EdgarFileAPI.ipynb

{"cells":[{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"# Smart EDGAR File API\nSo far we have seen how to use the database interface of Smart EDGAR.\nIn this document I give a quick overview of the core functionality of the File based API which does not require any DBMS.\n\nAs a precondition we expect that you have executed the download of the files from EDGAR.\n\n## Setup\nWe install the Smart EDGAR library with the help of Maven. We also install the Jupyter-jdk extensions so that we can render ITable objects as BeakerX tables."},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"%classpath config resolver maven-public http://software.pschatzmann.ch/repository/maven-public/\n%%classpath add mvn \nch.pschatzmann:smart-edgar:LATEST\nch.pschatzmann:jupyter-jdk-extensions:LATEST","execution_count":28,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"22e06d80-07e0-42fd-ad46-147ab34a51a3","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"import ch.pschatzmann.display._\nimport ch.pschatzmann.edgar.base._\nimport ch.pschatzmann.edgar.reporting.company._\nimport ch.pschatzmann.edgar.dataload.rss.RSSDataSource\nimport ch.pschatzmann.edgar.utils.Utils\nimport ch.pschatzmann.edgar.base.Fact._\n\nDisplayers.setup","execution_count":29,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":29,"data":{"text/plain":"true"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"## Companies\nWe can access the information starting from the EdgarCompany.list which provides the list of all companies"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"%%time\nimport scala.collection.JavaConverters._\n\nval companies = EdgarCompany.stream.iterator.asScala.slice(0,10).toSeq","execution_count":30,"outputs":[{"output_type":"stream","text":"CPU times: user 0 ns, sys: 219 µs, total: 219 µs \nWall Time: 410 ms\n\n","name":"stdout"},{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":30,"data":{"text/plain":"[[0001368622, 0001286181, 0001577898, 0000886136, 0000886137, 0001505155, 0000904918, 0001674335, 0001474042, 0001276262]]"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val company = companies(0)","execution_count":31,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":31,"data":{"text/plain":"0001368622"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"company.getCompanyName","execution_count":32,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":32,"data":{"text/plain":"AeroVironment Inc"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"company.getSICDescription","execution_count":33,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":33,"data":{"text/plain":"AIRCRAFT"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"company.getStateLocation","execution_count":34,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":34,"data":{"text/plain":"CA"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"company.getStateIncorporation","execution_count":35,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":35,"data":{"text/plain":"DE"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val filings = company.getFilings","execution_count":36,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":36,"data":{"text/plain":"[1368622-10-K-20120626, 1368622-10-K-20130625, 1368622-10-K-20130626, 1368622-10-K-20140708, 1368622-10-K-20150630, 1368622-10-K-20160628, 1368622-10-K-20160629, 1368622-10-K-20170627, 1368622-10-K-20170628, 1368622-10-K-20180627, 1368622-10-Q-20110908, 1368622-10-Q-20111206, 1368622-10-Q-20120306, 1368622-10-Q-20120307, 1368622-10-Q-20120905, 1368622-10-Q-20120906, 1368622-10-Q-20121205, 1368622-10-Q-20130305, 1368622-10-Q-20130827, 1368622-10-Q-20131126, 1368622-10-Q-20131127, 1368622-10-Q-20140305, 1368622-10-Q-20140903, 1368622-10-Q-20141125, 1368622-10-Q-20141126, 1368622-10-Q-20150303, 1368622-10-Q-20150901, 1368622-10-Q-20151208, 1368622-10-Q-20160308, 1368622-10-Q-20160830, 1368622-10-Q-20160831, 1368622-10-Q-20161207, 1368622-10-Q-20170307, 1368622-10-Q-20170308, 1368622-10-Q-20170829, 1368622-10-Q-20170830, 1368622-10-Q-20171205, 1368622-10-Q-20171206, 1368622-10-Q-20180306, 1368622-10-Q-20180307, 1368622-10-Q-20180905, 1368622-10-Q-20180906, 1368622-10-Q-20181129, 1368622-10-Q-20181130]"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"## XBRL\n\nWe can combine multiple filings into one XBRL data access object. The selection can be done with the help of a regex expression"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"%%time\nval xbrl = company.getXBRL(\".*10-K.*\")","execution_count":37,"outputs":[{"output_type":"stream","text":"CPU times: user 0 ns, sys: 229 µs, total: 229 µs \nWall Time: 12 s\n\n","name":"stdout"},{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":37,"data":{"text/plain":"ch.pschatzmann.edgar.base.XBRL@64ba18cf"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"...or we just use all files"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"%%time\nval xbrlAll = company.getXBRL()","execution_count":38,"outputs":[{"output_type":"stream","text":"CPU times: user 0 ns, sys: 234 µs, total: 234 µs \nWall Time: 63 s\n\n","name":"stdout"},{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":38,"data":{"text/plain":"ch.pschatzmann.edgar.base.XBRL@7efaf2d8"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"We are automatically indexing by all attribute values. Thus we can use the findValues method to search in that index.\nIn order to display the data in BeakerX as Table we convert the data to a Scala collection of Maps"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val cogs = xbrl.findValues(\"Cost of Goods Sold\")\n\nnew TableDisplay(cogs.asScala.map(v => v.getAttributes.asScala.toMap))","execution_count":39,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"0b8cda53-78e7-4341-abca-6629da5e2659","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val values = xbrl.findValues()\n\nnew TableDisplay(values.asScala.map(v => v.getAttributes.asScala.toMap))","execution_count":40,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"d2e378bf-a271-4771-ac51-303beccbdf22","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"We should filter all values which are not relevant for our purpose. E.g."},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val values = xbrl.findValues().asScala\n  .filter(v => v.getContext.getSegments.isEmpty )\n  .filter(v => v.getDataType == DataType.number)\n  .filter(v => !v.getValue.isEmpty)\n  \nnew TableDisplay(values.map(v => v.getAttributes.asScala.toMap))","execution_count":41,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"1e42e8b4-88fd-4968-afd4-6f883a28048d","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val labelAPI = xbrl.getLabelAPI()\nlabelAPI.getLabel(\"CostOfGoodsSold\").getLabel","execution_count":42,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":42,"data":{"text/plain":"Cost of Goods Sold"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"Usually we want to access the numerical information. However we also provide the consolidated text that we can use to feed some NLP functionality with the getCombinedTextValues method:"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val values = xbrl.getCombinedTextValues\n\nnew TableDisplay(values.asScala.map(v => v.getAttributes.asScala.toMap))","execution_count":43,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"ca385e59-4ebc-4316-a4e0-05081df38e04","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"## Additional Output\nWe can also convert all the values to CSV by calling the toValueCSV method"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"Utils.setCSVDelimiter(\",\")\nval file = Utils.createTempFile(xbrl.toValueCSV)\nval table = new TableDisplay(new CSV().readFile(file.getAbsolutePath))\n","execution_count":44,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"28991520-433b-42ec-8e27-63c34b470443","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"We can also convert the (numerical) data to an ITable object"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"xbrl.toTable","execution_count":45,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"80878586-a961-42e3-bbad-0573b395bb11","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"## CompanyEdgarValues\nFrom the EdgarCompany object we can also access the CompanyEdgarValues class which supports the calculation of KPIs. However it is much more efficient to use the corresponding Database functionality"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val values = company.getCompanyEdgarValues\n    .setUseArrayList(true)\n    .setAddTime(true)\n    .setFilter(new FilterYearly())\n    .setParameterNames(\"NetIncomeLoss\",\"OperatingIncomeLoss\",\"ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense\",\n        \"CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue\",\"AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent\",\"AccountsReceivableNetCurrent\",\n        \"Revenues\",\"SalesRevenueNet\",\"InventoryNet\",\"AssetsCurrent\",\"LiabilitiesCurrent\",\"Assets\",\"EarningsPerShareBasic\",\n        \"StockholdersEquity\")\n    .addFormula(\"Revenue\",\"Edgar.coalesce('Revenues', 'SalesRevenueNet')\")\n    .addFormula(\"QuickRatio\",\"(CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue + AccountsReceivableNetCurrent + AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent) / LiabilitiesCurrent\")\n    .addFormula(\"CurrentRatio\",\"AssetsCurrent / LiabilitiesCurrent\")\n    .addFormula(\"InventoryTurnover\",\"Revenue / InventoryNet\")\n    .addFormula(\"NetProfitMargin\",\"NetIncomeLoss / Revenue\")\n    .addFormula(\"SalesResearchRatio%\",\"ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / Revenue *100\")\n    .addFormula(\"NetIncomeResearchRatio%\",\"ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / NetIncomeLoss * 100\")\n    .addFormula(\"NetIncomeChange%\", \"NetIncomeLoss - Edgar.lag('NetIncomeLoss', -1) / Edgar.lag('NetIncomeLoss', -1) * 100 \")  \n    .addFormula(\"RevenueChange%\", \"Edgar.percentChange('Revenue')\" )  \n    .addFormula(\"ResearchAndDevelopmentChange%\",\"Edgar.percentChange('ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense')\" )\n    .removeParameterNames(\"Revenues\",\"SalesRevenueNet\")\n\nval list = values.getTable","execution_count":46,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"1b29ece8-5ca9-49a7-8972-837027900fb3","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"## EdgarFiling\nInstead of accessing the information by company we can request all filings with the EdgarFiling.list() method"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"%%time\nvar filings = EdgarFiling.list(\".*10-K.*\")\n\nfilings.size","execution_count":47,"outputs":[{"output_type":"stream","text":"CPU times: user 0 ns, sys: 212 µs, total: 212 µs \nWall Time: 3 s\n\n","name":"stdout"},{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":47,"data":{"text/plain":"53402"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"var filing = filings.get(0)","execution_count":48,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":48,"data":{"text/plain":"1750-10-K-20110713"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"var companyName = filing.getCompanyInfo.getCompanyName","execution_count":49,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":49,"data":{"text/plain":"AAR CORP"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"var xbrl = filing.getXBRL\n\nxbrl.toTable","execution_count":50,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"e6f310e8-29d2-4782-becc-3636b4e282c0","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"## Downloading Data\nThe data can be downloaded from EDGAR with the help of the RSSDataSource: If the history flag is set to false we just download the most recent docouments from https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/usgaap.rss.xml.\nIf the histry flag is set to true we download all available data back to 2005-04"},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"import scala.collection.JavaConverters._\n\nvar downloadData = new RSSDataSource().getData(false, \"10-K.*\").asScala\ndownloadData.foreach(d => d.download())","execution_count":51,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":51,"data":{"text/plain":"null"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{},"cell_type":"markdown","source":"Last but not least, we can load an xbrl directly from the EDGAR database via the Internet. The getXBRL method on the FeedInfoRecord is parsing the local XBRL file if it exists - otherwise the information is downloaded from the URL indicated in the FeedInfoRecord."},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"val first = downloadData.toSeq(0)\nval xbrl = first.getXBRL\nval values = xbrl.findValues().asScala\n\nnew TableDisplay(values.map(v => v.getAttributes.asScala.toMap))","execution_count":52,"outputs":[{"output_type":"display_data","data":{"method":"display_data","application/vnd.jupyter.widget-view+json":{"version_minor":0,"model_id":"9eeecb42-d6e1-4415-9786-ec5429d46c1a","version_major":2}},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"first.getUriXbrl()","execution_count":53,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":53,"data":{"text/plain":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000230/000143774918022311/0001437749-18-022311-xbrl.zip"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"first.getUrlHttp()","execution_count":54,"outputs":[{"output_type":"execute_result","execution_count":54,"data":{"text/plain":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000230/000143774918022311/0001437749-18-022311-index.htm"},"metadata":{}}]},{"metadata":{"trusted":true},"cell_type":"code","source":"","execution_count":null,"outputs":[]}],"metadata":{"kernelspec":{"name":"scala","display_name":"Scala","language":"scala"},"language_info":{"nbconverter_exporter":"","codemirror_mode":"text/x-scala","name":"Scala","mimetype":"","file_extension":".scala","version":"2.11.12"},"toc":{"base_numbering":1,"nav_menu":{},"number_sections":false,"sideBar":false,"skip_h1_title":false,"title_cell":"Table of Contents","title_sidebar":"Contents","toc_cell":false,"toc_position":{},"toc_section_display":false,"toc_window_display":false},"widgets":{"application/vnd.jupyter.widget-state+json":{"version_major":2,"version_minor":0,"state":{"f518c039-f1aa-405a-a834-d54a2c812255":{"model_name":"LayoutModel","model_module":"@jupyter-widgets/base","model_module_version":"*","state":{"overflow_y":"","max_height":"","justify_content":"","overflow_x":"","max_width":"","_model_module_version":"*","align_self":"","overflow":"","msg_throttle":3,"top":"","flex":"","height":"","min_width":"","align_content":"","border":"","padding":"","margin":"","bottom":"","right":"","min_height":"","_view_module_version":"*","left":""}},"0b8cda53-78e7-4341-abca-6629da5e2659":{"model_name":"TableDisplayModel","model_module":"beakerx","model_module_version":"*","state":{"model":{"hasDoubleClickAction":false,"doubleClickTag":null,"contextMenuItems":[],"contextMenuTags":{},"type":"TableDisplay","columnNames":["dateLabel","location","sicDescription","numberOfMonths","identifier","prefix","uri","label","contextRef","incorporation","sicCode","segment","id","companyName","date","parameterName","file","form","tradingSymbol","decimals","segmentDimension","unitRef","value"],"types":["string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string","string"],"subtype":"ListOfMaps","stringFormatForTimes":null,"stringFormatForType":{},"stringFormatForColumn":{},"rendererForType":{},"rendererForColumn":{},"alignmentForType":{},"alignmentForColumn":{},"columnsFrozen":{},"columnsFrozenRight":{},"columnsVisible":{},"columnOrder":[],"cellHighlighters":[],"tooltips":[],"dataFontSize":null,"headerFontSize":null,"fontColor":[],"headersVertical":false,"hasIndex":null,"timeZone":null,"values":[["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag71","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","104347000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag72","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","74843000"],["2013-05-01 to 2014-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2015-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2013_To_4_30_2014","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2014-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20160628.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","119137000"],["2014-05-01 to 2015-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2015-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2014_To_4_30_2015","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2015-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20160628.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","118834000"],["2015-05-01 to 2016-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2015-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2015_To_4_30_2016","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2016-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20160628.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","105987000"],["2014-05-01 to 2015-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2016-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2014_To_4_30_2015","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2015-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20170627.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","118834000"],["2015-05-01 to 2016-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2016-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2015_To_4_30_2016","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2016-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20170627.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","105987000"],["2016-05-01 to 2017-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2016-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2016_To_4_30_2017","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2017-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20170627.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","115513000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag769","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","85643000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2014-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2012_To_4_30_2013","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20150630.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","85643000"],["2013-05-01 to 2014-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2014-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2013_To_4_30_2014","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2014-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20150630.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","119137000"],["2014-05-01 to 2015-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2014-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2014_To_4_30_2015","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2015-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20150630.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","118834000"],["2015-05-01 to 2016-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2017-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","Duration_5_1_2015_To_4_30_2016","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2016-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","-3","","USD","85089000"],["2016-05-01 to 2017-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2017-01-31","Cost of 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to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag1","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization AeroVironment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is engaged in the design, development, production, support and operation of unmanned aircraft systems and efficient energy systems for various industries and governmental agencies. Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AeroVironment, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: AV S.r.l., Skytower, LLC, AV GmbH, AV Massachusetts, LLC, AV Rhode Island, LLC, Skytower Inc., AILC, Inc. and Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems, LLC (collectively referred to herein as the \"Company\"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Segments The Company's products are sold and divided among two reportable segments to reflect the Company's strategic goals. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (\"CODM\") in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's CODM is the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews the revenue and gross margin results for each of these segments in order to make resource allocation decisions, including the focus of research and development, or R&D, activities, and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of: inventory, deferred tax assets and liabilities, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, medical and dental liabilities, and estimates of anticipated contract costs and revenue utilized in the revenue recognition process. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds, certificates of deposit of major financial institutions, and U.S. Treasury bills. Investments The Company's investments are accounted for as held-to-maturity and available-for-sale and reported at amortized cost and fair value, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes for available-for-sale investments. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investment securities are determined on the specific identification basis and credited or charged to income. Premium and discount on investments are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of our investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and our intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. The Company also considers potential adverse conditions related to the financial health of the issuer based on rating agency actions. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings and a new cost basis in the investment is established. Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, retentions and accounts payable approximate cost due to the short period of time to maturity. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, municipal bonds, U.S. government securities and accounts receivable. The Company currently invests the majority of its cash in municipal bonds and U.S. government securities. The Company's revenue and accounts receivable are with a limited number of corporations and governmental entities. In the aggregate, 83%, 83% and 80% of the Company's revenue came from agencies of the U.S. government for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These agencies accounted for 82% and 59% of the accounts receivable balances at April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. One such agency, the U.S. Army, accounted for 42%, 48% and 44% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The U.S. Army accounted for approximately 49%, 56% and 48% of UAS reportable segment sales for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its commercial customers and maintains an allowance for potential losses. Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Receivables and Retentions Accounts receivable represents primarily U.S. government, and to a lesser extent commercial receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent costs in excess of billings on incomplete contracts and, where applicable, accrued profit related to government long-term contracts on which revenue has been recognized, but for which the customer has not yet been billed. Retentions represent amounts withheld by customers until contract completion. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical customer experience and other currently available evidence. When a specific account is deemed uncollectible, the account is written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance; such losses have historically been within management's expectations. An account is deemed past due based on contractual terms rather than on how recently payments have been received. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the weighted average costing method) or market value. Inventory write-offs and write-down provisions are provided to cover risks arising from slow-moving items or technological obsolescence and for market prices lower than cost. The Company periodically evaluates the quantities on hand relative to current and historical selling prices and historical and projected sales volume. Based on this evaluation, provisions are made to write inventory down to its market value. Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment, including amortization of leasehold improvements, are provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Machinery and equipment 2 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 2 to 5 years Furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or term of lease Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and betterments to property and equipment are capitalized at cost. When the Company disposes of assets, the applicable costs and accumulated depreciation and amortization thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the period incurred. The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The estimated future cash flows are based upon, among other things, assumptions about expected future operating performance, and may differ from actual cash flows. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value in the period in which the determination is made. At April 30, 2012, no indicators of impairment were identified and no impairment charge was recorded. At April 30, 2011, there were indicators of impairment identified and an impairment charge of $2,043,000 was recorded. See Note 5, \"Property and Equipment, net\" for further details. Product Warranty The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based upon both current and historical product sales data and warranty costs incurred. Product warranty reserves are recorded in other current liabilities. Self-Insurance Liability The Company is self-insured for employee medical claims, subject to individual and aggregate stop-loss policies. The Company estimates a liability for claims filed and incurred but not reported based upon recent claims experience and an analysis of the average period of time between the occurrence of a claim and the time it is reported to and paid by the Company. As of April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company estimated and recorded a self-insurance liability in wages and related accruals of approximately $1,448,000 and $898,000, respectively. Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The provision for income taxes reflects the taxes to be paid for the period and the change during the period in the deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. For uncertain tax positions, the Company determines whether it is \"more likely than not\" that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is \"not more likely than not\" that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded. Customer Advances and Amounts in Excess of Cost Incurred The Company receives advances, performance-based payments and progress payments from customers that may exceed costs incurred on certain contracts, including contracts with agencies of the U.S. government. These advances are classified as advances from customers and will be offset against billings. Revenue Recognition The substantial majority of the Company's revenue is generated pursuant to written contractual arrangements to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products, and to provide related engineering, technical and other services according to the specifications of the buyers (customers). These contracts may be fixed-price or cost-reimbursable. The Company considers all contracts for treatment in accordance with authoritative guidance for contracts with multiple deliverables. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables have value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. The Company occasionally enters into arrangements that consist of installation and repair contracts associated with hardware sold by the Company. Such arrangements consist of separate contractual arrangements and are divided into separate units of accounting where the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and there is objective and reasonable evidence of the fair value of the installation contract. Consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Product sales revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the delivery of production hardware and related activities. Contract services revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the provision of services, including repairs, training, engineering design, development and prototyping activities. Revenue from cost-plus-fee contracts are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the fee earned. Revenue from fixed-price contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method. Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance. Unbilled receivables represent costs incurred and related profit on contracts not yet billed to customers, and are invoiced in subsequent periods. Product sales revenue is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method or upon transfer of title to the customer, which is generally upon shipment. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of sales. Revenue and profits on fixed-price production contracts, where units are produced and delivered in a continuous or sequential process, are recorded as units are delivered based on their selling prices (the \"units-of-delivery method\"). Revenue and profits on other fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to the total estimated costs for each contract (the \"cost-to-cost method\"). Accounting for revenue and profits on a fixed-price contract requires the preparation of estimates of (1) the total contract revenue, (2) the total costs at completion, which is equal to the sum of the actual incurred costs to date on the contract and the estimated costs to complete the contract's statement of work and (3) the measurement of progress towards completion. The estimated profit or loss at completion on a contract is equal to the difference between the total estimated contract revenue and the total estimated cost at completion. Under the units-of-delivery method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded as the units are delivered during the period based on their contractual selling prices. Under the cost-to-cost method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded at amounts equal to the ratio of actual cumulative costs incurred divided by total estimated costs at completion, multiplied by (i) the total estimated contract revenue, less (ii) the cumulative sales recognized in prior periods. The profit recorded on a contract in any period using either the units-of-delivery method or cost-to-cost method is equal to (i) the current estimated total profit margin multiplied by the cumulative sales recognized, less (ii) the amount of cumulative profit previously recorded for the contract. In the case of a contract for which the total estimated costs exceed the total estimated revenue, a loss arises, and a provision for the entire loss is recorded in the period that it becomes evident. The unrecoverable costs on a loss contract that are expected to be incurred in future periods are recorded in the program cost. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with the recognition of revenue in any accounting period. Material differences in the amount of revenue in any given period may result if these judgments or estimates prove to be incorrect or if management's estimates change on the basis of development of the business, market conditions or other factors. Management judgments and estimates have been applied consistently and have been reliable historically. The Company believes that there are two key factors which impact the reliability of management's estimates. The first of those key factors is that the terms of the Company's contracts are typically less than six months. The short-term nature of such contracts reduces the risk that material changes in accounting estimates will occur on the basis of market conditions or other factors. The second key factor is that the Company has hundreds of contracts in any given accounting period, which reduces the risk that any one change in an accounting estimate on one or several contracts would have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or its two reporting segments' measures of profit. For the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, changes in accounting estimates on fixed-price contracts recognized using the percentage of completion method of accounting were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements or its two reporting segments' measure of profit. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. No compensation cost is ultimately recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service and are forfeited. Long-Term Incentive Awards For long-term incentive awards, a target payout is established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period is calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth targets. Payouts are made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. The cash component of the award is accounted for as a liability. The equity component is accounted for as a stock-based liability, as the restricted stock units may be settled in cash or stock. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company's current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised. Research and Development Internally funded research and development costs, or IRAD, sponsored by the Company relate to both U.S. government products and services and those for commercial and foreign customers. IRAD costs for the Company are recoverable and allocable under government contracts in accordance with U.S. government procurement regulations. Customer-funded research and development costs are incurred pursuant to contracts (revenue arrangements) to perform research and development activities according to customer specifications. These costs are direct contract costs and are expensed to cost of sales when the corresponding revenue is recognized, which is generally as the research and development services are performed. Revenue from customer-funded research and development was approximately $27,852,000, $33,952,000 and $80,552,000 for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related cost of sales for customer-funded research and development totaled approximately $22,703,000, $33,003,000 and $56,532,000 for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Lease Accounting The Company accounts for its leases and subsequent amendments as operating leases or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. Certain operating leases contain rent escalation clauses, which are recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease with the difference between the rent paid and the straight-line rent recorded as a deferred rent liability. Lease incentives received from landlords are recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction to rent expense. Deferred rent liabilities were approximately $1,019,000 and $1,275,000 as of April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $924,000, $979,000 and $994,000 for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any anti-dilutive effects of options and restricted stock. The dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding is included in diluted earnings per share. The reconciliation of diluted to basic shares is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2011 2010 Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 30,451,000 $ 25,909,000 $ 20,716,000 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average common shares 21,783,496 21,591,333 21,391,795 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and restricted stock 531,978 489,933 585,569 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 22,315,474 22,081,266 21,977,364 During the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, certain options and shares of restricted stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of options and restricted stock which met this anti-dilutive criterion was approximately 58,000, 36,000 and 70,000 for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (\"FASB\") issued accounting guidance which requires companies to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. The new guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning on May 1, 2012 and will be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, other than the change in presentation described in the new guidance. In May 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and International Financial Reporting Standards. The new guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning on May 1, 2012 and will be applied prospectively. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag2","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2. Investments Investments consist of the following: April 30, 2012 2011 (In thousands) Short-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 49,263 $ — U.S. government securities 27,889 126,839 Total short-term investments $ 77,152 $ 126,839 Long-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 52,261 $ — Available-for-sale securities: Auction rate securities 6,196 6,275 Total long-term investments $ 58,457 $ 6,275 Held-To-Maturity Securities As of April 30, 2012 the balance of held-to-maturity securities consisted of state and local government municipal securities and U.S. Treasury bills and notes. As of April 30, 2011 the balance of held-to-maturity securities consisted of U.S. Treasury bills. Interest earned from these investments is recorded in interest income. The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity investments as of April 30, is as follows (in thousands): 2012 2011 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Municipal securities $ 101,524 $ 48 $ (24 ) $ 101,548 $ — $ — $ — $ — U.S. government securities 27,889 — (1 ) 27,888 126,839 38 (3 ) 126,874 Total held-to-maturity investments $ 129,413 $ 48 $ (25 ) $ 129,436 $ 126,839 $ 38 $ (3 ) $ 126,874 The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2012, are as follows: Cost Fair Value Due within one year $ 77,152 $ 77,156 Due after one year through five years 52,261 52,280 Total $ 129,413 $ 129,436 Available-For-Sale Securities As of April 30, 2012 and 2011, the entire balance of available-for-sale securities consisted of four investment grade auction rate municipal bonds with maturities ranging from 7 to 22 years. These investments have characteristics similar to short-term investments, because at pre-determined intervals, generally ranging from 30 to 35 days, there is a new auction process at which the interest rates for these securities are reset to current interest rates. At the end of such period, the Company chooses to roll-over its holdings or redeem the investments for cash. A market maker facilitates the redemption of the securities and the underlying issuers are not required to redeem the investment within 365 days. Interest earned from these investments is recorded in interest income. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008, the Company began experiencing failed auctions on some of its auction rate securities. A failed auction occurs when a buyer for the securities cannot be obtained and the market maker does not buy the security for its own account. The Company continues to earn interest on the investments that failed to settle at auction, at the maximum contractual rate until the next auction occurs. In the event the Company needs to access funds invested in these auction rate securities, the Company may not be able to liquidate these securities at the fair value recorded on April 30, 2012 until a future auction of these securities is successful or a buyer is found outside of the auction process. As a result of the failed auctions, the fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis as of April 30, 2012 and 2011. The analysis considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction. Based on the Company's ability to access its cash and cash equivalents, expected operating cash flows, and other sources of cash, the Company does not anticipate the current lack of liquidity on these investments will affect its ability to operate the business in the ordinary course. The Company believes the current lack of liquidity of these investments is temporary and expects that the securities will be redeemed or refinanced at some point in the future. The Company will continue to monitor the value of its auction rate securities at each reporting period for a possible impairment if a further decline in fair value occurs. The auction rate securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. The Company has the ability and the intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity and as of April 30, 2012, it did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale investments is as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2012 2011 Auction rate securities Amortized cost $ 7,350 $ 7,575 Gross unrealized gains — — Gross unrealized losses (1,154 ) (1,300 ) Fair value $ 6,196 $ 6,275 The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's auction rate securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2012 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due after five through 10 years $ 1,825 $ 1,690 Due after 10 years 5,525 4,506 Total $ 7,350 $ 6,196"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Fair Value Disclosures","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag3","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","3. