Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 117,915	$ 101,541
Cost of sales	76,780	68,605
Gross profit	41,135	32,936
Research and development expenses	3,400	2,243
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,303	7,160
Operating income	28,432	23,533
Other income (expense), net	(52)	(13)
Income before income taxes	28,380	23,520
Income taxes	9,357	7,804
Net income	19,023	15,716
Net (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(20)	0
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	19,043	15,716
Net income per common share:
Basic	$ 1.05	$ 0.87
Diluted	$ 1.04	$ 0.86
Cash dividends paid per common share	$ 0.21	$ 0.18
Comprehensive income:
Net income	19,023	15,716
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	23	139
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax of $20 and 15, respectively	38	29
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	61	168
Comprehensive income	19,084	15,884
Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(20)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 19,104	$ 15,884