Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement Line Items [Line Items] Statement Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Short-term Investments Short-term investments Total held-to-maturity and short-term investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,033 at July 28, 2018 and $1,080 at April 30, 2018 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,080 at April 30, 2018 Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable Unbilled receivables and retentions (inclusive of related party unbilled receivables of $9,504 at July 28, 2018 and $3,145 at April 30, 2018) Unbilled receivables and retentions (inclusive of related party unbilled receivables of $3,145 at April 30, 2018) Inventory, Net Inventories, net Inventories, net Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Total current assets classified as discontinued operations Assets, Current Total current assets Long-term Investments Long-term investments Total long-term investments Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Wages and related accruals Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Customer Advances, Current Customer advances Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Current liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Deferred rent Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent Liability for uncertain tax positions Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Authorized shares—10,000,000; none issued or outstanding at July 28, 2018 and April 30, 2018 Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: Authorized shares—10,000,000; none issued or outstanding at April 30, 2018 Common Stock, Value, Issued Issued and outstanding shares—23,923,342 shares at July 28, 2018 and 23,908,736 at April 30, 2018 Common stock, $0.0001 par value: Authorized shares—100,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares—23,908,736 at April 30, 2018 Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive loss balance as of April 30, 2018 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss balance as of April 30, 2017 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total AeroVironment stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars) Due from Related Parties Unbilled related party receivables Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, Authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued shares Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, Authorized shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, Issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, outstanding shares CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Revenues [Abstract] Revenue: Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue Revenues Total revenue Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost of sales: Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of sales Gross Profit: Gross margin: Gross Profit Gross margin Total gross margin Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Research and Development Expense Research and development Operating Income (Loss) Income (loss) from continuing operations Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income: Investment Income, Interest Interest income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss from equity method investments Equity method investment activity, net of tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Discontinued operations: Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Gain on sale of business, net of tax expense Gain on sale of business, net of tax expense of $2,577 Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Net loss from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) from discontinued operations Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Amount Of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) attributable to AeroVironment Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income (loss) per share attributable to AeroVironment - Basic (Loss) Earnings Per Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic, continuing (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic, discontinuing (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income (loss) per share attributable to AeroVironment - Basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted, continuing (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted, discontinued (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income (loss) per share attributable to AeroVironment - Diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Denominator for basic (loss) earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Weighted-average common shares outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Denominator for diluted (loss) earnings per share (in shares) Revenue from Related Parties Revenue Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal Tax expense CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $51 and $4, respectively Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $4 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to AeroVironment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unrealized gain, tax portion Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Asset Impairment Charges Impairment of long-lived assets Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for doubtful accounts Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Gains on foreign currency transactions The noncash component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Deferred Income Tax Noncash Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Amortization of held-to-maturity investments Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable This element represents the net change during the reporting period in the amount of unbilled receivables and retentions. Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions Unbilled receivables and retentions Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Income tax receivable Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Investing activities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of property and equipment Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of business Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Held-to-maturity Securities Redemptions of held-to-maturity investments Payments to Acquire Held-to-maturity Securities Purchases of held-to-maturity investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Redemptions of available-for-sale investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Financing activities Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Principal payments of capital lease obligations Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Tax withholding payment related to net settlement of equity awards Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Investing activities of discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash (refunds) paid, net during the period for: Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Income tax refund Income Taxes Paid Income taxes Income taxes Non-cash activities Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $51 and $4, respectively Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $4 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Share-based Liabilities Paid Reclassification from share-based liability compensation to equity Non cash or Part of non cash change in foreign currency translation adjustments. Non Cash or Part of Non Cash Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Change in foreign currency translation adjustments The amount of fixed assets included in accounts payable that an Entity acquires in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition Fixed Assets Acquired Included In Accounts Payable Acquisitions of property and equipment included in accounts payable Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Unrealized change in fair value on long-term investments recorded in other comprehensive income loss, net of tax expenses (benefit) Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Inventories, net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories, net Equity Method Investments Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Method Investments Warranty Reserves Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block] Warranty Reserves Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangibles Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Reclassifications Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Reclassifications Customer-Funded Research & Development Research and Development Research, Development, and Computer Software Disclosure [Text Block] Customer-Funded Research & Development No definition available. Long-Term Incentive Awards. Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Share Repurchase Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Share Repurchase Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure Text Block [Abstract] Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Legal Settlements Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Impact of Adoption of New Accounting Standards Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segments Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Disclosure of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards that may impact the entity's financial reporting. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Values of Financial Instruments Government Contractors, Policy [Policy Text Block] Government Contracts New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue by category Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of basic to diluted shares Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of statements of operations data for the EES Business Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component. Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet [TextBlock] Major classes of assets and liabilities Investment Holdings [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Heldtomaturity Securities [Member] Held to maturity securities Availableforsale Securities [Member] Available-for-sale securities Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction rate securities Investment Holdings [Line Items] Investments Summary Investment Holdings [Table Text Block] Schedule of investments Held-to-maturity Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventories Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Summary of warranty reserve activity Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of intangibles Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue Recognition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's continuing operations undistributed earnings or deficit. Retained Earnings Continuing Operations (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings, continuing operations Revenue, Practical Expedient, Initial Application and Transition, Nondisclosure of Transaction Price Allocation to Remaining Performance Obligation [true/false] Revenue, Practical Expedient, Incremental Cost of Obtaining Contract [true/false] Revenue, Practical Expedient, Initial Application and Transition, Completed Contract, Same Reporting Period [true/false] Percentage of remaining performance obligation to total remaining performance obligation not recognized as revenue. Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Remaining performance obligations (as a percentage) Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Remaining performance obligations Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Performance Obligations Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Year of performance obligations Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of revenue Represents number of active contracts. Number Of Active Contracts Number of active contracts Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract] Contract Balances Contract with Customer, Liability No definition available. Government Contracts [Abstract] Government Contracts Represents the reserves for incurred cost claim audits. Reserves for Incurred Cost Claim Audits Reserves for incurred cost claim audits Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Numerator for basic earnings per share: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Continuing operations attributable to AeroVironment Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of employee stock options and unvested restricted stock (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Number of shares reserved for issuance that are anti-dilutive Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Cash consideration received Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Gain on sale of business Refers to the number of remaining contracts. Number Of Remaining Contracts Number of remaining contracts Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Statement of operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Net Sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Cost of sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss) Gross margin Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Amount of research and development expense attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Research And Development Research and development Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Income Other income, net Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Benefit for income taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Balance Sheet Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $139 at April 30, 2018 and $187 at April 30, 2017 Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Inventories, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Property and equipment, current net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Total assets classified as discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Wages and related accruals Amount classified as customer advances attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Customer Advances, Current Customer advances Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations Municipal Bonds [Member] Municipal securities U S Government Debt Securities [Member] U.S. government securities Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Corporate bonds Certificates Of Deposit [Member] Certificates of deposit Short-term Investments [Abstract] Short-term investments: Long-term Investments [Abstract] Long-term investments: Held-to-maturity Securities, Unclassified [Abstract] Held To Maturity Securities Held-to-maturity Securities. Amortized Cost Total Amount of accumulated unrealized gains on investments in debt securities classified as held-to-maturity. Held To Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Gains Amount of accumulated unrealized losses on investments in debt securities classified as held-to-maturity. Held To Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Losses Gross Unrealized Losses Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Net Carrying Amount [Abstract] Amortized cost of held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity Carrying amount of debt securities accounted for as held-to-maturity, net of adjustments, including but not limited to, accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) recognized, and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, maturing in the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Held to Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Next Rolling Twelve Months Net Carrying Amount Due within one year Carrying amount of debt securities accounted for as held-to-maturity, net of adjustments, including but not limited to, accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments (OTTI) recognized, and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, maturing in the second rolling twelve months through the fifth rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Held-to-maturity Securities Debt Maturities Rolling Year Two Through Five Net Carrying Amount Due after one year through five years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Fair value of held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Due within one year Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum Maximum [Member] Maximum Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Number of available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract] Available For Sale Securities Represents the maturity period of available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale Securities Maturity Period Maturity period of available-for-sale securities Represents the pre-determined interval to reset interest rates to current rates. Available-for-sale Securities Predetermined Interval to Reset Interest Rate Pre-determined interval to reset interest rates to current rates Represents the period for which