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows: • Level 1—Inputs to the valuation based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible as of the measurement date. • Level 2—Inputs to the valuation include quoted prices in either markets that are not active, or in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3—Inputs to the valuation that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2012, were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement Using Description Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Auction rate securities $ — $ — $ 6,196 $ 6,196 Total $ — $ — $ 6,196 $ 6,196 The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Description Auction Rate Securities Balance at May 1, 2011 $ 6,275 Transfers to Level 3 — Total gains (realized or unrealized) Included in earnings — Included in other comprehensive income 146 Purchases, issuances and settlements, net (225 ) Balance at April 30, 2012 $ 6,196 The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at April 30, 2012 $ — The auction rate securities are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The analysis considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Inventory Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag4","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","4. Inventories, net Inventories consist of the following: April 30, 2012 2011 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 13,969 $ 13,737 Work in process 7,390 7,994 Finished goods 24,934 17,647 Inventories, gross 46,293 39,378 Reserve for inventory obsolescence (2,754 ) (1,241 ) Inventories, net $ 43,539 $ 38,137"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag5","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","5. Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment consist of the following: April 30, 2012 2011 (In thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 8,471 $ 8,207 Machinery and equipment 32,883 27,370 Furniture and fixtures 2,415 2,370 Computer equipment and software 14,894 11,758 Construction in process 9,103 3,111 Property and equipment, gross 67,766 52,816 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (44,251 ) (35,318 ) Property and equipment, net $ 23,515 $ 17,498 At April 30, 2011, an analysis of the Company's long-lived assets related to the Global Observer customer-funded R&D contract indicated impairment. On April 14, 2011, the Company received a stop-work order for the Global Observer Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration contract due to the contract essentially reaching its funding limit. As a result of the stop-work order, the carrying value of this asset group, primarily consisting of tooling, test and manufacturing support equipment, may not be recoverable over the remaining useful life of such assets. Accordingly, the Company completed an impairment test in accordance with the accounting policy for this asset group, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2,043,000 that was recorded in cost of sales for contract services. To determine the amount of the impairment charge, the Company was required to make estimates of the fair value of the assets in this group, and these estimates were based on the use of the income approach to determine the fair value of the equipment. The Company considers these assets \"held and used.\""],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Product Warranty Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag6","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProductWarrantyDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","6. Warranty Reserves Warranty reserve activity is summarized as follows: April 30, 2012 2011 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 1,127 $ 804 Warranty expense 4,284 1,449 Warranty costs incurred (2,539 ) (1,126 ) Ending balance $ 2,872 $ 1,127"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag7","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CompensationAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","7. Employee Savings Plan The Company has an employee 401(k) savings plan covering all eligible employees. The Company expensed approximately $2,629,000, $2,401,000 and $1,995,000 in contributions to the plan for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag8","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","8. Stock-Based Compensation For the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3,196,000, $2,306,000 and $1,654,000, respectively. On January 14, 2007, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2006 Plan, effective January 21, 2007, for officers, directors, key employees and consultants. On September 29, 2011, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment and restatement of the 2006 Plan, or Restated 2006 Plan. Under the Restated 2006 Plan, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation right awards, performance share awards, performance stock unit awards, dividend equivalents awards, stock payment awards, deferred stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, other stock-based awards, performance bonus awards or performance-based awards may be granted at the discretion of a committee, which consists of outside directors. A maximum of 4,884,157 shares of stock may be issued pursuant to awards under the Restated 2006 Plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to one or more awards that may be granted to any one participant during any twelve month period is 2,000,000. A maximum of $5,000,000 may be paid in cash as a performance-based award during any twelve month period. The exercise price for any incentive stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting of awards is established at the time of grant. The Company had an equity incentive plan, or 2002 Plan, for officers, directors and key employees. Under the 2002 Plan, incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options were granted, as determined by the administrator at the time of grant. Stock purchase rights were also granted under the 2002 Plan. Options under the 2002 Plan were granted at their fair market value (as determined by the board of directors). The options become exercisable at various times over a five-year period from the grant date. The 2002 Plan was terminated on the effective date of the 2006 Plan. Awards outstanding under the 2002 Plan remain outstanding and exercisable; no additional awards may be made under the 2002 Plan. The Company had a 1992 nonqualified stock option plan, or 1992 Plan, for certain officers and key employees. Options under the 1992 Plan were granted at their fair market value (as determined by the board of directors) at the date of grant and became exercisable at various times over a five-year period from the grant date. The 1992 Plan expired in August 2002. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2011 2010 Expected term (in years) 5.46 5.00 5.00 Expected volatility 26.75 % 24.72 % 24.16 % Risk-free interest rate 1.40 % 2.08 % 2.43 % Expected dividend — — — Weighted average fair value at grant date $ 8.01 $ 6.48 $ 6.44 The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the Company expects the stock options to remain outstanding, based on the Company's historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation experience and the remaining contractual life of its outstanding options. The expected volatility is based on peer group volatility in the absence of historical market data for the Company's stock. The peer group volatility was derived based on historical volatility of a comparable peer group index consisting of companies operating in a similar industry. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond with a remaining term that approximates the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield of zero reflects that the Company has not paid any cash dividends since inception and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Information related to the stock option plans at April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and for the years then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan 2002 Plan 1992 Plan Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at April 30, 2009 497,210 $ 22.98 583,308 $ 2.97 402,164 $ 0.48 Options granted 75,000 24.68 — — — — Options exercised (18,800 ) 20.76 (171,169 ) 2.55 (15,164 ) 0.59 Options canceled (60,200 ) 22.71 (7,038 ) 5.99 — — Outstanding at April 30, 2010 493,210 23.36 405,101 3.10 387,000 0.48 Options granted 72,500 24.91 — — — — Options exercised (17,500 ) 22.27 (35,634 ) 5.67 (67,427 ) 0.41 Options canceled (12,800 ) 27.25 (1,408 ) 11.79 — — Outstanding at April 30, 2011 535,410 23.51 368,059 2.81 319,573 0.49 Options granted 175,000 29.28 — — — — Options exercised (18,200 ) 21.88 (43,073 ) 2.91 (80,263 ) 0.51 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2012 692,210 25.01 324,986 2.80 239,310 0.49 Options exercisable at April 30, 2012 316,948 $ 23.17 324,986 $ 2.80 239,310 $ 0.49 The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $3,610,000, $2,904,000, and $5,581,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of all options outstanding at April 30, 2012 and 2011 was $13,561,000 and $21,445,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of all exercisable options at April 30, 2012 and 2011, was $13,308,000 and $19,544,000, respectively. A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested stock options as of April 30, 2012 and the year then ended is as follows: Non-vested Options Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at April 30, 2011 332,119 $ 6.76 Granted 175,000 8.01 Expired — — Canceled — — Vested (131,857 ) 6.63 Non-vested at April 30, 2012 375,262 $ 7.39 As of April 30, 2012, there was approximately $8,529,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation awards granted under the equity plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over an approximately five-year period or a weighted average period of approximately four years. The weighted average fair value of options issued for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $8.01, $6.48 and $6.44, respectively. The total fair value of shares vesting during the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $1,654,000, $1,111,000 and $780,000, respectively. Proceeds from all option exercises under all stock option plans for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were approximately $565,000, $619,000 and $836,000, respectively. The tax benefit realized from stock-based compensation during the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $1,428,000, $1,238,000, and $3,010,000, respectively. The following tabulation summarizes certain information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at April 30, 2012: Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices As of April 30, 2012 Weighted Average Exercise Price As of April 30, 2012 Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 0.37 112,406 1.99 $ 0.37 112,406 $ 0.37 0.59 126,904 7.38 0.59 126,904 0.59 0.64-0.78 179,527 1.14 0.73 179,527 0.73 2.13 96,841 3.47 2.13 96,841 2.13 11.79 48,618 4.40 11.79 48,618 11.79 19.76-24.65 445,210 6.24 22.41 282,748 22.17 26.18-32.19 247,000 8.66 29.70 34,200 31.48 $ 0.37-32.19 1,256,506 5.44 $ 14.60 881,244 $ 9.50 The remaining weighted average contractual life of exercisable options at April 30, 2012 was 4.32 years. Information related to the Company's restricted stock awards at April 30, 2012 and for the year then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested stock at April 30, 2011 241,510 $ 24.72 Stock granted 157,400 29.08 Stock vested (67,206 ) 24.64 Stock canceled (4,917 ) 24.65 Unvested stock at April 30, 2012 326,787 $ 26.84"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Income Tax Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag9","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","10. Income Taxes A reconciliation of income tax expense computed using the U.S. federal statutory rates to actual income tax expense is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2011 2010 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (0.3 ) 1.1 1.9 R&D credits (3.4 ) (11.3 ) (2.3 ) Other (1.2 ) (0.5 ) (3.5 ) Effective income tax rate 30.1 % 24.3 % 31.1 % The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): Year ended April 30, 2012 2011 2010 Current: Federal $ 12,814 $ 8,660 $ 8,663 State 1,651 641 1,229 14,465 9,301 9,892 Deferred: Federal (187 ) 859 492 State (1,134 ) (1,836 ) (900 ) Foreign — — (105 ) (1,321 ) (977 ) (513 ) Change in valuation allowance (57 ) (5 ) (13 ) Total income tax expense $ 13,087 $ 8,319 $ 9,366 Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2012 2011 Deferred income tax assets: Book over tax depreciation $ — $ 449 Accrued expenses 9,697 7,743 Allowances, reserves, and other 763 322 Capital loss and credit carry-forwards 4,508 3,076 Unrealized loss on securities 454 530 Total deferred income tax assets, gross 15,422 12,120 Less: valuation allowance — (58 ) Total deferred income tax assets, net 15,422 12,062 Deferred income tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation (836 ) — Total deferred income tax liabilities (836 ) — Net deferred tax assets $ 14,586 $ 12,062 At April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had approximately $4,507,000 and $4,655,000, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits all of which would impact the Company's effective tax rate if recognized. The Company estimates that $556,000 of its unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next twelve months due to statute of limitation expiration. The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands): April 30, 2012 2011 Balance as of May 1 $ 4,655 $ 5,052 Increases related to prior year tax positions — 371 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (533 ) (145 ) Increases related to current year tax positions 973 1,208 Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations (588 ) (1,831 ) Balance as of April 30 $ 4,507 $ 4,655 The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions to income tax expense. As of April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had accrued approximately $125,000 and $207,000, respectively, of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company is currently under audit by various state jurisdictions but does not anticipate any material adjustments from these examinations. The tax years 2008, 2010 and 2011 remain open to examination by the IRS for federal income taxes. The tax years 2007 to 2011 remain open for major state taxing jurisdictions."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Related Party Transactions Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag10","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","11. Related Party Transactions Pursuant to a consulting agreement, the Company paid a board member approximately $210,000, $210,000 and $222,000 during the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for consulting services independent of his board service. The agreement stipulates the payment of $17,500 plus expenses per month, in exchange for consulting services. During the years ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company purchased materials in the amount of $3,433,000 and $1,674,000, respectively, from a vendor with a common board member. As of April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had trade payable balances of $32,000 and $654,000, respectively, to this vendor. There were no significant transactions or balances with this vendor during the year ended and as of April 30, 2010. During the year ended April 30, 2010, the Company made an equipment sale in the amount of $1,705,000 to a customer with a common board member. There were no sales to this customer during the years ended April 30, 2012 and 2011. As of April 30, 2012 and 2011, there was no trade receivable due from this customer."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag11","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","12. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The Company's operations are conducted in leased facilities. Following is a summary of non-cancelable operating lease commitments: Year ending April 30 (In thousands) 2013 $ 4,063 2014 4,078 2015 2,645 2016 1,771 2017 876 Thereafter 140 $ 13,573 Rental expense under operating leases was approximately $3,995,000, $3,812,000 and $3,660,000 for the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Contingencies The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise out of the ordinary course of its business. Although adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the Company, in consultation with legal counsel, believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Contract Cost Audits Payments to the Company on government cost reimbursable contracts are based on provisional, or estimated indirect rates, which are subject to an annual audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, or DCAA. The cost audits result in the negotiation and determination of the final indirect cost rates that the Company may use for the period(s) audited. The final rates, if different from the provisional rates, may create an additional receivable or liability for the Company. For example, during the course of its audits, the DCAA may question the Company's incurred costs, and if the DCAA believes the Company has accounted for such costs in a manner inconsistent with the requirements under Federal Acquisition Regulations, or FAR, the DCAA auditor may recommend to the Company's administrative contracting officer to disallow such costs. Historically, the Company has not experienced material disallowed costs as a result of government audits. However, the Company can provide no assurance that the DCAA or other government audits will not result in material disallowances for incurred costs in the future. The Company's revenue recognition policy calls for revenue recognized on all cost reimbursable government contracts to be recorded at actual rates unless collectability is not reasonably assured."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Segment Reporting Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag12","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","13. Segment Data The Company's product segments are as follows: • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (\"UAS\")—The UAS segment focuses primarily on the design, development, production, support and operation of innovative UAS that provide situational awareness and other mission effects to increase the security and operational effectiveness of the Company's customers. • Efficient Energy Systems (\"EES\")—The EES segment focuses primarily on the design, development, production, support and operation of innovative efficient electric energy systems that address the growing demand for electric transportation solutions. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, \"Organization and Significant Accounting Policies.\" The operating segments do not make sales to each other. Depreciation and amortization related to the manufacturing of goods is included in gross margin for the segments. The Company does not discretely allocate assets to its operating segments, nor does the CODM evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information. Consequently, the Company operates its financial systems as a single segment for accounting and control purposes, maintains a single indirect rate structure across all segments, has no inter-segment sales or corporate elimination transactions, and maintains only limited financial statement information by segment. The segment results are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2012 2011 2010 Revenue: UAS $ 273,728 $ 249,769 $ 224,179 EES 51,280 42,734 25,339 Total 325,008 292,503 249,518 Gross margin: UAS 116,065 99,513 85,157 EES 13,268 17,638 11,669 Total 129,333 117,151 96,826 Selling, general and administrative 55,280 47,431 42,429 Research and development 30,977 35,769 24,510 Income from operations 43,076 33,951 29,887 Interest income 462 277 195 Income before income taxes $ 43,538 $ 34,228 $ 30,082 Geographic Information Sales to non-U.S. customers accounted for 5%, 7% and 7% of revenue for each of the fiscal years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Quarterly Financial Information","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag13","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","14. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following tables present selected unaudited consolidated financial data for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended April 30, 2012. In the Company's opinion, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial information for the period presented. The Company's fiscal year ends on April 30. Due to the fixed year end date of April 30, the first and fourth quarters each consist of approximately 13 weeks. The second and third quarters each consist of 13 weeks. The first three quarters end on a Saturday. Three Months Ended July 30, 2011 October 29, 2011 January 28, 2012 April 30, 2012 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2012 Revenue $ 61,997 $ 80,372 $ 71,964 $ 110,675 Gross margin $ 21,715 $ 30,630 $ 27,433 $ 49,555 Net income $ 326 $ 6,587 $ 5,744 $ 17,794 Net income per share—basic(1) $ 0.02 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.81 Net income per share—diluted(1) $ 0.01 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.80 Three Months Ended July 31, 2010 October 30, 2010 January 29, 2011 April 30, 2011 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2011 Revenue $ 38,228 $ 63,781 $ 84,434 $ 106,060 Gross margin $ 12,036 $ 21,775 $ 34,129 $ 49,211 Net (loss) income $ (3,443 ) $ 262 $ 11,454 $ 17,636 Net (loss) income per share—basic(1) $ (0.16 ) $ 0.01 $ 0.53 $ 0.81 Net (loss) income per share—diluted(1) $ (0.16 ) $ 0.01 $ 0.52 $ 0.79 (1) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarterly earnings per share do not equal the total earnings per share computed for the year due to rounding."],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag14","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","64220000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag15","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","62041000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag16","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","77152000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag17","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","126839000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Accounts Receivable, Net, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag18","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AccountsReceivableNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","56417000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Accounts Receivable, Net, Current","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag19","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AccountsReceivableNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","44376000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag20","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","UnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentionsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","27034000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions, Current","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag21","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","UnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentionsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","21966000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Inventory, Net","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag22","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryNet","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","43539000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Inventory, Net","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag23","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","InventoryNet","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","38137000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag24","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","9377000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag25","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","6778000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag26","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","4030000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag27","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2372000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Assets, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag28","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","281769000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Assets, Current","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag29","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","302509000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag30","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","58457000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag31","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","6275000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Net","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag32","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","23515000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Property, Plant and 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2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Sales Revenue, Goods, Net","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag94","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","SalesRevenueGoodsNet","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","103268000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Sales Revenue, Services, Net","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag95","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SalesRevenueServicesNet","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","145471000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Sales Revenue, Services, Net","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag96","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","SalesRevenueServicesNet","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","154779000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Sales Revenue, Services, 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2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag101","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","104347000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag102","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","74843000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag103","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","59266000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cost of Services","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag104","AeroVironment 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2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Gross Profit","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag112","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","96826000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag113","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","55280000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag114","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","47431000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Selling, General and 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2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag122","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","462000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag123","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","277000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag124","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","195000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income 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2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag137","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1.36"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag138","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1.17"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag139","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","0.94"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, 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2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag153","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-1343000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag154","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-253000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag155","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","3196000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag156","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2306000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag157","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1654000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag158","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1239000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag159","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1034000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag160","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2902000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag161","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","189000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag162","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","204000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag163","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","108000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag164","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","11000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag165","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","51000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag166","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-3000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag167","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","12332000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag168","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","5626000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag169","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-3452000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag170","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","5068000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag171","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","104000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag172","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","90000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag173","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-24000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2010","DE","3721","","Tag174","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","28665000"],["2009-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2009","DE","3721","","Tag175","AeroVironment Inc","2009-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","116501000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag176","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","56000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag177","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","16000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag178","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","143000"],["2009-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Common Stock, Shares, Issued","I2009_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag179","AeroVironment Inc","2009-04-30","CommonStockSharesIssued","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","21470481"],["2009-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2009_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag180","AeroVironment Inc","2009-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","2000"],["2009-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2009_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid 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Parent","I2009","DE","3721","","Tag184","AeroVironment Inc","2009-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","207427000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2010_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag185","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","20716000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2010_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag186","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","20716000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2010_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag187","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-223000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period","D2010_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag188","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","205132"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2010_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag189","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","836000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag190","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","836000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross","D2010_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag191","AeroVironment 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2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag196","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1654000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent","D2010_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag197","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","20493000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag198","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","20493000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Common Stock, Shares, Issued","I2010_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag199","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","CommonStockSharesIssued","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","21732413"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag200","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","2000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid In Capital","Tag201","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","115602000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag202","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","118576000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag203","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-760000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010","DE","3721","","Tag204","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","233420000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net income (loss)","D2011_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag205","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","25909000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2011_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag206","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-24000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2011_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag207","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-24000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net income (loss)","D2011_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag208","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","25909000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag209","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","25885000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent","D2011_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag210","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","25885000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period","D2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag211","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","120561"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross","D2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag212","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","98910"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited","D2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag213","AeroVironment 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2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid In Capital","Tag216","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","1238000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid In Capital","Tag217","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","2306000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag218","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1238000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag219","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2306000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Common Stock, Shares, Issued","I2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag220","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CommonStockSharesIssued","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","21949884"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag221","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","2000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid In Capital","Tag222","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","119765000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag223","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","144485000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income","Tag224","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-784000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag225","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","30451000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag226","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","30451000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2012_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag227","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","90000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2012_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag228","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","90000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent","D2012_ComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Comprehensive Income","Tag229","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","30541000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag230","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","30541000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period","D2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag231","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","141536"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross","D2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag232","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","157400"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited","D2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag233","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-4917"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag234","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","565000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag235","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","565000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid In Capital","Tag236","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","1428000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag237","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","3196000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag238","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1428000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag239","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","3196000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Common Stock, Shares, Issued","I2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag240","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CommonStockSharesIssued","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","22243903"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag241","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","2000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid In Capital","Tag242","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","124954000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag243","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","174936000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag244","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-694000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag245","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","3256000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag246","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-1360000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag247","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","5402000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag248","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","17209000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag249","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","9326000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag250","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-3415000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag251","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1678000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag252","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","543000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag253","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","172000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag254","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-10921000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag255","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","10929000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag256","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-3785000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag257","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","12784000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag258","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","9003000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag259","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","6690000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag260","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","18754000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag261","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","33486000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag262","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","35984000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag263","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","14992000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag264","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","10173000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag265","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","10792000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Proceeds from (Payments for) Held-to-maturity Securities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag266","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromPaymentsForHeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-2575000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Proceeds from (Payments for) Held-to-maturity Securities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag267","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromPaymentsForHeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","8931000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Proceeds from (Payments for) Held-to-maturity Securities","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag268","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ProceedsFromPaymentsForHeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-114247000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag269","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","225000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag270","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","200000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag271","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","275000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag272","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","13000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag273","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","109000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag274","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-17329000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag275","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-933000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag276","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-124764000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag277","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","189000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag278","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","204000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag279","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","108000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag280","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","565000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag281","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","619000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag282","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","836000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag283","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","754000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag284","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","823000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag285","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","944000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag286","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2179000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag287","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","33376000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag288","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-87836000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag289","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","13104000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag290","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","9873000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2010_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income","Tag291","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-223000"],["2009-05-01 to 2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax","D2010","DE","3721","","Tag292","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","-223000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20120430","Long Term Incentive Awards Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag293","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermIncentiveAwardsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","9. Long-Term Incentive Awards During the year ended April 30, 2012, the Company granted a three-year performance award under the Restated 2006 Plan to key employees. The performance period for the three-year award is the three-year period ending April 30, 2014. A target payout was established at the beginning of the performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period will be calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth. Payouts will be made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. During the year ended April 30, 2011, the Company granted two performance awards under the 2006 Plan to key employees, a two-year and three-year performance award. The performance periods for the two-year and three-year awards are the two-year and three-year periods ending April 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. A target payout was established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of each performance period will be calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth. Payouts will be made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. There were no awards granted before the year ended April 30, 2011. The cash component of the award is accounted for as a liability. The equity component is accounted for as a stock-based liability, as the restricted stock units may be settled in cash or stock. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company's current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised. During the years ended April 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded compensation expense for the long-term incentive awards of $441,000, $762,000 and $0, respectively. At April 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had accrued $1,203,000 and $762,000 for outstanding awards, respectively. The maximum compensation expense that may be recorded for outstanding awards is $14,219,000."],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag294","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Period (In thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended April 30: 2010 $ 291 $ 601 $ — $ (147 ) $ 745 2011 $ 745 $ 492 $ — $ (598 ) $ 639 2012 $ 639 $ 282 $ — $ — $ 921 Warranty reserve for the year ended April 30: 2010 $ 523 $ 1,512 $ — $ (1,231 ) $ 804 2011 $ 804 $ 1,449 $ — $ (1,126 ) $ 1,127 2012 $ 1,127 $ 4,284 $ — $ (2,539 ) $ 2,872 Reserve for inventory excess and obsolescence for the year ended April 30: 2010 $ 1,389 $ 434 $ — $ (632 ) $ 1,191 2011 $ 1,191 $ 579 $ — $ (529 ) $ 1,241 2012 $ 1,241 $ 2,056 $ — $ (543 ) $ 2,754 Reserve for self-insured medical claims for the year ended April 30: 2010 $ 680 $ 5,170 $ — $ (4,836 ) $ 1,014 2011 $ 1,014 $ 7,322 $ — $ (7,438 ) $ 898 2012 $ 898 $ 9,082 $ — $ (8,532 ) $ 1,448"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Registrant Name","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag295","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityRegistrantName","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","AeroVironment Inc"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Central Index Key","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag296","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityCentralIndexKey","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","0001368622"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Document Type","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag297","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DocumentType","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","10-K"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Document Period End Date","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag298","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DocumentPeriodEndDate","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2012-04-30"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Amendment Flag","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag299","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AmendmentFlag","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","false"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Current Fiscal Year End Date","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag300","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CurrentFiscalYearEndDate","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","--04-30"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag301","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","No"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Voluntary Filers","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag302","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityVoluntaryFilers","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","No"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Current Reporting Status","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag303","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityCurrentReportingStatus","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","Yes"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Filer Category","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag304","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityFilerCategory","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","Accelerated Filer"],["2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Public Float","I2012PF","DE","3721","","Tag305","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","EntityPublicFloat","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","618700000"],["2012-06-15","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding","I2012SO","DE","3721","","Tag306","AeroVironment Inc","2012-06-15","EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","22253533"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Document Fiscal Year Focus","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag307","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DocumentFiscalYearFocus","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2012"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2011-01-31","Document Fiscal Period Focus","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag308","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","FY"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag309","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","2043000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Customer Advances, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag310","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CustomerAdvancesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","5124000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2011-01-31","Customer Advances, Current","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag311","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CustomerAdvancesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","","1648000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Registrant Name","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag1","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityRegistrantName","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","AeroVironment Inc"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Central Index Key","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag2","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityCentralIndexKey","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0001368622"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Document Type","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag3","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DocumentType","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","10-K"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Document Period End Date","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag4","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DocumentPeriodEndDate","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2013-04-30"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Amendment Flag","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag5","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AmendmentFlag","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","false"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Current Fiscal Year End Date","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag6","AeroVironment 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2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag72","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","74843000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Services","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag73","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CostOfServices","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","91328000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Services","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag74","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfServices","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","100509000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag75","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","195675000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag76","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","175352000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag77","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","129333000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag78","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","117151000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag79","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","55280000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag80","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","47431000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Expense","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag81","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","30977000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Expense","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag82","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","35769000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Operating Income (Loss)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag83","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OperatingIncomeLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","43076000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Operating Income (Loss)","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag84","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OperatingIncomeLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","33951000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag85","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","462000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag86","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","277000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag87","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1.40"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag88","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1.20"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag89","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","43538000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag90","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","34228000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag91","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","13087000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag92","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","8319000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag93","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","25909000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag94","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","8973000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag95","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1.36"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag96","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1.17"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag97","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","21783496"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag98","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","21591333"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag99","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","22315474"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag100","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","22081266"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesIncomeTaxExpenseOnChangeInUnrealizedHoldingGainOrLoss","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag101","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesIncomeTaxExpenseOnChangeInUnrealizedHoldingGainOrLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","37000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag102","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","10599000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Provision for Doubtful Accounts","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag103","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","291000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Provision for Doubtful Accounts","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag104","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-105000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag105","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-1321000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag106","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-977000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag107","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","3196000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag108","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2306000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag109","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1239000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag110","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1034000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag111","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","189000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag112","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","204000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag113","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","11000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag114","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","51000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag115","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","12332000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag116","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5626000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag117","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5068000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag118","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","3256000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag119","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5402000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag120","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","17209000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag121","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1678000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag122","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","543000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag123","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-10921000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag124","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","10929000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag125","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","12784000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag126","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","9003000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag127","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","22069842"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag128","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","11777000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag129","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","24007000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag130","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","22390420"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag131","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","18754000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag132","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","33486000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag133","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","30451000"],["2011-05-01 to 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag152","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-13107000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag153","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","212000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag154","AeroVironment 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2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag169","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2179000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag170","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","33376000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag171","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","13104000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag172","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","9873000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag173","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","90000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag174","AeroVironment 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag180","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2. Investments Investments consist of the following: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Short-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 73,241 $ 49,263 U.S. government securities — 27,889 Total short-term investments $ 73,241 $ 77,152 Long-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 54,158 $ 52,261 Available-for-sale securities: Auction rate securities 5,687 6,196 Convertible bonds 9,071 — Total long-term investments $ 68,916 $ 58,457 Held-To-Maturity Securities As of April 30, 2013 the balance of held-to-maturity securities consisted of state and local government municipal securities. As of April 30, 2012 the balance of held-to-maturity securities consisted of state and local government municipal securities and U.S. Treasury bills and notes. Interest earned from these investments is recorded in interest income. The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity investments as of April 30, are as follows (in thousands): 2013 2012 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Municipal securities $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 101,524 $ 48 $ (24 ) $ 101,548 U.S. government securities — — — — 27,889 — (1 ) 27,888 Total held-to-maturity investments $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 129,413 $ 48 $ (25 ) $ 129,436 The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013, are as follows: Cost Fair Value Due within one year $ 73,241 $ 73,258 Due after one year through five years 54,158 54,167 Total $ 127,399 $ 127,425 Available-For-Sale Securities Auction Rate Securities As of April 30, 2013 and 2012, the entire balance of available-for-sale auction rate securities consisted of three and four investment grade auction rate municipal bonds, respectively, with maturities ranging from 6 to 21 years. These investments have characteristics similar to short-term investments, because at pre-determined intervals, generally ranging from 30 to 35 days, there is a new auction process at which the interest rates for these securities are reset to current interest rates. At the end of such period, the Company chooses to roll-over its holdings or redeem the investments for cash. A market maker facilitates the redemption of the securities and the underlying issuers are not required to redeem the investment within 365 days. Interest earned from these investments is recorded in interest income. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008, the Company began experiencing failed auctions on some of its auction rate securities. A failed auction occurs when a buyer for the securities cannot be obtained and the market maker does not buy the security for its own account. The Company continues to earn interest on the investments that failed to settle at auction, at the maximum contractual rate until the next auction occurs. In the event the Company needs to access funds invested in these auction rate securities, the Company may not be able to liquidate these securities at the fair value recorded on April 30, 2013 until a future auction of these securities is successful or a buyer is found outside of the auction process. As a result of the failed auctions, the fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis as of April 30, 2013 and 2012. The analysis considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction. Based on the Company's ability to access its cash and cash equivalents, expected operating cash flows, and other sources of cash, the Company does not anticipate the current lack of liquidity on these investments will affect its ability to operate the business in the ordinary course. The Company believes the current lack of liquidity of these investments is temporary and expects that the securities will be redeemed or refinanced at some point in the future. The Company will continue to monitor the value of its auction rate securities at each reporting period for a possible impairment if a further decline in fair value occurs. The auction rate securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. The Company has the ability and the intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity and as of April 30, 2013, it did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale auction rate securities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Auction rate securities Amortized cost $ 6,750 $ 7,350 Gross unrealized losses (1,063 ) (1,154 ) Fair value $ 5,687 $ 6,196 The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's auction rate securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due after five through 10 years $ 1,350 $ 1,256 Due after 10 years 5,400 4,431 Total $ 6,750 $ 5,687 Convertible Bonds As of April 30, 2013, the entire balance of available-for-sale convertible bonds consisted of two convertible bonds. The two convertible bonds were issued by CybAero AB (\"CybAero\"), a publicly traded company in Sweden that develops and manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles. Each bond is in the amount of 10 million Swedish Kronor (\"SEK\") and is convertible into 1 million CybAero shares at the conversion price of 10 SEK per share. The maturity date of each of the bonds is November 30, 2017 and each bond bears an annual interest rate of 5%. CybAero can prepay the bonds with three months' notice to the Company and the Company may exercise its conversion rights during such three-month period. If certain conditions are satisfied after November 30, 2015, CybAero can require the Company to convert the two bonds in their entirety into CybAero shares. The convertible bonds contain an embedded conversion feature which is bifurcated from the bond. The changes in the fair value of the embedded conversion feature are recorded in other income in the income statement. Unrealized gains and losses of the bond are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes. On May 14, 2013, CybAero effected a reverse stock split whereby every 10 shares of CybAero were converted into 1 share. All amounts discussed as of April 30, 2013 reflect this reverse stock split. The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale convertible bonds are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Convertible bonds Amortized cost $ 3,037 $ — Gross unrealized gains 6,173 — Gross unrealized losses (139 ) — Fair value $ 9,071 $ — The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's convertible bonds by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due within five years $ 3,037 $ 9,071 Total $ 3,037 $ 9,071"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value Disclosures","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag181","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","3. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows: • Level 1—Inputs to the valuation based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible as of the measurement date. • Level 2—Inputs to the valuation include quoted prices in either markets that are not active, or in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3—Inputs to the valuation that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement Using Description Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Auction rate securities $ — $ — $ 5,687 $ 5,687 Convertible bonds — 6,173 2,898 9,071 Total $ — $ 6,173 $ 8,585 $ 14,758 The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Description Auction Rate Securities Balance at May 1, 2012 $ 6,196 Transfers to Level 3 — Total gains (realized or unrealized) Included in earnings — Included in other comprehensive income (48 ) Purchases, issuances and settlements, net 2,437 Balance at April 30, 2013 $ 8,585 The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at April 30, 2013 $ — The auction rate securities are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The analysis considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the estimated date upon which the security is expected to have a successful auction. As of April 30, 2013, the inputs used in the Company's discounted cash flow analysis included current coupon rates ranging from 0.3% to 0.4%, estimated redemption periods of 6 to 21 years and discount rates of 7.4% to 18.9%. The discount rates were based on market rates for municipal bond securities, as adjusted for a risk premium to reflect the lack of liquidity of these investments. The bond components of the convertible bonds are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The analysis considers, among other items, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the maturity of the bonds. As of April 30, 2013, the inputs used in the Company's discounted cash flow analysis included a coupon rate of 5.0%, estimated redemption period of five years and a discount rate of 6.3%. The embedded conversion features of the convertible bonds are valued using a binomial option pricing model, which uses inputs such as CybAero's stock price, conversion price, volatility and risk-free interest rate."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag182","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","4. Inventories, net Inventories consist of the following: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 12,845 $ 13,969 Work in process 16,745 7,390 Finished goods 36,842 24,934 Inventories, gross 66,432 46,293 Reserve for inventory obsolescence (3,871 ) (2,754 ) Inventories, net $ 62,561 $ 43,539"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag183","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5. Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment consist of the following: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 8,498 $ 8,471 Machinery and equipment 37,873 32,883 Furniture and fixtures 1,866 2,415 Computer equipment and software 23,432 14,894 Construction in process 7,142 9,103 Property and equipment, gross 78,811 67,766 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (54,382 ) (44,251 ) Property and equipment, net $ 24,429 $ 23,515"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Product Warranty Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag184","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ProductWarrantyDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","6. Warranty Reserves Warranty reserve activity is summarized as follows: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,872 $ 1,127 Warranty expense 2,169 4,284 Warranty costs settled (3,526 ) (2,539 ) Ending balance $ 1,515 $ 2,872"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag185","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","75332000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","NumberOfReportableSegments","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag186","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NumberOfReportableSegments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2012_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USGovernmentAgenciesMember","DE","3721","SalesMember/CustomerConcentrationRiskMember/USGovernmentAgenciesMember","Tag187","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis","0.83"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2011_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USGovernmentAgenciesMember","DE","3721","SalesMember/CustomerConcentrationRiskMember/USGovernmentAgenciesMember","Tag188","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis","0.83"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2012_AccountsReceivableMember_CreditConcentrationRiskMember_USGovernmentAgenciesMember","DE","3721","AccountsReceivableMember/CreditConcentrationRiskMember/USGovernmentAgenciesMember","Tag189","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis","0.82"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2012_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember","DE","3721","SalesMember/CustomerConcentrationRiskMember/USArmyMember","Tag190","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis","0.42"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2011_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember","DE","3721","SalesMember/CustomerConcentrationRiskMember/USArmyMember","Tag191","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis","0.48"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2012_SalesRevenueSegmentMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","SalesRevenueSegmentMember/CustomerConcentrationRiskMember/USArmyMember/UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","Tag192","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis/StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","0.49"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","D2011_SalesRevenueSegmentMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","SalesRevenueSegmentMember/CustomerConcentrationRiskMember/USArmyMember/UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","Tag193","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis/ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis/MajorCustomersAxis/StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","0.56"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag194","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Machinery and equipment 2 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 2 to 5 years Furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or term of lease"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag195","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 10,426,000 $ 30,451,000 $ 25,909,000 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average common shares 22,069,842 21,783,496 21,591,333 Dilutive effect of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units 320,578 531,978 489,933 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 22,390,420 22,315,474 22,081,266"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag196","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1448000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag197","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1543000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","MaximumTermOfContracts","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag198","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","MaximumTermOfContracts","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","P6M"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCompensationEarned","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag199","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCompensationEarned","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","27852000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCompensationEarned","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag200","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCompensationEarned","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","33952000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag201","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","22703000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag202","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","33003000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AdvertisingExpense","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag203","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdvertisingExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","924000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AdvertisingExpense","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag204","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdvertisingExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","979000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AdvertisingExpense","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag205","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AdvertisingExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","238000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag206","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","531978"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag207","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","489933"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag208","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","320578"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag209","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","58000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag210","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","36000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag211","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","191000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SummaryInvestmentHoldingsTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag212","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SummaryInvestmentHoldingsTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Short-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 73,241 $ 49,263 U.S. government securities — 27,889 Total short-term investments $ 73,241 $ 77,152 Long-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 54,158 $ 52,261 Available-for-sale securities: Auction rate securities 5,687 6,196 Convertible bonds 9,071 — Total long-term investments $ 68,916 $ 58,457"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag213","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity investments as of April 30, are as follows (in thousands): 2013 2012 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Municipal securities $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 101,524 $ 48 $ (24 ) $ 101,548 U.S. government securities — — — — 27,889 — (1 ) 27,888 Total held-to-maturity investments $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 129,413 $ 48 $ (25 ) $ 129,436"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_INV","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag214","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale auction rate securities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Auction rate securities Amortized cost $ 6,750 $ 7,350 Gross unrealized losses (1,063 ) (1,154 ) Fair value $ 5,687 $ 6,196"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","D2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember","Tag215","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis","Cost