Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition Policy (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	The Company did, however, evaluate and update its revenue recognition policy to reflect characteristics of contracts entered into by its subsidiary, Vista Research, Inc. (Vista) acquired in January 2012. Raven recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and has been earned. Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and shipment or delivery has occurred (depending on the terms of the sale). The Company sells directly to customers or distributors who incur the expense and commitment for any post-sale obligations beyond stated warranty terms. Estimated returns, sales allowances or warranty charges are recognized upon shipment of a product. The Company recognizes revenue on certain long-term, service-related contracts under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, whereby contract revenues are recognized on a pro-rata basis based upon the ratio of costs incurred compared to total estimated contract costs. Losses estimated to be incurred upon completion of contracts are charged to operations when they become known.

Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.

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