Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2018	Jan. 28, 2017	Jan. 27, 2018	Jan. 28, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Net (loss) income	$ (837)	$ (2,183)	$ 1,509	$ (17,997)
Other comprehensive income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	62		62
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $10 and $(23) for the three months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively; and net of deferred tax expense of $29 and $6 for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively	13	(11)	42	32
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(762)	(2,194)	1,613	(17,965)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	9		238
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to AeroVironment	$ (753)	$ (2,194)	$ 1,851	$ (17,965)