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, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 104,938	$ 97,011	$ 302,039	$ 316,600
Cost of sales	72,998	67,436	208,448	215,826
Gross profit	31,940	29,575	93,591	100,774
Research and development expenses	3,958	3,498	12,183	10,462
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,850	9,705	29,774	28,101
Operating income	18,132	16,372	51,634	62,211
Other (expense), net	(43)	(56)	(460)	(204)
Income before income taxes	18,089	16,316	51,174	62,007
Income taxes	5,796	5,454	16,550	20,554
Net income	12,293	10,862	34,624	41,453
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	4	3	(1)	5
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	12,289	10,859	34,625	41,448
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.30	$ 0.95	$ 1.14
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.30	$ 0.95	$ 1.13
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.105	$ 0.36	$ 0.315
Comprehensive income:
Net income	12,293	10,862	34,624	41,453
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(53)	41	(170)	(4)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $15, $20, $47 and $61, respectively	30	38	89	114
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(23)	79	(81)	110
Comprehensive income	12,270	10,941	34,543	41,563
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	4	3	(1)	5
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 12,266	$ 10,938	$ 34,544	$ 41,558