Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016	Oct. 28, 2017	Oct. 29, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Net income (loss)	$ 6,812	$ (4,172)	$ 2,346	$ (15,814)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $17 and $17 for the three months ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, respectively; and net of deferred tax expense of $19 and $29 for the six months ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, respectively	26	25	29	43
Total comprehensive income (loss)	6,838	(4,147)	2,375	(15,771)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	206		229
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AeroVironment	$ 7,044	$ (4,147)	$ 2,604	$ (15,771)