| Cover | Sep. 23, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 23, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-33261 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AEROVIRONMENT, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001368622 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-2705790 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 900 Innovators Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Simi Valley |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 93065 |
| City Area Code | 805 |
| Local Phone Number | 520-8350 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AVAV |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
