Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity [Domain] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, less allowances of $6,840 and $5,719, respectively Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Companies acquired, net of cash Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Capital surplus Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars) Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of deferred financing fees Asset Impairment Charges Cost of sales - impairment charges Impairment charges Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Bonds [Member] Industrial revenue bond (secured by trust indenture on property, plant and equipment) due August 1, 2018 with floating interest rate, payable monthly Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current maturities of long-term capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Capital lease obligations Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value Derivative Assets Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value Derivative Liabilities Interest Paid Interest paid Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts and trade notes payable Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 100,000 shares; issued 44,896 and 44,986 shares, respectively Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Cost of Goods Sold Cost of products Cost of Services Cost of services Cumulative Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) Cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Financing Arrangements Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Gross Principal amount Face value of long-term recourse debt Repurchased of convertible notes in cash Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized discount Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Financing Arrangements Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Number of derivative financial instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Revenues Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Loss on disposal Loss on disposal of business, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Operating loss Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Revenues and pre-tax operating loss Discontinued Operations Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Earnings from joint ventures Earnings from joint ventures Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based compensation costs Share-based Compensation Amortization of stock-based compensation Equity Method Investments Equity investments Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Membership interest in limited liability companies (as a percent) Repurchased of convertible notes Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Gain (Loss) on Investments Loss on investment Loss on investment Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain on extinguishment of debt Gain on extinguishment of debt Gross Profit Gross profit Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Discontinued operations, net of tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Income tax refunds received Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities Additional shares from the assumed conversion of convertible debt Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Additional shares from the assumed exercise of stock options Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest rate cap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate swap Inventory, Net Inventories Total inventories Investments [Abstract] Components of investment in the wholly-owned aircraft, after consideration of financing Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in joint ventures Land Land Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and equity: Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and equity Line of Credit [Member] Revolving credit facility expiring April 12, 2016 with interest payable monthly (see Note 7) Credit Agreement Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current maturities of recourse debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term recourse debt Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Assumption of noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Mortgages [Member] Mortgage loan (secured by Wood Dale, Illinois facility) due August 1, 2015 with interest at 5.01% Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided from operating activities Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income attributable to AAR available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to AAR Net income Net income Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other assets: Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Notional Amount of Cash Flow Hedge Instruments Notional amount under revolving credit agreement Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Sales from leasing Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, primarily program and overhaul costs Other Assets, Current Deposits, prepaids and other Cash dividends Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued shares Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Proceeds from disposal of business Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Contributions from noncontrolling interest Proceeds from borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from sale of product line Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from disposal of assets Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Proceeds from aircraft joint ventures Proceeds from Short-term Debt Change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Stock option exercises Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $284,385 and $235,098, respectively Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation Investment in aircraft joint ventures Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment expenditures Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Reduction in capital lease obligations Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repayments of Convertible Debt Reduction in equity due to convertible bond repurchases Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Sales Revenue, Net [Abstract] Sales: Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales from products Sales Revenue, Services, Net Sales from services Sales Revenue, Net Total sales Sales Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Summary of recourse and non-recourse debt Business Segment Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segment Information Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Unvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Unvested at the beginning of the period (in shares) Unvested at the end of the period (in shares) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Average remaining amortization period of unearned compensation (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unearned compensation not yet recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Expiration term of awards (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Outstanding at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at the end of the period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected option term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility of common stock (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award [Axis] Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Short-term Borrowings Short-term debt Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current Total current assets Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Repurchase of shares Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Equity