Fair Value Due within one year $ 73,241 $ 73,258 Due after one year through five years 54,158 54,167 Total $ 127,399 $ 127,425"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","D2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember/AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag216","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's auction rate securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due after five through 10 years $ 1,350 $ 1,256 Due after 10 years 5,400 4,431 Total $ 6,750 $ 5,687"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember/MunicipalBondsMember","Tag217","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","49263000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember/USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag218","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","27889000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember/MunicipalBondsMember","Tag219","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","52261000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember/AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag220","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","6196000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecurities","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","MunicipalBondsMember","Tag221","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","101524000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecurities","I2012_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag222","AeroVironment 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Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryNet","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","62561000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag226","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","48000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","MunicipalBondsMember","Tag227","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","24000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","I2012_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag228","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","1000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag229","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","25000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","MunicipalBondsMember","Tag230","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","101548000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","I2012_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag231","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","27888000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag232","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","129436000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecurities","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag233","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","127399000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag234","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","49000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag235","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","23000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag236","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","127425000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","I2012_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag237","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","7350000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Net","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag238","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","24429000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","I2012_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag239","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","1154000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","I2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag240","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","6750000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","I2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag241","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","1063000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_FairValueInputsLevel2Member","DE","3721","FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember/FairValueInputsLevel2Member","Tag242","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis","6173000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member","DE","3721","FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember/FairValueInputsLevel3Member","Tag243","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis","8585000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember","DE","3721","FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember/EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember","Tag244","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis","14758000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember/FairValueInputsLevel3Member/AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag245","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","5687000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember/EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember/AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","Tag246","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","5687000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag247","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","6196000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag248","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","8585000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag249","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-48000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag250","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2437000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryRawMaterials","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag251","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryRawMaterials","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","13969000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryWorkInProcess","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag252","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryWorkInProcess","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","7390000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryFinishedGoods","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag253","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryFinishedGoods","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","24934000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryGross","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag254","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","46293000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryValuationReserves","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag255","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryValuationReserves","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2754000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryRawMaterials","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag256","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryRawMaterials","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","12845000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryWorkInProcess","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag257","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryWorkInProcess","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","16745000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryFinishedGoods","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag258","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryFinishedGoods","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","36842000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryGross","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag259","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","66432000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryValuationReserves","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag260","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryValuationReserves","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","3871000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Liabilities, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag261","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","42187000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag262","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","The Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement Using Description Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Auction rate securities $ — $ — $ 5,687 $ 5,687 Convertible bonds — 6,173 2,898 9,071 Total $ — $ 6,173 $ 8,585 $ 14,758"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag263","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Description Auction Rate Securities Balance at May 1, 2012 $ 6,196 Transfers to Level 3 — Total gains (realized or unrealized) Included in earnings — Included in other comprehensive income (48 ) Purchases, issuances and settlements, net 2,437 Balance at April 30, 2013 $ 8,585 The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at April 30, 2013 $ —"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag264","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 12,845 $ 13,969 Work in process 16,745 7,390 Finished goods 36,842 24,934 Inventories, gross 66,432 46,293 Reserve for inventory obsolescence (3,871 ) (2,754 ) Inventories, net $ 62,561 $ 43,539"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentComponentsTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag265","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentComponentsTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 8,498 $ 8,471 Machinery and equipment 37,873 32,883 Furniture and fixtures 1,866 2,415 Computer equipment and software 23,432 14,894 Construction in process 7,142 9,103 Property and equipment, gross 78,811 67,766 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (54,382 ) (44,251 ) Property and equipment, net $ 24,429 $ 23,515"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","I2012_LeaseholdImprovementsMember","DE","3721","LeaseholdImprovementsMember","Tag266","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis","8471000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","I2012_MachineryAndEquipmentMember","DE","3721","MachineryAndEquipmentMember","Tag267","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis","32883000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","I2012_FurnitureAndFixturesMember","DE","3721","FurnitureAndFixturesMember","Tag268","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis","2415000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","I2012_ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember","DE","3721","ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember","Tag269","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis","14894000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","I2012_ConstructionInProgressMember","DE","3721","ConstructionInProgressMember","Tag270","AeroVironment 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2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag388","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","30630000"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag389","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","6587000"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag390","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.30"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, 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Inc","2012-01-28","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5744000"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag395","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.26"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag396","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.26"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag397","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","110675000"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag398","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","49555000"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag399","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","17794000"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag400","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.81"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag401","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.80"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag402","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (9.6 ) (0.3 ) 1.1 R&D and other tax credits (29.6 ) (3.4 ) (11.3 ) Other 7.4 (1.2 ) (0.5 ) Effective income tax rate 3.2 % 30.1 % 24.3 %"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag403","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): Year ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Current: Federal $ (3,818 ) $ 12,814 $ 8,660 State 334 1,651 641 (3,484 ) 14,465 9,301 Deferred: Federal 5,178 (187 ) 859 State (1,347 ) (1,134 ) (1,836 ) 3,831 (1,321 ) (977 ) Change in valuation allowance — (57 ) (5 ) Total income tax expense $ 347 $ 13,087 $ 8,319"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag404","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 6,266 $ 9,697 Allowances, reserves, and other 3,050 763 Capital loss and credit carry-forwards 4,908 4,508 Unrealized loss on securities — 454 Total deferred income tax assets 14,224 15,422 Deferred income tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on securities (1,811 ) — Tax over book depreciation (1,641 ) (836 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (3,452 ) (836 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 10,772 $ 14,586"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsRollForwardTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag405","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsRollForwardTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Balance as of May 1 $ 4,507 $ 4,655 Increases related to prior year tax positions 539 — Decreases related to prior year tax positions (19 ) (533 ) Increases related to current year tax positions 1,141 973 Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations (1,085 ) (588 ) Balance as of April 30 $ 5,083 $ 4,507"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag406","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","The segment results are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Revenue: UAS $ 194,276 $ 273,728 $ 249,769 EES 45,876 51,280 42,734 Total 240,152 325,008 292,503 Cost of sales: UAS 115,194 157,663 150,256 EES 32,422 38,012 25,096 Total 147,616 195,675 175,352 Gross margin: UAS 79,082 116,065 99,513 EES 13,454 13,268 17,638 Total 92,536 129,333 117,151 Selling, general and administrative 51,520 55,280 47,431 Research and development 37,214 30,977 35,769 Income from operations 3,802 43,076 33,951 Interest income 726 462 277 Other income 6,245 — — Income before income taxes $ 10,773 $ 43,538 $ 34,228"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag407","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Three Months Ended July 28, 2012 October 27, 2012 January 26, 2013 April 30, 2013 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2013 Revenue $ 58,677 $ 80,278 $ 47,087 $ 54,110 Gross margin $ 19,505 $ 35,636 $ 19,673 $ 17,722 Net (loss) income $ (1,386 ) $ 8,738 $ 3,869 $ (795 ) Net (loss) income per share—basic $ (0.06 ) $ 0.40 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Net (loss) income per share—diluted $ (0.06 ) $ 0.39 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Three Months Ended July 30, 2011 October 29, 2011 January 28, 2012 April 30, 2012 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2012 Revenue $ 61,997 $ 80,372 $ 71,964 $ 110,675 Gross margin $ 21,715 $ 30,630 $ 27,433 $ 49,555 Net income $ 326 $ 6,587 $ 5,744 $ 17,794 Net income per share—basic(1) $ 0.02 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.81 Net income per share—diluted(1) $ 0.01 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.80 (1) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarterly earnings per share do not equal the total earnings per share computed for the year due to rounding."],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag408","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","4507000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag409","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5083000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","I2013_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","DE","3721","AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","Tag410","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","936000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","I2013_WarrantyReservesMember","DE","3721","WarrantyReservesMember","Tag411","AeroVironment 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2013_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","DE","3721","AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","Tag414","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","15000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2013_WarrantyReservesMember","DE","3721","WarrantyReservesMember","Tag415","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","2169000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2013_InventoryValuationReserveMember","DE","3721","InventoryValuationReserveMember","Tag416","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","1461000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2013_ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","DE","3721","ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","Tag417","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","7950000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","D2013_WarrantyReservesMember","DE","3721","WarrantyReservesMember","Tag418","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","3526000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","D2013_InventoryValuationReserveMember","DE","3721","InventoryValuationReserveMember","Tag419","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","344000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","D2013_ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","DE","3721","ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","Tag420","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","7970000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","I2012_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","DE","3721","AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","Tag421","AeroVironment 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Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","282000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2012_WarrantyReservesMember","DE","3721","WarrantyReservesMember","Tag430","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","4284000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","D2012_WarrantyReservesMember","DE","3721","WarrantyReservesMember","Tag431","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","2539000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2012_InventoryValuationReserveMember","DE","3721","InventoryValuationReserveMember","Tag432","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","2056000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2012_ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","DE","3721","ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","Tag433","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","9082000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","D2012_InventoryValuationReserveMember","DE","3721","InventoryValuationReserveMember","Tag434","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","543000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","D2012_ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","DE","3721","ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","Tag435","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","8532000"],["2010-05-01 to 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2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2011_InventoryValuationReserveMember","DE","3721","InventoryValuationReserveMember","Tag438","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","579000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","D2011_ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","DE","3721","ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","Tag439","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","7322000"],["2010-05-01 to 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1992 Plan Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at April 30, 2010 493,210 $ 23.36 405,101 $ 3.10 387,000 $ 0.48 Options granted 72,500 24.91 — — — — Options exercised (17,500 ) 22.27 (35,634 ) 5.67 (67,427 ) 0.41 Options canceled (12,800 ) 27.25 (1,408 ) 11.79 — — Outstanding at April 30, 2011 535,410 23.51 368,059 2.81 319,573 0.49 Options granted 175,000 29.28 — — — — Options exercised (18,200 ) 21.88 (43,073 ) 2.91 (80,263 ) 0.51 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2012 692,210 25.01 324,986 2.80 239,310 0.49 Options granted 203,000 19.07 — — — — Options exercised (3,000 ) 20.75 (147,597 ) 1.39 (57,741 ) 0.38 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2013 892,210 23.67 177,389 3.98 181,569 0.52 Options exercisable at April 30, 2013 457,310 $ 23.72 177,389 $ 3.98 181,569 $ 0.52"],["2012-05-01 to 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Stock granted 163,886 18.30 Stock vested (94,669 ) 26.11 Stock canceled (12,767 ) 25.53 Unvested stock at April 30, 2013 383,237 $ 23.32"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag456","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 0.37 57,415 0.89 $ 0.37 57,415 $ 0.37 0.59 124,154 6.35 0.59 124,154 0.59 0.78 53,288 1.16 0.78 53,288 0.78 2.13 82,766 2.47 2.13 82,766 2.13 11.79 41,335 3.40 11.79 41,335 11.79 18.07-24.65 620,210 6.61 21.19 373,710 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Stock-Based Compensation For the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3,470,000, $3,196,000 and $2,306,000, respectively. On January 14, 2007, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2006 Plan, effective January 21, 2007, for officers, directors, key employees and consultants. On September 29, 2011, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment and restatement of the 2006 Plan, or Restated 2006 Plan. Under the Restated 2006 Plan, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation right awards, performance share awards, performance stock unit awards, dividend equivalents awards, stock payment awards, deferred stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, other stock-based awards, performance bonus awards or performance-based awards may be granted at the discretion of a committee, which consists of outside directors. A maximum of 4,884,157 shares of stock may be issued pursuant to awards under the Restated 2006 Plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to one or more awards that may be granted to any one participant during any twelve month period is 2,000,000. A maximum of $5,000,000 may be paid in cash as a performance-based award during any twelve month period. The exercise price for any incentive stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting of awards is established at the time of grant. The Company had an equity incentive plan, or 2002 Plan, for officers, directors and key employees. Under the 2002 Plan, incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options were granted, as determined by the administrator at the time of grant. Stock purchase rights were also granted under the 2002 Plan. Options under the 2002 Plan were granted at their fair market value (as determined by the board of directors). The options become exercisable at various times over a five-year period from the grant date. The 2002 Plan was terminated on the effective date of the 2006 Plan. Awards outstanding under the 2002 Plan remain outstanding and exercisable; no additional awards may be made under the 2002 Plan. The Company had a 1992 nonqualified stock option plan, or 1992 Plan, for certain officers and key employees. Options under the 1992 Plan were granted at their fair market value (as determined by the board of directors) at the date of grant and became exercisable at various times over a five-year period from the grant date. The 1992 Plan expired in August 2002. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011: Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Expected term (in years) 6.00 5.46 5.00 Expected volatility 45.94 % 26.75 % 24.72 % Risk-free interest rate 0.92 % 1.40 % 2.08 % Expected dividend — — — Weighted average fair value at grant date $ 8.44 $ 8.01 $ 6.48 The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the Company expects the stock options to remain outstanding, based on the Company's historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation experience and the remaining contractual life of its outstanding options. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility for the Company's stock. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond with a remaining term that approximates the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield of zero reflects that the Company has not paid any cash dividends since inception and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Information related to the stock option plans at April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and for the years then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan 2002 Plan 1992 Plan Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at April 30, 2010 493,210 $ 23.36 405,101 $ 3.10 387,000 $ 0.48 Options granted 72,500 24.91 — — — — Options exercised (17,500 ) 22.27 (35,634 ) 5.67 (67,427 ) 0.41 Options canceled (12,800 ) 27.25 (1,408 ) 11.79 — — Outstanding at April 30, 2011 535,410 23.51 368,059 2.81 319,573 0.49 Options granted 175,000 29.28 — — — — Options exercised (18,200 ) 21.88 (43,073 ) 2.91 (80,263 ) 0.51 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2012 692,210 25.01 324,986 2.80 239,310 0.49 Options granted 203,000 19.07 — — — — Options exercised (3,000 ) 20.75 (147,597 ) 1.39 (57,741 ) 0.38 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2013 892,210 23.67 177,389 3.98 181,569 0.52 Options exercisable at April 30, 2013 457,310 $ 23.72 177,389 $ 3.98 181,569 $ 0.52 The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $4,329,000, $3,610,000, and $2,904,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of all options outstanding at April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6,369,000 and $13,561,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of all exercisable options at April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6,149,000 and $13,308,000, respectively. A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested stock options as of April 30, 2013 and the year then ended is as follows: Non-vested Options Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at April 30, 2012 375,262 $ 7.39 Granted 203,000 8.44 Expired — — Canceled — — Vested (143,362 ) 7.31 Non-vested at April 30, 2013 434,900 $ 7.91 As of April 30, 2013, there was approximately $9,629,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation awards granted under the equity plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over an approximately five-year period or a weighted average period of approximately four years. The weighted average fair value of options issued for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $8.44, $8.01 and $6.48, respectively. The total fair value of shares vesting during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2,477,000, $1,654,000 and $1,111,000, respectively. Proceeds from all option exercises under all stock option plans for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $289,000, $565,000 and $619,000, respectively. The tax benefit realized from stock-based compensation during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $1,490,000, $1,428,000, and $1,238,000, respectively. The following tabulation summarizes certain information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at April 30, 2013: Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 0.37 57,415 0.89 $ 0.37 57,415 $ 0.37 0.59 124,154 6.35 0.59 124,154 0.59 0.78 53,288 1.16 0.78 53,288 0.78 2.13 82,766 2.47 2.13 82,766 2.13 11.79 41,335 3.40 11.79 41,335 11.79 18.07-24.65 620,210 6.61 21.19 373,710 22.21 25.77-32.19 272,000 7.80 29.34 83,600 30.43 $ 0.37-32.19 1,251,168 5.97 $ 17.52 816,268 $ 14.27 The remaining weighted average contractual life of exercisable options at April 30, 2013 was 4.50 years. Information related to the Company's restricted stock awards at April 30, 2013 and for the year then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested stock at April 30, 2012 326,787 $ 26.84 Stock granted 163,886 18.30 Stock vested (94,669 ) 26.11 Stock canceled (12,767 ) 25.53 Unvested stock at April 30, 2013 383,237 $ 23.32 Information related to the Company's restricted stock units at April 30, 2013 and for the year then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units at April 30, 2012 — $ — Restricted stock units granted 30,584 24.28 Restricted stock units vested (14,926 ) 24.28 Restricted stock units canceled (732 ) 24.28 Unvested restricted stock units at April 30, 2013 14,926 $ 24.28"],["2011-05-01 to 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross","D2013_AmendedAndRestated2006EquityIncentivePlanMember_StockOptionsMember","DE","3721","AmendedAndRestated2006EquityIncentivePlanMember/StockOptionsMember","Tag508","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","PlanNameAxis/AwardTypeAxis","203000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross","D2012_AmendedAndRestated2006EquityIncentivePlanMember_StockOptionsMember","DE","3721","AmendedAndRestated2006EquityIncentivePlanMember/StockOptionsMember","Tag509","AeroVironment 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Long-Term Incentive Awards During each of the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company granted a three-year performance award under the Restated 2006 Plan to each of its key employees. The performance period for each three-year award is the three-year period ending April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A target payout was established at the beginning of the performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period will be calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth. Payouts will be made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. During the year ended April 30, 2011, the Company also granted a two-year performance award under the 2006 Plan to each of its key employees. The performance period for the two-year award was the two-year period ending April 30, 2012. A target payout was established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of each performance period was calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth. Payouts were made in cash and restricted stock units. There were no awards granted before the year ended April 30, 2011. The cash component of the award is accounted for as a liability. The equity component is accounted for as a stock-based liability, as the restricted stock units may be settled in cash or stock. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company's current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised. During the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded compensation expense for the long-term incentive awards of $194,000, $441,000 and $762,000, respectively. At April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had an accrued liability of $0 and $1,203,000 for outstanding awards, respectively. The maximum compensation expense that may be recorded for outstanding awards is $12,518,000."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Tax Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag647","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","10. Income Taxes A reconciliation of income tax expense computed using the U.S. federal statutory rates to actual income tax expense is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (9.6 ) (0.3 ) 1.1 R&D and other tax credits (29.6 ) (3.4 ) (11.3 ) Other 7.4 (1.2 ) (0.5 ) Effective income tax rate 3.2 % 30.1 % 24.3 % The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): Year ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Current: Federal $ (3,818 ) $ 12,814 $ 8,660 State 334 1,651 641 (3,484 ) 14,465 9,301 Deferred: Federal 5,178 (187 ) 859 State (1,347 ) (1,134 ) (1,836 ) 3,831 (1,321 ) (977 ) Change in valuation allowance — (57 ) (5 ) Total income tax expense $ 347 $ 13,087 $ 8,319 Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 6,266 $ 9,697 Allowances, reserves, and other 3,050 763 Capital loss and credit carry-forwards 4,908 4,508 Unrealized loss on securities — 454 Total deferred income tax assets 14,224 15,422 Deferred income tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on securities (1,811 ) — Tax over book depreciation (1,641 ) (836 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (3,452 ) (836 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 10,772 $ 14,586 At April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $5,083,000 and $4,507,000, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits all of which would impact the Company's effective tax rate if recognized. The Company estimates that $1,316,000 of its unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next twelve months due to statute of limitation expiration. The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Balance as of May 1 $ 4,507 $ 4,655 Increases related to prior year tax positions 539 — Decreases related to prior year tax positions (19 ) (533 ) Increases related to current year tax positions 1,141 973 Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations (1,085 ) (588 ) Balance as of April 30 $ 5,083 $ 4,507 The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions to income tax expense. As of April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had accrued approximately $238,000 and $125,000, respectively, of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company is currently under audit by various state jurisdictions but does not anticipate any material adjustments from these examinations. The tax years 2010, 2011 and 2012 remain open to examination by the IRS for federal income taxes. The tax years 2008 to 2012 remain open for major state taxing jurisdictions."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Related Party Transactions Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag648","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","11. Related Party Transactions Pursuant to a consulting agreement, the Company paid a board member approximately $172,000, $210,000 and $210,000 during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for consulting services independent of his board service. During the year ended April 30, 2012, the Company purchased materials in the amount of $3,433,000 from a vendor with a common board member. As of April 30, 2012, the Company had a trade payable balance of $32,000 to this vendor."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag649","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","12. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The Company's operations are conducted in leased facilities. Following is a summary of non-cancelable operating lease commitments: Year ending April 30 (In thousands) 2014 $ 4,324 2015 2,952 2016 1,919 2017 856 2018 137 Thereafter — $ 10,188 Rental expense under operating leases was approximately $4,349,000, $3,995,000 and $3,812,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Contingencies The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise out of the ordinary course of its business. Although adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the Company, in consultation with legal counsel, believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Contract Cost Audits Payments to the Company on government cost reimbursable contracts are based on provisional, or estimated indirect rates, which are subject to an annual audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, or DCAA. The cost audits result in the negotiation and determination of the final indirect cost rates that the Company may use for the period(s) audited. The final rates, if different from the provisional rates, may create an additional receivable or liability for the Company. For example, during the course of its audits, the DCAA may question the Company's incurred costs, and if the DCAA believes the Company has accounted for such costs in a manner inconsistent with the requirements under Federal Acquisition Regulations, or FAR, the DCAA auditor may recommend to the Company's administrative contracting officer to disallow such costs. Historically, the Company has not experienced material disallowed costs as a result of government audits. However, the Company can provide no assurance that the DCAA or other government audits will not result in material disallowances for incurred costs in the future. The Company's revenue recognition policy calls for revenue recognized on all cost reimbursable government contracts to be recorded at actual rates unless collectability is not reasonably assured."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Segment Reporting Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag650","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","13. Segment Data The Company's product segments are as follows: • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (\"UAS\")—The UAS segment focuses primarily on the design, development, production, support and operation of innovative UAS and tactical missile systems that provide situational awareness, multi-band communications, force protection and other mission effects to increase the security and effectiveness of the operations of the Company's customers. • Efficient Energy Systems (\"EES\")—The EES segment focuses primarily on the design, development, production, marketing, support and operation of innovative efficient electric energy systems that address the growing demand for electric transportation solutions. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, \"Organization and Significant Accounting Policies.\" The operating segments do not make sales to each other. Depreciation and amortization related to the manufacturing of goods is included in gross margin for the segments. The Company does not discretely allocate assets to its operating segments, nor does the CODM evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information. Consequently, the Company operates its financial systems as a single segment for accounting and control purposes, maintains a single indirect rate structure across all segments, has no inter-segment sales or corporate elimination transactions, and maintains only limited financial statement information by segment. The segment results are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Revenue: UAS $ 194,276 $ 273,728 $ 249,769 EES 45,876 51,280 42,734 Total 240,152 325,008 292,503 Cost of sales: UAS 115,194 157,663 150,256 EES 32,422 38,012 25,096 Total 147,616 195,675 175,352 Gross margin: UAS 79,082 116,065 99,513 EES 13,454 13,268 17,638 Total 92,536 129,333 117,151 Selling, general and administrative 51,520 55,280 47,431 Research and development 37,214 30,977 35,769 Income from operations 3,802 43,076 33,951 Interest income 726 462 277 Other income 6,245 — — Income before income taxes $ 10,773 $ 43,538 $ 34,228 Geographic Information Sales to non-U.S. customers accounted for 15%, 5% and 7% of revenue for each of the fiscal years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Quarterly Financial Information","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag651","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","14. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following tables present selected unaudited consolidated financial data for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended April 30, 2013. In the Company's opinion, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial information for the period presented. The Company's fiscal year ends on April 30. Due to the fixed year end date of April 30, the first and fourth quarters each consist of approximately 13 weeks. The second and third quarters each consist of 13 weeks. The first three quarters end on a Saturday. Three Months Ended July 28, 2012 October 27, 2012 January 26, 2013 April 30, 2013 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2013 Revenue $ 58,677 $ 80,278 $ 47,087 $ 54,110 Gross margin $ 19,505 $ 35,636 $ 19,673 $ 17,722 Net (loss) income $ (1,386 ) $ 8,738 $ 3,869 $ (795 ) Net (loss) income per share—basic $ (0.06 ) $ 0.40 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Net (loss) income per share—diluted $ (0.06 ) $ 0.39 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Three Months Ended July 30, 2011 October 29, 2011 January 28, 2012 April 30, 2012 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2012 Revenue $ 61,997 $ 80,372 $ 71,964 $ 110,675 Gross margin $ 21,715 $ 30,630 $ 27,433 $ 49,555 Net income $ 326 $ 6,587 $ 5,744 $ 17,794 Net income per share—basic(1) $ 0.02 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.81 Net income per share—diluted(1) $ 0.01 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.80 (1) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarterly earnings per share do not equal the total earnings per share computed for the year due to rounding."