Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies - Unaudited Pro forma consolidated condensed financial results of operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma net sales	$ 408,906	$ 431,917
Pro forma net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 34,424	$ 45,747
Pro forma earnings per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.90	$ 1.20
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.90	$ 1.20