Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 112,486	$ 86,496
Cost of sales	72,500	58,029
Gross profit	39,986	28,467
Research and development expenses	11,462	10,505
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	16,951	14,023
Operating income	11,573	3,939
Other income (expense), net	30	(468)
Income before income taxes	11,603	3,471
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,983	(478)
Net income	9,620	3,949
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	(98)
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	$ 9,620	$ 4,047
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.11
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.11
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 9,620	$ 3,949
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	2,344	(2,579)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(5) and $1, respectively	20	(3)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,364	(2,582)
Comprehensive income	11,984	1,367
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	(98)
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.	11,984	1,465
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax	$ (5)	$ 1