrument trading days		20
Debt instrument consecutive trading days		30 days
Common stock conversion principal amount		1,000
Debt instrument frequency of periodic payment			The 4.25% 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
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	11,128,000
Discount and commission and the offering costs		800,000
Deferred taxes		7,100,000
Convertible notes maturing period		5 years
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Measurement Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument consecutive trading days		5 days
Debt instrument convertible threshold percentage		98.00%
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional aggregate principal amount		$15,000,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of redemption price		130.00%

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 31, 2014		Nov. 05, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Convertible Notes [Line Items]
Net carrying amount	$110,055		$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		11,128		19,000
Principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes	125,000		125,000		110,000
Unamortized debt discount	-14,945	[1]	-18,218	[1]
Net carrying amount	$110,055		$106,782
[1]	As of JanuaryB 31, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 45 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of1

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Remaining period over which unamortized debt discount will be amortized	45 months
Percentage of effective interest rate	9.00%

Indebtedness_Senior_Secured_Se

Indebtedness - Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 05, 2013	Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
		TradingDay	TradingDay
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument frequency of periodic payment	The 8.0% Convertible Notes are senior, secured obligations of Layne, with interest payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year
Debt Instrument, maturity date, description	The 8.0% Convertible Notes will mature on May 1, 2019; provided, however, that, unless all of the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or any permitted refinancing indebtedness in respect thereof) have been redeemed, repurchased, otherwise retired, discharged in accordance with their terms or converted into Laynebs common stock, or have been effectively discharged, in each case on or prior to August 15, 2018 or the scheduled maturity date of the 4.25% Convertible Notes (or any permitted refinancing indebtedness incurred in respect thereof) is extended to a date that is after October 15, 2019, the 8.0% Convertible Notes will mature on August 15, 2018.
Debt instrument, description	No holder will have the right to convert any 8.0% Convertible Notes into shares of common stock to the extent that the conversion would cause that holder to beneficially own more than 9.9% of the shares of Laynebs common stock then outstanding after giving effect to the proposed conversion.
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	125,000,000	$110,000,000		$125,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%
Net proceeds from issuance of notes		105,400,000
Debt instrument frequency of periodic payment	The 4.25% 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, interest payment, beginning date	15-May-14
Debt instrument trading days		20
Debt instrument consecutive trading days		30 days
Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed		100.00%
Common stock initial conversion rate		43.6072
Common stock conversion principal amount		1,000
Initial conversion price per share		$22.93
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of redemption price		130.00%
Subsequent Events [Member] | 8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount			100,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage			8.00%
Debt instrument, converted amount			49,900,000
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount			49,900,000
Net proceeds from issuance of notes			45,000,000
Repayments of outstanding balance on asset-based facility			18,200,000
Debt instrument, interest payment, beginning date			1-May-15
Debt instrument maturity date			1-May-19
Debt instrument redemption, end date			15-Aug-18
Debt instrument, extended maturity date			15-Aug-18
Debt instrument trading days			20
Debt instrument consecutive trading days			30 days
Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed			100.00%
Maximum percent of beneficial ownership after conversion, by holder			9.90%
Common stock initial conversion rate			85.4701
Common stock conversion principal amount			1,000
Initial conversion price per share			$11.70
Conversion premium over sale price of common stock			40.00%
Subsequent Events [Member] | 8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of redemption price			140.00%
Subsequent Events [Member] | 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage			4.25%
Debt instrument, original debt converted			$55,500,000
Debt instrument, extended maturity date			15-Oct-19

Other_Income_Net_Detail

Other Income, Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$1,790	$6,315	$3,509
Interest income	73	8	52
Currency exchange loss	-15	-53	-1,238
Other	-1,189	481	3,680
Total	$659	$6,751	$6,003

Other_Income_Net_Additional_In

Other Income, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Component Of Other Income And Expense [Line Items]
Gain from disposal of property and equipment		$1,790,000	$6,315,000	$3,509,000
Gains on sale of real estate		1,000,000
Proceeds from redemption of insurance contracts		11,094,000	3,565,000
Investment written off	600,000
Geoconstruction [Member]
Component Of Other Income And Expense [Line Items]
Gains on sale of real estate			700,000
Proceeds from redemption of insurance contracts			$700,000

Income_Taxes_Loss_Income_from_

Income Taxes - (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	($57,747)	($73,009)	($60,745)
Foreign	-13,092	-3,558	35,734
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	($70,839)	($76,567)	($25,011)

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Currently due:
U.S. federal	($4,668)	($5,926)	($1,049)
State and local	162	-460	-278
Foreign	2,182	10,899	12,446
Total current income tax expense	-2,324	4,513	11,119
Deferred:
U.S. federal	-1,148	44,352	-19,582
State and local	233	4,247	-1,430
Foreign	-706	65	-136
Total deferred income tax expense	-1,621	48,664	-21,148
Total	($3,945)	$53,177	($10,029)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense From Continuing Operations to Statutory Federal Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income tax reconciliations, amount
Income tax at statutory rate, amount	($24,793)	($26,798)	($8,753)
State income tax, net, amount	-1,622	-2,834	-1,156
Nondeductible goodwill impairment, amount		4,781
Nondeductible expenses, amount	-477	4,956	1,004
Loss on remeasurement of equity method investment, amount			2,697
Taxes on foreign affiliates, amount	1,798	12,178	-4,707
Taxes on foreign operations, amount	-5,915	-13,385	4,698
Valuation allowance, amount	27,901	78,288	-1,731
Tax benefit related to tax expenses recorded on discontinued operations and equity, amount		-10,821
Changes in uncertain tax provisions, amount	-1,010	5,330	-1,166
Other, amount	173	1,482	-915
Total	($3,945)	$53,177	($10,029)
Income tax reconciliations, amount
Income tax at statutory rate, effective rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income tax, net, effective rate	2.30%	3.70%	4.60%
Nondeductible goodwill impairment, effective rate		-6.20%
Nondeductible expenses, effective rate	0.70%	-6.50%	-4.00%
Loss on remeasurement of equity method investment, effective rate			-10.80%
Taxes on foreign affiliates, effective rate	-2.50%	-15.90%	18.80%
Taxes on foreign operations, effective rate	8.30%	17.50%	-18.80%
Valuation allowance, effective rate	-39.40%	-102.30%	6.90%
Tax benefit related to tax expenses recorded on discontinued operations and equity, effective rate		14.10%
Changes in uncertain tax provisions, effective rate	1.40%	-7.00%	4.70%
Other, effective rate	-0.20%	-1.90%	3.70%
Total, effective rate	5.60%	-69.50%	40.10%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, amount	$27,901,000	$78,288,000	($1,731,000)
Valuation allowances, total	114,990,000	72,487,000		50,600,000
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-42,433,000	1,693,000	-21,041,000
Income tax (expense) benefits	-671,000	-3,493,000	14,425,000
Effective tax rate for discontinued operations	1.60%	67.40%	40.70%
Additional paid in capital related to Convertible notes		11,128,000
Income tax expense	-3,945,000	53,177,000	-10,029,000
Effective tax rate	5.60%	-69.50%	40.10%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and certain foreign affiliates	53,100,000
Possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to settlements of audit issues and expiration of statutes of limitation	5,900,000
Interest and penalties accrued associated with unrecognized tax benefits	8,500,000	8,400,000	7,100,000
Increase (Decrease) in liability for interest and penalties	100,000	-1,300,000	300,000
Federal [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2013
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax expense		7,100,000
Effective tax rate		39.00%
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowances, total	103,600,000
Cumulative loss position period	3 years	3 years
Tax year in which the statute of limitations expired	2011
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowances, total	11,400,000
Deferred tax assets	1,000,000
Estimated taxable income to realize deferred tax asset	3,400,000
Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, amount		54,400,000
Earliest Tax Year | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2012
Earliest Tax Year | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2012
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, amount		$23,900,000
Latest Tax Year [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2015
Latest Tax Year [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2015

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accruals and reserves	$25,130		$30,540
Share based compensation	3,327		5,106
Tax deductible goodwill	2,361		3,141
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	42,515		24,174
Tax loss carryforwards	42,817		35,301
Cumulative translation adjustment	6,593		4,718
Capital loss carryforwards	12,011
Other assets	1,712		1,865
Total deferred tax asset	136,466		104,845
Valuation allowance	-114,990	-50,600	-72,487
Buildings, machinery and equipment	-11,687		-16,488
4.25% Convertible Notes	-5,829		-7,105
Unremitted foreign earnings	-7,071		-11,188
Other liabilities	-1,934		-3,876
Total deferred tax liability	-26,521		-38,657
Net deferred tax liability	($5,045)		($6,299)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer1

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Income Taxes (Parenthetical) (Detail) (4.25% Convertible Senior Notes)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Tax_Lo

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Losses and Tax Credit Carryforwards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Total, Amount	$97.30
Total, Valuation Amount	-96.6
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Amount	26.8
Operating loss carryforwards, Valuation Amount	-26.8
Federal [Member] | Federal foreign tax loss carryforwards [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Amount	22.4
Operating loss carryforwards, Valuation Amount	-22.4
Federal [Member] | Capital loss carryforward [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Expiration	2020
Tax credit carryforwards, Amount	12
Tax credit carryforwards, Valuation Amount	-12
Federal [Member] | Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Amount	20
Tax credit carryforwards, Valuation Amount	-20
Federal [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration	2034
Federal [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Federal foreign tax loss carryforwards [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration	2023
Federal [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Expiration	2018
Federal [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration	2035
Federal [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Federal foreign tax loss carryforwards [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration	2025
Federal [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Expiration	2022
U.S. State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Amount	5.9
Operating loss carryforwards, Valuation Amount	-5.9
U.S. State [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration	2024
U.S. State [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, Expiration	2035
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Amount	10.2
Tax credit carryforwards, Valuation Amount	($9.50)
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Expiration	2019
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards, Expiration	2030

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Penalties and Interest (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$15,312	$11,996	$13,322
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	187	766	2,501
Additions for tax positions of prior years	28	4,450	34
Settlement with tax authorities	-707	-1	-1,087
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-308	-341
Reductions due to the lapse of statutes of limitation	-1,494	-1,558	-2,774
Balance, end of year	$13,018	$15,312	$11,996

Operating_Lease_Obligations_Fu

Operating Lease Obligations - Future Minimum Lease Payments Required Under Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
2016	$6,547
2017	5,681
2018	5,479
2019	5,497
2020	5,714
Minimum lease payments	$28,918

Operating_Lease_Obligations_Ad

Operating Lease Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense under operating leases, including insignificant amounts of contingent rental payments	$19.70	$22.10	$22.90

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of participant's salary that may be deferred under a deferred compensation plan	25.00%
Maximum percentage of participant's bonus that may be deferred under a deferred compensation plan	50.00%
Employee deferrals, including employer matching contributions	$0.20	$0.80	$1.30
Liability for deferred compensation	8.6	9.7
Contributions to multiemployer plans and union pension expense	2.9	2.3	3.2
Net periodic pension cost	1.3	0	1.4
Former Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Highest number of consecutive years of employment to compute supplemental retirement benefits	5 years
Pension liability recognized in consolidated balance sheets related to supplemental retirement benefits, current	0.3	0.3
Pension liability recognized in consolidated balance sheets related to supplemental retirement benefits	5.9	5
Selling, General and Administrative Costs [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expense for defined contribution plans	$3.20	$3.40	$4

EquityBased_Compensation_Addit

Equity-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available to be granted under the plans	1,539,950
Compensation cost	$2,617,000	$3,237,000	$2,924,000
Income tax benefit	1,000,000	1,300,000	1,100,000
Terms of options granted	10 years
Weighted average fair value per share at the date of grant for the options granted	$5.59	$8.11	$10.93
Nonvested Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost	$1,200,000	$1,500,000	$900,000
Nonvested Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Nonvested Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 month
Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years

EquityBased_Compensation_Valua

Equity-Based Compensation - Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average expected volatility	51.00%	49.20%	55.10%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.46%	1.25%	1.32%
Expected term (in years)	5 years 7 months 6 days	7 years	6 years
Exercise multiple factor	1.89	2.1	2
Post-vesting forfeiture	13.10%	2.40%	0.00%

EquityBased_Compensation_Stock

Equity-Based Compensation - Stock Option Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Number of shares, Outstanding at beginning balance	1,105,812	1,285,303	1,133,211
Number of shares, Granted	360,586	227,869	280,547
Number of shares, Exercised		-72,611	-54,637
Number of shares, Expired	-55,126	-208,952
Number of shares, Forfeited	-395,758	-125,797	-73,818
Number of shares, Outstanding at ending balance	1,015,514	1,105,812	1,285,303
Number of shares, Exercisable	653,978	790,905	965,750
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning balance	$24.22	$25.97	$26.12
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$13.11	$20.80	$23.32
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised		$15.96	$17.44
Weighted average exercise price, Expired	$16.63	$31.45
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited	$23.03	$28.67	$24.50
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at ending balance	$21.15	$24.22	$25.97
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable	$24.46	$24.84	$25.95
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	6 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	5 years 2 months 12 days
Intrinsic value, Exercised			$13

EquityBased_Compensation_Valua1

Equity-Based Compensation - Valuation Assumptions of Performance Based Nonvested Stock Awards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value			$22.29
Weighted-average expected volatility	51.00%	49.20%	55.10%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted-average risk free rate	1.46%	1.25%	1.32%
Performance Based Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average fair value	8.96	14.61
Weighted-average expected volatility	37.00%	36.60%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted-average risk free rate	0.90%	0.40%

EquityBased_Compensation_Summa

Equity-Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Share Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	292,423	275,666	226,919
Number of shares, Granted			110,958
Number of shares, Vested	-13,027	-10,065	-15,720
Number of shares, Canceled		-8,099	-46,491
Number of shares, Forfeited	-444,362	-72,725
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at ending balance	487,292	292,423	275,666
Average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	$23.42	$27.41	$29.94
Average grant date fair value, Granted			$22.29
Average grant date fair value, Vested	$25.82	$27.21	$26.70
Average grant date fair value, Canceled		$20.89	$27.79
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited	$18.95	$16.97
Average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	$14.86	$23.42	$27.41
Intrinsic value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	$3,942
Director [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	13,090	4,744
Average grant date fair value, Granted	$17.19	$21.08
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	394,489	22,289
Average grant date fair value, Granted	$17.06	$20.96
Performance Vesting Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	244,679	80,613
Average grant date fair value, Granted	$8.96	$14.61

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2015
Financial Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$10,651
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial Assets:
Current restricted deposits held at fair value	2,881		4,145
Long term restricted deposits held at fair value	4,964		4,231
Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC	466
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	10,651	[1]
Fair Value Measurements [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Current restricted deposits held at fair value	2,881		4,145
Long term restricted deposits held at fair value	4,964		4,231
Fair Value Measurements [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	10,651	[1]
Fair Value Measurements [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC	$466
[1]	The fair value of the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance was based on quoted prices for similar assets in actively traded markets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Parent

Fair Value Measurements (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Contingent earnout, discount rate	41.20%
Minimum [Member] | Intevras Technologies, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated annual revenues	1.5
Maximum [Member] | Intevras Technologies, LLC [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated annual revenues	6.1

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Convertible notes	$110,055	$106,782
Asset-based facility Carrying Value	21,964
Asset-based facility Fair Value	21,964
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Convertible notes	110,055	106,782
4.25% Convertible Notes Fair Value	$98,438	$106,782

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu1

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member])	Jan. 31, 2015	Nov. 05, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%
Non-recurring Basis [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%		4.25%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value	$153,184,000	$191,393,000
Energy Services [Member] | Energy Equipment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment charges	0
Carrying value	18,500,000
Fair value	$19,100,000

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated settlement cost			$10,352,000
Threatened Litigation [Member] | Proposed Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Settlement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated settlement cost		5,200,000	10,400,000
Litigation Settlement Interest	4,700,000
Litigation Settlement penalties	$400,000

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Aug. 01, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 01, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

30-May-12

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations

($39,131,000)

$8,333,000

($32,589,000)

Proceeds from redemption of preferred units

500,000

Proceeds of sales agreement description

The sale agreement provides for additional proceeds of $2.0 million contingent on natural gas futures prices exceeding $5.25 per MMBTU for five months out of any given six consecutive months occurring during the 36 months following closing.

Potential cash proceeds

2,000,000

Minimum agreed upon natural gas price for contingent consideration of additional proceeds

5.25

Tecniwell [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Disposed of Operation to Buyer

100.00%

Purchase price for discontinued operation

900,000

Cash proceeds from sale agreement of discontinued operation

500,000

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations

-800,000

Due date of unpaid balance of purchase price

22-Jan-15

Tecniwell [Member] | Alberto Battini [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Disposed of Operation to Buyer

50.00%

Tecniwell [Member] | Paolo Trubini [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Disposed of Operation to Buyer

50.00%

Costa Fortuna [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations

-38,300,000

Due date of unpaid balance of purchase price

31-Jul-24

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%

Remaining percentage of interest acquired

50.00%

SolmeteX [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Cash proceeds from sale agreement of discontinued operation

10,600,000

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations

8,300,000

Preferred units of discontinued operation

750,000

Preferred units, percentage yield accruing daily and compounded quarterly

4.00%

Proceeds from redemption of preferred units

500,000

SolmeteX [Member] | Other Assets [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Preferred units of SolmeteX, LLC

400,000

Energy [Member]

Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Cash proceeds from sale agreement of discontinued operation

13,500,000

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations

-32,600,000

Purchase price for discontinued operation

15,000,000

Tax benefit related to the loss from discontinued operation

12,500,000

Proceed received from termination of indemnification escrow fund

1,500,000

Accrual associated with certain litigation claims related to discontinued operations

$3,900,000

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Major classes of assets
Total current assets - discontinued operations	$36,640
Total 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
Total other assets - discontinued operations	38,752
Total major classes of assets - 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 - discontinued operations	$33,039

Discontinued_Operations_Financ

Discontinued Operations - Financial Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenues	$32,555	$64,490	$70,220
(Loss) income before income taxes	-41,762	5,186	-35,466
Income tax (expense) benefit	-671	-3,493	14,425
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	($42,433)	$1,693	($21,041)

Segments_and_Foreign_Operation2

Segments and Foreign Operations - Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$193,903	$222,906	$206,403	$174,389	$169,934	$201,978	$214,517	$211,916	$797,601	$798,345	$1,013,924
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates									1,388	-2,974	20,572
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-70,839	-76,567	-25,011
Interest expense									-13,707	-7,132	-3,301
Investment in affiliates	63,675				67,293				63,675	67,293	78,290
Geoconstruction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment in affiliates	1,847				134				1,847	134	384
Mineral Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investment in affiliates	61,828				67,159				61,828	67,159	77,906
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									196,243	175,875	214,091
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									14,356	1,016	-1,290
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									175,001	148,384	133,256
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									22,870	17,650	9,936
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									207,036	267,192	278,131
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-21,502	-7,781	-32,308
Operating Segments [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									77,032	26,242	78,045
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates									3,390		3,872
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-4,443	-24,810	-4,127
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									120,217	172,960	302,119
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates									-2,002	-2,974	16,700
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-14,909	-9,534	49,406
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									20,209	6,336	5,885
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-3,661	-3,212	-7,444
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									19,179	19,936	11,509
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-55	193	126
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									-17,316	-18,580	-9,112
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes									-49,788	-42,957	-36,009
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense									($13,707)	($7,132)	($3,301)

