Special Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Disclosure Special Charges Additional Information [Abstract]
Accrued Special Charges	$ 7,679	$ 7,846
Accrued Special Charges Noncurrent	496
Percentage of termination benefit paid during the period	41.00%
Accrued Special Charges Current	$ 7,183

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with employee terminations, expenses related to certain litigation, expenses incurred related to acquisitions, excess facility costs, and other asset related charges.

No definition available.

Name:	ment_AccruedSpecialCharges
Namespace Prefix:	ment_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant