Layne Christensen (LAYN) 10-Q 9 Jun 15 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	29-May-15
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	LAYN
Entity Registrant Name	LAYNE CHRISTENSEN CO
Entity Central Index Key	888504
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,744,315

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$56,610	$21,661
Customer receivables, less allowance of $4,424 and $4,199, respectively	118,422	110,779
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	85,296	93,014
Inventories	28,441	30,144
Deferred income taxes	667	376
Income taxes receivable	8,517	12,416
Restricted deposits-current	3,960	4,145
Other	9,275	10,170
Assets held for sale	1,356	1,823
Total current assets	312,544	284,528
Property and equipment:
Land	14,736	14,683
Buildings	39,529	38,717
Machinery and equipment	447,536	451,597
Property and equipment, gross	501,801	504,997
Less - Accumulated depreciation	-355,727	-351,813
Net property and equipment	146,074	153,184
Other assets:
Investment in affiliates	62,941	63,675
Goodwill	8,915	8,915
Other intangible assets, net	3,555	3,845
Restricted deposits-long term	3,751	4,231
Deferred income taxes	683	704
Deferred financing fees, net	9,026	7,134
Long-term retainage	8,247	8,919
Other	10,812	10,378
Total other assets	107,930	107,801
Total assets	566,548	545,513
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	81,072	82,556
Current maturities of long term debt	118	142
Accrued compensation	11,359	13,642
Accrued insurance expense	12,162	10,191
Other accrued expenses	32,670	29,764
Income taxes payable	8,473	8,112
Deferred income taxes	1,180	1,180
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	38,625	34,109
Total current liabilities	185,659	179,696
Noncurrent liabilities:
Convertible notes, net	161,689	110,055
Long-term debt	86	22,082
Accrued insurance expense	15,712	15,553
Deferred income taxes	5,104	4,945
Other	31,184	31,523
Total noncurrent liabilities	213,775	184,158
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 60,000 shares authorized, 21,239 and 20,121 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	212	201
Capital in excess of par value	363,694	370,048
Accumulated deficit	-178,366	-171,807
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-18,870	-17,227
Total Layne Christensen Company stockholders' equity	166,670	181,215
Noncontrolling interests	444	444
Total stockholders' equity	167,114	181,659
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$566,548	$545,513

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Customer receivables, allowance	$4,424	$4,199
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,239,010	20,120,607
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,239,010	20,120,607

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$194,363	$174,389
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown below)	-160,676	-151,731
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below)	-30,852	-32,136
Depreciation and amortization	-10,340	-12,648
Restructuring costs	-190
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	629	-66
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,236
Interest expense	-3,852	-4,049
Other income (expense), net	952	-66
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,730	-26,307
Income tax expense	-829	-1,756
Net loss from continuing operations	-6,559	-28,063
Net income from discontinued operations		1,312
Net loss	-6,559	-26,751
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		-976
Net loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($6,559)	($27,727)
Earnings per share information attributable to Layne Christensen shareholders:
Basic loss per share - continuing operations	($0.33)	($1.48)
Basic income per share - discontinued operations		$0.07
Basic loss per share	($0.33)	($1.41)
Diluted loss per share - continuing operations	($0.33)	($1.48)
Diluted income per share - discontinued operations		$0.07
Diluted loss per share	($0.33)	($1.41)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and dilutive	19,633	19,624

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($6,559)	($26,751)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax (expense) benefit of $0 for 2015 and 2014)	-1,643	2,689
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,643	2,689
Comprehensive loss	-8,202	-24,062
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		-976
Comprehensive loss attributable to Layne Christensen Company	($8,202)	($25,038)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$0	$0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital In Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Total Layne Christensen Company Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning balance at Jan. 31, 2014	$290,703	$199	$367,461	($61,656)	($16,540)	$289,464	$1,239
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2014		19,914,976
Net (loss) income	-26,751			-27,727		-27,727	976
Other comprehensive income	2,689				2,689	2,689
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)		-11,177
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-1,240						-1,240
Share-based compensation	532		532			532
Ending balance at Apr. 30, 2014	265,933	199	367,993	-89,383	-13,851	264,958	975
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2014		19,903,799
Beginning balance at Jan. 31, 2015	181,659	201	370,048	-171,807	-17,227	181,215	444
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2015		20,120,607
Net (loss) income	-6,559			-6,559		-6,559
Other comprehensive income	-1,643				-1,643	-1,643
Issuance of nonvested shares		11	-11
Issuance of nonvested shares (in shares)		1,128,053
Forfeiture of nonvested shares (in shares)		-9,650
Extinguishment of convertible notes	-8,006		-8,006			-8,006
Share-based compensation	1,663		1,663			1,663
Ending balance at Apr. 30, 2015	$167,114	$212	$363,694	($178,366)	($18,870)	$166,670	$444
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2015		21,239,010

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net loss	($6,559)	($26,751)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,340	13,923
Amortization of discount and deferred financing costs	1,087	2,123
Gain on extinguishment of debt	-4,236
Deferred income taxes	-110	-474
Share-based compensation	1,663	532
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates	-629	66
Dividends received from affiliates	1,363	978
Restructuring activities	-178
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	-740	-49
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Increase in customer receivables	-7,699	-8,141
Decrease (increase) in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	7,766	-7,921
Decrease (increase) in inventories	1,522	-2,790
Decrease in other current assets	3,765	2,401
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,849	14,742
Increase (decrease) in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	4,515	1,759
Other, net	-1,482	-3,086
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities	13,237	-12,688
Cash flow from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-2,187	-3,357
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	1,315	1,163
Deposit of cash into restricted accounts		-32,847
Release of cash from restricted accounts	185	443
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-687	-34,598
Cash flow from financing activities:
Borrowing under revolving loan facilities		42,193
Repayments under revolving loan facilities	-22,131	-4,374
Net increase in notes payable		9
Proceeds from 8.0% convertible notes	49,950
Payment of debt issuance costs	-5,063	-3,935
Principal payments under capital lease obligation	-54	-48
Distribution to noncontrolling interests		-1,240
Cash provided by financing activities	22,702	32,605
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	-303	890
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	34,949	-13,791
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	21,661	35,013
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$56,610	$21,222

