Net Income per Share Schedule of calculation of numerator and denominator in earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 19,043	$ 15,716
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,122	18,075
Weighted average stock units outstanding	25	27
Denominator for basic calculation	18,147	18,102
Weighted average common shares outstanding	18,122	18,075
Weighted average stock units outstanding	25	27
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted units	114	110
Denominator for diluted calculation	18,261	18,212
Net income per share - basic	$ 1.05	$ 0.87
Net income per share - diluted	$ 1.04	$ 0.86

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

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