Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 103,680	$ 117,915
Cost of sales	68,764	76,780
Gross profit	34,916	41,135
Research and development expenses	4,236	3,400
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,746	9,303
Operating income	20,934	28,432
Other (expense), net	(198)	(52)
Income before income taxes	20,736	28,380
Income taxes	6,742	9,357
Net income	13,994	19,023
Net (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(9)	(20)
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	14,003	19,043
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.52
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.52
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.105
Comprehensive income:
Net income	13,994	19,023
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(54)	23
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax expense of $16 and $20, respectively	30	38
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(24)	61
Comprehensive income	13,970	19,084
Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9)	(20)
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 13,979	$ 19,104