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	1. Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
	Description of Business—Layne Christensen Company (together with its subsidiaries “Layne”) is a global water management, construction and drilling company, providing responsible solutions for water, mineral and energy challenges. Layne operates throughout North America as well as in parts of Africa, Australia and South America. Its customers include government agencies, investor-owned water utilities, industrial companies, global mining companies, consulting and engineering firms, heavy civil construction contractors, oil and gas companies and agribusinesses. Layne has an ownership interest in certain foreign affiliates operating in Latin America.
	Fiscal Year – Layne’s fiscal year end is January 31. References to fiscal years (in the form of “FY2016”, etc.) are to the twelve months then ended.
	Investment in Affiliated Companies – Investments in affiliates 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 Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
	Presentation—Layne’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in Layne’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with Layne’s consolidated financial statements included in Layne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 (“Annual Report”). Layne believes the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year.  In the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
	As discussed further in Note 10 to  the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Layne sold one of its businesses, Costa Fortuna, on July 31, 2014 and another one of its businesses, Tecniwell, on October 31, 2014, both previously reported in the Geoconstruction operating segment.  Amounts presented on the prior year Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations related to these businesses have been reclassified to be presented as discontinued operations for the period presented.  Unless noted otherwise, discussion in these Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements pertain to Layne’s continuing operations.
	Business Segments – Layne reports its financial results under six reporting segments consisting of Water Resources, Inliner, Heavy Civil, Geoconstruction, Mineral Services and Energy Services.  On May 20, 2015, Layne entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Geoconstruction business segment.  See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure related to our divestiture of our Geoconstruction business segment.  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 Condensed Consolidated 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 Condensed Consolidated 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation – In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Condensed 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 the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 were $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and are recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying Condensed 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” (“ASC Topic 605-35”), using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. Contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the percentage of completion are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised. The nature of accounting for contracts is such that refinements of the estimating process for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors can and do change during a contract performance period which can result in a change to contract profitability including differing site conditions (to the extent that contract remedies are unavailable), the availability of skilled contract labor, the performance of major material suppliers, the performance of major subcontractors, unusual weather conditions and unexpected changes in material costs. 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 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.
	Layne records revenue on contracts relating to unapproved change orders and claims by including in revenue an amount less than or equal to the amount of the costs incurred by Layne to date for contract price adjustments that Layne seeks to collect from customers for delays, errors in specifications or designs, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to scope or price, or other unanticipated additional costs, in each case when recovery of the costs is considered probable.  The amount of unapproved change orders and claims revenues are included in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. When determining the likelihood of eventual recovery, Layne considers such factors as its experience on similar projects and its experience with the customer. As new facts become known, an adjustment to the estimated recovery is made and reflected in the current period.
	As allowed by ASC Topic 605-35, revenue is recognized on smaller, short-term construction contracts using the completed contract method. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted construction contracts are made in the period in which such losses become known. Layne determines when contracts such as these are completed based on acceptance by the customer.
	Contracts for mineral exploration drilling services within Mineral Services are billable based on the quantity of drilling performed. Revenues for these drilling contracts 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.
	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 $26.2 million and $27.8 million and raw materials of $2.2 million and $2.3 million were included in inventories in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively.
	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. Layne believes at this time that the carrying value of the remaining goodwill is appropriate, although to the extent additional information arises or its strategies change, it is possible that Layne’s conclusions regarding impairment of the remaining goodwill could change and result in a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
	Other Long-lived Assets—Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following:
	—	significant underperformance of assets;
	—	significant changes in the use of the assets; and
	—	significant negative industry or economic trends.
	Layne believes at this time that the carrying values and useful lives of its long-lived assets continue to be appropriate.
	Based on the extended downturns in the mineral and energy markets due to lower commodity prices, and the resulting declines in the actual and forecasted results during the quarter ended April 30, 2015, Layne reviewed the recoverability of the asset values of its long-lived assets in Mineral Services and Energy Services segments. Continued declines in the actual and forecasted results during the quarter ended April 30, 2015 in Heavy Civil also triggered the review for recoverability of the asset values of its long-lived assets in the Heavy Civil segment. No impairments were indicated by such analyses as of April 30, 2015.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents—Layne considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Layne’s cash equivalents are subject to potential credit risk. Its cash management and investment policies restrict investments to investment grade, highly liquid securities. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
	Restricted Deposits – Restricted deposits consist of 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.
	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.
	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 April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, because of the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for other fair value disclosures.
	Litigation and Other Contingencies—Layne is involved in litigation incidental to its business, the disposition of which is not expected to have a material effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 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 quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in Layne’s assumptions related to these proceedings. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability is accrued in Layne’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, is disclosed. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.
	Share-based Compensation—Layne recognizes the cost of all share-based instruments in the financial statements using a fair-value measurement of the associated costs. The fair value of service-based share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model and for certain market-based awards the fair value was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
	Unearned compensation expense associated with the issuance of nonvested shares is amortized on a straight-line basis as the restrictions on the stock expire, subject to achievement of certain contingencies.
	Income (loss) Per Share—Income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For periods in which Layne recognizes 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 common share is computed in the same way as basic earnings per common share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued that were dilutive. Options to purchase common stock and nonvested shares are included based on the treasury stock method for dilutive earnings per share, except when their effect is antidilutive. The 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) are included in the calculation of diluted loss per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method.  Options to purchase 1.1  million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 1.6 million and 0.2  million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information—The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
			Three Months
			Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds		$	(3,431	)	$	210
	Interest			2,680			532
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Exchange of 4.25% convertible notes for 8.0% convertible notes			55,500			—
	Accrued capital additions			1,044			1,090
	New Accounting Pronouncements— On April 7, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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.  As of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, Layne has deferred financing fees of $9.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively. 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.
	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.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	As of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, Layne had $8.9 million of goodwill on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The goodwill is all attributable to the Inliner reporting segment.
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		30-Apr-15							31-Jan-15
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted
		Carrying					Average		Carrying					Average
		Amount					Amortization		Amount					Amortization
							Period in							Period in
							Years							Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260	$	(3,784	)		14	$	6,260	$	(3,670	)		14
	Patents		905		(559	)		12		905		(548	)		12
	Software and licenses		1,458		(1,255	)		3		1,458		(1,134	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680		(510	)		6		680		(482	)		6
	Other		966		(606	)		22		966		(590	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	10,269	$	(6,714	)			$	10,269	$	(6,424	)
	Total amortization expense for other intangible assets was $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Indebtedness	3. Indebtedness
	Debt outstanding as of April 30, 2015, and January 31, 2015, was as follows:
			April 30,			January 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2015
	4.25% Convertible Notes		$	61,791		$	110,055
	8.0% Convertible Notes			99,898			—
	Asset-based facility			—			21,964
	Capitalized lease obligations			212			270
	Less amounts representing interest			(8	)		(10	)
	Total debt			161,893			132,279
	Less current maturities of long-term debt			(118	)		(142	)
	Total long-term debt		$	161,775		$	132,137
	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 is available in the form of letters of credit and up to an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million is available for short-term swingline borrowings.
	The 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 provide for use of the specified assets by the surety providers under certain circumstances.  An additional reserve was established based on the value of the assets subject to the equipment utilization agreements (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.
	The asset-based facility was further 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 of 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 facility 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), requires 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, permits 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 agreement) 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.
	Availability under the asset-based facility is currently the lesser of (i) $120.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement). The borrowing base is generally defined as:
	—	85% of book value of eligible accounts receivables (other than unbilled receivables), plus
	—	60% of eligible unbilled receivables, 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 April 30, 2015, the borrowing base under the asset-based facility was approximately $94.7 million, with $33.0 million of letters of credit and no borrowings outstanding, resulting in Excess Availability (described below) of $61.7 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The asset-based facility is guaranteed by 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 interests 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, a minimum cash flow of not less than negative $25.0 million, until:
	—	for a period of 30 consecutive days, Excess Availability is greater than the greater of 17.5% of the Total Availability or $25.0 million, and
	—	for two consecutive fiscal quarters after 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 (as defined in the asset-based facility) 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. (As disclosed in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Layne has paid the settlement amounts during the fourth quarter of FY2015 in connection with the closure of the FCPA investigation.)
	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.  We would not have been in compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio had we been in a Covenant Compliance period during each of the four fiscal quarters ending April 30, 2015 nor, for the fiscal quarters ending July 31, 2014 and January 31, 2015, with respect to the maximum first lien leverage ratio.
	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 by the lenders, this clause would create an Event of Default (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement), 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, and
	—	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 applicable debt covenants associated with the asset-based facility for the next twelve months.
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018
In the fourth quarter of FY2014, Layne issued $125.0 million of 4.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 (“4.25% Convertible Notes”) pursuant to an indenture dated November 12, 2013 between Layne and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The 4.25% Convertible Notes are senior, unsecured obligations of Layne. The 4.25% Convertible Notes will be convertible, at the option of the holders, into consideration consisting of, at Layne’s election, cash, shares of Layne’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Layne’s common stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding May 15, 2018. However, before May 15, 2018, the 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 Indenture, for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of Layne’s common stock and the conversion rate on such trading day; (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events described in the Indenture; and (4) if Layne has called the 4.25% Convertible Notes for redemption. As of April 30, 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 Convertible Notes will mature on November 15, 2018, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.
The initial conversion rate is 43.6072 shares of Layne’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 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, pursuant to the Indenture, 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 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.
If any amount payable on a 4.25% Convertible Note (including principal, interest, a fundamental change repurchase or a redemption) is not paid by Layne when it is due and payable, such amount will accrue interest at a rate equal to 5.25% per annum from such payment date until paid.
Layne is currently in compliance and expects to be in compliance with the debt covenants associated with the 4.25% Convertible Notes for the next twelve months.
In accordance with ASC Topic 470-20, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options,” Layne separately accounts for the liability and equity conversion components of the 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 Topic 470-20 and ASC Topic 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.
On March 2, 2015, Layne exchanged approximately $55.5 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.25% Convertible Notes for approximately $49.9 million aggregate principal amount of its 8.0% Convertible Notes (described further below). In accordance with the derecognition guidance for convertible instruments in an exchange transaction under ASC Topic 470-20, the fair value of the 8.0% Convertible Notes (“the exchange consideration”) and the transaction costs incurred were allocated between the liability and equity components of the 4.25% Convertible Notes. Of the $49.9 million exchange consideration, $42.1 million, which represents the fair value of the 4.25% Convertible Notes immediately prior to its derecognition, was allocated to the extinguishment of the liability component. Transaction costs of $0.9 million were also allocated to the liability component. As a result, Layne recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $4.2 million. The remaining $7.8 million of the exchange consideration and $0.2 million of transaction costs were allocated to the reacquisition of the equity component and recognized as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.
The following table presents the carrying value of the 4.25% Convertible Notes as of April 30, 2015 (in thousands):
Carrying amount of the equity conversion component		$	3,106
Principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes		$	69,500
Unamortized debt discount (1)			(7,709	)
Net carrying amount		$	61,791
-1	As of April 30, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 42 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% Convertible Notes.  The 8.0% Convertible Notes were offered at par 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 8.0% Convertible Notes 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 Indenture permits Layne to reinvest the net proceeds from “asset sales” (as defined in the 8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture).  Any such reinvestments are subject to the criteria and time periods in the 8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture.  Any net proceeds from “asset sales” that are not reinvested constitute “excess proceeds” (as defined in the 8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture), provided, that the first $50.0 million of net proceeds received from “asset sales” during the first 270 days after the issue date are excluded from the definition of “excess proceeds”.  When the aggregate amount of “excess proceeds” exceeds $10.0 million, Layne must, within 30 days, make an offer to all holders of the 8.0% Convertible Notes and holders of certain other pari passu debt obligations of the Company (together, the “Qualifying Indebtedness”) to repurchase the Qualifying Indebtedness up to the maximum amount of the available “excess proceeds”.  The Qualifying Indebtedness repurchase price will equal 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding the repurchase date.  The holders of the Qualifying Indebtedness may, at their option, elect to accept the repurchase offer.  If the aggregate amount of Qualifying Indebtedness tendered for repurchase exceeds the amount of “excess proceeds”, the Qualifying Indebtedness tendered will be repurchased on a pro rata basis.  Layne may use any “excess proceeds” remaining as a result of an insufficient amount of Qualifying Indebtedness being tendered for repurchase for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the 8.0% Convertible Notes Indenture.
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.
If any amount payable on a 8.0% Convertible Note (including principal, interest, a fundamental change repurchase or a redemption) is not paid by Layne when it is due and payable, such amount will accrue interest at a rate equal to 9.0% per annum from such payment date until paid.
In accordance with guidance in ASC Topic 815-15, Layne determined that the embedded conversion components and other embedded derivatives of the 8.0% Convertible Notes do not require bifurcation and separate accounting. Layne accounted for the 8.0% Convertible Notes as debt with conversion features that are not beneficial under ASC Topic 470-20. Accordingly, all the proceeds from the issuance of the 8.0% Convertible Notes are recorded as a liability on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other_Income_Net

Other Income, Net	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income, Net	4. Other Income, Net
	Other income, net consisted of the following for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	740		$	37
	Interest income		272			7
	Currency exchange loss		(229	)		(62	)
	Other		169			(48	)
	Total	$	952		$	(66	)
	Gain from the disposal of property and equipment of $0.7 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015 relates to the sale of non-core assets.
	Interest income of $0.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015 mainly relates to interest on the note receivable arising from the sale of Costa Fortuna.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	5. Income Taxes
	Income tax expense for continuing operations of $0.8 million was recorded in the three months ended April 30, 2015, compared to $1.8 million for the same period last year. Layne recorded no tax benefit on domestic deferred tax assets and certain foreign deferred tax assets generated during the three months ended April 30, 2015.  The effective tax rates for continuing operations for the three months ended April 30, 2015 was (14.5)% compared to (6.7) % for the same period last year. The difference between the effective tax rates and the statutory tax rates resulted primarily from valuation allowances recorded during the period on current year losses.
	After valuation allowances, Layne maintains no domestic net deferred tax assets and $1.0 million of deferred tax assets from various foreign jurisdictions 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 quarters and will make a determination as to whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods. The establishment of a valuation allowance does not have any impact on cash, nor does such an allowance preclude Layne from using its loss carryforwards or utilizing other deferred tax assets in the future.
	As of April 30, 2015, and January 31, 2015, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded was $12.7 million and $13.0 million, respectively, of which substantially all would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease during the next twelve months by approximately $7.9 million due to settlements of audit issues. Layne classifies uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year. Layne reports income tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. As of April 30, 2015, and January 31, 2015, the total amount of liability for income tax-related interest and penalties was $8.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	6. Fair Value Measurements
	Layne’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance. The framework is based on the inputs used in the valuation, gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are listed below:
	Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets.
	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions and best estimate of what inputs market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
	Layne’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Layne’s financial instruments held at fair value are presented below as of April 30, 2015, and January 31, 2015:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	30-Apr-15
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	3,960	$	3,960		—		—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			3,751		3,751		—		—
	Financial Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout of acquired businesses(1)			—		—		—		—
	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)			—		—		—		—
	-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 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 April 30, 2015.
	Other Financial Instruments
	Layne uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value disclosures for its other financial instruments:
	Cash – The carrying amounts that Layne has reported in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash approximate their fair values and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
	Short-term and long-term debt, other than the 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 summarized the carrying values and estimated fair values of the long-term debt:
			30-Apr-15				31-Jan-15
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Convertible Notes(1)
	4.25% Convertible Notes		$	61,791	$	53,654		110,055		98,438
	8.0% Convertible Notes			99,898		83,665		—		—
	Asset-based facility			—		—		21,964		21,964
	-1	The Convertible Notes are measured on a non-recurring basis using Level 1 inputs based upon observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% 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 indicated that the carrying value of property and equipment in the Energy Services segment may not be fully recoverable as of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015.  Further analysis based on the fair value of the property and equipment determined that no impairment charges were necessary for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and the fiscal year ended January 31, 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.  As of April 30, 2015, property and equipment with a carrying value of $17.9 million was considered to have a fair value of $18.4 million. As of January 31, 2015, property and equipment with a carrying value of $18.5 million was considered to have a fair value of $19.1 million.

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans

Stock and Stock Option Plans	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock and Stock Option Plans	7. Stock and Stock Option Plans
	Layne has stock option and employee incentive plans that provide for the granting of options to purchase or the issuance of shares of common stock at a price fixed by the Board of Directors or a committee. As of April 30, 2015, there were 328,379 shares which remained available to be granted under the plans. Layne has the ability to issue shares under the plans either from new issuances or from treasury, although it has previously always issued new shares and expects to continue to issue new shares in the future. Layne granted 154,372 restricted stock units and 973,681 performance vesting restricted stock units under the Layne Christensen Company 2006 Equity Incentive Plan during the three months ended April 30, 2015.  The grants consist of both service-based awards and market-based awards.
	Layne recognized compensation cost for these share-based plans of $1.7 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of these amounts, $1.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to nonvested stock. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements was $0.7 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	A summary of nonvested share activity for the three months ended April 30, 2015, is as follows:
		Number of			Weighted Average		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Grant Date		(in thousands)
					Fair Value
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2015		487,292		$	14.86	$	3,942
	Granted - Director's restricted stock units		24,085			5.19
	Granted - Restricted stock units		130,287			5.25
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		973,681			2.81
	Vested		—			—
	Canceled		—			—
	Forfeitures		(9,650	)		17.19
	Nonvested stock at April 30, 2015		1,605,695		$	6.61	$	10,790
	Transactions for stock options for the three months ended April 30, 2015, were as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Average		Average		(in thousands)
					Exercise Price		Remaining
							Contractual
							Term
							(Years)
	Outstanding at February 1, 2015		1,015,514		$	21.15		6.6	$	—
	Granted		93,168			5.19
	Expired		—
	Forfeited		—
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015		1,108,682		$	19.81		6.7	$	143
	Exercisable at February 1, 2015		653,978		$	24.46		5.2		—
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015		789,415		$	22.01		5.7	$	143
	All options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Layne’s common stock at the date of the grant. The weighted average fair value at the date of grant for the options granted was $1.61 for the three months ended April 30, 2015. The fair value was based on an expected life of approximately three years, no dividend yield, an average risk-free rate of 0.73% and assumed volatility of all options outstanding was expected to be 52.45%. The options have terms of ten years from the date of grant and generally vest ratably over periods of one month to five years. The aggregate intrinsic value was calculated using the difference between the current market price and the exercise price for only those options that have an exercise price less than the current market price.

Investment_in_Affiliates

Investment in Affiliates	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in Affiliates	8. Investment in Affiliates
	Layne’s investments in affiliates 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.
	A summary of material, jointly-owned affiliates, as well as their primary operating subsidiaries, if applicable, and the percentages directly and indirectly owned by Layne are as follows as of April 30, 2015:
		Percentage			Percentage
		Owned			Owned
		Directly			Indirectly
	Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S. A. (Panama)		50	%
	Boytec, S.A. (Panama)					50	%
	Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)					50
	Sondajes Colombia, S.A. (Columbia)					50
	Mining Drilling Fluids (Panama)					25
	Plantel Industrial S.A. (Chile)					50
	Christensen Chile, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. (Chile)		50
	Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. (Chile)					50
	Geoestrella S.A. (Chile)					25
	Diamantina Christensen Trading (Panama)		42.69
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Geotec, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. (Peru)		29.49
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Washington)		65
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Iowa)		50
	Financial information of the affiliates is reported with a one-month lag in the reporting period. The impacts of the lag on Layne’s investment and results of operations are not significant. Summarized financial information of the affiliates was as follows:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income statement data:
	Revenues	$	41,808		$	47,961
	Gross profit		6,789			6,580
	Operating income		2,653			1,118
	Net income (loss)		1,239			(105	)

Operating_Segments

Operating Segments	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments
	9. Operating Segments
	Layne is a global solutions provider to the world of essential natural resources – water, minerals and energy. Management defines the Company’s operational organizational structure into discrete segments based on its primary product lines.
	Layne’s segments are defined as follows:
	Water Resources
	Water Resources provides its customers with an array of water management solutions; discovery and defining of water sources through hydrologic studies, water supply development through water well drilling and intake construction, and water delivery through pipeline and pumping infrastructure. Water Resources also brings new technologies to the water and wastewater markets and offers water treatment equipment engineering services, providing systems for the treatment of regulated and “nuisance” contaminants, specifically, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, radium, nitrate, perchlorate, and volatile organic compounds. Water Resources drills deep injection wells for industrial (primarily power) and municipal clients that need to dispose of wastewater associated with their processes. Water Resources provides water systems and services in most regions of the U.S.
	Inliner
	Inliner provides a wide range of process, sanitary and storm water rehabilitation solutions to municipalities and industrial customers dealing with aging infrastructure needs. Inliner focuses on its proprietary Inliner® cured-in-place pipe (“CIPP”) which allows it to rehabilitate aging sanitary sewer, storm water and process water infrastructure to provide structural rebuilding as well as infiltration and inflow reduction. Inliner’s trenchless technology minimizes environmental impact and reduces or eliminates surface and social disruption. Inliner has the ability to supply both traditional felt-based CIPP lining tubes cured with water or steam as well as a fiberglass-based lining tubes cured with ultraviolet light. Inliner is somewhat unique in that the technology itself, the liner tube manufacturer and the largest installer of the Inliner CIPP technology are all housed within Layne’s family of companies. While Inliner focuses on our proprietary Inliner CIPP, it is committed to full system renewal. Inliner provides a wide variety of other rehabilitative methods including Janssen structural renewal for service lateral connections and mainlines, slip lining, traditional excavation and replacement, 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, as well as pipeline installation. In addition, Heavy Civil builds radial collector wells (Ranney Method), surface water intakes, pumping stations, hard rock tunnels and marine construction services-all in support of the world’s water infrastructure. Beyond water solutions, Heavy Civil also designs and constructs biogas facilities (anaerobic digesters) for the purpose of generating and capturing methane gas, an emerging renewable energy resource. Heavy Civil provides services in most regions of the U.S.
	Geoconstruction
	Geoconstruction provides specialized geotechnical foundation construction services to the heavy civil, industrial, commercial and private construction markets. Geoconstruction has the expertise and equipment to provide the most appropriate deep foundation system, ground improvement and earth support solution to be applied given highly variable geological and site conditions. In addition, it offers extensive experience in successful completion of complex and schedule-driven major underground construction projects. Geoconstruction provides services that are focused primarily on the foundation systems for dams/levees, tunnels, shafts, utility systems, subways and other transportation systems, commercial building and port facilities. Services offered include jet grouting, structural diaphragm and slurry cutoff walls, cement and chemical grouting, drilled piles, ground improvement and earth retention systems. Geoconstruction provides services in most regions of the U.S. On May 20, 2015, Layne entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Geoconstruction business segment.  See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	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. Our service offerings include both exploratory (‘greenfield’) and definitional (‘brownfield’) drilling. Global mining companies engage Mineral Services to extract samples from sites that the mining companies analyze for mineral content before investing heavily in development to extract the minerals. Mineral Services helps its clients determine if a minable mineral deposit is on the site, the economic viability of the mining site and the geological properties of the ground, which helps in the determination of mine planning. Mineral Services also offers its customers water management and soil stabilization expertise. The primary markets are in the western U.S., Mexico, Australia, South America and Africa. Layne also has ownership interests in foreign affiliates operating in Latin America that form the primary presence in this market.
	Energy Services
	Energy Services focuses its efforts to provide a closed loop water management solution to energy companies involved in hydraulic fracturing. Layne’s expertise in water well drilling and water treatment provides a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution for the water needs of energy companies operating in a part of the country which has significant water shortages and drought. Layne is able to transport water from the source to the well site (where hydraulic fracturing occurs), treat the produced water and then recapture and recycle the treated water for use in other hydraulic fracturing operations. The system is designed to have virtually no surface discharge of formation or produced and treated water. Energy Services offers its services in most regions of the U.S.
	Other
	Other includes specialty and purchasing operations not included in one of the other segments.
	Financial information for Layne’s segments is presented below. Unallocated corporate expenses primarily consist of general and administrative functions performed on a company-wide basis and benefiting all segments. These costs include accounting, financial reporting, internal audit, treasury, corporate and securities law, tax compliance, executive management and board of directors.
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	51,815		$	43,126
	Inliner		48,020			33,483
	Heavy Civil		47,327			49,418
	Geoconstruction		20,092			15,744
	Mineral Services		23,306			29,488
	Energy Services		3,791			2,828
	Other		4,253			3,943
	Intersegment eliminations		(4,241	)		(3,641	)
	Total revenues	$	194,363		$	174,389
	Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	737		$	—
	Mineral Services		(108	)		(66	)
	Total equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	$	629		$	(66	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
	taxes
	Water Resources	$	3,784		$	1,825
	Inliner		5,362			4,843
	Heavy Civil		(1,582	)		(8,580	)
	Geoconstruction		342			(930	)
	Mineral Services		(2,321	)		(3,799	)
	Energy Services		(968	)		(726	)
	Other		365			120
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(11,096	)		(15,011	)
	Gain on extinguishment of debt		4,236			—
	Interest expense		(3,852	)		(4,049	)
	Total loss from continuing operations	$	(5,730	)	$	(26,307	)
	before income taxes
	Product Line Revenue Information
	Water systems	$	52,509		$	44,429
	Water treatment technologies		3,710			3,799
	Sewer rehabilitation		48,020			33,483
	Water and wastewater plant construction		33,723			32,043
	Pipeline construction		10,190			13,461
	Soil stabilization		20,562			16,602
	Environmental and specialty drilling		1,383			1,691
	Exploration drilling		21,064			26,675
	Other		3,202			2,206
	Total revenues	$	194,363		$	174,389
	Geographic Information
	Revenue
	United States	$	181,138		$	154,034
Africa/Australia		4,090			5,292
South America		1,910			3,684
Mexico		6,661			10,614
Other foreign		564			765
Total revenues	$	194,363		$	174,389

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	10. 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.  Layne received $0.5 million on October 31, 2014 and the remainder on January 22, 2015.  The loss on the sale of the business of $0.8 million was included as loss from discontinued operations during the third quarter of FY2015.  For the three months ended April 30, 2014, Layne reported Tecniwell as a discontinued operation in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Costa Fortuna
	On July 31, 2014, Layne disposed of Costa Fortuna to Aldo Corda, the original owner and the then current manager of the business at the time of the disposal.  The transaction was structured as a sale by Layne of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holub, S.A., a Uruguay Sociedad Anonima, and its subsidiaries in exchange for $4.4 million, payable to Layne as described below.
	In conjunction with the transaction, Layne acquired certain equipment with an estimated value of $2.1 million by reducing the intercompany receivable owed by Costa Fortuna.  The remaining intercompany receivable due from Costa Fortuna was assigned as part of the transaction in exchange for $1.3 million.
	The purchase price for the shares and remaining intercompany receivable is payable in future years, beginning with the year ended December 31, 2015, based on 33.33% of Costa Fortuna’s income before taxes for such year.  The unpaid portion of the purchase price will accrue interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum.  The unpaid balance of the purchase price, plus accrued interest, is due and payable to Layne on July 31, 2024.  The loss to Layne on the sale of the business of $38.3 million was included as a loss from discontinued operations during the second quarter of FY2015. For the three months ended April 30, 2014, Layne reported Costa Fortuna as a discontinued operation in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The financial results of the discontinued operations are as follows:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Revenues	$	16,851
	Income before income taxes		1,777
	Income tax expense		(465	)
	Net income from discontinued operations		1,312

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	11. Contingencies
	Layne’s drilling activities involve certain operating hazards that can result in personal injury or loss of life, damage and destruction of property and equipment, damage to the surrounding areas, release of hazardous substances or wastes and other damage to the environment, interruption or suspension of drill site operations and loss of revenues and future business. The magnitude of these operating risks is amplified when Layne, as is frequently the case, conducts a project on a fixed-price, bundled basis where Layne delegates certain functions to subcontractors but remains responsible to the customer for the subcontracted work. In addition, Layne is exposed to potential liability under foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations, contractual indemnification agreements or otherwise in connection with its services and products. Litigation arising from any such occurrences may result in Layne being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting large claims. Although Layne maintains insurance protection that it considers economically prudent, there can be no assurance that any such insurance will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances or against all claims or hazards to which Layne may be subject or that it will be able to continue to obtain such insurance protection. A successful claim or damage resulting from a hazard for which Layne is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on it. In addition, Layne does not maintain political risk insurance with respect to its foreign operations.
	We are currently working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to resolve discrepancies asserted with respect to certain Form W-2's and related employee withholding tax reports filed by Layne as agent on behalf of certain of its subsidiaries in 2011.  The reporting procedures utilized by those subsidiaries in 2011 were consistent with those used in 2009 and 2010, which have not been questioned by the IRS. There is no assertion that tax amounts and withholdings have not been remitted timely and accurately.  The IRS has asserted a monetary penalty of approximately $8.0 million, equal to 10% of the wages reflected on the Form W-2’s attributable to the subsidiaries but reported under Layne's employer identification number as designated agent. On May 19, 2015, pursuant to the Treasury Offset Program, the IRS seized a $6.0 million payment to Layne from a federal contracting agency as a partial offset against the asserted penalty.  Layne believes that the monetary penalty and subsequent seizure is not appropriate, as Layne has made a good faith effort to comply with the reporting requirements and that the Form W-2's and related employee withholding tax reports have been reported appropriately and accurately in all material respects.  We have requested a collection due process hearing with the IRS to resolve this matter and we believe the matter will be resolved without material effect to the Company.
	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 the Company’s business. Layne believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not, individually and in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect upon its business or condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is possible that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the assumptions related to these proceedings. In accordance with GAAP, Layne records a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. To the extent additional information arises or the strategies change, it is possible that Layne’s estimate of its probable liability in these matters may change.

Restructuring_Costs

Restructuring Costs	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Costs
	12. Restructuring Costs
	Layne commenced a restructuring plan (“Plan”) during the quarter ended July 31, 2014. The Plan 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 April 30, 2015, the implementation of the Plan is complete. For the three months ended April 30, 2015, Layne incurred one-time severance costs and other related personnel costs associated with the Plan. The accrued liability associated with the restructuring was approximately $0.8 million and $1.0 million as of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively.
		Incurred in the		Incurred from		Estimate of
		three months ended		inception to		remaining amounts
	(in thousands)	30-Apr-15		30-Apr-15		to be incurred		Total
	Water Resources
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	46	$	426	$	—	$	426
	Other		—		55		—		55
	Total Water Resources	$	46	$	481	$	—	$	481
	Inliner
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	19	$	19	$	—	$	19
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Inliner	$	19	$	19	$	—	$	19
	Heavy Civil
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	41	$	95	$	—	$	95
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Heavy Civil	$	41	$	95	$	—	$	95
	Mineral Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	19	$	219	$	—	$	219
	Other		2		1,205		—		1,205
	Total Mineral Services	$	21	$	1,424	$	—	$	1,424
	Energy Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	17	$	106	$	—	$	106
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Energy Services	$	17	$	106	$	—	$	106
	Unallocated Corporate
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	46	$	763	$	—	$	763
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Unallocated Corporate	$	46	$	763	$	—	$	763
	Total	$	190	$	2,888	$	—	$	2,888

Relocation

Relocation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Relocation	13. 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 $0.2 million and $0.5 million were incurred for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and consist primarily of employee relocation costs, severance and employee retention arrangements.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	14. Subsequent Event
	On May 20, 2015, Layne signed a definitive agreement to sell its Geoconstruction business segment to a subsidiary of Keller Foundations, LLC, a member of Keller Group plc (“Keller”). The transaction is subject to certain customary terms and closing conditions, including approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to transfer the East Branch Dam contract to Keller. The purchase price for the Geoconstruction business segment will be approximately $34.5 million, plus the value of the business segment’s working capital at closing, currently estimated to be $5.0 million. Approximately $2.5 million of the purchase price will be held in escrow at closing. In addition, Layne will share in the profit or loss for one of the contracts being assumed by Keller, which could increase the purchase price by up to $5.0 million, or decrease it by up to $1.5 million.  Layne expects to use the net proceeds from the sale for general corporate purposes and to pursue selective growth opportunities in its core businesses. Layne expects the transaction to close during the second quarter and to recognize a gain on the sale at that time.
	We evaluated the criteria prescribed by U.S. GAAP for recording a disposal group as held for sale and discontinued operations. This criteria was not met as of April 30, 2015. Therefore, we did not present this disposal group as a discontinued operation in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_1

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business—Layne Christensen Company (together with its subsidiaries “Layne”) is a global water management, construction and drilling company, providing responsible solutions for water, mineral and energy challenges. Layne operates throughout North America as well as in parts of Africa, Australia and South America. Its customers include government agencies, investor-owned water utilities, industrial companies, global mining companies, consulting and engineering firms, heavy civil construction contractors, oil and gas companies and agribusinesses. Layne has an ownership interest in certain foreign affiliates operating in Latin America.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year – Layne’s fiscal year end is January 31. References to fiscal years (in the form of “FY2016”, etc.) are to the twelve months then ended.
Investment in Affiliated Companies	Investment in Affiliated Companies – Investments in affiliates 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 Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
Presentation	Presentation—Layne’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in Layne’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with Layne’s consolidated financial statements included in Layne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 (“Annual Report”). Layne believes the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year.  In the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar and share amounts in tabulations are in thousands of dollars and shares, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.
	As discussed further in Note 10 to  the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Layne sold one of its businesses, Costa Fortuna, on July 31, 2014 and another one of its businesses, Tecniwell, on October 31, 2014, both previously reported in the Geoconstruction operating segment.  Amounts presented on the prior year Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations related to these businesses have been reclassified to be presented as discontinued operations for the period presented.  Unless noted otherwise, discussion in these Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements pertain to Layne’s continuing operations.
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.  On May 20, 2015, Layne entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Geoconstruction business segment.  See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure related to our divestiture of our Geoconstruction business segment.  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 Condensed Consolidated 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 Condensed Consolidated 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 Condensed 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 Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Condensed 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 the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 were $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and are recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying Condensed 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” (“ASC Topic 605-35”), using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion. Contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the percentage of completion are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised. The nature of accounting for contracts is such that refinements of the estimating process for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors can and do change during a contract performance period which can result in a change to contract profitability including differing site conditions (to the extent that contract remedies are unavailable), the availability of skilled contract labor, the performance of major material suppliers, the performance of major subcontractors, unusual weather conditions and unexpected changes in material costs. 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 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.
	Layne records revenue on contracts relating to unapproved change orders and claims by including in revenue an amount less than or equal to the amount of the costs incurred by Layne to date for contract price adjustments that Layne seeks to collect from customers for delays, errors in specifications or designs, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to scope or price, or other unanticipated additional costs, in each case when recovery of the costs is considered probable.  The amount of unapproved change orders and claims revenues are included in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as part of costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. When determining the likelihood of eventual recovery, Layne considers such factors as its experience on similar projects and its experience with the customer. As new facts become known, an adjustment to the estimated recovery is made and reflected in the current period.
	As allowed by ASC Topic 605-35, revenue is recognized on smaller, short-term construction contracts using the completed contract method. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted construction contracts are made in the period in which such losses become known. Layne determines when contracts such as these are completed based on acceptance by the customer.
	Contracts for mineral exploration drilling services within Mineral Services are billable based on the quantity of drilling performed. Revenues for these drilling contracts 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.
	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 $26.2 million and $27.8 million and raw materials of $2.2 million and $2.3 million were included in inventories in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively.
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. Layne believes at this time that the carrying value of the remaining goodwill is appropriate, although to the extent additional information arises or its strategies change, it is possible that Layne’s conclusions regarding impairment of the remaining goodwill could change and result in a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.
Other Long-lived Assets	Other Long-lived Assets—Long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following:
	—	significant underperformance of assets;
	—	significant changes in the use of the assets; and
	—	significant negative industry or economic trends.
	Layne believes at this time that the carrying values and useful lives of its long-lived assets continue to be appropriate.
	Based on the extended downturns in the mineral and energy markets due to lower commodity prices, and the resulting declines in the actual and forecasted results during the quarter ended April 30, 2015, Layne reviewed the recoverability of the asset values of its long-lived assets in Mineral Services and Energy Services segments. Continued declines in the actual and forecasted results during the quarter ended April 30, 2015 in Heavy Civil also triggered the review for recoverability of the asset values of its long-lived assets in the Heavy Civil segment. No impairments were indicated by such analyses as of April 30, 2015.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents—Layne considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Layne’s cash equivalents are subject to potential credit risk. Its cash management and investment policies restrict investments to investment grade, highly liquid securities. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Restricted Deposits	Restricted Deposits – Restricted deposits consist of 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.
	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.
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 April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, because of the relatively short maturity of those instruments. See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for other fair value disclosures.
Litigation and Other Contingencies	Litigation and Other Contingencies—Layne is involved in litigation incidental to its business, the disposition of which is not expected to have a material effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 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 quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in Layne’s assumptions related to these proceedings. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability is accrued in Layne’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, is disclosed. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-based Compensation—Layne recognizes the cost of all share-based instruments in the financial statements using a fair-value measurement of the associated costs. The fair value of service-based share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model and for certain market-based awards the fair value was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
	Unearned compensation expense associated with the issuance of nonvested shares is amortized on a straight-line basis as the restrictions on the stock expire, subject to achievement of certain contingencies.
Income (Loss) Per Share	Income (loss) Per Share—Income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For periods in which Layne recognizes 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 common share is computed in the same way as basic earnings per common share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would be outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued that were dilutive. Options to purchase common stock and nonvested shares are included based on the treasury stock method for dilutive earnings per share, except when their effect is antidilutive. The 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) are included in the calculation of diluted loss per share if their inclusion is dilutive under the if-converted method.  Options to purchase 1.1  million shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, as their effect was antidilutive. A total of 1.6 million and 0.2  million nonvested shares have been excluded from weighted average shares in the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as their effect was antidilutive.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information—The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
			Three Months
			Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds		$	(3,431	)	$	210
	Interest			2,680			532
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Exchange of 4.25% convertible notes for 8.0% convertible notes			55,500			—
	Accrued capital additions			1,044			1,090
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements— On April 7, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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.  As of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, Layne has deferred financing fees of $9.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively. 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.
	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.