Segments_and_Foreign_Operation3

Segments and Foreign Operations - Additional Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$193,903	$222,906	$206,403	$174,389	$169,934	$201,978	$214,517	$211,916	$797,601	$798,345	$1,013,924
Depreciation and amortization	11,422	11,967	13,246	12,648	14,079	14,055	14,086	14,082	49,283	56,302	57,571
Assets	545,513				646,618				545,513	646,618
Capital expenditures									15,889	35,049
Property and equipment, net	153,184				191,393				153,184	191,393
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets					75,392					75,392
Capital expenditures									383	8,619
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									717,216	672,430	832,839
Property and equipment, net	127,951				154,627				127,951	154,627
Africa / Australia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									25,982	42,909	88,888
Property and equipment, net	15,726				21,314				15,726	21,314
South America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									13,106	16,056	19,161
Property and equipment, net	4,882				5,931				4,882	5,931
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									38,436	58,260	69,970
Property and equipment, net	4,559				8,498				4,559	8,498
Other foreign [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,861	8,690	3,066
Property and equipment, net	66				1,023				66	1,023
Water systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									207,363	179,372	219,693
Water treatment technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									15,226	34,005	47,778
Sewer rehabilitation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									175,001	148,384	133,256
Water and wastewater plant construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									142,261	157,590	129,446
Pipeline construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									49,026	77,497	108,408
Soil stabilization [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									79,135	38,328	112,509
Environmental and specialty drilling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									6,393	7,543	7,246
Exploration drilling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									108,060	150,695	249,247
Energy Services and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									15,136	4,931	6,341
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									196,243	175,875	214,091
Depreciation and amortization									9,997	9,903	8,126
Assets	101,330				98,576				101,330	98,576
Capital expenditures									2,037	2,864
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									175,001	148,384	133,256
Depreciation and amortization									2,767	2,805	2,647
Assets	76,071				67,384				76,071	67,384
Capital expenditures									999	2,194
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									207,036	267,192	278,131
Depreciation and amortization									4,060	6,491	7,096
Assets	94,283				99,963				94,283	99,963
Capital expenditures									164	166
Operating Segments [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									77,032	26,242	78,045
Depreciation and amortization									7,305	7,495	7,826
Assets	50,240				55,682				50,240	55,682
Capital expenditures									366	921
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									120,217	172,960	302,119
Depreciation and amortization									18,187	23,321	25,950
Assets	164,762				206,575				164,762	206,575
Capital expenditures									2,855	7,741
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									20,209	6,336	5,885
Depreciation and amortization									2,533	1,283	550
Assets	26,200				14,636				26,200	14,636
Capital expenditures									7,454	7,732
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									19,179	19,936	11,509
Depreciation and amortization									2,175	2,344
Assets	6,127				6,947				6,127	6,947
Capital expenditures									997	352
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									2,259	2,660	5,376
Assets	26,500				21,463				26,500	21,463
Capital expenditures									$634	$4,460

Restructuring_Costs_Additional

Restructuring Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Accrued liability for costs associated with restructuring	$1

Restructuring_Costs_Schedule_o

Restructuring Costs - Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	$2,698
Expected to be incurred	50
Total	2,748
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	435
Total	435
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	54
Total	54
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	1,403
Total	1,403
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	89
Total	89
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	717
Expected to be incurred	50
Total	767
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	380
Total	380
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	54
Total	54
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	200
Total	200
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	89
Total	89
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	717
Total	717
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	55
Total	55
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	1,203
Total	1,203
Other Restructuring [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Expected to be incurred	50
Total	$50

Relocation_Additional_Informat

Relocation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring activities	$987
Employee Relocation [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring activities	$1,800	$8,600	$2,700

