Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 101,674	$ 90,344	$ 219,589	$ 191,885
Cost of sales	71,610	62,214	148,390	130,819
Gross profit	30,064	28,130	71,199	61,066
Research and development expenses	3,564	2,374	6,964	4,617
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,093	7,082	18,396	14,242
Operating income	17,407	18,674	45,839	42,207
Other (expense), net	(96)	(76)	(148)	(89)
Income before income taxes	17,311	18,598	45,691	42,118
Income taxes	5,743	6,137	15,100	13,941
Net income	11,568	12,461	30,591	28,177
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	22	0	2	0
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	11,546	12,461	30,589	28,177
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.34	$ 0.84	$ 0.78
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.34	$ 0.84	$ 0.77
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.105	$ 0.09	$ 0.21	$ 0.18
Comprehensive income:
Net income	11,568	12,461	30,591	28,177
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(68)	21	(45)	160
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax expense of $20, $7, $41 and 22, respectively	38	12	76	41
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(30)	33	31	201
Comprehensive income	11,538	12,494	30,622	28,378
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	22	0	2	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 11,516	$ 12,494	$ 30,620	$ 28,378