or Capital Members' capital Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Assets Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding Management [Member] Board of Directors Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Partnership Interest [Member] Owned Through Joint Ventures Property, plant and equipment, at cost: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Convertible notes payable Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted shares Assets Total assets Investment Income, Interest Interest income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Balance sheet information: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Summarized income statement information Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Assets [Abstract] Assets: Statement [Line Items] Statement Change in unrecognized pension and post retirement costs, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, 4,608 and 5,205 shares at cost, respectively Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share) Earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share) Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Tax benefits from exercise of stock options Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Fair value carrying amount of the Company's interest rate derivatives Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Tax benefits from exercise of stock options Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Tax benefit realized from stock options exercised Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, issued shares Long-term Debt Net carrying amount Debt Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings per share - basic: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per share - diluted: Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Reconciliation of the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive stock options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Earnings per Share Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Parent Company [Member] Wholly-Owned Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term debt: Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligation Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments, by Title of Individual [Axis] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total AAR shareholders' equity Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Loss on sale of investment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Interest Expense, Debt [Abstract] Interest expense Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 250 shares; none issued Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Capital Surplus Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Exercise of stock options and stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised (in shares) Purchased aircraft, parts, engines and components held for sale Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Raw materials and parts Inventory, Raw Materials and Purchased Parts, Net of Reserves Statement Business Segments [Axis] Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net income attributable to AAR available to common shareholders - Diluted Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Add after-tax interest on convertible debt Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and operating expenses: Costs and Expenses Total cost and operating expenses Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Stock options, additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing models to estimate the fair value of each stock option grant Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Tax benefit related to share-based plans Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to AAR and noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to AAR and noncontrolling interest Net income Net income attributable to AAR and noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income attributable to noncontrolling interest Less income attributable to noncontrolling interest Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Basic shares: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted shares: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Balance Balance Accounts Payable, Current Accounts and trade notes payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Coupon interest Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Other Noncurrent Assets Basis of Presentation Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Acquisitions Summary of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Income Taxes Impairment Charges Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental cash flow information Inventory Financing Arrangements Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Impairment Charges Employee Benefit Plans Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of the components of comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of each stock option grant Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted share activity Long-term Debt, Fair Value Estimated fair value of long-term recourse debt Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Allowance for Credit Losses [Text Block] Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of revenues and pre-tax operating loss for the discontinued operation Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Selected financial information for each reportable segment Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Segment [Domain] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Noncurrent Assets Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Discontinued Operations Business Segment Information Subsequent Event Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Sales Supplemental Cash Flow Information Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share information Aircraft Type [Axis] Aircraft Type [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Axis] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Axis] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at the end of the period Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash flow hedges Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Impact of the interest rate swap and interest cap agreement on the condensed consolidated statement of income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Impact of the interest rate swap and interest cap agreement on the condensed consolidated statement of income Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship by Income Statement Location by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Amount of pre-tax loss recorded in earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of pre-tax loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of pre-tax loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value carrying amount of the Company's interest rate derivatives Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location by Derivative Contract Type by Hedging Designation [Table] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Total AAR Shareholders' Equity Parent [Member] Equipment on Long-Term Lease Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Equipment on Long-Term Lease. Cash dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to AAR and noncontrolling interest to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Extraordinary Items Income before provision for income taxes Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of debt discount Amortization of discount Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Notes Receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in certain assets