Impact of Adoption of New Accounting Standards - Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2018	Jul. 29, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 27,316	$ (5,882)
Other comprehensive income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(20)
Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $4	57	2
Total comprehensive income (loss)	27,353	(5,880)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	14	23
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to AeroVironment	$ 27,367	(5,857)
Effect of the Adoption of ASC Topic 606
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)		(1,416)
Other comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income (loss)		(1,416)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to AeroVironment		(1,416)
As Reported
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)		(4,466)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on investments, net of deferred tax expense of $4		2
Total comprehensive income (loss)		(4,464)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		23
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to AeroVironment		$ (4,441)