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag652","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","SUPPLEMENTARY DATA SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Period (In thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 745 $ 492 $ — $ (598 ) $ 639 2012 $ 639 $ 282 $ — $ — $ 921 2013 $ 921 $ 15 $ — $ — $ 936 Warranty reserve for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 804 $ 1,449 $ — $ (1,126 ) $ 1,127 2012 $ 1,127 $ 4,284 $ — $ (2,539 ) $ 2,872 2013 $ 2,872 $ 2,169 $ — $ (3,526 ) $ 1,515 Reserve for inventory excess and obsolescence for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 1,191 $ 579 $ — $ (529 ) $ 1,241 2012 $ 1,241 $ 2,056 $ — $ (543 ) $ 2,754 2013 $ 2,754 $ 1,461 $ — $ (344 ) $ 3,871 Reserve for self-insured medical claims for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 1,014 $ 7,322 $ — $ (7,438 ) $ 898 2012 $ 898 $ 9,082 $ — $ (8,532 ) $ 1,448 2013 $ 1,448 $ 7,950 $ — $ (7,970 ) $ 1,428"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag653","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","10426000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2013_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag659","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","1490000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag660","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1490000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag668","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.37"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit","D2013_ExercisePriceRangeSixMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeSixMember","Tag669","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","18.07"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit","D2013_ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember","Tag670","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","25.77"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit","D2013_ExercisePriceRangeSixMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeSixMember","Tag671","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","24.65"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit","D2013_ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember","Tag672","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","32.19"],["2012-05-01 to 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Inc","2010-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","804000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","I2010_InventoryValuationReserveMember","DE","3721","InventoryValuationReserveMember","Tag684","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","1191000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","I2010_ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","DE","3721","ReserveForSelfInsuredMedicalClaimsMember","Tag685","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis","1014000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag686","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Restated 2006 Plan Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units at April 30, 2012 — $ — Restricted stock units granted 30,584 24.28 Restricted stock units vested (14,926 ) 24.28 Restricted stock units canceled (732 ) 24.28 Unvested restricted stock units at April 30, 2013 14,926 $ 24.28"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Commitments and Contingencies.","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag687","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CommitmentsAndContingencies","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","",""],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Commitments and Contingencies.","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag688","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CommitmentsAndContingencies","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","",""],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Preferred Stock, Value, Issued","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag689","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PreferredStockValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","",""],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Preferred Stock, Value, Issued","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag690","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PreferredStockValue","1368622-10-K-20180627.zip","10-K","","",""],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag691","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","2000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag692","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","115602000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag693","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","118576000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag694","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-760000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2010","DE","3721","","Tag695","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","233420000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag696","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","2000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag697","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","2000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag698","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","124954000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag699","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","174936000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2012_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag700","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-694000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2013_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag701","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","2000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2013_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag702","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","130527000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2013_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag703","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","185362000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2013_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag704","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-705000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag705","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","119765000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag706","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","144485000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag707","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-784000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag708","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","263468000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Common Stock, Shares, Issued","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag709","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CommonStockSharesIssued","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","22614315"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","RevenuesFromTransactionsWithOtherOperatingSegmentsOfSameEntity","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag710","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","RevenuesFromTransactionsWithOtherOperatingSegmentsOfSameEntity","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2012_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag711","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","55280000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2011_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag712","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","47431000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2013_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag713","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","51520000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Expense","D2012_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag714","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","30977000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Expense","D2011_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag715","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","35769000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Expense","D2013_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag716","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","37214000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2012_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag717","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","462000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2011_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag718","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","277000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investment Income, Interest","D2013_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag719","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentIncomeInterest","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","726000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag720","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","565000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag721","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AeroVironment, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: AV S.r.l., Skytower, LLC, AV GmbH, AV Massachusetts, LLC, AV Rhode Island, LLC, Skytower Inc., AILC, Inc. and Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems, LLC (collectively referred to herein as the \"Company\"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag722","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Segments The Company's products are sold and divided among two reportable segments to reflect the Company's strategic goals. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (\"CODM\") in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's CODM is the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews the revenue and gross margin results for each of these segments in order to make resource allocation decisions, including the focus of research and development, or R&D, activities, and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","UseOfEstimates","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag723","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","UseOfEstimates","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of: inventory, deferred tax assets and liabilities, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, medical and dental liabilities, and estimates of anticipated contract costs and revenue utilized in the revenue recognition process. Actual results could differ from those estimates."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag724","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds, certificates of deposit of major financial institutions, and U.S. Treasury bills."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","MarketableSecuritiesPolicy","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag725","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","MarketableSecuritiesPolicy","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Investments The Company's investments are accounted for as held-to-maturity and available-for-sale and reported at amortized cost and fair value, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes for available-for-sale investments. The convertible bonds in which the Company has invested, which are classified as available-for-sale, contain an embedded conversion feature which is bifurcated from the bond. The changes in the fair value of the embedded conversion feature are recorded in other income in the income statement. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investment securities are determined on the specific identification basis and credited or charged to income. Premium and discount on investments are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of our investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and our intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. The Company also considers potential adverse conditions related to the financial health of the issuer based on rating agency actions. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings and a new cost basis in the investment is established."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag726","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, retentions and accounts payable approximate cost due to the short period of time to maturity."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag727","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, municipal bonds, U.S. government securities and accounts receivable. The Company currently invests the majority of its cash in municipal bonds and U.S. government securities. The Company's revenue and accounts receivable are with a limited number of corporations and governmental entities. In the aggregate, 70%, 83% and 83% of the Company's revenue came from agencies of the U.S. government for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These agencies accounted for 39% and 82% of the accounts receivable balances at April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. One such agency, the U.S. Army, accounted for 43%, 42% and 48% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The U.S. Army accounted for approximately 53%, 49% and 56% of UAS reportable segment sales for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its commercial customers and maintains an allowance for potential losses."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InventoryPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag728","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the weighted average costing method) or market value. Inventory write-offs and write-down provisions are provided to cover risks arising from slow-moving items or technological obsolescence and for market prices lower than cost. The Company periodically evaluates the quantities on hand relative to current and historical selling prices and historical and projected sales volume. Based on this evaluation, provisions are made to write inventory down to its market value."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag729","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment, including amortization of leasehold improvements, are provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Machinery and equipment 2 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 2 to 5 years Furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or term of lease Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and betterments to property and equipment are capitalized at cost. When the Company disposes of assets, the applicable costs and accumulated depreciation and amortization thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the period incurred. The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The estimated future cash flows are based upon, among other things, assumptions about expected future operating performance, and may differ from actual cash flows. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value in the period in which the determination is made. At April 30, 2013, no indicators of impairment were identified and no impairment charge was recorded."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","StandardProductWarrantyPolicy","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag730","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyPolicy","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Product Warranty The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based upon both current and historical product sales data and warranty costs incurred. Product warranty reserves are recorded in other current liabilities."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","SelfInsuranceReservePolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag731","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SelfInsuranceReservePolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Self-Insurance Liability The Company is self-insured for employee medical claims, subject to individual and aggregate stop-loss policies. The Company estimates a liability for claims filed and incurred but not reported based upon recent claims experience and an analysis of the average period of time between the occurrence of a claim and the time it is reported to and paid by the Company. As of April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company estimated and recorded a self-insurance liability in wages and related accruals of approximately $1,543,000 and $1,448,000, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag732","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The provision for income taxes reflects the taxes to be paid for the period and the change during the period in the deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. For uncertain tax positions, the Company determines whether it is \"more likely than not\" that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is \"not more likely than not\" that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","CustomerAdvancesAndAmountsInExcessCostIncurredPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag733","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CustomerAdvancesAndAmountsInExcessCostIncurredPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Customer Advances and Amounts in Excess of Cost Incurred The Company receives advances, performance-based payments and progress payments from customers that may exceed costs incurred on certain contracts, including contracts with agencies of the U.S. government. These advances are classified as advances from customers and will be offset against billings."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag734","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Revenue Recognition The substantial majority of the Company's revenue is generated pursuant to written contractual arrangements to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products, and to provide related engineering, technical and other services according to the specifications of the buyers (customers). These contracts may be fixed-price or cost-reimbursable. The Company considers all contracts for treatment in accordance with authoritative guidance for contracts with multiple deliverables. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables have value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. The Company occasionally enters into arrangements that consist of installation and repair contracts associated with hardware sold by the Company. Such arrangements consist of separate contractual arrangements and are divided into separate units of accounting where the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and there is objective and reasonable evidence of the fair value of the installation contract. Consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Product sales revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the delivery of production hardware and related activities. Contract services revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the provision of services, including repairs, training, engineering design, development and prototyping activities. Revenue from cost-plus-fee contracts are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the fee earned. Revenue from fixed-price contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method. Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance. Unbilled receivables represent costs incurred and related profit on contracts not yet billed to customers, and are invoiced in subsequent periods. Product sales revenue is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method or upon transfer of title to the customer, which is generally upon shipment. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of sales. Revenue and profits on fixed-price production contracts, where units are produced and delivered in a continuous or sequential process, are recorded as units are delivered based on their selling prices (the \"units-of-delivery method\"). Revenue and profits on other fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to the total estimated costs for each contract (the \"cost-to-cost method\"). Accounting for revenue and profits on a fixed-price contract requires the preparation of estimates of (1) the total contract revenue, (2) the total costs at completion, which is equal to the sum of the actual incurred costs to date on the contract and the estimated costs to complete the contract's statement of work and (3) the measurement of progress towards completion. The estimated profit or loss at completion on a contract is equal to the difference between the total estimated contract revenue and the total estimated cost at completion. Under the units-of-delivery method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded as the units are delivered during the period based on their contractual selling prices. Under the cost-to-cost method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded at amounts equal to the ratio of actual cumulative costs incurred divided by total estimated costs at completion, multiplied by (i) the total estimated contract revenue, less (ii) the cumulative sales recognized in prior periods. The profit recorded on a contract in any period using either the units-of-delivery method or cost-to-cost method is equal to (i) the current estimated total profit margin multiplied by the cumulative sales recognized, less (ii) the amount of cumulative profit previously recorded for the contract. In the case of a contract for which the total estimated costs exceed the total estimated revenue, a loss arises, and a provision for the entire loss is recorded in the period that it becomes evident. The unrecoverable costs on a loss contract that are expected to be incurred in future periods are recorded in the program cost. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with the recognition of revenue in any accounting period. Material differences in the amount of revenue in any given period may result if these judgments or estimates prove to be incorrect or if management's estimates change on the basis of development of the business, market conditions or other factors. Management judgments and estimates have been applied consistently and have been reliable historically. The Company believes that there are two key factors which impact the reliability of management's estimates. The first of those key factors is that the terms of the Company's contracts are typically less than six months. The short-term nature of such contracts reduces the risk that material changes in accounting estimates will occur on the basis of market conditions or other factors. The second key factor is that the Company has hundreds of contracts in any given accounting period, which reduces the risk that any one change in an accounting estimate on one or several contracts would have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or its two reporting segments' measures of profit. For the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, changes in accounting estimates on fixed-price contracts recognized using the percentage of completion method of accounting were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements or its two reporting segments' measure of profit."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag735","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. No compensation cost is ultimately recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service and are forfeited."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag736","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Long-Term Incentive Awards For long-term incentive awards, a target payout is established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period is calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth targets. Payouts are made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. The cash component of the award is accounted for as a liability. The equity component is accounted for as a stock-based liability, as the restricted stock units may be settled in cash or stock. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company's current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag737","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Research and Development Internally funded research and development costs, or IRAD, sponsored by the Company relate to both U.S. government products and services and those for commercial and foreign customers. IRAD costs for the Company are recoverable and allocable under government contracts in accordance with U.S. government procurement regulations. Customer-funded research and development costs are incurred pursuant to contracts (revenue arrangements) to perform research and development activities according to customer specifications. These costs are direct contract costs and are expensed to cost of sales when the corresponding revenue is recognized, which is generally as the research and development services are performed. Revenue from customer-funded research and development was approximately $37,317,000, $27,852,000 and $33,952,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The related cost of sales for customer-funded research and development totaled approximately $26,496,000, $22,703,000 and $33,003,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","LeasePolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag738","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LeasePolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Lease Accounting The Company accounts for its leases and subsequent amendments as operating leases or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. Certain operating leases contain rent escalation clauses, which are recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease with the difference between the rent paid and the straight-line rent recorded as a deferred rent liability. Lease incentives received from landlords are recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction to rent expense. Deferred rent liabilities were approximately $771,000 and $1,019,000 as of April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AdvertisingCostsPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag739","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AdvertisingCostsPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $238,000, $924,000 and $979,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag740","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any anti-dilutive effects of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding is included in diluted earnings per share. The reconciliation of diluted to basic shares is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 10,426,000 $ 30,451,000 $ 25,909,000 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average common shares 22,069,842 21,783,496 21,591,333 Dilutive effect of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units 320,578 531,978 489,933 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 22,390,420 22,315,474 22,081,266 During the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, certain options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units which met this anti-dilutive criterion was approximately 191,000, 58,000 and 36,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag741","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Recently Issued Accounting Standards On May 1, 2012, the Company adopted changes in accordance with guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (\"FASB\"), which requires companies to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company elected to adopt the two-statement option. The new guidance eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of these changes had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented, which was indefinitely deferred in December of 2011. In February of 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to the reclassification adjustments and related adoption date, the Company adopted the guidance regarding reclassification adjustments on May 1, 2013. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of these changes will have no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. On May 1, 2012, the Company adopted changes in accordance with guidance issued by the FASB to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. The new guidance changed certain fair value measurement principles and enhanced the disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements."],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","I2013_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember","Tag742","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","11.79"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2013_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","Tag743","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","115194000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2013_EfficientEnergySystemsMember","DE","3721","EfficientEnergySystemsMember","Tag744","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","32422000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2012_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","Tag745","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","157663000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2012_EfficientEnergySystemsMember","DE","3721","EfficientEnergySystemsMember","Tag746","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","38012000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2011_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","Tag747","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","150256000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Revenue","D2011_EfficientEnergySystemsMember","DE","3721","EfficientEnergySystemsMember","Tag748","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CostOfRevenue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","25096000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherNonoperatingIncome","D2013_UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","DE","3721","UnallocatedAmountToSegmentMember","Tag749","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OtherNonoperatingIncome","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis","6245000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accounts Receivable, Net, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag750","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AccountsReceivableNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","19770000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag751","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","UnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentionsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","11304000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Taxes Receivable, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag752","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncomeTaxesReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","11777000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag753","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5166000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag754","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","4303000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag755","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5606000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Other Assets, Noncurrent","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag756","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OtherAssetsNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1060000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accounts Payable, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag757","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AccountsPayableCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","16144000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Employee-related Liabilities, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag758","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","12116000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Customer Advances, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag759","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CustomerAdvancesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","7519000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Other Liabilities, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag760","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OtherLiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","6408000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag762","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositionsNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","5321000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Common Stock, Value, Issued","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag763","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CommonStockValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag764","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","130527000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag765","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-705000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag766","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","185362000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Sales Revenue, Goods, Net","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag767","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SalesRevenueGoodsNet","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","139813000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Sales Revenue, Services, Net","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag768","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SalesRevenueServicesNet","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","100339000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Goods Sold","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag769","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CostOfGoodsSold","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","85643000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cost of Services","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag770","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CostOfServices","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","61973000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherNonoperatingIncome","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag771","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OtherNonoperatingIncome","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","6245000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag772","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","10937000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Provision for Doubtful Accounts","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag773","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","462000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag774","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","3470000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag775","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1606000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag776","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-18000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag777","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2043000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag778","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-36185000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag779","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-15730000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag780","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","19022000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag781","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","317000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag782","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-4069000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag783","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-17320000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag784","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","11834000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfHeldToMaturitySecurities","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag785","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfHeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","2014000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag786","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","850000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag787","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","289000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag788","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","15262000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag789","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-11000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsTotalShareBasedLiabilitiesPaid","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag790","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsTotalShareBasedLiabilitiesPaid","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","401000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod","D2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag791","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","30584"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod","D2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag792","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","14296"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod","D2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag793","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","732"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","D2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag794","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","24.28"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","D2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag795","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","24.28"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","D2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag796","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","24.28"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber","I2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag797","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","14296"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","I2013_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","DE","3721","RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember","Tag798","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","AwardTypeAxis","24.28"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","I2013_ExercisePriceRangeSixMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeSixMember","Tag799","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","21.19"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","I2013_ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember","DE","3721","ExercisePriceRangeSevenMember","Tag800","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis","29.34"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag801","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","17.52"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock","D2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag802","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale convertible bonds are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Convertible bonds Amortized cost $ 3,037 $ — Gross unrealized gains 6,173 — Gross unrealized losses (139 ) — Fair value $ 9,071 $ —"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","D2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember/ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag803","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's convertible bonds by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due within five years $ 3,037 $ 9,071 Total $ 3,037 $ 9,071"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments","D2013_CybAeroABMember_ConvertibleDebtMember","DE","3721","CybAeroABMember/ConvertibleDebtMember","Tag804","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","LegalEntityAxis/DebtInstrumentAxis","1000000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1","I2013_CybAeroABMember_ConvertibleDebtMember","DE","3721","CybAeroABMember/ConvertibleDebtMember","Tag805","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","LegalEntityAxis/DebtInstrumentAxis","10"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage","I2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember/ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag806","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","0.05"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","DebtInstrumentConvertibleNoticePeriodForPrepaymentByIssuer","D2013_CybAeroABMember_ConvertibleDebtMember","DE","3721","CybAeroABMember/ConvertibleDebtMember","Tag807","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DebtInstrumentConvertibleNoticePeriodForPrepaymentByIssuer","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","LegalEntityAxis/DebtInstrumentAxis","P3M"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag808","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","3037000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag809","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","6173000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag810","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","139000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag811","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","9071000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinFiveYearsAmortizedCost","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag812","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinFiveYearsAmortizedCost","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","3037000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag813","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","3037000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinFiveYearsFairValue","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag814","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinFiveYearsFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","9071000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","FairValueInputsCouponRate","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_MinimumMember_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember/FairValueInputsLevel3Member/MinimumMember/DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","Tag815","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueInputsCouponRate","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByAssetClassAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis/RangeAxis/ValuationTechniqueAxis","0.003"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","FairValueInputsCouponRate","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_MaximumMember_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember/FairValueInputsLevel3Member/MaximumMember/DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","Tag816","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueInputsCouponRate","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByAssetClassAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis/RangeAxis/ValuationTechniqueAxis","0.004"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","FairValueInputsEstimatedRedemptionPeriod","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_MinimumMember_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember/FairValueInputsLevel3Member/MinimumMember/DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","Tag817","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueInputsEstimatedRedemptionPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","FairValueByAssetClassAxis/FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis/RangeAxis/ValuationTechniqueAxis","P6Y"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","FairValueInputsEstimatedRedemptionPeriod","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_MaximumMember_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","DE","3721","AuctionRateSecuritiesMember/FairValueInputsLevel3Member/MaximumMember/DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember","Tag818","AeroVironment 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Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization AeroVironment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is engaged in the design, development, production, support and operation of unmanned aircraft systems and efficient energy systems for various industries and governmental agencies. Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AeroVironment, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: AV S.r.l., Skytower, LLC, AV GmbH, AV Massachusetts, LLC, AV Rhode Island, LLC, Skytower Inc., AILC, Inc. and Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems, LLC (collectively referred to herein as the \"Company\"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Segments The Company's products are sold and divided among two reportable segments to reflect the Company's strategic goals. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (\"CODM\") in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's CODM is the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews the revenue and gross margin results for each of these segments in order to make resource allocation decisions, including the focus of research and development, or R&D, activities, and assessing performance. The Company's reportable segments are business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of: inventory, deferred tax assets and liabilities, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, medical and dental liabilities, and estimates of anticipated contract costs and revenue utilized in the revenue recognition process. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds, certificates of deposit of major financial institutions, and U.S. Treasury bills. Investments The Company's investments are accounted for as held-to-maturity and available-for-sale and reported at amortized cost and fair value, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes for available-for-sale investments. The convertible bonds in which the Company has invested, which are classified as available-for-sale, contain an embedded conversion feature which is bifurcated from the bond. The changes in the fair value of the embedded conversion feature are recorded in other income in the income statement. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investment securities are determined on the specific identification basis and credited or charged to income. Premium and discount on investments are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of our investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and our intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. The Company also considers potential adverse conditions related to the financial health of the issuer based on rating agency actions. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings and a new cost basis in the investment is established. Fair Values of Financial Instruments Fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, retentions and accounts payable approximate cost due to the short period of time to maturity. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, municipal bonds, U.S. government securities and accounts receivable. The Company currently invests the majority of its cash in municipal bonds and U.S. government securities. The Company's revenue and accounts receivable are with a limited number of corporations and governmental entities. In the aggregate, 70%, 83% and 83% of the Company's revenue came from agencies of the U.S. government for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These agencies accounted for 39% and 82% of the accounts receivable balances at April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. One such agency, the U.S. Army, accounted for 43%, 42% and 48% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The U.S. Army accounted for approximately 53%, 49% and 56% of UAS reportable segment sales for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its commercial customers and maintains an allowance for potential losses. Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Receivables and Retentions Accounts receivable represents primarily U.S. government, and to a lesser extent commercial receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent costs in excess of billings on incomplete contracts and, where applicable, accrued profit related to government long-term contracts on which revenue has been recognized, but for which the customer has not yet been billed. Retentions represent amounts withheld by customers until contract completion. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical customer experience and other currently available evidence. When a specific account is deemed uncollectible, the account is written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance; such losses have historically been within management's expectations. An account is deemed past due based on contractual terms rather than on how recently payments have been received. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the weighted average costing method) or market value. Inventory write-offs and write-down provisions are provided to cover risks arising from slow-moving items or technological obsolescence and for market prices lower than cost. The Company periodically evaluates the quantities on hand relative to current and historical selling prices and historical and projected sales volume. Based on this evaluation, provisions are made to write inventory down to its market value. Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment, including amortization of leasehold improvements, are provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Machinery and equipment 2 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 2 to 5 years Furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or term of lease Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and betterments to property and equipment are capitalized at cost. When the Company disposes of assets, the applicable costs and accumulated depreciation and amortization thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the period incurred. The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The estimated future cash flows are based upon, among other things, assumptions about expected future operating performance, and may differ from actual cash flows. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value in the period in which the determination is made. At April 30, 2013, no indicators of impairment were identified and no impairment charge was recorded. Product Warranty The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based upon both current and historical product sales data and warranty costs incurred. Product warranty reserves are recorded in other current liabilities. Self-Insurance Liability The Company is self-insured for employee medical claims, subject to individual and aggregate stop-loss policies. The Company estimates a liability for claims filed and incurred but not reported based upon recent claims experience and an analysis of the average period of time between the occurrence of a claim and the time it is reported to and paid by the Company. As of April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company estimated and recorded a self-insurance liability in wages and related accruals of approximately $1,543,000 and $1,448,000, respectively. Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The provision for income taxes reflects the taxes to be paid for the period and the change during the period in the deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. For uncertain tax positions, the Company determines whether it is \"more likely than not\" that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is \"not more likely than not\" that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded. Customer Advances and Amounts in Excess of Cost Incurred The Company receives advances, performance-based payments and progress payments from customers that may exceed costs incurred on certain contracts, including contracts with agencies of the U.S. government. These advances are classified as advances from customers and will be offset against billings. Revenue Recognition The substantial majority of the Company's revenue is generated pursuant to written contractual arrangements to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products, and to provide related engineering, technical and other services according to the specifications of the buyers (customers). These contracts may be fixed-price or cost-reimbursable. The Company considers all contracts for treatment in accordance with authoritative guidance for contracts with multiple deliverables. Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting if the deliverables have value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor. The Company occasionally enters into arrangements that consist of installation and repair contracts associated with hardware sold by the Company. Such arrangements consist of separate contractual arrangements and are divided into separate units of accounting where the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and there is objective and reasonable evidence of the fair value of the installation contract. Consideration is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Product sales revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the delivery of production hardware and related activities. Contract services revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the provision of services, including repairs, training, engineering design, development and prototyping activities. Revenue from cost-plus-fee contracts are recognized on the basis of costs incurred during the period plus the fee earned. Revenue from fixed-price contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method. Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance. Unbilled receivables represent costs incurred and related profit on contracts not yet billed to customers, and are invoiced in subsequent periods. Product sales revenue is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method or upon transfer of title to the customer, which is generally upon shipment. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of sales. Revenue and profits on fixed-price production contracts, where units are produced and delivered in a continuous or sequential process, are recorded as units are delivered based on their selling prices (the \"units-of-delivery method\"). Revenue and profits on other fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to the total estimated costs for each contract (the \"cost-to-cost method\"). Accounting for revenue and profits on a fixed-price contract requires the preparation of estimates of (1) the total contract revenue, (2) the total costs at completion, which is equal to the sum of the actual incurred costs to date on the contract and the estimated costs to complete the contract's statement of work and (3) the measurement of progress towards completion. The estimated profit or loss at completion on a contract is equal to the difference between the total estimated contract revenue and the total estimated cost at completion. Under the units-of-delivery method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded as the units are delivered during the period based on their contractual selling prices. Under the cost-to-cost method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded at amounts equal to the ratio of actual cumulative costs incurred divided by total estimated costs at completion, multiplied by (i) the total estimated contract revenue, less (ii) the cumulative sales recognized in prior periods. The profit recorded on a contract in any period using either the units-of-delivery method or cost-to-cost method is equal to (i) the current estimated total profit margin multiplied by the cumulative sales recognized, less (ii) the amount of cumulative profit previously recorded for the contract. In the case of a contract for which the total estimated costs exceed the total estimated revenue, a loss arises, and a provision for the entire loss is recorded in the period that it becomes evident. The unrecoverable costs on a loss contract that are expected to be incurred in future periods are recorded in the program cost. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with the recognition of revenue in any accounting period. Material differences in the amount of revenue in any given period may result if these judgments or estimates prove to be incorrect or if management's estimates change on the basis of development of the business, market conditions or other factors. Management judgments and estimates have been applied consistently and have been reliable historically. The Company believes that there are two key factors which impact the reliability of management's estimates. The first of those key factors is that the terms of the Company's contracts are typically less than six months. The short-term nature of such contracts reduces the risk that material changes in accounting estimates will occur on the basis of market conditions or other factors. The second key factor is that the Company has hundreds of contracts in any given accounting period, which reduces the risk that any one change in an accounting estimate on one or several contracts would have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or its two reporting segments' measures of profit. For the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, changes in accounting estimates on fixed-price contracts recognized using the percentage of completion method of accounting were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements or its two reporting segments' measure of profit. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. No compensation cost is ultimately recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service and are forfeited. Long-Term Incentive Awards For long-term incentive awards, a target payout is established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period is calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth targets. Payouts are made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. The cash component of the award is accounted for as a liability. The equity component is accounted for as a stock-based liability, as the restricted stock units may be settled in cash or stock. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company's current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised. Research and Development Internally funded research and development costs, or IRAD, sponsored by the Company relate to both U.S. government products and services and those for commercial and foreign customers. IRAD costs for the Company are recoverable and allocable under government contracts in accordance with U.S. government procurement regulations. Customer-funded research and development costs are incurred pursuant to contracts (revenue arrangements) to perform research and development activities according to customer specifications. These costs are direct contract costs and are expensed to cost of sales when the corresponding revenue is recognized, which is generally as the research and development services are performed. Revenue from customer-funded research and development was approximately $37,317,000, $27,852,000 and $33,952,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The related cost of sales for customer-funded research and development totaled approximately $26,496,000, $22,703,000 and $33,003,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Lease Accounting The Company accounts for its leases and subsequent amendments as operating leases or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. Certain operating leases contain rent escalation clauses, which are recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease with the difference between the rent paid and the straight-line rent recorded as a deferred rent liability. Lease incentives received from landlords are recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction to rent expense. Deferred rent liabilities were approximately $771,000 and $1,019,000 as of April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $238,000, $924,000 and $979,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any anti-dilutive effects of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding is included in diluted earnings per share. The reconciliation of diluted to basic shares is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 10,426,000 $ 30,451,000 $ 25,909,000 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average common shares 22,069,842 21,783,496 21,591,333 Dilutive effect of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units 320,578 531,978 489,933 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 22,390,420 22,315,474 22,081,266 During the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, certain options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units which met this anti-dilutive criterion was approximately 191,000, 58,000 and 36,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Standards On May 1, 2012, the Company adopted changes in accordance with guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (\"FASB\"), which requires companies to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The Company elected to adopt the two-statement option. The new guidance eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of these changes had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented, which was indefinitely deferred in December of 2011. In February of 2013, the FASB issued guidance related to the reclassification adjustments and related adoption date, the Company adopted the guidance regarding reclassification adjustments on May 1, 2013. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption of these changes will have no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. On May 1, 2012, the Company adopted changes in accordance with guidance issued by the FASB to provide a consistent definition of fair value and to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. The new guidance changed certain fair value measurement principles and enhanced the disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The adoption of these changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag869","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","7. Employee Savings Plan The Company has an employee 401(k) savings plan covering all eligible employees. The Company expensed approximately $3,137,000, $2,629,000 and $2,401,000 in contributions to the plan for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAndUnbilledReceivablesPolicy","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag870","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","TradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAndUnbilledReceivablesPolicy","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Receivables and Retentions Accounts receivable represents primarily U.S. government, and to a lesser extent commercial receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent costs in excess of billings on incomplete contracts and, where applicable, accrued profit related to government long-term contracts on which revenue has been recognized, but for which the customer has not yet been billed. Retentions represent amounts withheld by customers until contract completion. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical customer experience and other currently available evidence. When a specific account is deemed uncollectible, the account is written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance; such losses have historically been within management's expectations. 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Inc","2013-04-30","DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualMaximumCompensationExpenseOutstandingAwards","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis/TitleOfIndividualAxis/PlanNameAxis","12518000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability","I2010_DeferredBonusMember_ManagementMember_AmendedAndRestated2006EquityIncentivePlanMember","DE","3721","DeferredBonusMember/ManagementMember/AmendedAndRestated2006EquityIncentivePlanMember","Tag883","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis/TitleOfIndividualAxis/PlanNameAxis","0"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag884","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","3037000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag885","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","225000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag886","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","200000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag887","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","600000"],["2013-06-18","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SharePrice","I2014Q1_M0618_CybAeroABMember_SubsequentEventMember","DE","3721","CybAeroABMember/SubsequentEventMember","Tag888","AeroVironment Inc","2013-06-18","SharePrice","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","LegalEntityAxis/SubsequentEventTypeAxis","20.50"],["2013-06-18","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2014Q1_M0618_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_SubsequentEventMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember/SubsequentEventMember","Tag889","AeroVironment Inc","2013-06-18","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis/SubsequentEventTypeAxis","6351000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","I2013_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","Tag890","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis","9071000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","SubsequentEventsTextBlock","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag891","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SubsequentEventsTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","15. Subsequent Event Subsequent to April 30, 2013, the Company's investment in two convertible bonds classified as available-for-sale issued by CybAero experienced a decline in fair value. As of June 18, 2013, the most practical date prior to the issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the closing stock price was 20.50 SEK. Based on the closing stock price on June 18, 2013, the fair value of the two convertible bonds held by the Company is $6,351,000 as compared to a fair value of $9,071,000 at April 30, 2013."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag892","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.296"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag893","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.034"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag894","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","0.113"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag895","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-57000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag896","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DeferredOtherTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-5000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag897","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","1811000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","D2011_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag898","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-24000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag899","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-24000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","D2012_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag900","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","90000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag901","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","90000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","D2013_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember","DE","3721","Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","Tag902","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-11000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag903","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","-11000"],["2013-06-18","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts","I2014Q1_M0618_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_SubsequentEventMember","DE","3721","CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember/ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember/SubsequentEventMember","Tag904","AeroVironment Inc","2013-06-18","InvestmentOwnedBalanceContracts","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","InvestmentTypeAxis/MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis/SubsequentEventTypeAxis","2"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag905","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","77000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription","D2013","DE","3721","",null,"AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription","1368622-10-K-20130625.zip","10-K","","","Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Registrant Name","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag1","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityRegistrantName","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","AeroVironment Inc"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Central Index Key","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag2","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityCentralIndexKey","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0001368622"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Document Type","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag3","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DocumentType","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10-K"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Document Period End Date","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag4","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DocumentPeriodEndDate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2013-04-30"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Amendment Flag","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag5","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AmendmentFlag","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","false"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Current Fiscal Year End Date","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag6","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CurrentFiscalYearEndDate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","--04-30"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Current Reporting Status","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag7","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityCurrentReportingStatus","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","No"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Filer Category","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag8","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityFilerCategory","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Accelerated Filer"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Document Fiscal Year Focus","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag9","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DocumentFiscalYearFocus","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2013"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Document Fiscal Period Focus","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag10","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","FY"],["2013-06-07","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding","I2013SO","DE","3721","","Tag11","AeroVironment Inc","2013-06-07","EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","22614315"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag12","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","64220000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag13","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","77152000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accounts Receivable, Net, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag14","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AccountsReceivableNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","56417000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag15","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","UnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentionsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","27034000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Net","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag16","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryNet","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","43539000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag17","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","7886000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag18","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","4030000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Assets, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag19","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","280278000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag20","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","58457000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Assets, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag21","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AssetsCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","263454000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Net","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag22","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","23515000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag23","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","6700000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Other Assets, Noncurrent","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag24","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherAssetsNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","201000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Assets","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag25","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","Assets","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","369151000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accounts Payable, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag26","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AccountsPayableCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","20213000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Employee-related Liabilities, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag27","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","19076000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accrued Income Taxes, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag28","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","8788000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Customer Advances, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag29","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CustomerAdvancesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5124000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Other Liabilities, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag30","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","OtherLiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","9898000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Liabilities, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag32","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","63099000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Assets","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag33","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","Assets","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","363465000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Employee Related Liabilities and Other Accruals, Noncurrent","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag34","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesAndOtherAccrualsNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1203000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag35","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1019000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag36","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LiabilityForUncertainTaxPositionsNoncurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","4632000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Common Stock, Value, Issued","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag37","AeroVironment 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Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag98","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","21591333"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag99","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","22315474"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag100","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","22081266"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag101","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesIncomeTaxExpenseOnChangeInUnrealizedHoldingGainOrLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","37000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag102","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10599000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Provision for Doubtful Accounts","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag103","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","291000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Provision for Doubtful Accounts","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag104","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-105000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag105","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-1321000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag106","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-977000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag107","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3196000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag108","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2306000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag109","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1239000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag110","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1034000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag111","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","189000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag112","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","204000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag113","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","11000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag114","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","51000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag115","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","12332000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag116","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5626000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag117","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5068000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable and Retentions","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag118","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledContractsReceivableAndRetentions","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3256000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag119","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5402000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Inventories","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag120","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInInventories","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","17209000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag121","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1678000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag122","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","543000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag123","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-10921000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag124","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10929000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag125","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","12784000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag126","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","9003000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag127","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","22069842"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag128","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","11777000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag129","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","24007000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag130","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","22390420"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag131","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","18754000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag132","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","33486000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag133","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","30451000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period","D2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag134","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","141536"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag135","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","565000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross","D2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag136","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","157400"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited","D2012_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag137","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","-4917"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag138","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","1428000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2012_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag139","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","3196000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag140","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3196000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag141","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1428000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2011_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag142","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","25909000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period","D2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag143","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","120561"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross","D2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag144","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","98910"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited","D2011_CommonStockMember","DE","3721","Common