Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 68,360	$ 70,273
Cost of sales	48,684	49,914
Gross profit	19,676	20,359
Research and development expenses	4,409	3,536
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	7,660	9,609
Operating income	7,607	7,214
Other (expense), net	(97)	(44)
Income before income taxes	7,510	7,170
Income taxes	1,985	2,309
Net income	5,525	4,861
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	2	6
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 5,523	$ 4,855
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.13000
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.15	0.13000
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 5,525	$ 4,861
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	612	(69)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(1) and $29, respectively	(2)	55
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	610	(14)
Comprehensive income	6,135	4,847
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	6
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 6,133	$ 4,841