and liabilities: Gain on sale of product line Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Gain on sale of product line Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Earnings from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Discontinued operations, net of tax Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Basic EPS: Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation, net of tax Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Pre-tax operating income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted EPS: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Equity component, net of tax Debt Instrument, Convertible, Interest Expense Interest expense related to convertible notes Debt Instrument, Convertible, Effective Interest Rate Effective interest rate (as a percent) Rotable spares and equipment on or available for short-term lease Equipment on or Available for Short-term Lease Equipment on short-term lease consists of aircraft engines and parts on or available for lease to satisfy customers' immediate short-term requirements. The leases are renewable with fixed terms, which generally vary from one to twelve months. Also includes rotable spares to support aircraft. Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Also includes sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Equipment on long-term lease Equipment on Long-term Lease Equipment on long-term lease consists of aircraft and engines on lease with commercial airlines generally for more than twelve months. Cost of leasing Cost of Leases Total costs related to leasing activities incurred by an entity during the reporting period, which includes primarily depreciation and insurance. Operating income Operating Income (Loss), Including Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Sum of the net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues, and the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Income before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Minority Interest Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest. Rotable spares and equipment on or available for short-term lease Increase (Decrease) in Equipment on or Available for Short-term Lease The net change during the reporting period in the value of equipment on or available for short-term lease for the purpose of rental income. Also includes the net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of rotable spares used to support aircraft. Proceeds from leveraged leases Proceeds from Leveraged Leases The net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change in the beginning and end of period of leverage lease balances. Equipment on long-term lease Increase (Decrease) in Equipment on Long-term Lease The net change during the reporting period in the value of equipment on long-term lease used to generate rental income. Accrued and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities and Taxes on Income The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of expenses incurred but not yet paid and the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Document and Entity Information Reduction in Borrowings Reduction in borrowings The net cash outflow for the repayment of borrowings during the reporting period. Equity portion of bond repurchase Equity Portion of Bond Repurchase Adjustment to additional paid in capital resulting from the reversal of the recognition of convertible bonds as two separate components - a debt component and an equity component, due to the repurchase of the convertible bonds. Bond hedge and warrant activity Bond Hedge and Warrant Activity The effect of bond hedge and warrant activity associated with the repurchase of convertible bonds. Aircraft Portfolio Aircraft Portfolio [Text Block] The entire disclosure for commercial aircraft that are wholly-owned by the entity and owned with joint venture partners. Nonrecourse Long-term Debt, Current Current maturities of non-recourse long-term debt Total of the portions of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of non-recourse long-term debt, which may include notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans, and commercial paper, which are scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Current maturities of non-recourse debt Nonrecourse Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Non-recourse debt Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term non-recourse debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year (current maturities) or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Long-term non-recourse debt Revenue Recognition Aircraft Portfolio Stockholders' Equity Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, as Previously Reported Stockholders' Equity Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, as Previously Reported Balance as reported Balance as reported Other liabilities and deferred income Other Liabilities and Deferred Income Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Also includes the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of unearned revenue or income not otherwise specified in the taxonomy which is expected to be taken into income after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Adoption of convertible debt accounting standard Adoption of Convertible Debt Accounting Standard Adjustment to additional paid in capital resulting from the recognition of convertible debt instruments as two separate components - a debt component and an equity component. This bifurcation may result in a basis difference associated with the liability component that represents a temporary difference for purposes of applying Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The initial recognition of deferred taxes for the tax effect of that temporary difference is as an adjustment to additional paid in capital. Also includes the cumulative effect of initial adoption of new accounting principle on beginning retained earnings, net of tax. This element can be used, generally, for the adjustment to retained earnings of a new accounting principle. Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures, Gross Equipment, furniture and fixtures Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived, depreciable assets commonly used in the production process to produce goods and services and used in offices and stores. Examples include machinery, equipments, desks, chairs, and store fixtures. Gain on Sale of Product Line Gain on Sale of Product Line Gain on Sale of Product Line Disclosure [Text Block] Represents the disclosure related to gain on sale of product line during the reporting period. Revenue Recognition [Text Block] Revenue Recognition This element represents disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. Comprehensive Income Represents the details pertaining to Amsterdam component repair facility. Amsterdam component repair facility Amsterdam Component Repair Facility [Member] Discontinued Operation, Aggregate Carrying Value Aggregate carrying value of the unit Represents the aggregate carrying value of the discontinued operation. Reporting Segments, Number Number of business segments The number of reportable segments of the entity. Represents Aviation Supply Chain, a business segment that deals in a wide variety of new, overhauled and repaired engine and airframe parts and components principally to the commercial aviation market. Aviation Supply Chain Aviation Supply Chain [Member] Represents Government and Defense Services, a business segment that deals in new and overhauled engine and airframe parts and components, customized performance based logistics programs, expeditionary airlift services, aircraft modifications and engineering, design, and integration services to our government and defense customers. Government and Defense Services Government and Defense Services [Member] Represents Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, a business segment that deals in aircraft maintenance, including painting, and the repair and overhaul of landing gear. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Maintenance Repair and Overhaul [Member] Represents Structures and Systems, a business segment that deals in engineering, design and manufacture of containers, pallets and shelters used to support the U.S. military's tactical deployment requirements, complex machined and fabricated parts, components and sub-systems for various aerospace and defense programs and other applications, in-plane cargo loading and handling systems for commercial and military applications and composite products for aviation and industrial use. Structures and Systems Structures and Systems [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Exercisable Commencement Period after Date of Grant Commencement period after the date of grant for the stock options to be exercisable (in years) Represents the commencement period after the date of grant for the stock options to be exercisable. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Vested in Period Total Fair Value Total fair value of stock options vested Represents the total fair value of stock options vested during the reporting period. Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders after adjustments for earnings allocated to participating securities under the two-class method. Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders after adjustments for earnings allocated to participating securities under the two-class method for diluted earnings per share computations. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number of Equal Annual Increments Number of equal annual increments in which stock options are exercisable Represents the number of equal annual increments in which the stock options are exercisable. Schedule of Debt and Equity Components of Convertible Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of the long-term debt and equity component (recorded in capital surplus, net of income tax benefit) of convertible notes Tabular disclosure of the debt and equity components of convertible long-term debt. Schedule of Convertible Note Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest expense associated with the convertible notes Tabular disclosure of the components of interest expense related to convertible notes of the entity. A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under notes payable at an interest rate of 7.22 percent, due in 2012. Note payable due July 19, 2012 with interest at 7.22%, payable monthly Notes Payable 7.22 Percent Due 2012 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under notes payable at an interest rate of 3.5 percent, due in 2015. Note payable due May 1, 2015 with interest at 3.44%, payable monthly Notes Payable 3.5 Percent Due 2015 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under convertible notes payable at an interest rate of 1.625 percent, due in 2014. Convertible notes payable due March 1, 2014 with interest at 1.625% payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 Convertible Notes Payable 1.625 Percent Due 2014 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under convertible notes payable at an interest rate of 2.25 percent, due in 2016. Convertible notes payable due March 1, 2016 with interest at 2.25% payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 Convertible Notes Payable 2.25 Percent Due 2016 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under convertible notes payable at an interest rate of 1.75 percent, due in 2026. Convertible notes payable due February 1, 2026 with interest at 1.75% payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 Convertible Notes Payable 1.75 Percent Due 2026 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under non-recourse notes payable at an interest rate of 7.22 percent, due in 2012. Non-recourse note payable due July 19, 2012 with interest at 7.22% Nonrecourse Notes Payable 7.22 Percent Due 2012 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under non-recourse notes payable at an interest rate of 8.38 percent, due in 2015. Non-recourse note payable due April 3, 2015 with interest at 8.38% Nonrecourse Notes Payable 8.38 Percent Due 2015 [Member] Nonrecourse Long-term Debt Total non-recourse debt Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term non-recourse borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of summarized income statement information of the limited liability companies Tabular disclosure of summarized income statement information of the limited liability companies which are joint ventures of the entity accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of summarized balance sheet information of the limited liability companies Tabular disclosure of summarized balance sheet information of the limited liability companies which are joint ventures of the entity accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Schedule of Aircraft Portfolio [Table Text Block] Table for Aircraft Owned through Joint Ventures relating to aircraft type, year of manufacture, lessee, lease expiration date and expected disposition upon lease expiration Tabular disclosure of the information relating to aircraft type, year of manufacture, lessee, lease expiration date and expected disposition upon lease expiration. Schedule of Aircraft Portfolio [Line Items] Aircraft Portfolio Debt Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information Debt The amount of debt reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Represents the 737-300 type of aircraft, which is wholly-owned by the entity. Aircraft Type 737-300 Aircraft 737 By 300 [Member] Represents the 767-300 type of aircraft, which is owned by the entity with joint venture partners. Aircraft Type 767-300 Aircraft 767 By 300 [Member] Represents the 747-400 type of aircraft, which is owned by the entity with joint venture partners. Aircraft Type 747-400 Aircraft 747 By 400 [Member] Represents the 737-400 type of aircraft, which is owned by the entity with joint venture partners. Aircraft Type 737-400 Aircraft 737 By 400 [Member] Represents the MD83 type of aircraft, which is wholly-owned by the entity. Aircraft Type MD83 Aircraft MD83 [Member] Represents the A320 type of aircraft, which is wholly-owned by the entity. Aircraft Type A320 Aircraft A320 [Member] Represents the CRJ 200 type of aircraft, which is wholly-owned by the entity. Aircraft Type CRJ 200 Aircraft CRJ200 [Member] Represents US Airways, a lessee of the joint ventures. US Airways US Airways [Member] Represents United Airlines, a lessee of the joint ventures. United Airlines United Airlines [Member] Represents Delta Airlines, a lessee of the joint ventures. Delta Airlines Delta Airlines [Member] Represents Small Planet Airlines, a lessee of the joint ventures. Small Planet Airlines Small Planet Airlines [Member] Represents Malaysia Airlines, a lessee of the joint ventures. Malaysia Airlines Malaysia Airlines [Member] Represents Meridiana, a lessee of the joint ventures. Meridiana Meridiana [Member] Represents the property, which is available for lease. Available Available for Lease [Member] Represents Air Canada, a lessee of the entity. Air Canada Air Canada [Member] Represents Air Wisconsin, a lessee of the entity. Air Wisconsin Air Wisconsin [Member] Convertible Debt to be Accounted for Number of Components Number of components into which convertible debt is required to be accounted for Represents the number of components into which convertible debt is required to be accounted for. Schedule of Investment in Wholly Owned Aircraft [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the components of investment in the wholly-owned aircraft, after consideration of financing. Table for Wholly-Qwned Aircraft relating to aircraft type, year of manufacture, lessee, lease expiration date and expected disposition upon lease expiration Lease Expiration Date [Axis] Information pertaining to lease expiration date. Lease Expiration Date [Domain] Details pertaining to lease expiration date. Represents the date of lease expiration in 2012. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2012 Lease Expiration Date 2012 [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in 2016 and 2017. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2016 and 2017 Lease Expiration Date 2016 and 2017 [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in 2020. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2020 Lease Expiration Date 2020 [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in 2013. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2013 Lease Expiration Date 2013 [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in various years. Lease Expiration Date (FY) Various Lease Expiration Date Various [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in 2014. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2014 Lease Expiration Date 2014 [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in 2015. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2015 Lease Expiration Date 2015 [Member] Represents the date of lease expiration in 2017. Lease Expiration Date (FY) 2017 Lease Expiration Date 2017 [Member] Represents the entity's recourse debt instruments. Recourse Debt Recourse Debt [Member] Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term recourse borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Total recourse debt Recourse Long-term Debt Current maturities of long-term debt Recourse Long-term Debt, Current Total of the portions of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of long-term recourse debt, which may include notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans, and commercial paper, which are scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Recourse Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Long-term debt, less current maturities Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term recourse debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year (current maturities) or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any. Number of Aircraft Owned Represents the number of aircraft owned by the entity. Owned aircraft, number Aircraft 3721 Aircraft [Member] Equipment on Short-term and Long-term Lease Gross carrying value Represents aircraft on short-term and long-term leases with commercial airlines. Net Investment in Aircraft Net AAR investment Represents the net investment in aircraft, taking into account the gross carrying value, debt and capital lease obligations related to the aircraft. Represents Donbassaero Airlines, a lessee of the joint ventures. Donbassaero Airlines Donbassaero Airlines [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment Type [Domain] Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Minimal gain or loss to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months Participating Securities Distributed and Undistributed Earnings, Basic The value of the aggregate of earnings distributed and earnings allocated to participating securities under the two-class method for purposes of the basic earnings per share calculation to the extent that participating securities may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Less income attributable to participating shares Participating Securities Distributed and Undistributed Earnings, Diluted The value of the aggregate of earnings distributed and earnings allocated to participating securities under the two-class method for purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation to the extent that participating securities may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Less income attributable to participating shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Assumed Vesting of Restricted Stock Additional shares from the assumed vesting of restricted stock Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of restricted stock. Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of preliminary purchase price allocation Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Airinmar Holdings Limited [Member] Airinmar Represents Airinmar Holdings Limited (Airinmar), an international provider of aircraft component repair management services. Acquisitions Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price of the acquisition Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Cash consideration paid Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment Potential earn-out payment Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value Estimated liability of the acquisition date fair value of the earn-out Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Preliminary purchase price allocation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Receivables Accounts receivable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Identifiable intangibles Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Accounts payable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Acquisition [Member] Acquisition Telair and Nordisk [Member] Telair and Nordisk Represents Telair International GmbH (Telair) and Nordisk Aviation Products, AS (Nordisk), being acquiree entities. Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Line Items] Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to goodwill identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill and identified intangibles Prepaid expenses Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Potential Cash Payment Based on EBITD a Period under Consideration Represents the period over which earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization levels will be measured to determine potential earn-out payment. Period over which EBITDA levels will be measured (in years) Nonrecourse Notes Payable 13.00 Percent Due 2011 [Member] Non-recourse note payable due December 8, 2011 with interest at 13.0% A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under non-recourse notes payable at an interest rate of 13.0 percent, due in 2011. Line of Credit Facility before Amendment [Member] Represents the line of credit facility before the amendment. Unsecured revolving credit facility, before amendment Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base [Axis] The alternative reference rates that may be used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Identification of the reference rate that is used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base [Domain] Eurodollar Rate [Member] The Eurodollar rate used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Eurodollar rate Base Rate [Member] The base rate used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Base rate Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity under credit agreement Line of Credit Facility Borrowing Capacity Available Increase Represents the increase in the available borrowing capacity of the debt instrument subject to the agreement. Increase in the revolving commitment subject to the agreement Line of Credit Facility Optional Expansion Maximum Borrowing Capacity The expanded maximum borrowing capacity available, which is subject to an agreement with the entity. Maximum