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_2

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information—The amounts paid for income taxes, interest and noncash investing and financing activities were as follows:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	(3,431	)	$	210
	Interest		2,680			532
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Exchange of 4.25% convertible notes for 8.0% convertible notes		55,500			—
	Accrued capital additions		1,044			1,090

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		30-Apr-15							31-Jan-15
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Weighted
		Carrying					Average		Carrying					Average
		Amount					Amortization		Amount					Amortization
							Period in							Period in
							Years							Years
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Tradenames	$	6,260	$	(3,784	)		14	$	6,260	$	(3,670	)		14
	Patents		905		(559	)		12		905		(548	)		12
	Software and licenses		1,458		(1,255	)		3		1,458		(1,134	)		3
	Non-competition agreements		680		(510	)		6		680		(482	)		6
	Other		966		(606	)		22		966		(590	)		22
	Total intangible assets	$	10,269	$	(6,714	)			$	10,269	$	(6,424	)

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt Outstanding	Debt outstanding as of April 30, 2015, and January 31, 2015, was as follows:
			April 30,			January 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2015
	4.25% Convertible Notes		$	61,791		$	110,055
	8.0% Convertible Notes			99,898			—
	Asset-based facility			—			21,964
	Capitalized lease obligations			212			270
	Less amounts representing interest			(8	)		(10	)
	Total debt			161,893			132,279
	Less current maturities of long-term debt			(118	)		(142	)
	Total long-term debt		$	161,775		$	132,137
Summary of Carrying Value of Convertible Notes	The following table presents the carrying value of the 4.25% Convertible Notes as of April 30, 2015 (in thousands):
	Carrying amount of the equity conversion component		$	3,106
	Principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes		$	69,500
	Unamortized debt discount (1)			(7,709	)
	Net carrying amount		$	61,791
	-1	As of April 30, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 42 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other Income, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Income, Net	Other income, net consisted of the following for the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$	740		$	37
	Interest income		272			7
	Currency exchange loss		(229	)		(62	)
	Other		169			(48	)
	Total	$	952		$	(66	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 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 April 30, 2015, and January 31, 2015:
					Fair Value Measurements
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	30-Apr-15
	Financial Assets:
	Current restricted deposits held at fair value		$	3,960	$	3,960		—		—
	Long term restricted deposits held at fair value			3,751		3,751		—		—
	Financial Liabilities:
	Contingent earnout of acquired businesses(1)			—		—		—		—
	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)			—		—		—		—
	-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 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 April 30, 2015.
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Long Term Debt	The following table summarized the carrying values and estimated fair values of the long-term debt:
			30-Apr-15				31-Jan-15
	(in thousands)		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Convertible Notes(1)
	4.25% Convertible Notes		$	61,791	$	53,654		110,055		98,438
	8.0% Convertible Notes			99,898		83,665		—		—
	Asset-based facility			—		—		21,964		21,964
	-1	The Convertible Notes are measured on a non-recurring basis using Level 1 inputs based upon observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% Convertible Notes.

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_T

Stock and Stock Option Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Nonvested Share Activity	A summary of nonvested share activity for the three months ended April 30, 2015, is as follows:
		Number of			Weighted Average		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Grant Date		(in thousands)
					Fair Value
	Nonvested stock at February 1, 2015		487,292		$	14.86	$	3,942
	Granted - Director's restricted stock units		24,085			5.19
	Granted - Restricted stock units		130,287			5.25
	Granted - Performance vesting shares		973,681			2.81
	Vested		—			—
	Canceled		—			—
	Forfeitures		(9,650	)		17.19
	Nonvested stock at April 30, 2015		1,605,695		$	6.61	$	10,790
Schedule of Transactions for Stock Options	Transactions for stock options for the three months ended April 30, 2015, were as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Average		Average		(in thousands)
					Exercise Price		Remaining
							Contractual
							Term
							(Years)
	Outstanding at February 1, 2015		1,015,514		$	21.15		6.6	$	—
	Granted		93,168			5.19
	Expired		—
	Forfeited		—
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015		1,108,682		$	19.81		6.7	$	143
	Exercisable at February 1, 2015		653,978		$	24.46		5.2		—
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015		789,415		$	22.01		5.7	$	143

Investment_in_Affiliates_Table

Investment in Affiliates (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Affiliates and Percentages Owned	Layne’s investments in affiliates 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.
	A summary of material, jointly-owned affiliates, as well as their primary operating subsidiaries, if applicable, and the percentages directly and indirectly owned by Layne are as follows as of April 30, 2015:
		Percentage			Percentage
		Owned			Owned
		Directly			Indirectly
	Boyles Bros Servicios Tecnicos Geologicos S. A. (Panama)		50	%
	Boytec, S.A. (Panama)					50	%
	Boytec Sondajes de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)					50
	Sondajes Colombia, S.A. (Columbia)					50
	Mining Drilling Fluids (Panama)					25
	Plantel Industrial S.A. (Chile)					50
	Christensen Chile, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Chile)		50
	Geotec Boyles Bros., S.A. (Chile)		50
	Centro Internacional de Formacion S.A. (Chile)					50
	Geoestrella S.A. (Chile)					25
	Diamantina Christensen Trading (Panama)		42.69
	Christensen Commercial, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Geotec, S.A. (Peru)		35.38
	Boyles Bros., Diamantina, S.A. (Peru)		29.49
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Washington)		65
	Case-Bencor Joint Venture (Iowa)		50
Summary of Financial Information of Affiliates	Summarized financial information of the affiliates was as follows:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income statement data:
	Revenues	$	41,808		$	47,961
	Gross profit		6,789			6,580
	Operating income		2,653			1,118
	Net income (loss)		1,239			(105	)

