Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 102,510	$ 103,680
Cost of sales	70,744	68,764
Gross profit	31,766	34,916
Research and development expenses	4,972	4,236
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,262	9,746
Operating income	16,532	20,934
Other (expense), net	(79)	(198)
Income before income taxes	16,453	20,736
Income taxes	5,419	6,742
Net income	11,034	13,994
Net (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(4)	(9)
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	11,038	14,003
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.38
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.38
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.12
Comprehensive income:
Net income	11,034	13,994
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	74	(54)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $14 and $16, respectively	24	30
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	98	(24)
Comprehensive income	11,132	13,970
Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4)	(9)
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 11,136	$ 13,979