Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Net sales	$ 406,175	$ 381,511	$ 314,708
Cost of sales	278,502	265,319	223,279
Gross profit	127,673	116,192	91,429
Research and development expenses	13,367	9,724	7,604
Selling, general and administrative expenses	36,614	30,827	24,073
Gain on disposition of assets	0	0	(451)
Operating income	77,692	75,641	60,203
Other income (expense), net	(46)	57	79
Income before income taxes	77,646	75,698	60,282
Income taxes	25,091	25,063	19,745
Net income	52,555	50,635	40,537
Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	10	66	0
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	52,545	50,569	40,537
Net income per common share:
Basic	$ 1.45	$ 1.40	$ 1.12
Diluted	$ 1.44	$ 1.39	$ 1.12
Comprehensive income:
Net income	52,555	50,635	40,537
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(3)	(38)	127
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax of $70, $432, and $25, respectively	(130)	(804)	(46)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(133)	(842)	81
Comprehensive income	52,422	49,793	40,618
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	10	66	0
Comprehensive income	52,412	49,727	40,618
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (133)	$ (842)	$ 81