Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 94,485	$ 93,421	$ 196,995	$ 197,101
Cost of sales	68,827	66,686	139,571	135,450
Gross profit	25,658	26,735	57,424	61,651
Research and development expenses	4,385	3,989	9,357	8,225
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,577	10,178	20,839	19,924
Operating income	10,696	12,568	27,228	33,502
Other (expense), net	(59)	(219)	(138)	(417)
Income before income taxes	10,637	12,349	27,090	33,085
Income taxes	2,890	4,012	8,309	10,754
Net income	7,747	8,337	18,781	22,331
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	28	4	24	(5)
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	7,719	8,333	18,757	22,336
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.23	$ 0.51	$ 0.61
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.23	$ 0.51	$ 0.61
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.24	$ 0.24
Comprehensive income:
Net income	7,747	8,337	18,781	22,331
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(199)	(63)	(125)	(117)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $12, $16 $26 and $32, respectively	26	29	50	59
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	(173)	(34)	(75)	(58)
Comprehensive income	7,574	8,303	18,706	22,273
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	28	4	24	(5)
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 7,546	$ 8,299	$ 18,682	$ 22,278