NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARGAN (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2023	Jan. 31, 2022	Jan. 31, 2021
NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARGAN
Net income	$ 33,098	$ 38,244	$ 23,851
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic	14,083	15,715	15,668
Effects of stock awards	93	198	157
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted	14,176	15,913	15,825
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.35	$ 2.43	$ 1.52
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.33	$ 2.40	$ 1.51