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, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 11,038	$ 14,003
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	36,425,706	36,335,870
Weighted average stock units outstanding (in shares)	71,711	57,255
Denominator for basic calculation (in shares)	36,497,417	36,393,125
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	36,425,706	36,335,870
Weighted average stock units outstanding (in shares)	71,711	57,255
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted units (in shares)	230,906	198,322
Denominator for diluted calculation (in shares)	36,728,323	36,591,447
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.38
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.38