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Sc

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015		Oct. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2014		Apr. 30, 2014		Jan. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2013		Apr. 30, 2013		Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$193,903		$222,906		$206,403		$174,389		$169,934		$201,978		$214,517		$211,916		$797,601	$798,345	$1,013,924
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and impairment charges shown below)	-169,268	[1]	-185,459	[1]	-176,101	[1]	-151,731	[1]	-143,907	[1]	-166,313	[1]	-178,094	[1]	-177,981	[1]	-682,559	-666,295	-836,394
Depreciation and amortization	-11,422		-11,967		-13,246		-12,648		-14,079		-14,055		-14,086		-14,082		-49,283	-56,302	-57,571
Impairment charges													-14,646					-14,646	-8,431
Net loss from continuing operations	-23,130		-3,708		-11,993		-28,063		-12,088		-15,235		-78,854		-23,567		-66,894	-129,744	-14,982
Net loss	-23,130		-4,486		-54,960		-26,751		-14,257		-15,541		-74,543		-23,710		-109,327	-128,051	-36,023
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	239		-18		-69		-976		-11		-231		-277		-69		-824	-588	-628
Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($22,891)		($4,504)		($55,029)		($27,727)		($14,268)		($15,772)		($74,820)		($23,779)		($110,151)	($128,639)	($36,651)
Basic loss per share - continuing operations	($1.17)	[2]	($0.19)	[2]	($0.61)	[2]	($1.48)	[2]	($0.62)	[2]	($0.79)	[2]	($4.03)	[2]	($1.21)	[2]	($3.45)	($6.65)	($0.80)
Diluted loss per share - continuing operations	($1.17)	[2]	($0.19)	[2]	($0.61)	[2]	($1.48)	[2]	($0.62)	[2]	($0.79)	[2]	($4.03)	[2]	($1.21)	[2]	($3.45)	($6.65)	($0.80)
Basic loss per share	($1.17)	[2]	($0.23)	[2]	($2.80)	[2]	($1.41)	[2]	($0.73)	[2]	($0.80)	[2]	($3.81)	[2]	($1.22)	[2]	($5.61)	($6.56)	($1.88)
Diluted loss per share	($1.17)	[2]	($0.23)	[2]	($2.80)	[2]	($1.41)	[2]	($0.73)	[2]	($0.80)	[2]	($3.81)	[2]	($1.22)	[2]	($5.61)	($6.56)	($1.88)
[1]	As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Layne utilizes multiple methods of revenue recognition based on the nature of work performed. As a result, it is not practical to allocate a portion of depreciation and amortization to cost of revenues for the presentation of gross profit.
[2]	Loss per share was computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Ad

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Changes in estimate of incentive compensation	$7,400,000
Impairment of goodwill		14,646,000
Valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets	72,487,000	72,487,000	50,600,000		114,990,000
Geoconstruction [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill		14,646,000	14,646,000	14,646,000
Vacation Policy [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Changes in estimate of incentive compensation	$4,500,000

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Nov. 05, 2013
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%		4.25%
Debt instrument, interest payment, beginning date	15-May-14
Subsequent Events [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt conversion, converted instrument, description		In these agreements, the investors agreed to (i) exchange the 4.25% Convertible Notes for approximately $49.9 million of 8.0% Convertible Notes and (ii) purchase approximately $49.9 million aggregate principal amount of additional 8.0% Convertible Notes. The amount of the accrued interest on the 4.25% Convertible Notes delivered by investors in the exchange will be credited to the cash purchase price payable by investors in the purchase of the 8.0% Convertible Notes.
Subsequent Events [Member] | 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, original debt converted		55.5
Debt instrument, stated percentage		4.25%
Subsequent Events [Member] | 8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage		8.00%
Debt instrument, converted amount		49.9
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		49.9
Debt instrument, interest payment, beginning date		1-May-15

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Allowance for Customer Receivables [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$7,481	$7,216	$8,141
Charges to Costs and Expenses	2,539	1,101	1,763
Deductions	-5,821	-836	-2,688
Balance at End of Period	4,199	7,481	7,216
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	72,487	9,354	11,084
Charges to Costs and Expenses	44,618	69,114	16
Charges to Other Accounts	-1,913	-4,732
Deductions	-202	-1,249	-1,746
Balance at End of Period	114,990	72,487	9,354
Allowance for inventory [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	2,412	3,065	2,592
Charges to Costs and Expenses	18	1,027	767
Deductions	-811	-1,680	-294
Balance at End of Period	$1,619	$2,412	$3,065