Balance Sheet - Seismic Equipment Lease Pool and Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment:
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, gross	$ 248,272	$ 251,408
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(141,641)	(131,800)
Total seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, net	106,631	119,608
Seismic Equipment Lease Pool [Member]
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment:
Seismic equipment lease pool	238,164	241,395
Land and Buildings [Member]
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment:
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, gross	366	366
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment:
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, gross	8,943	8,899
Autos and Trucks [Member]
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment:
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, gross	$ 799	$ 748