Operating_Segments_Tables

Operating Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 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.
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Revenues
	Water Resources	$	51,815		$	43,126
	Inliner		48,020			33,483
	Heavy Civil		47,327			49,418
	Geoconstruction		20,092			15,744
	Mineral Services		23,306			29,488
	Energy Services		3,791			2,828
	Other		4,253			3,943
	Intersegment eliminations		(4,241	)		(3,641	)
	Total revenues	$	194,363		$	174,389
	Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates
	Geoconstruction	$	737		$	—
	Mineral Services		(108	)		(66	)
	Total equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	$	629		$	(66	)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
	taxes
	Water Resources	$	3,784		$	1,825
	Inliner		5,362			4,843
	Heavy Civil		(1,582	)		(8,580	)
	Geoconstruction		342			(930	)
	Mineral Services		(2,321	)		(3,799	)
	Energy Services		(968	)		(726	)
	Other		365			120
	Unallocated corporate expenses		(11,096	)		(15,011	)
	Gain on extinguishment of debt		4,236			—
	Interest expense		(3,852	)		(4,049	)
	Total loss from continuing operations	$	(5,730	)	$	(26,307	)
	before income taxes
	Product Line Revenue Information
	Water systems	$	52,509		$	44,429
	Water treatment technologies		3,710			3,799
	Sewer rehabilitation		48,020			33,483
	Water and wastewater plant construction		33,723			32,043
	Pipeline construction		10,190			13,461
	Soil stabilization		20,562			16,602
	Environmental and specialty drilling		1,383			1,691
	Exploration drilling		21,064			26,675
	Other		3,202			2,206
	Total revenues	$	194,363		$	174,389
	Geographic Information
	Revenue
	United States	$	181,138		$	154,034
	Africa/Australia		4,090			5,292
	South America		1,910			3,684
	Mexico		6,661			10,614
	Other foreign		564			765
	Total revenues	$	194,363		$	174,389

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables) (Operating Income (Loss))	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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:
		Three Months
		Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Revenues	$	16,851
	Income before income taxes		1,777
	Income tax expense		(465	)
	Net income from discontinued operations		1,312

Restructuring_Costs_Tables

Restructuring Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 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 April 30, 2015, the implementation of the Plan is complete. For the three months ended April 30, 2015, Layne incurred one-time severance costs and other related personnel costs associated with the Plan. The accrued liability associated with the restructuring was approximately $0.8 million and $1.0 million as of April 30, 2015 and January 31, 2015, respectively.
		Incurred in the		Incurred from		Estimate of
		three months ended		inception to		remaining amounts
	(in thousands)	30-Apr-15		30-Apr-15		to be incurred		Total
	Water Resources
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	46	$	426	$	—	$	426
	Other		—		55		—		55
	Total Water Resources	$	46	$	481	$	—	$	481
	Inliner
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	19	$	19	$	—	$	19
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Inliner	$	19	$	19	$	—	$	19
	Heavy Civil
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	41	$	95	$	—	$	95
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Heavy Civil	$	41	$	95	$	—	$	95
	Mineral Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	19	$	219	$	—	$	219
	Other		2		1,205		—		1,205
	Total Mineral Services	$	21	$	1,424	$	—	$	1,424
	Energy Services
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	17	$	106	$	—	$	106
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Energy Services	$	17	$	106	$	—	$	106
	Unallocated Corporate
	Severance and other personnel-related costs	$	46	$	763	$	—	$	763
	Other		—		—		—		—
	Total Unallocated Corporate	$	46	$	763	$	—	$	763
	Total	$	190	$	2,888	$	—	$	2,888

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_3

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
	Business	Business	Segments
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of businesses sold	1	1
Number of reportable segments			6
Net foreign currency transaction losses			$229,000	$62,000
Supplies			26,200,000		27,800,000
Raw materials			2,200,000		2,300,000
Impairment of long-lived assets			0
Method used to determine the fair value of share-based compensation granted			The fair value of service-based share-based compensation granted in the form of stock options is determined using a lattice valuation model and for certain market-based awards the fair value was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
Deferred financing fees, net			$9,026,000		$7,134,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage			4.25%			4.25%	4.25%
8.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage			8.00%
Stock Option [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average shares			1.1	1.1
Nonvested Stock [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average shares			1.6	0.2
Costa Fortuna [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Date of businesses sold			31-Jul-14
Tecniwell [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Date of businesses sold			31-Oct-14

Accounting_Policies_and_Basis_4

Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	($3,431)	$210
Interest	2,680	532
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Exchange of 4.25% convertible notes for 8.0% convertible notes	55,500
Accrued capital additions	$1,044	$1,090

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$8,915,000		$8,915,000
Total amortization expense for other intangible assets	$300,000	$400,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$10,269	$10,269
Accumulated Amortization	-6,714	-6,424
Tradenames [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,260	6,260
Accumulated Amortization	-3,784	-3,670
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	-559	-548
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	1,458
Accumulated Amortization	-1,255	-1,134
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	-510	-482
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	($606)	($590)
Weighted Average Amortization Period in Years	22 years	22 years

Indebtedness_Debt_Outstanding_

Indebtedness - Debt Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Asset-based facility		$21,964,000
Capitalized lease obligations	212,000	270,000
Less amounts representing interest	-8,000	-10,000
Total debt	161,893,000	132,279,000
Less current maturities of long-term debt	-118,000	-142,000
Total long-term debt	161,775,000	132,137,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Notes	61,791,000	110,055,000
8.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Notes	$99,898,000

Indebtedness_Assetbased_Revolv

Indebtedness - Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 15, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding						$21,964,000
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%
Debt instrument, extended maturity date	15-Oct-19
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [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
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.
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) $120.0 million and (ii) the borrowing base (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement). The borrowing base is generally defined as: 85% of book value of eligible accounts receivables (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.
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			94,700,000
Letters of credit outstanding amount			33,000,000
Amount outstanding			0
Leaving excess availability			61,700,000
Percentage of pledge equity interests of first tier foreign subsidiaries			65.00%
Loans interest rate description			Pursuant to the asset-based facility agreement, the revolving loans will bear interest, at either: o the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin. The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of (a) the base rate, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Open rate plus 0.5%, and (c) the sum of the Daily LIBOR rate plus 1%, or o the LIBOR rate (as defined in the asset-based facility agreement) for the interest period in effect for such borrowing plus the applicable margin.
Percentage of increase in interest rate in case of default			2.00%
Non coverage insurance amount			5,000,000
Cumulative minimum cash flow			-45,000,000
Litigation Settlement penalties			10,000,000
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] | 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] | Fifth Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	120,000,000
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	100.00%
Increase in applicable interest rate margin	0.50%
Amount of real estate accounted for borrowing base	4,200,000
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
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.
Covenant compliance period	30 days
Supplemental reserve	0
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Pro Forma [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 [Member] | Minimum [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 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	110.00%
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Fifth Amendment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of quarterly commitment fee on unused commitments	0.50%
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] | 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015		Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
				D
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, converted amount		$55,500,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt		4,236,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		69,500,000		125,000,000
Debt instrument trading days				20
Debt instrument consecutive trading days				30 days
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%		4.25%
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%
Percentage of increase accrue interest rate per annum				5.25%
Principal amount of the liability component				106,000,000
Discount rate				8.00%
Carrying amount of equity component		3,106,000		19,000,000
Discount and commission and the offering costs				800,000
Deferred taxes				7,100,000
Convertible notes maturing period				5 years
Debt instrument, original debt converted	55,500,000
Convertible notes fair value	42,100,000	53,654,000	[1]		98,438,000	[1]
Transaction costs allocated to liability component	900,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,200,000
Debt instrument remaining exchange consideration	7,800,000
Transaction costs allocated to equity component	200,000
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible conversion price percentage				130.00%
Percentage of redemption price				130.00%
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%
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	100,000,000
Debt instrument trading days	20
Debt instrument consecutive trading days	30 days
Debt instrument, stated percentage	8.00%
Common stock conversion principal amount	1,000
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, Beginning date	1-May-15
Common stock initial conversion rate	85.4701
Initial conversion price per share	$11.70
Redemption price percentage of principal amount redeemed	100.00%
Percentage of increase accrue interest rate per annum	9.00%
Debt instrument, converted amount	$49,900,000
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of redemption price	140.00%
[1]	The Convertible Notes are measured on a non-recurring basis using Level 1 inputs based upon observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% Convertible Notes.

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015		Jan. 31, 2015		Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Convertible Notes [Line Items]
Net carrying amount	$161,689		$110,055
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Schedule Of Convertible Notes [Line Items]
Carrying amount of the equity conversion component	3,106				19,000
Principal amount of the 4.25% Convertible Notes	69,500				125,000
Unamortized debt discount	-7,709	[1]
Net carrying amount	$61,791	[2]	$110,055	[2]
[1]	As of April 30, 2015, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 42 months using an effective interest rate of 9%.
[2]	The Convertible Notes are measured on a non-recurring basis using Level 1 inputs based upon observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% Convertible Notes.

Indebtedness_Carrying_Value_of1

Indebtedness - Carrying Value of Convertible Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Remaining period over which unamortized debt discount will be amortized	42 months
Percentage of effective interest rate	9.00%

Indebtedness_Senior_Secured_Se

Indebtedness - Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
			D
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, converted amount		$55,500,000
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 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, Beginning date	1-May-15
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 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%
Net proceeds from asset sales not considered excess proceeds	50,000,000
Threshold period for net proceeds from asset sales to not consider as excess proceeds	270 days
Aggregate amount of excess proceeds from asset sales threshold to offer qualifying indebtedness	10,000,000
Number of days to repurchase of qualifying indebtedness when excess proceeds exceeds threshold	30 days
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.
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%
Percentage of increase accrue interest rate per annum	9.00%
8.0 % Senior Secured Second Lien Convertible Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of redemption price	140.00%
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		69,500,000	125,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%	4.25%
Debt instrument, original debt converted	55,500,000
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, extended maturity date	15-Oct-19
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
Percentage of increase accrue interest rate per annum			5.25%
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of redemption price			130.00%

Other_Income_Net_Detail

Other Income, Net (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$740	$37
Interest income	272	7
Currency exchange loss	-229	-62
Other	169	-48
Total	$952	($66)

Other_Income_Net_Additional_In

Other Income, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Component Of Other Income And Expense [Line Items]
Gain from disposal of property and equipment	$740	$37
Interest income	272	7
Costa Fortuna [Member]
Component Of Other Income And Expense [Line Items]
Interest income	$300

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$829,000	$1,756,000
Tax benefit on domestic deferred tax assets	0
Tax benefit on foreign deferred tax assets	0
Effective tax rate for continued operations	-14.50%	-6.70%
Unrecognized tax benefits	12,700,000		13,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized	12,700,000		13,000,000
Possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to settlements of audit issues	7,900,000
Liability for income tax-related interest and penalties	8,700,000		8,500,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	0
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	1,000,000
Estimated taxable income to realize deferred tax asset	$3,400,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Assets:
Current restricted deposits held at fair value	$3,960	$4,145
Long term restricted deposits held at fair value	3,751	4,231
Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets:
Current restricted deposits held at fair value	3,960	4,145
Long term restricted deposits held at fair value	$3,751	$4,231

Fair_Value_Measurements_Parent

Fair Value Measurements (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 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 $)	Apr. 30, 2015		Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Convertible notes carrying value	$161,689			$110,055
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 carrying value	61,791	[1]		110,055	[1]
Convertible notes fair value	53,654	[1]	42,100	98,438	[1]
8.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Convertible notes carrying value	99,898	[1]
Convertible notes fair value	$83,665	[1]
[1]	The Convertible Notes are measured on a non-recurring basis using Level 1 inputs based upon observable quoted prices of the 4.25% Convertible Notes and the 8.0% Convertible Notes.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu1

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	4.25%	4.25%	4.25%
8.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	8.00%
Non-recurring Basis [Member] | 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [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%
Non-recurring Basis [Member] | 8.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member] | Fair Value Measurements - Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	8.00%			8.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$0
Carrying value	146,074,000	153,184,000
Energy Services [Member] | Energy Equipment [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment charges	0	0
Carrying value	17,900,000	18,500,000
Fair value	$18,400,000	$19,100,000

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_A

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available to be granted under the plans	328,379
Compensation cost	$1,663,000	$532,000
Income tax benefit	700,000	200,000
Weighted average fair value at the date of grant for the options granted	$1.61
Expected life	3 years
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.73%
Volatility rate	52.45%
Terms of options granted	10 years
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted	154,372
Performance Vesting Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted	973,681
Nonvested Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost	$1,300,000	$200,000
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

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_S

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Summary of Nonvested Share Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Feb. 01, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	487,292
Number of shares, Forfeitures	-9,650
Number of shares, Nonvested stock at ending balance	1,605,695
Weighted average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at beginning balance	$14.86
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeitures	$17.19
Weighted average grant date fair value, Nonvested stock at ending balance	$6.61
Intrinsic value, Nonvested stock	$10,790	$3,942
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	154,372
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Director's Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	24,085
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$5.19
Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Non Director
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	130,287
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$5.25
Performance Vesting Shares [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	973,681
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$2.81

Stock_and_Stock_Option_Plans_S1

Stock and Stock Option Plans - Schedule of Transactions for Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Number of shares, Outstanding at beginning balance	1,015,514
Number of shares, Granted	93,168
Number of shares, Outstanding at ending balance	1,108,682	1,015,514
Number of shares, Exercisable at beginning balance	653,978
Number of shares, Exercisable at ending balance	789,415	653,978
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning balance	$21.15
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$5.19
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at ending balance	$19.81	$21.15
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable	$24.46
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable	$22.01	$24.46
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	6 years 8 months 12 days	6 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 2 months 12 days
Intrinsic value, Outstanding at ending balance	$143
Intrinsic value, Exercisable at ending balance	$143

Investment_in_Affiliates_Detai

Investment in Affiliates (Detail)	Apr. 30, 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%

Investment_in_Affiliates_Finan

Investment in Affiliates - Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Income statement data:
Revenues	$41,808	$47,961
Gross profit	6,789	6,580
Operating income	2,653	1,118
Net income (loss)	$1,239	($105)

Operating_Segments_Financial_I

Operating Segments - Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$194,363	$174,389
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	629	-66
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,730	-26,307
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,236
Interest expense	-3,852	-4,049
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	51,815	43,126
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	3,784	1,825
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	48,020	33,483
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	5,362	4,843
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	47,327	49,418
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,582	-8,580
Operating Segments [Member] | Geoconstruction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	20,092	15,744
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	737
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	342	-930
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	23,306	29,488
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	-108	-66
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,321	-3,799
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,791	2,828
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-968	-726
Operating Segments [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	4,253	3,943
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	365	120
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	-4,241	-3,641
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-11,096	-15,011
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,236
Interest expense	($3,852)	($4,049)

Operating_Segments_Additional_

Operating Segments - Additional Financial Information for Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$194,363	$174,389
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	181,138	154,034
Africa / Australia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	4,090	5,292
South America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,910	3,684
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,661	10,614
Other foreign [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	564	765
Water systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	52,509	44,429
Water treatment technologies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,710	3,799
Sewer rehabilitation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	48,020	33,483
Water and wastewater plant construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	33,723	32,043
Pipeline construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,190	13,461
Soil stabilization [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	20,562	16,602
Environmental and specialty drilling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,383	1,691
Exploration drilling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	21,064	26,675
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$3,202	$2,206

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
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	$0.90
Cash proceeds from sale agreement of discontinued operation	0.5
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations	-0.8
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		-38.3
Due date of unpaid balance of purchase price		31-Jul-24
Purchase price for discontinued operation		4.4
Estimated value of equipment acquired related to discontinued operation		2.1
Remaining intercompany receivable due assigned as part of the transaction related to discontinued operation		$1.30
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%

Discontinued_Operations_Financ

Discontinued Operations - Financial Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenues	$16,851
Income before income taxes	1,777
Income tax expense	-465
Net income from discontinued operations	$1,312

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
IRS penalty	$8
Payment receivable from agency	$6

Restructuring_Costs_Additional

Restructuring Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Accrued liability for costs associated with restructuring	$0.80	$1

Restructuring_Costs_Schedule_o

Restructuring Costs - Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	$190
Total	2,888
From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	2,888
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	46
Total	481
Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	481
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	19
Total	19
Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	19
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	41
Total	95
Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	95
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	21
Total	1,424
Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	1,424
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	17
Total	106
Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	106
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	46
Total	763
Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	763
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	46
Total	426
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	426
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	19
Total	19
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Inliner [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	19
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	41
Total	95
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Heavy Civil [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	95
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	19
Total	219
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	219
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	17
Total	106
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Energy Services [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	106
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	46
Total	763
Severance and other personnel-related costs [Member] | Unallocated Corporate Expenses [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	763
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Total	55
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Water Resources [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	55
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	2
Total	1,205
Other Restructuring [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Mineral Services [Member] | From inception till date [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Incurred	$1,205

Relocation_Additional_Informat

Relocation - Additional Information (Detail) (Employee Relocation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Employee Relocation [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring activities	$0.20	$0.50

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Geoconstruction [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	20-May-15
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of business segment definitive agreement date	20-May-15
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price for discontinued operation		$34.50
Estimated working capital		5
Sale price held in escrow		2.5
Term of contract		Layne will share in the profit or loss for one of the contracts being assumed by Keller
Maximum [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Increase in sale price due to share in profit		5
Decrease in sale price due to share in loss		$1.50