Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 67,598	$ 67,518	$ 135,958	$ 137,791
Cost of sales	48,683	49,660	96,926	99,574
Gross profit	18,915	17,858	39,032	38,217
Research and development expenses	3,915	3,216	8,324	6,752
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	8,304	8,213	15,962	17,822
Operating income	6,696	6,429	14,746	13,643
Other (expense), net	(209)	(266)	(306)	(310)
Income before income taxes	6,487	6,163	14,440	13,333
Income taxes	1,993	1,942	4,427	4,251
Net income	4,494	4,221	10,013	9,082
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(1)	30	1	36
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 4,495	$ 4,191	$ 10,012	$ 9,046
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.12	$ 0.11000	$ 0.28	$ 0.24
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.12	0.11000	0.28	0.24
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.13	$ 0.26000	$ 0.26000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 4,494	$ 4,221	$ 10,013	$ 9,082
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(265)	(105)	347	(174)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $1, $62, $2, and $33, respectively	(2)	146	(4)	201
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(267)	41	343	27
Comprehensive income	4,227	4,262	10,356	9,109
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1)	30	1	36
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 4,228	$ 4,232	$ 10,355	$ 9,073