Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 98,058	$ 102,684	$ 196,236	$ 213,813
Cost of sales	66,720	68,076	129,832	139,207
Gross profit	31,338	34,608	66,404	74,606
Research and development expenses	7,067	6,151	14,338	11,436
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	13,701	11,828	26,375	25,010
Operating income	10,570	16,629	25,691	38,160
Other income (expense), net	383	(139)	314	5,540
Income before income taxes	10,953	16,490	26,005	43,700
Income tax expense	2,187	2,769	4,029	7,832
Net income	8,766	13,721	21,976	35,868
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0	44	0	56
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 8,766	$ 13,677	$ 21,976	$ 35,812
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.38	$ 0.61	$ 1.00
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.38	$ 0.60	$ 0.98
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income	$ 8,766	$ 13,721	$ 21,976	$ 35,868
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	1	(357)	(303)	(837)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $3, $2, $7, and $4 respectively	(13)	(6)	(25)	(12)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12)	(363)	(328)	(849)
Comprehensive income (loss)	8,754	13,358	21,648	35,019
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	44	0	56
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 8,754	$ 13,314	$ 21,648	$ 34,963