Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011		Jan. 31, 2010
Net sales	$ 381,511	$ 314,708		$ 237,782
Cost of sales	265,319	223,279		169,930
Gross profit	116,192	91,429		67,852
Research and development expenses	9,724	7,604		5,843
Selling, general and administrative expenses	30,827	24,073		18,789
Gain on disposition of assets	0	(451)		0
Operating income	75,641	60,203	[1]	43,220
Other income (expense), net	57	79		102
Income before income taxes	75,698	60,282		43,322
Income taxes	25,063	19,745		14,748
Net income	50,635	40,537		28,574
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	66	0		0
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	50,569	40,537		28,574
Net income per common share:
Basic	$ 2.79	$ 2.24		$ 1.58
Diluted	$ 2.77	$ 2.24		$ 1.58
Comprehensive income:
Net income	50,635	40,537		28,574
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(38)	127		179
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax of $432, $25, and $122, respectively	(804)	(46)		(226)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(842)	81		(47)
Comprehensive income	49,793	40,618		28,527
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	66	0		0
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	49,727	40,618		28,527
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (842)	$ 81		$ (47)

[1] Includes a $451 pre-tax gain on disposition of assets.