Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement Line Items [Line Items] Statement Entity Registrant Name Entity File Number Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Annual Report Document Transition Report Document Period End Date Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Amendment Flag Trading Symbol Title of 12(b) Security Security Exchange Name Entity Interactive Data Current Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Small Business Consolidated Balance Sheets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Current Held-to-maturity short-term investments Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current Available-for-sale short-term investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,190 at April 30, 2020 and $1,041 at April 30, 2019 Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable Unbilled receivables and retentions (inclusive of related party unbilled receivables of $15,779 at April 30, 2020 and $9,028 at April 30, 2019) Inventory, Net Inventories Inventories, net Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable Assets, Current Total current assets Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Noncurrent Held-to-maturity long-term investments Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale long-term investments Fair value Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating lease right-of-use assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangibles, net Intangibles, net Goodwill Goodwill 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 Customer Advances, Current Customer advances Operating Lease, Liability, Current Current operating lease liabilities Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Deferred rent Deferred rent liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Non-current operating lease liabilities 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 April 30, 2020 and April 30, 2019 Common Stock, Value, Issued Issued and outstanding shares-24,063,639 shares at April 30, 2020 and 23,946,293 shares at April 30, 2019 Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance, net of $0 deferred taxes, as of January 25, 2020 Balance, net of $0 deferred taxes, as of April 30, 2019 Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total AeroVironment, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance 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 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 Operations Revenues [Abstract] Revenue: Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost of sales: Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of sales Gross Profit: Gross margin: Gross Profit Total gross margin Gross margin Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Research and Development Expense Research and development Operating Income (Loss) Income from continuing operations Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income: Investment Income, Interest Interest income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Total income tax expense (benefit) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Losses from equity method investments Equity method investment loss, net of tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income 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 (Loss) gain on sale of business, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(76) and $2,444 for the year ended April 30, 2020 and April 30, 2019, respectively Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, 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 (loss) income from discontinued operations Discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income Net income 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 attributable to AeroVironment Net income (loss) per share attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.-Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net (loss) income per share attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.--Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic, continuing (in dollars per share) Net (loss) income per share attributable to AeroVironment from continuing operations-basic 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 per share attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.-Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income (loss) per share attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.-Diluted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted, continuing (in dollars per share) Net (loss) income per share attributable to AeroVironment from continuing operations-diluted 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 per share attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.-Diluted 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 Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Denominator for diluted (loss) earnings per share Related party revenue 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 $14, $51 and $25 for the fiscal years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively Unrealized gain on investments Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to AeroVironment, Inc. 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 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Shares, Issued Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Adoption of ASU Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options exercised (in shares) Stock options exercised (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted stock awards forfeited (in shares) Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Tax withholding payment related to net share settlement of equity awards Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Tax withholding payment related to net share settlement of equity awards (in shares) Represents the adjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from a reclassification from share-based liability compensation to equity during the period. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Reclassification from Share Based Liability Compensation to Equity Reclassification from share-based liability compensation to equity Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Operating activities Amount after tax of gain (loss) not previously recognized resulting from the disposal of a discontinued operation. Discontinued Operations, Gain On Sale Of Business, Net Of Tax Loss (gain) on sale of business, net of tax Definition: Amount after tax of income (loss) from a discontinued operation including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Includes, but is not limited to, the income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and adjustments to a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Discontinued Operations, Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Realized gain from sale of available-for-sale investments Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment loss Impairment of long-lived assets Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for doubtful accounts Amount of impairment loss resulting from write-down of assets, including financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit to fair value. Impairment of Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other non-cash gain, net Amount of cash outflow from operating lease and non cash lease expense Non Cash Lease Expense Non-cash lease expense Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Loss (gain) 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 Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment (Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Amortization of debt securities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 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 Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Equity method investments Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Business acquisition, net of cash acquired Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of business Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 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 Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of available-for-sale investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by (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 Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities Payment of contingent consideration 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 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 used in discontinued operations