the issuer of securities is not required to redeem the securities. Period for which Issuer is Not Required to Redeem Investments Period for which the issuer of securities is not required to redeem the securities Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-For-Sale Securities Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Amount before tax of unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale. Available For Sale Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Losses Before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Total Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Reconciliation between beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total gains (realized or unrealized) included in other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) Purchases, issuances and settlements, net Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories, net Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Work in process Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Gross Inventories, gross Inventory Valuation Reserves Reserve for inventory excess and obsolescence Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Payments for purchase of interest The option to increase percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity Method Investment, Option To Increase Ownership Percentage Option to increase its ownership percentage Equity Method Investments. Carrying value of investment Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Warranty Reserves Standard Product Warranty Accrual Ending balance Beginning balance Represents the aggregate of (i) the increase in the liability for accruals related to standard product warranties issued during the reporting period and (ii) the increase or decrease in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to pre-existing standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates). Does not include any increase in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Standard Product Warranty Accrual Warranties Issued and Preexisting Increase (Decrease) Warranty expense Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Preexisting, Increase (Decrease) Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Warranty costs settled Product Warranty Liability [Table] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Represents the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), a segment of the entity. Unmanned Aircraft Systems [Member] UAS Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change In Accounting Estimate Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Warranty Obligations [Member] Warranty reserve. Product Warranty Liability [Line Items] Warranty Reserves Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Licensing Agreements [Member] Licenses Customer Relationships [Member] Customer relationships Trademarks And Trade Names [Member] Trademarks and tradenames Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangibles [Line Items] Intangibles Intangibles, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Less accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangibles, net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain Loss [Member] Available-For-Sale Securities. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of $0 taxes Amount net of taxes of other comprehensive income (loss) unrealized. Unrealized gains, net of $23 of taxes Unrealized gains, net of $25 of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Change in foreign currency translation adjustments Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items] Contracts to perform R&D activities to customer specifications Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Compensation Earned Revenue from customer funded research and development Stock-Based Compensation Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Refers to Fiscal 2019 LTIP. Fiscal2019 Ltip [Member] Fiscal 2019 LTIP Refers to the Fiscal 2018 LTIP. Fiscal2018 Ltip [Member] Fiscal 2018 LTIP Refers to Fiscal 2017 LTIP. Fiscal2017 Ltip [Member] Fiscal 2017 LTIP Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance Shares [Member] Performance based restricted stock units Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] n/a Share Based Compensation Award One Hundred Percent [Member] 100% Vested na Share Based Compensation Award Fifty Percent [Member] 50% Vested na Share Based Compensation Award Two Hundred Percent [Member] 200% Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting (as a percentage) Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Exercisable period from grant date Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (as a percent) Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense for remeasurement of deferred tax asset from change in tax rate pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Deferred tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective tax benefit rate (as a percent) Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Exess tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Decrease in effective tax rate Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares repurchased and retired Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Share authorized for future repurchases Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Long-Term Incentive Awards Maximum net value to to design and build prototype solar powered high altitude aircrafts and ground control stations for HAPSMobile and conduct low altitude and high altitude flight tests of the prototype aircrafts. Maximum Net Value For Test Maximum net value Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products And Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Product [Member] Product sales Assistance, including, but not limited to, technology, license and maintenance, license and service, maintenance, oil and gas, and financial service. Service [Member] Contract services Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Represents information pertaining to Altoy Savunma Sanayi ve Havacilik Anonim Sirketi ("Altoy"), a Turkish corporation. Altoy Savunma Sanayi Ve Havacilik Anonim Sirketi [Member] Altoy Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type Of Adoption [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update201409 [Member] ASU 2014-09 Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference Between Revenue Guidance In Effect Before And After Topic606 [Member] Effect of the Adoption of ASC Topic 606 Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] NA Small Uas [Member] Small UAS NA Tms [Member] TMS NA Haps [Member] HAPS NA Other [Member] Other Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Contract With Customer Basis Of Pricing [Domain] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] NA Ffp [Member] FFP NA Cpff [Member] CPFF NA T M [Member] T&M Customer [Axis] Name Of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] NA U.s. Goverment [Member] U.S. Government NA Non U.s. Government [Member] Non-U.S. Government Geographical [Axis] Segment Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Geographic Distribution Domestic [Member] Geographic Distribution, Domestic [Member] NA Geographic Distribution International [Member] Geographic Distribution International Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Refers to EES Business. Ees Business [Member] EES Business NA Holdback [Member] Holdback Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations Disposed Of By Sale [Member] Disposed of by sale Segment Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Refers to 'the Company' AeroVironment. Aerovironment [Member] AeroVironment Represents the information pertaining to HAPSMobile. Hapsmobile [Member] HAPSMobile Counterparty Name [Axis] Repurchase Agreement Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Represents the information pertaining to SoftBank. Softbank [Member] SoftBank Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other assets, long term Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity method investment activity, net of tax Scenario [Axis] Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario Forecast [Member] Expected Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Represents the information pertaining to design and development agreement. Design And Development Agreement [Member] Design and Development Agreement Calculated Under Revenue Guidance In Effect Before Topic606 [Member] As Reported