borrowing capacity optional expansion Description of variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Non-recourse debt assumed in connection with purchase of joint venture partner's interest in a narrow-body aircraft Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Notes Payable and Long-term Debt Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Unbilled accounts receivable related to a defense supply chain support agreement Unbilled Contracts Receivable Unbilled Contracts Receivable Expected Billing and Collectible Period, Maximum Number of years within which unbilled account receivable are expected to be billed and collected (in years) Represents the number of years within which unbilled account receivable are expected to be billed and collected. Inventory Adjustments [Member] Represents the error corrections made to the financial statements related to inventory adjustments. Error correction related to inventory adjustments Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Restatement Effect of Change on Net Income Amount of the effect of error corrections and prior period adjustments on net income. Reduction in net income due to error correction Cost in Excess of Billed Amount Cost in excess of amount billed Assets attributable to cost incurred in excess of contractually invoiced amounts (billings) which is to be recovered through future billings. Line of Credit Facility Expiring 2015 [Member] Represents the revolving line of credit facility, expiring in 2015. Revolving credit facility (secured by aircraft and related engines and components) due April 23, 2015 with floating interest rate, payable monthly Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity before Amendment Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit agreement before amendment Represents the maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility before the amendment. Property Plant and Equipment Aircraft Sold Long-term Debt Assumed by Acquirer Debt associated with aircraft sold, assumed by acquirer Represents the long-term debt associated with aircraft sold by the entity and assumed by the acquirer. Schedule of Debt Instrument Redemption Prices [Table Text Block] Schedule of redemption prices of the notes Tabular disclosure of redemption prices of debt instruments, expressed as percentages of principal amount. Debt Instrument Redemption Period [Axis] Represents the periods over which the redemption price is in effect. Represents the period over which the redemption price is in effect. Debt Instrument Redemption Period [Domain] Notes Payable 7.25 Percent Due 2022 [Member] Notes payable due January 15, 2022 with interest at 7.25% payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under notes payable at an interest rate of 7.25 percent, due in 2022. Aggregate principal amount of notes sold Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Debt Instrument Issuance Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Debt instrument issuance price as a percentage of the principal amount Represents the debt instrument's issuance price as a percentage of the debt instrument's principal amount. Yield to maturity (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument Redemption with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings Represents the percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument that the entity may redeem with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. Debt Instrument Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Redemption price of debt instrument as a percentage of the principal amount Represents the redemption price of the debt instrument as a percentage of the principal amount. Debt Instrument Redemption Notice Period Notice period for redemption of debt instrument (in days) Represents the notice period for redemption of debt instrument. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Prior to January 2015 [Member] Prior to January 15, 2015 Represents the period prior to January 15, 2015. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Prior to January 2017 [Member] Prior to January 15, 2017 Represents the period prior to January 15, 2017. Debt Instrument Redemption Period on or after January 2017 [Member] On or after January 15, 2017 Represents the period on or after January 15, 2017. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Twelve Months Beginning January 2017 [Member] 12-month period beginning on January 15, 2017 The twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2017. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Twelve Months Beginning January 2018 [Member] 12-month period beginning on January 15, 2018 The twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2018. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Twelve Months Beginning January 2019 [Member] 12-month period beginning on January 15, 2019 The twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2019. Debt Instrument Redemption Period Twelve Months Beginning January 2020 and Thereafter [Member] 12-month period beginning on January 15, 2020 and thereafter The twelve month period beginning on January 15, 2020 and thereafter. Schedule of pro forma information for acquisition Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Telair International GmbH and Nordisk Aviation Products AS [Member] Telair International GmbH ("Telair") and Nordisk Aviation Products, AS ("Nordisk") Represents information pertaining to Telair International GmbH, a design manufacture and support of cargo loading systems and Nordisk aviation products AS, a design and manufacturer heavy duty pallets lightweight cargo containers. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Pro forma information Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Operating income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax Net income attributable to AAR Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Earning per share, basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Earning per share, diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Line of Credit Facility Expiring 2012 [Member] Revolving credit facility expiring March 9, 2012 with interest payable monthly Represents the revolving line of credit facility, expiring in 2012. Telair International GmbH and Nordisk Aviation Products AS and Airinmar Holdings Limited [Member] Telair International GmbH ("Telair") and Nordisk Aviation Products, AS ("Nordisk") and Airinmar Holdings Limited (Airinmar) Represents information pertaining to Telair International GmbH, a design manufacture and support of cargo loading systems and Nordisk aviation products AS, a design and manufacturer heavy duty pallets lightweight cargo containers and Airinmar Holdings Limited, an international provider of aircraft component repair management services. Inventories Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Notes Payable Notes payable The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to notes payables from the acquired entity. Other long-term liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Refinance indebtedness Refinancing of Debt [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Loan Agreement Represents the term loan agreement of the entity. Debt Instrument Term Amortization term of debt instrument (in years) Represents the amortization term of the debt instrument of the entity. Borrowing amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Maximum Measurement Period The maximum time period available from an acquisition date for determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Maximum time period for determining fair values for assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in years)