Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 97,011	$ 93,300	$ 316,600	$ 285,185
Cost of sales	67,436	66,046	215,826	196,865
Gross profit	29,575	27,254	100,774	88,320
Research and development expenses	3,498	2,499	10,462	7,116
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,705	7,880	28,101	22,122
Operating income	16,372	16,875	62,211	59,082
Other (expense), net	(56)	(4)	(204)	(93)
Income before income taxes	16,316	16,871	62,007	58,989
Income taxes	5,454	5,473	20,554	19,414
Net income	10,862	11,398	41,453	39,575
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	3	8	5	8
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	10,859	11,390	41,448	39,567
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.31	$ 1.14	$ 1.09
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.31	$ 1.13	$ 1.09
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.105	$ 0.090	$ 0.315	$ 0.270
Comprehensive income:
Net income	10,862	11,398	41,453	39,575
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	41	(145)	(4)	15
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax expense of $20, $11, $61 and $33, respectively	38	21	114	62
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	79	(124)	110	77
Comprehensive income	10,941	11,274	41,563	39,652
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3	8	5	8
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 10,938	$ 11,266	$ 41,558	$ 39,644