Net Income per Share (Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 14,003	$ 19,043
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	36,335,870	36,244,659
Weighted average stock units outstanding (in shares)	57,255	49,169
Denominator for basic calculation (in shares)	36,393,125	36,293,828
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	36,335,870	36,244,659
Weighted average stock units outstanding (in shares)	57,255	49,169
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted units (in shares)	198,322	228,560
Denominator for diluted calculation (in shares)	36,591,447	36,522,388
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.52
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.52