Stock","Tag145","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","-2000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag146","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","619000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag147","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Statement, Equity Components","1238000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag148","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","619000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag149","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1238000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2011_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember","DE","3721","Additional Paid-in Capital","Tag150","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","2306000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag151","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2306000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag152","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-13107000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag153","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","212000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag154","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","11112000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag155","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","14992000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag156","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10173000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Held-to-maturity Securities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag157","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfHeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-2575000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Held-to-maturity Securities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag158","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfHeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","8931000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag159","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","13000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag160","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","109000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag161","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-17329000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag162","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-933000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag163","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","189000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag164","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","204000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag165","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","565000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag166","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","619000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag167","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","754000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag168","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","823000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag169","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2179000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag170","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","33376000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag171","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","13104000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Taxes Paid","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag172","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncomeTaxesPaid","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","9873000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag173","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","90000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag174","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLossNetOfTax","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-24000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag175","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10426000"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag176","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","62041000"],["2010-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2010","DE","3721","","Tag177","AeroVironment Inc","2010-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","28665000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag178","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesIncomeTaxExpenseOnChangeInUnrealizedHoldingGainOrLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","56000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag179","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesIncomeTaxExpenseOnChangeInUnrealizedHoldingGainOrLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","16000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag180","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2. Investments Investments consist of the following: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Short-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 73,241 $ 49,263 U.S. government securities — 27,889 Total short-term investments $ 73,241 $ 77,152 Long-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 54,158 $ 52,261 Available-for-sale securities: Auction rate securities 5,687 6,196 Convertible bonds 9,071 — Total long-term investments $ 68,916 $ 58,457 Held-To-Maturity Securities As of April 30, 2013 the balance of held-to-maturity securities consisted of state and local government municipal securities. As of April 30, 2012 the balance of held-to-maturity securities consisted of state and local government municipal securities and U.S. Treasury bills and notes. Interest earned from these investments is recorded in interest income. The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity investments as of April 30, are as follows (in thousands): 2013 2012 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Municipal securities $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 101,524 $ 48 $ (24 ) $ 101,548 U.S. government securities — — — — 27,889 — (1 ) 27,888 Total held-to-maturity investments $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 129,413 $ 48 $ (25 ) $ 129,436 The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013, are as follows: Cost Fair Value Due within one year $ 73,241 $ 73,258 Due after one year through five years 54,158 54,167 Total $ 127,399 $ 127,425 Available-For-Sale Securities Auction Rate Securities As of April 30, 2013 and 2012, the entire balance of available-for-sale auction rate securities consisted of three and four investment grade auction rate municipal bonds, respectively, with maturities ranging from 6 to 21 years. These investments have characteristics similar to short-term investments, because at pre-determined intervals, generally ranging from 30 to 35 days, there is a new auction process at which the interest rates for these securities are reset to current interest rates. At the end of such period, the Company chooses to roll-over its holdings or redeem the investments for cash. A market maker facilitates the redemption of the securities and the underlying issuers are not required to redeem the investment within 365 days. Interest earned from these investments is recorded in interest income. During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008, the Company began experiencing failed auctions on some of its auction rate securities. A failed auction occurs when a buyer for the securities cannot be obtained and the market maker does not buy the security for its own account. The Company continues to earn interest on the investments that failed to settle at auction, at the maximum contractual rate until the next auction occurs. In the event the Company needs to access funds invested in these auction rate securities, the Company may not be able to liquidate these securities at the fair value recorded on April 30, 2013 until a future auction of these securities is successful or a buyer is found outside of the auction process. As a result of the failed auctions, the fair values of these securities are estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis as of April 30, 2013 and 2012. The analysis considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction. Based on the Company's ability to access its cash and cash equivalents, expected operating cash flows, and other sources of cash, the Company does not anticipate the current lack of liquidity on these investments will affect its ability to operate the business in the ordinary course. The Company believes the current lack of liquidity of these investments is temporary and expects that the securities will be redeemed or refinanced at some point in the future. The Company will continue to monitor the value of its auction rate securities at each reporting period for a possible impairment if a further decline in fair value occurs. The auction rate securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. The Company has the ability and the intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity and as of April 30, 2013, it did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale auction rate securities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Auction rate securities Amortized cost $ 6,750 $ 7,350 Gross unrealized losses (1,063 ) (1,154 ) Fair value $ 5,687 $ 6,196 The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's auction rate securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due after five through 10 years $ 1,350 $ 1,256 Due after 10 years 5,400 4,431 Total $ 6,750 $ 5,687 Convertible Bonds As of April 30, 2013, the entire balance of available-for-sale convertible bonds consisted of two convertible bonds. The two convertible bonds were issued by CybAero AB (\"CybAero\"), a publicly traded company in Sweden that develops and manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles. Each bond is in the amount of 10 million Swedish Kronor (\"SEK\") and is convertible into 1 million CybAero shares at the conversion price of 10 SEK per share. The maturity date of each of the bonds is November 30, 2017 and each bond bears an annual interest rate of 5%. CybAero can prepay the bonds with three months' notice to the Company and the Company may exercise its conversion rights during such three-month period. If certain conditions are satisfied after November 30, 2015, CybAero can require the Company to convert the two bonds in their entirety into CybAero shares. The convertible bonds contain an embedded conversion feature which is bifurcated from the bond. The changes in the fair value of the embedded conversion feature are recorded in other income in the income statement. Unrealized gains and losses of the bond are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of deferred income taxes. On May 14, 2013, CybAero effected a reverse stock split whereby every 10 shares of CybAero were converted into 1 share. All amounts discussed as of April 30, 2013 reflect this reverse stock split. The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale convertible bonds are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Convertible bonds Amortized cost $ 3,037 $ — Gross unrealized gains 6,173 — Gross unrealized losses (139 ) — Fair value $ 9,071 $ — The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's convertible bonds by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due within five years $ 3,037 $ 9,071 Total $ 3,037 $ 9,071"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value Disclosures","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag181","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows: • Level 1—Inputs to the valuation based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible as of the measurement date. • Level 2—Inputs to the valuation include quoted prices in either markets that are not active, or in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. • Level 3—Inputs to the valuation that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement Using Description Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Auction rate securities $ — $ — $ 5,687 $ 5,687 Convertible bonds — 6,173 2,898 9,071 Total $ — $ 6,173 $ 8,585 $ 14,758 The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Description Auction Rate Securities Balance at May 1, 2012 $ 6,196 Transfers to Level 3 — Total gains (realized or unrealized) Included in earnings — Included in other comprehensive income (48 ) Purchases, issuances and settlements, net 2,437 Balance at April 30, 2013 $ 8,585 The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at April 30, 2013 $ — The auction rate securities are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The analysis considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the estimated date upon which the security is expected to have a successful auction. As of April 30, 2013, the inputs used in the Company's discounted cash flow analysis included current coupon rates ranging from 0.3% to 0.4%, estimated redemption periods of 6 to 21 years and discount rates of 7.4% to 18.9%. The discount rates were based on market rates for municipal bond securities, as adjusted for a risk premium to reflect the lack of liquidity of these investments. The bond components of the convertible bonds are valued using a discounted cash flow model. The analysis considers, among other items, the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the maturity of the bonds. As of April 30, 2013, the inputs used in the Company's discounted cash flow analysis included a coupon rate of 5.0%, estimated redemption period of five years and a discount rate of 6.3%. The embedded conversion features of the convertible bonds are valued using a binomial option pricing model, which uses inputs such as CybAero's stock price, conversion price, volatility and risk-free interest rate."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag182","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","4. Inventories, net Inventories consist of the following: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 12,845 $ 13,969 Work in process 16,745 7,390 Finished goods 36,842 24,934 Inventories, gross 66,432 46,293 Reserve for inventory obsolescence (3,871 ) (2,754 ) Inventories, net $ 62,561 $ 43,539"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag183","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5. Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment consist of the following: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 8,498 $ 8,471 Machinery and equipment 37,873 32,883 Furniture and fixtures 1,866 2,415 Computer equipment and software 23,432 14,894 Construction in process 7,142 9,103 Property and equipment, gross 78,811 67,766 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (54,382 ) (44,251 ) Property and equipment, net $ 24,429 $ 23,515"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Product Warranty Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag184","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ProductWarrantyDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","6. Warranty Reserves Warranty reserve activity is summarized as follows: April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,872 $ 1,127 Warranty expense 2,169 4,284 Warranty costs settled (3,526 ) (2,539 ) Ending balance $ 1,515 $ 2,872"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag185","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","75332000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Number of Reportable Segments","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag186","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NumberOfReportableSegments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2012_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USGovernmentAgenciesMember","DE","3721","Sales/Customer Concentration Risk/US Government Agencies","Tag187","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers","0.83"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2011_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USGovernmentAgenciesMember","DE","3721","Sales/Customer Concentration Risk/US Government Agencies","Tag188","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers","0.83"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2012_AccountsReceivableMember_CreditConcentrationRiskMember_USGovernmentAgenciesMember","DE","3721","Accounts Receivable/Credit Concentration Risk/US Government Agencies","Tag189","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers","0.82"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2012_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember","DE","3721","Sales/Customer Concentration Risk/US Army","Tag190","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers","0.42"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2011_SalesMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember","DE","3721","Sales/Customer Concentration Risk/US Army","Tag191","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers","0.48"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2012_SalesRevenueSegmentMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","Sales Revenue, Segment/Customer Concentration Risk/US Army/Unmanned Aircraft Systems","Tag192","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers/Business Segments","0.49"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Concentration Risk, Percentage","D2011_SalesRevenueSegmentMember_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_USArmyMember_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","Sales Revenue, Segment/Customer Concentration Risk/US Army/Unmanned Aircraft Systems","Tag193","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ConcentrationRiskPercentage1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Concentration Risk Benchmark/Concentration Risk Type/Major Customers/Business Segments","0.56"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag194","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Machinery and equipment 2 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 2 to 5 years Furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of useful life or term of lease"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag195","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Numerator for basic earnings per share: Net income $ 10,426,000 $ 30,451,000 $ 25,909,000 Denominator for basic earnings per share: Weighted average common shares 22,069,842 21,783,496 21,591,333 Dilutive effect of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units 320,578 531,978 489,933 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 22,390,420 22,315,474 22,081,266"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Self Insurance Reserve, Current","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag196","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1448000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Self Insurance Reserve, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag197","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1543000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Maximum Term of Contracts","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag198","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","MaximumTermOfContracts","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","P6M"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Compensation Earned","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag199","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCompensationEarned","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","27852000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Compensation Earned","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag200","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCompensationEarned","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","33952000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Costs Incurred, Gross","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag201","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","22703000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Costs Incurred, Gross","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag202","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","33003000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Advertising Expense","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag203","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AdvertisingExpense","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","924000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Advertising Expense","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag204","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AdvertisingExpense","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","979000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Advertising Expense","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag205","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AdvertisingExpense","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","238000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag206","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","531978"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag207","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","489933"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag208","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","320578"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag209","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","58000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag210","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","36000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag211","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","191000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Summary Investment Holdings [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag212","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SummaryInvestmentHoldingsTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Short-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 73,241 $ 49,263 U.S. government securities — 27,889 Total short-term investments $ 73,241 $ 77,152 Long-term investments: Held-to-maturity securities: Municipal securities $ 54,158 $ 52,261 Available-for-sale securities: Auction rate securities 5,687 6,196 Convertible bonds 9,071 — Total long-term investments $ 68,916 $ 58,457"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag213","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the held-to-maturity investments as of April 30, are as follows (in thousands): 2013 2012 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Municipal securities $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 101,524 $ 48 $ (24 ) $ 101,548 U.S. government securities — — — — 27,889 — (1 ) 27,888 Total held-to-maturity investments $ 127,399 $ 49 $ (23 ) $ 127,425 $ 129,413 $ 48 $ (25 ) $ 129,436"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_INV","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities","Tag214","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","The amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the available-for-sale auction rate securities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Auction rate securities Amortized cost $ 6,750 $ 7,350 Gross unrealized losses (1,063 ) (1,154 ) Fair value $ 5,687 $ 6,196"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]","D2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities","Tag215","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type","Cost Fair Value Due within one year $ 73,241 $ 73,258 Due after one year through five years 54,158 54,167 Total $ 127,399 $ 127,425"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]","D2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities/Auction Rate Securities","Tag216","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","The amortized cost and fair value of the Company's auction rate securities by contractual maturity at April 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands): Cost Fair Value Due after five through 10 years $ 1,350 $ 1,256 Due after 10 years 5,400 4,431 Total $ 6,750 $ 5,687"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities/Municipal Bonds","Tag217","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","49263000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Short-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities/US Government Debt Securities","Tag218","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","ShortTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","27889000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesHeldToMaturitySecuritiesMember_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities/Municipal Bonds","Tag219","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","52261000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2012_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities/Auction Rate Securities","Tag220","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","6196000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","Municipal Bonds","Tag221","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","101524000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities","I2012_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","US Government Debt Securities","Tag222","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","27889000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag223","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","129413000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","Municipal Bonds","Tag224","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","48000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Net","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag225","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryNet","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","62561000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag226","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","48000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","Municipal Bonds","Tag227","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","24000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss","I2012_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","US Government Debt Securities","Tag228","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","1000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag229","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","25000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value","I2012_MunicipalBondsMember","DE","3721","Municipal Bonds","Tag230","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","101548000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value","I2012_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","US Government Debt Securities","Tag231","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","27888000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag232","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","129436000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag233","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecurities","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","127399000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Gain","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag234","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldtomaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingGain","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","49000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Holding Loss","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag235","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesUnrecognizedHoldingLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","23000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag236","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","127425000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis","I2012_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities","Tag237","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","7350000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Net","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag238","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","24429000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses","I2012_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities","Tag239","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","1154000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis","I2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities","Tag240","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","6750000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses","I2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities","Tag241","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","1063000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_FairValueInputsLevel2Member","DE","3721","Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring/Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2","Tag242","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Measurement Frequency/Fair Value, Hierarchy","6173000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member","DE","3721","Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring/Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3","Tag243","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Measurement Frequency/Fair Value, Hierarchy","8585000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember","DE","3721","Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring/Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure","Tag244","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Measurement Frequency/Fair Value, Hierarchy","14758000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring/Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3/Auction Rate Securities","Tag245","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Measurement Frequency/Fair Value, Hierarchy/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","5687000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure","I2013_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring/Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure/Auction Rate Securities","Tag246","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Measurement Frequency/Fair Value, Hierarchy/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","5687000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag247","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","6196000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag248","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","8585000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag249","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-48000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, Sales, Issues, Settlements","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag250","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchasesSalesIssuancesSettlements","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2437000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag251","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryRawMaterials","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","13969000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Work in Process, Gross","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag252","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryWorkInProcess","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","7390000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag253","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryFinishedGoods","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","24934000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Gross","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag254","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","46293000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory Valuation Reserves","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag255","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","InventoryValuationReserves","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2754000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag256","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryRawMaterials","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","12845000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Work in Process, Gross","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag257","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryWorkInProcess","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","16745000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag258","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryFinishedGoods","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","36842000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory, Gross","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag259","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","66432000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Inventory Valuation Reserves","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag260","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","InventoryValuationReserves","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3871000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Liabilities, Current","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag261","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LiabilitiesCurrent","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","42187000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag262","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","The Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurement Using Description Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Auction rate securities $ — $ — $ 5,687 $ 5,687 Convertible bonds — 6,173 2,898 9,071 Total $ — $ 6,173 $ 8,585 $ 14,758"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag263","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Description Auction Rate Securities Balance at May 1, 2012 $ 6,196 Transfers to Level 3 — Total gains (realized or unrealized) Included in earnings — Included in other comprehensive income (48 ) Purchases, issuances and settlements, net 2,437 Balance at April 30, 2013 $ 8,585 The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at April 30, 2013 $ —"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag264","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Raw materials $ 12,845 $ 13,969 Work in process 16,745 7,390 Finished goods 36,842 24,934 Inventories, gross 66,432 46,293 Reserve for inventory obsolescence (3,871 ) (2,754 ) Inventories, net $ 62,561 $ 43,539"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment Components [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag265","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentComponentsTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Leasehold improvements $ 8,498 $ 8,471 Machinery and equipment 37,873 32,883 Furniture and fixtures 1,866 2,415 Computer equipment and software 23,432 14,894 Construction in process 7,142 9,103 Property and equipment, gross 78,811 67,766 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (54,382 ) (44,251 ) Property and equipment, net $ 24,429 $ 23,515"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2012_LeaseholdImprovementsMember","DE","3721","Leasehold Improvements","Tag266","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","8471000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2012_MachineryAndEquipmentMember","DE","3721","Machinery and Equipment","Tag267","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","32883000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2012_FurnitureAndFixturesMember","DE","3721","Furniture and Fixtures","Tag268","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","2415000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2012_ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember","DE","3721","Computer Equipment and Software","Tag269","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","14894000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2012_ConstructionInProgressMember","DE","3721","Construction in Progress","Tag270","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","9103000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag271","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","67766000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2013_LeaseholdImprovementsMember","DE","3721","Leasehold Improvements","Tag272","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","8498000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2013_MachineryAndEquipmentMember","DE","3721","Machinery and Equipment","Tag273","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","37873000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2013_FurnitureAndFixturesMember","DE","3721","Furniture and Fixtures","Tag274","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","1866000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2013_ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember","DE","3721","Computer Equipment and Software","Tag275","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","23432000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2013_ConstructionInProgressMember","DE","3721","Construction in Progress","Tag276","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Property, Plant and Equipment, Type","7142000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag277","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","78811000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag278","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","44251000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag279","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","54382000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Liabilities and Equity","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag280","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","363465000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag281","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfProductWarrantyLiabilityTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","April 30, 2013 2012 (In thousands) Beginning balance $ 2,872 $ 1,127 Warranty expense 2,169 4,284 Warranty costs settled (3,526 ) (2,539 ) Ending balance $ 1,515 $ 2,872"],["2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Standard Product Warranty Accrual","I2011","DE","3721","","Tag282","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrual","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1127000"],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Standard Product Warranty Accrual","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag283","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrual","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2872000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Standard Product Warranty Accrual","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag284","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrual","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","1515000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Standard Product Warranty Accrual Warranties Issued and Preexisting Increase (Decrease)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag285","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssuedAndPreexistingIncreaseDecrease","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","4284000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Standard Product Warranty Accrual Warranties Issued and Preexisting Increase (Decrease)","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag286","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrualWarrantiesIssuedAndPreexistingIncreaseDecrease","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2169000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag287","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2539000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Payments","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag288","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3526000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag289","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3137000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag290","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2629000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag291","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","2401000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag292","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.350"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag293","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-0.096"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag294","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.074"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag295","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.032"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag296","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","12814000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Current