Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 100,533	$ 104,833	$ 296,769	$ 318,646
Cost of sales	70,229	72,180	200,061	211,387
Gross profit	30,304	32,653	96,708	107,259
Research and development expenses	7,662	6,478	22,000	17,914
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	11,310	12,563	37,685	37,573
Operating income	11,332	13,612	37,023	51,772
Other income (expense), net	84	674	398	6,214
Income before income taxes	11,416	14,286	37,421	57,986
Income tax expense	1,483	1,230	5,512	9,062
Net income	9,933	13,056	31,909	48,924
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(1)	24	(1)	80
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 9,934	$ 13,032	$ 31,910	$ 48,844
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.36	$ 0.89	$ 1.36
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.36	$ 0.88	$ 1.34
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income	$ 9,933	$ 13,056	$ 31,909	$ 48,924
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	(40)	(325)	(343)	(1,162)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit of $4, $2, $11, and $6 respectively	(12)	(6)	(37)	(18)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(52)	(331)	(380)	(1,180)
Comprehensive income (loss)	9,881	12,725	31,529	47,744
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1)	24	(1)	80
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	9,882	12,701	31,530	47,664
Other comprehensive income, postretirement benefits, income tax (expense) benefit	$ 4	$ 2	$ 11	$ 6