Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 91,292	$ 104,938	$ 288,287	$ 302,039
Cost of sales	66,953	72,998	206,524	208,448
Gross profit	24,339	31,940	81,763	93,591
Research and development expenses	4,318	3,958	13,675	12,183
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,862	9,850	30,701	29,774
Operating income	10,159	18,132	37,387	51,634
Other (expense), net	(72)	(43)	(210)	(460)
Income before income taxes	10,087	18,089	37,177	51,174
Income taxes	3,290	5,796	11,599	16,550
Net income	6,797	12,293	25,578	34,624
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	14	4	38	(1)
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	6,783	12,289	25,540	34,625
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.34	$ 0.70	$ 0.95
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.34	$ 0.70	$ 0.95
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.12	$ 0.37	$ 0.36
Comprehensive income:
Net income	6,797	12,293	25,578	34,624
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(463)	(53)	(588)	(170)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $14, $15, $40 and $47, respectively	24	30	74	89
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	(439)	(23)	(514)	(81)
Comprehensive income	6,358	12,270	25,064	34,543
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	14	4	38	(1)
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 6,344	$ 12,266	$ 25,026	$ 34,544