State and Local Tax Expense 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Profit","D2012_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","Unmanned Aircraft Systems","Tag352","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Business Segments","116065000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012_EfficientEnergySystemsMember","DE","3721","Efficient Energy Systems","Tag353","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Business Segments","13268000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2011_UnmannedAircraftSystemsMember","DE","3721","Unmanned Aircraft Systems","Tag354","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Business Segments","99513000"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2011_EfficientEnergySystemsMember","DE","3721","Efficient Energy Systems","Tag355","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Business Segments","17638000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Operating Income (Loss)","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag356","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","OperatingIncomeLoss","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3802000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag357","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10773000"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Entity Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries Percentage","D2012","DE","3721","","Tag358","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EntityWideDisclosureOnGeographicAreasRevenueFromExternalCustomersAttributedToForeignCountriesPercentage","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.05"],["2010-05-01 to 2011-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Entity Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries Percentage","D2011","DE","3721","","Tag359","AeroVironment Inc","2011-04-30","EntityWideDisclosureOnGeographicAreasRevenueFromExternalCustomersAttributedToForeignCountriesPercentage","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.07"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Entity Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries Percentage","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag360","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityWideDisclosureOnGeographicAreasRevenueFromExternalCustomersAttributedToForeignCountriesPercentage","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.15"],["2012-05-01 to 2012-07-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2013Q1","DE","3721","","Tag361","AeroVironment Inc","2012-07-28","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","58677000"],["2012-05-01 to 2012-07-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2013Q1","DE","3721","","Tag362","AeroVironment Inc","2012-07-28","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","19505000"],["2012-05-01 to 2012-07-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013Q1","DE","3721","","Tag363","AeroVironment Inc","2012-07-28","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-1386000"],["2012-05-01 to 2012-07-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2013Q1","DE","3721","","Tag364","AeroVironment Inc","2012-07-28","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-0.06"],["2012-05-01 to 2012-07-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2013Q1","DE","3721","","Tag365","AeroVironment Inc","2012-07-28","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-0.06"],["2012-07-29 to 2012-10-27","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2013Q2","DE","3721","","Tag366","AeroVironment Inc","2012-10-27","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","80278000"],["2012-07-29 to 2012-10-27","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2013Q2","DE","3721","","Tag367","AeroVironment Inc","2012-10-27","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","35636000"],["2012-07-29 to 2012-10-27","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013Q2","DE","3721","","Tag368","AeroVironment Inc","2012-10-27","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","8738000"],["2012-07-29 to 2012-10-27","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2013Q2","DE","3721","","Tag369","AeroVironment Inc","2012-10-27","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.40"],["2012-07-29 to 2012-10-27","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2013Q2","DE","3721","","Tag370","AeroVironment Inc","2012-10-27","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.39"],["2012-10-28 to 2013-01-26","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2013Q3","DE","3721","","Tag371","AeroVironment Inc","2013-01-26","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","47087000"],["2012-10-28 to 2013-01-26","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2013Q3","DE","3721","","Tag372","AeroVironment Inc","2013-01-26","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","19673000"],["2012-10-28 to 2013-01-26","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013Q3","DE","3721","","Tag373","AeroVironment Inc","2013-01-26","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","3869000"],["2012-10-28 to 2013-01-26","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2013Q3","DE","3721","","Tag374","AeroVironment Inc","2013-01-26","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.17"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Selling, General and Administrative Expense","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag375","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","51520000"],["2012-10-28 to 2013-01-26","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2013Q3","DE","3721","","Tag376","AeroVironment Inc","2013-01-26","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.17"],["2013-01-27 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2013Q4","DE","3721","","Tag377","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","54110000"],["2013-01-27 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2013Q4","DE","3721","","Tag378","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","17722000"],["2013-01-27 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013Q4","DE","3721","","Tag379","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-795000"],["2013-01-27 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2013Q4","DE","3721","","Tag380","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-0.04"],["2013-01-27 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2013Q4","DE","3721","","Tag381","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","-0.04"],["2011-05-01 to 2011-07-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2012Q1","DE","3721","","Tag382","AeroVironment Inc","2011-07-30","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","61997000"],["2011-05-01 to 2011-07-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012Q1","DE","3721","","Tag383","AeroVironment Inc","2011-07-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","21715000"],["2011-05-01 to 2011-07-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012Q1","DE","3721","","Tag384","AeroVironment Inc","2011-07-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","326000"],["2011-05-01 to 2011-07-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q1","DE","3721","","Tag385","AeroVironment Inc","2011-07-30","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.02"],["2011-05-01 to 2011-07-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012Q1","DE","3721","","Tag386","AeroVironment Inc","2011-07-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.01"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag387","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","80372000"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag388","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","30630000"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag389","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","6587000"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag390","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.30"],["2011-07-31 to 2011-10-29","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012Q2","DE","3721","","Tag391","AeroVironment Inc","2011-10-29","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.30"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag392","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","71964000"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag393","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","27433000"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag394","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5744000"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag395","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.26"],["2011-10-30 to 2012-01-28","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012Q3","DE","3721","","Tag396","AeroVironment Inc","2012-01-28","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.26"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Revenues","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag397","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","Revenues","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","110675000"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Gross Profit","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag398","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","GrossProfit","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","49555000"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag399","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","17794000"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Basic","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag400","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.81"],["2012-01-29 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","3","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Earnings Per Share, Diluted","D2012Q4","DE","3721","","Tag401","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","EarningsPerShareDiluted","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","0.80"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag402","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (9.6 ) (0.3 ) 1.1 R&D and other tax credits (29.6 ) (3.4 ) (11.3 ) Other 7.4 (1.2 ) (0.5 ) Effective income tax rate 3.2 % 30.1 % 24.3 %"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag403","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): Year ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Current: Federal $ (3,818 ) $ 12,814 $ 8,660 State 334 1,651 641 (3,484 ) 14,465 9,301 Deferred: Federal 5,178 (187 ) 859 State (1,347 ) (1,134 ) (1,836 ) 3,831 (1,321 ) (977 ) Change in valuation allowance — (57 ) (5 ) Total income tax expense $ 347 $ 13,087 $ 8,319"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag404","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 6,266 $ 9,697 Allowances, reserves, and other 3,050 763 Capital loss and credit carry-forwards 4,908 4,508 Unrealized loss on securities — 454 Total deferred income tax assets 14,224 15,422 Deferred income tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on securities (1,811 ) — Tax over book depreciation (1,641 ) (836 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (3,452 ) (836 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 10,772 $ 14,586"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag405","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsRollForwardTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Balance as of May 1 $ 4,507 $ 4,655 Increases related to prior year tax positions 539 — Decreases related to prior year tax positions (19 ) (533 ) Increases related to current year tax positions 1,141 973 Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations (1,085 ) (588 ) Balance as of April 30 $ 5,083 $ 4,507"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag406","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","The segment results are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Revenue: UAS $ 194,276 $ 273,728 $ 249,769 EES 45,876 51,280 42,734 Total 240,152 325,008 292,503 Cost of sales: UAS 115,194 157,663 150,256 EES 32,422 38,012 25,096 Total 147,616 195,675 175,352 Gross margin: UAS 79,082 116,065 99,513 EES 13,454 13,268 17,638 Total 92,536 129,333 117,151 Selling, general and administrative 51,520 55,280 47,431 Research and development 37,214 30,977 35,769 Income from operations 3,802 43,076 33,951 Interest income 726 462 277 Other income 6,245 — — Income before income taxes $ 10,773 $ 43,538 $ 34,228"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag407","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Three Months Ended July 28, 2012 October 27, 2012 January 26, 2013 April 30, 2013 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2013 Revenue $ 58,677 $ 80,278 $ 47,087 $ 54,110 Gross margin $ 19,505 $ 35,636 $ 19,673 $ 17,722 Net (loss) income $ (1,386 ) $ 8,738 $ 3,869 $ (795 ) Net (loss) income per share—basic $ (0.06 ) $ 0.40 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Net (loss) income per share—diluted $ (0.06 ) $ 0.39 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Three Months Ended July 30, 2011 October 29, 2011 January 28, 2012 April 30, 2012 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2012 Revenue $ 61,997 $ 80,372 $ 71,964 $ 110,675 Gross margin $ 21,715 $ 30,630 $ 27,433 $ 49,555 Net income $ 326 $ 6,587 $ 5,744 $ 17,794 Net income per share—basic(1) $ 0.02 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.81 Net income per share—diluted(1) $ 0.01 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.80 (1) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarterly earnings per share do not equal the total earnings per share computed for the year due to rounding."],["2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate","I2012","DE","3721","","Tag408","AeroVironment Inc","2012-04-30","UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","4507000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate","I2013","DE","3721","","Tag409","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","5083000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance","I2013_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsMember","DE","3721","Allowance 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Options granted 72,500 24.91 — — — — Options exercised (17,500 ) 22.27 (35,634 ) 5.67 (67,427 ) 0.41 Options canceled (12,800 ) 27.25 (1,408 ) 11.79 — — Outstanding at April 30, 2011 535,410 23.51 368,059 2.81 319,573 0.49 Options granted 175,000 29.28 — — — — Options exercised (18,200 ) 21.88 (43,073 ) 2.91 (80,263 ) 0.51 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2012 692,210 25.01 324,986 2.80 239,310 0.49 Options granted 203,000 19.07 — — — — Options exercised (3,000 ) 20.75 (147,597 ) 1.39 (57,741 ) 0.38 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2013 892,210 23.67 177,389 3.98 181,569 0.52 Options exercisable at April 30, 2013 457,310 $ 23.72 177,389 $ 3.98 181,569 $ 0.52"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Schedule of Share Based Compensation Nonvested Stock Options Activity [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag454","AeroVironment 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag456","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 0.37 57,415 0.89 $ 0.37 57,415 $ 0.37 0.59 124,154 6.35 0.59 124,154 0.59 0.78 53,288 1.16 0.78 53,288 0.78 2.13 82,766 2.47 2.13 82,766 2.13 11.79 41,335 3.40 11.79 41,335 11.79 18.07-24.65 620,210 6.61 21.19 373,710 22.21 25.77-32.19 272,000 7.80 29.34 83,600 30.43 $ 0.37-32.19 1,251,168 5.97 $ 17.52 816,268 $ 14.27"],["2012-05-01 to 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Inc","2013-04-30","DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","8. Stock-Based Compensation For the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $3,470,000, $3,196,000 and $2,306,000, respectively. On January 14, 2007, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2006 Plan, effective January 21, 2007, for officers, directors, key employees and consultants. On September 29, 2011, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment and restatement of the 2006 Plan, or Restated 2006 Plan. Under the Restated 2006 Plan, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation right awards, performance share awards, performance stock unit awards, dividend equivalents awards, stock payment awards, deferred stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, other stock-based awards, performance bonus awards or performance-based awards may be granted at the discretion of a committee, which consists of outside directors. A maximum of 4,884,157 shares of stock may be issued pursuant to awards under the Restated 2006 Plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to one or more awards that may be granted to any one participant during any twelve month period is 2,000,000. A maximum of $5,000,000 may be paid in cash as a performance-based award during any twelve month period. The exercise price for any incentive stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting of awards is established at the time of grant. The Company had an equity incentive plan, or 2002 Plan, for officers, directors and key employees. Under the 2002 Plan, incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options were granted, as determined by the administrator at the time of grant. Stock purchase rights were also granted under the 2002 Plan. Options under the 2002 Plan were granted at their fair market value (as determined by the board of directors). The options become exercisable at various times over a five-year period from the grant date. The 2002 Plan was terminated on the effective date of the 2006 Plan. Awards outstanding under the 2002 Plan remain outstanding and exercisable; no additional awards may be made under the 2002 Plan. The Company had a 1992 nonqualified stock option plan, or 1992 Plan, for certain officers and key employees. Options under the 1992 Plan were granted at their fair market value (as determined by the board of directors) at the date of grant and became exercisable at various times over a five-year period from the grant date. The 1992 Plan expired in August 2002. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011: Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Expected term (in years) 6.00 5.46 5.00 Expected volatility 45.94 % 26.75 % 24.72 % Risk-free interest rate 0.92 % 1.40 % 2.08 % Expected dividend — — — Weighted average fair value at grant date $ 8.44 $ 8.01 $ 6.48 The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the Company expects the stock options to remain outstanding, based on the Company's historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation experience and the remaining contractual life of its outstanding options. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility for the Company's stock. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond with a remaining term that approximates the expected term of the option. The expected dividend yield of zero reflects that the Company has not paid any cash dividends since inception and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Information related to the stock option plans at April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and for the years then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan 2002 Plan 1992 Plan Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at April 30, 2010 493,210 $ 23.36 405,101 $ 3.10 387,000 $ 0.48 Options granted 72,500 24.91 — — — — Options exercised (17,500 ) 22.27 (35,634 ) 5.67 (67,427 ) 0.41 Options canceled (12,800 ) 27.25 (1,408 ) 11.79 — — Outstanding at April 30, 2011 535,410 23.51 368,059 2.81 319,573 0.49 Options granted 175,000 29.28 — — — — Options exercised (18,200 ) 21.88 (43,073 ) 2.91 (80,263 ) 0.51 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2012 692,210 25.01 324,986 2.80 239,310 0.49 Options granted 203,000 19.07 — — — — Options exercised (3,000 ) 20.75 (147,597 ) 1.39 (57,741 ) 0.38 Options canceled — — — — — — Outstanding at April 30, 2013 892,210 23.67 177,389 3.98 181,569 0.52 Options exercisable at April 30, 2013 457,310 $ 23.72 177,389 $ 3.98 181,569 $ 0.52 The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $4,329,000, $3,610,000, and $2,904,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of all options outstanding at April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6,369,000 and $13,561,000, respectively. The intrinsic value of all exercisable options at April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6,149,000 and $13,308,000, respectively. A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested stock options as of April 30, 2013 and the year then ended is as follows: Non-vested Options Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at April 30, 2012 375,262 $ 7.39 Granted 203,000 8.44 Expired — — Canceled — — Vested (143,362 ) 7.31 Non-vested at April 30, 2013 434,900 $ 7.91 As of April 30, 2013, there was approximately $9,629,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation awards granted under the equity plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over an approximately five-year period or a weighted average period of approximately four years. The weighted average fair value of options issued for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $8.44, $8.01 and $6.48, respectively. The total fair value of shares vesting during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2,477,000, $1,654,000 and $1,111,000, respectively. Proceeds from all option exercises under all stock option plans for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $289,000, $565,000 and $619,000, respectively. The tax benefit realized from stock-based compensation during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $1,490,000, $1,428,000, and $1,238,000, respectively. The following tabulation summarizes certain information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at April 30, 2013: Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life In Years Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price As of April 30, 2013 Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 0.37 57,415 0.89 $ 0.37 57,415 $ 0.37 0.59 124,154 6.35 0.59 124,154 0.59 0.78 53,288 1.16 0.78 53,288 0.78 2.13 82,766 2.47 2.13 82,766 2.13 11.79 41,335 3.40 11.79 41,335 11.79 18.07-24.65 620,210 6.61 21.19 373,710 22.21 25.77-32.19 272,000 7.80 29.34 83,600 30.43 $ 0.37-32.19 1,251,168 5.97 $ 17.52 816,268 $ 14.27 The remaining weighted average contractual life of exercisable options at April 30, 2013 was 4.50 years. Information related to the Company's restricted stock awards at April 30, 2013 and for the year then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested stock at April 30, 2012 326,787 $ 26.84 Stock granted 163,886 18.30 Stock vested (94,669 ) 26.11 Stock canceled (12,767 ) 25.53 Unvested stock at April 30, 2013 383,237 $ 23.32 Information related to the Company's restricted stock units at April 30, 2013 and for the year then ended is as follows: Restated 2006 Plan Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units at April 30, 2012 — $ — Restricted stock units granted 30,584 24.28 Restricted stock units vested (14,926 ) 24.28 Restricted stock units canceled (732 ) 24.28 Unvested restricted stock units at April 30, 2013 14,926 $ 24.28"],["2011-05-01 to 2012-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period","D2013_RestrictedStockMember","DE","3721","Restricted Stock","Tag600","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Award Type","94669"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period","D2013_RestrictedStockMember","DE","3721","Restricted Stock","Tag601","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Award 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Investments","I2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities/Auction Rate Securities","Tag618","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","5687000"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Long-term Investments","I2013_CategoriesOfInvestmentsMarketableSecuritiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMember_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Categories of Investments, Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities/Convertible Debt Securities","Tag619","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LongTermInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Investment Type/Major Types of Debt and Equity 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2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Period for which Issuer is Not Required to Redeem Investments","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_MaximumMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities/Maximum","Tag636","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","PeriodForWhichIssuerIsNotRequiredToRedeemInvestments","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities/Range","P365D"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag637","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsForOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","Year ending April 30 (In thousands) 2014 $ 4,324 2015 2,952 2016 1,919 2017 856 2018 137 Thereafter — $ 10,188"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Available for Sale Securities Predetermined Interval to Reset Interest Rate","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_MaximumMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities/Maximum","Tag638","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPredeterminedIntervalToResetInterestRate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities/Range","P35D"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Available for Sale Securities Predetermined Interval to Reset Interest Rate","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_MinimumMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities/Minimum","Tag639","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPredeterminedIntervalToResetInterestRate","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities/Range","P30D"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Available for Sale Securities Maturity Period","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_MaximumMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities/Maximum","Tag640","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesMaturityPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities/Range","P21Y"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Available for Sale Securities Maturity Period","D2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_MinimumMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities/Minimum","Tag641","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesMaturityPeriod","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities/Range","P6Y"],["2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions","I2013_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember","DE","3721","Auction Rate Securities","Tag642","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities","3"],["2012-10-27","CA","AIRCRAFT","0","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Public Float","I2013PF","DE","3721","","Tag643","AeroVironment Inc","2012-10-27","EntityPublicFloat","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","422900000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag644","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","No"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","dei","http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012-01-31","Entity Voluntary Filers","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag645","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","EntityVoluntaryFilers","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","No"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","avav","http://www.avinc.com/20130430","Long Term Incentive Awards Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag646","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","LongTermIncentiveAwardsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","9. Long-Term Incentive Awards During each of the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company granted a three-year performance award under the Restated 2006 Plan to each of its key employees. The performance period for each three-year award is the three-year period ending April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A target payout was established at the beginning of the performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period will be calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth. Payouts will be made in cash and restricted stock units. Upon vesting of the restricted stock units, the Company has the discretion to settle the restricted stock units in cash or stock. During the year ended April 30, 2011, the Company also granted a two-year performance award under the 2006 Plan to each of its key employees. The performance period for the two-year award was the two-year period ending April 30, 2012. A target payout was established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of each performance period was calculated based upon the Company's achievement of revenue and operating profit growth. Payouts were made in cash and restricted stock units. There were no awards granted before the year ended April 30, 2011. The cash component of the award is accounted for as a liability. The equity component is accounted for as a stock-based liability, as the restricted stock units may be settled in cash or stock. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company's current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised. During the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded compensation expense for the long-term incentive awards of $194,000, $441,000 and $762,000, respectively. At April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had an accrued liability of $0 and $1,203,000 for outstanding awards, respectively. The maximum compensation expense that may be recorded for outstanding awards is $12,518,000."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Income Tax Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag647","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","10. Income Taxes A reconciliation of income tax expense computed using the U.S. federal statutory rates to actual income tax expense is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (9.6 ) (0.3 ) 1.1 R&D and other tax credits (29.6 ) (3.4 ) (11.3 ) Other 7.4 (1.2 ) (0.5 ) Effective income tax rate 3.2 % 30.1 % 24.3 % The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands): Year ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Current: Federal $ (3,818 ) $ 12,814 $ 8,660 State 334 1,651 641 (3,484 ) 14,465 9,301 Deferred: Federal 5,178 (187 ) 859 State (1,347 ) (1,134 ) (1,836 ) 3,831 (1,321 ) (977 ) Change in valuation allowance — (57 ) (5 ) Total income tax expense $ 347 $ 13,087 $ 8,319 Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 6,266 $ 9,697 Allowances, reserves, and other 3,050 763 Capital loss and credit carry-forwards 4,908 4,508 Unrealized loss on securities — 454 Total deferred income tax assets 14,224 15,422 Deferred income tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on securities (1,811 ) — Tax over book depreciation (1,641 ) (836 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (3,452 ) (836 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 10,772 $ 14,586 At April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $5,083,000 and $4,507,000, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits all of which would impact the Company's effective tax rate if recognized. The Company estimates that $1,316,000 of its unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next twelve months due to statute of limitation expiration. The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): April 30, 2013 2012 Balance as of May 1 $ 4,507 $ 4,655 Increases related to prior year tax positions 539 — Decreases related to prior year tax positions (19 ) (533 ) Increases related to current year tax positions 1,141 973 Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations (1,085 ) (588 ) Balance as of April 30 $ 5,083 $ 4,507 The Company records interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions to income tax expense. As of April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had accrued approximately $238,000 and $125,000, respectively, of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company is currently under audit by various state jurisdictions but does not anticipate any material adjustments from these examinations. The tax years 2010, 2011 and 2012 remain open to examination by the IRS for federal income taxes. The tax years 2008 to 2012 remain open for major state taxing jurisdictions."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Related Party Transactions Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag648","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","11. Related Party Transactions Pursuant to a consulting agreement, the Company paid a board member approximately $172,000, $210,000 and $210,000 during the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for consulting services independent of his board service. During the year ended April 30, 2012, the Company purchased materials in the amount of $3,433,000 from a vendor with a common board member. As of April 30, 2012, the Company had a trade payable balance of $32,000 to this vendor."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag649","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","12. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The Company's operations are conducted in leased facilities. Following is a summary of non-cancelable operating lease commitments: Year ending April 30 (In thousands) 2014 $ 4,324 2015 2,952 2016 1,919 2017 856 2018 137 Thereafter — $ 10,188 Rental expense under operating leases was approximately $4,349,000, $3,995,000 and $3,812,000 for the years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Contingencies The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise out of the ordinary course of its business. Although adverse decisions or settlements may occur, the Company, in consultation with legal counsel, believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Contract Cost Audits Payments to the Company on government cost reimbursable contracts are based on provisional, or estimated indirect rates, which are subject to an annual audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, or DCAA. The cost audits result in the negotiation and determination of the final indirect cost rates that the Company may use for the period(s) audited. The final rates, if different from the provisional rates, may create an additional receivable or liability for the Company. For example, during the course of its audits, the DCAA may question the Company's incurred costs, and if the DCAA believes the Company has accounted for such costs in a manner inconsistent with the requirements under Federal Acquisition Regulations, or FAR, the DCAA auditor may recommend to the Company's administrative contracting officer to disallow such costs. Historically, the Company has not experienced material disallowed costs as a result of government audits. However, the Company can provide no assurance that the DCAA or other government audits will not result in material disallowances for incurred costs in the future. The Company's revenue recognition policy calls for revenue recognized on all cost reimbursable government contracts to be recorded at actual rates unless collectability is not reasonably assured."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Segment Reporting Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag650","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","13. Segment Data The Company's product segments are as follows: • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (\"UAS\")—The UAS segment focuses primarily on the design, development, production, support and operation of innovative UAS and tactical missile systems that provide situational awareness, multi-band communications, force protection and other mission effects to increase the security and effectiveness of the operations of the Company's customers. • Efficient Energy Systems (\"EES\")—The EES segment focuses primarily on the design, development, production, marketing, support and operation of innovative efficient electric energy systems that address the growing demand for electric transportation solutions. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, \"Organization and Significant Accounting Policies.\" The operating segments do not make sales to each other. Depreciation and amortization related to the manufacturing of goods is included in gross margin for the segments. The Company does not discretely allocate assets to its operating segments, nor does the CODM evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information. Consequently, the Company operates its financial systems as a single segment for accounting and control purposes, maintains a single indirect rate structure across all segments, has no inter-segment sales or corporate elimination transactions, and maintains only limited financial statement information by segment. The segment results are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended April 30, 2013 2012 2011 Revenue: UAS $ 194,276 $ 273,728 $ 249,769 EES 45,876 51,280 42,734 Total 240,152 325,008 292,503 Cost of sales: UAS 115,194 157,663 150,256 EES 32,422 38,012 25,096 Total 147,616 195,675 175,352 Gross margin: UAS 79,082 116,065 99,513 EES 13,454 13,268 17,638 Total 92,536 129,333 117,151 Selling, general and administrative 51,520 55,280 47,431 Research and development 37,214 30,977 35,769 Income from operations 3,802 43,076 33,951 Interest income 726 462 277 Other income 6,245 — — Income before income taxes $ 10,773 $ 43,538 $ 34,228 Geographic Information Sales to non-U.S. customers accounted for 15%, 5% and 7% of revenue for each of the fiscal years ended April 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Quarterly Financial Information","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag651","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","14. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following tables present selected unaudited consolidated financial data for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended April 30, 2013. In the Company's opinion, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial information for the period presented. The Company's fiscal year ends on April 30. Due to the fixed year end date of April 30, the first and fourth quarters each consist of approximately 13 weeks. The second and third quarters each consist of 13 weeks. The first three quarters end on a Saturday. Three Months Ended July 28, 2012 October 27, 2012 January 26, 2013 April 30, 2013 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2013 Revenue $ 58,677 $ 80,278 $ 47,087 $ 54,110 Gross margin $ 19,505 $ 35,636 $ 19,673 $ 17,722 Net (loss) income $ (1,386 ) $ 8,738 $ 3,869 $ (795 ) Net (loss) income per share—basic $ (0.06 ) $ 0.40 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Net (loss) income per share—diluted $ (0.06 ) $ 0.39 $ 0.17 $ (0.04 ) Three Months Ended July 30, 2011 October 29, 2011 January 28, 2012 April 30, 2012 (In thousands except per share data) Year ended April 30, 2012 Revenue $ 61,997 $ 80,372 $ 71,964 $ 110,675 Gross margin $ 21,715 $ 30,630 $ 27,433 $ 49,555 Net income $ 326 $ 6,587 $ 5,744 $ 17,794 Net income per share—basic(1) $ 0.02 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.81 Net income per share—diluted(1) $ 0.01 $ 0.30 $ 0.26 $ 0.80 (1) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarterly earnings per share do not equal the total earnings per share computed for the year due to rounding."],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure","D2013","DE","3721","","Tag652","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","ScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","","SUPPLEMENTARY DATA SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Period (In thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 745 $ 492 $ — $ (598 ) $ 639 2012 $ 639 $ 282 $ — $ — $ 921 2013 $ 921 $ 15 $ — $ — $ 936 Warranty reserve for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 804 $ 1,449 $ — $ (1,126 ) $ 1,127 2012 $ 1,127 $ 4,284 $ — $ (2,539 ) $ 2,872 2013 $ 2,872 $ 2,169 $ — $ (3,526 ) $ 1,515 Reserve for inventory excess and obsolescence for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 1,191 $ 579 $ — $ (529 ) $ 1,241 2012 $ 1,241 $ 2,056 $ — $ (543 ) $ 2,754 2013 $ 2,754 $ 1,461 $ — $ (344 ) $ 3,871 Reserve for self-insured medical claims for the year ended April 30: 2011 $ 1,014 $ 7,322 $ — $ (7,438 ) $ 898 2012 $ 898 $ 9,082 $ — $ (8,532 ) $ 1,448 2013 $ 1,448 $ 7,950 $ — $ (7,970 ) $ 1,428"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic","D2013_RetainedEarningsMember","DE","3721","Retained Earnings","Tag653","AeroVironment Inc","2013-04-30","NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic","1368622-10-K-20130626.zip","10-K","","Equity Components","10426000"],["2012-05-01 to 2013-04-30","CA","AIRCRAFT","12","0001368622","us-gaap","http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2012-01-31","Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, 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