Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 07, 2013	Oct. 27, 2012
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	AeroVironment Inc
Entity Central Index Key	0001368622
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 422.9
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,614,315
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY