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, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 93,421	$ 101,674	$ 197,101	$ 219,589
Cost of sales	66,686	71,610	135,450	148,390
Gross profit	26,735	30,064	61,651	71,199
Research and development expenses	3,989	3,564	8,225	6,964
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,178	9,093	19,924	18,396
Operating income	12,568	17,407	33,502	45,839
Other (expense), net	(219)	(96)	(417)	(148)
Income before income taxes	12,349	17,311	33,085	45,691
Income taxes	4,012	5,743	10,754	15,100
Net income	8,337	11,568	22,331	30,591
Net (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	4	22	(5)	2
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	8,333	11,546	22,336	30,589
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.32	$ 0.61	$ 0.84
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.32	$ 0.61	$ 0.84
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.105	$ 0.24	$ 0.21
Comprehensive income:
Net income	8,337	11,568	22,331	30,591
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(63)	(68)	(117)	(45)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax expense of $16, $20, $32 and $41, respectively	29	38	59	76
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(34)	(30)	(58)	31
Comprehensive income	8,303	11,538	22,273	30,622
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	4	22	(5)	2
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 8,299	$ 11,516	$ 22,278	$ 30,620