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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 26, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	POWELL INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000080420
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,870,673

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 106,835	$ 123,466
Cash held in escrow		1,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,096 and $391, respectively	106,872	109,317
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	87,036	51,568
Inventories, net	40,616	36,640
Income taxes receivable	301	4,071
Deferred income taxes	4,189	3,580
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,702	7,040
Total Current Assets	349,551	336,682
Property, plant and equipment, net	77,269	59,637
Goodwill	1,003	1,003
Intangible assets, net	13,749	15,847
Other assets	7,909	8,507
Total Assets	449,481	421,676
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	836	1,140
Income taxes payable	1,715	881
Accounts payable	54,827	56,893
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions	24,071	22,314
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	53,414	44,523
Accrued product warranty	4,427	4,603
Other accrued expenses	6,281	7,370
Total Current Liabilities	145,571	137,724
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current maturities	3,646	4,301
Deferred compensation	2,870	3,242
Other liabilities	1,069	1,066
Total Liabilities	153,156	146,333
Commitments and Contingencies (Note I)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,869,873 and 11,752,393 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	119	117
Additional paid-in capital	37,623	34,343
Retained earnings	260,067	242,254
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,484)	(1,371)
Total Stockholders' Equity	296,325	275,343
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 449,481	$ 421,676

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,096	$ 391
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,869,873	11,752,393
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,869,873	11,752,393

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 194,093	$ 141,369	$ 533,035	$ 391,153
Cost of goods sold	150,250	119,505	434,577	318,548
Gross profit	43,843	21,864	98,458	72,605
Selling, general and administrative expenses	24,826	19,410	66,112	61,876
Amortization of intangible assets	704	1,237	2,111	3,658
Operating income	18,313	1,217	30,235	7,071
Gain on sale of investment				(1,229)
Interest expense	59	88	203	296
Interest income	(25)	(66)	(88)	(173)
Income before income taxes	18,279	1,195	30,120	8,177
Income tax provision	6,141	1,122	12,316	3,940
Net income	$ 12,138	$ 73	$ 17,804	$ 4,237
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.03	$ 0.01	$ 1.51	$ 0.36
Diluted	$ 1.02	$ 0.01	$ 1.50	$ 0.36
Weighted average shares:
Basic	11,812	11,740	11,782	11,730
Diluted	11,861	11,812	11,834	11,806

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 17,804	$ 4,237
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	7,703	7,790
Amortization	2,121	3,708
Stock-based compensation	894	1,117
Bad debt expense	509	82
Deferred income taxes	(273)	(5,440)
Gain on sale of investment		(1,229)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	2,071	(14,151)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(35,423)	(4,862)
Inventories	(3,961)	(2,612)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,109	3,795
Accounts payable and income taxes payable	(1,257)	7,462
Accrued liabilities	490	(10,910)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	8,880	33,511
Other	(208)	2,743
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,459	25,241
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	158	308
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(25,546)	(4,072)
Decrease in cash held in escrow	1,000	0
Proceeds from sale of investment in joint venture		1,229
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,388)	(2,535)
Financing Activities:
Borrowings on Canadian revolving line of credit	7,992	4,947
Payments on Canadian revolving line of credit	(7,992)	(4,955)
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds	(400)	(400)
Short-term and other financing	1,822	(250)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,422	(658)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(16,507)	22,048
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(124)	(135)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	123,466	115,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 106,835	$ 137,266

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A. OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Overview

Powell Industries, Inc. (we, us, our, Powell or the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a Nevada company incorporated in 1968. The Nevada corporation was the successor to a company founded by William E. Powell in 1947, which merged into the Company in 1977. Our major subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, include: Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.; Transdyn, Inc.; Powell Industries International, Inc.; Switchgear & Instrumentation Limited (S&I) and Powell Canada Inc.

We develop, design, manufacture and service custom engineered-to-order equipment and systems for the management and control of electrical energy and other critical processes. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we serve the transportation, environmental, energy, industrial and utility industries.

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Powell and its subsidiaries included in Powell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011, which was filed with the SEC on December 12, 2011.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. The most significant estimates used in our financial statements affect revenue and cost recognition for construction contracts, the allowance for doubtful accounts, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, goodwill and other intangible assets, self-insurance, warranty accruals, income taxes and estimates related to acquisition valuations. The amounts recorded for insurance claims, warranties, legal, income taxes and other contingent liabilities require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding these contingent liabilities, in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Estimates may change as new events occur, additional information becomes available or operating environments change. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

New Accounting Standards

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance to amend the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. This update requires new disclosures about significant transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (including the reasons for these transfers) and the reasons for any transfers in or out of Level 3. This update also requires a reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis. In addition to these new disclosure requirements, this update clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements. For example, this update clarifies that reporting entities are required to provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities, rather than each major category of assets or liabilities. This update also clarifies the requirement for entities to disclose information about both the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This update became effective for us with the interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, our fiscal year 2011, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis, which became effective for us with the interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2010, our fiscal year 2012. We are not required to provide the amended disclosures for any previous periods presented for comparative purposes. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to fair value measurement, which amends current guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance generally represents clarification of fair value measurement standards, but also includes instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements. Entities are required to present total comprehensive income either in a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. Under the single-statement approach, entities must include the components of net income, a total for net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income. Under the two-statement approach, entities must report an income statement and, immediately following, a statement of other comprehensive income. This new guidance will be effective for us beginning October 1, 2012, and will have financial presentation changes only.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment. Under this guidance, an entity would be allowed to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amounts. This new guidance includes a number of factors to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, our fiscal year 2013. Early adoption is permitted; however, we will not adopt this guidance until October 1, 2012. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our reported results of operations or financial position.

In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standards update regarding the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. Under this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment testing by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. This update is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, our fiscal year 2013. Early adoption is permitted; however, we will not adopt this guidance until October 1, 2012. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our reported results of operations or financial position.

Subsequent Events

We evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. No significant events occurred subsequent to the balance sheet or prior to the filing of this report that would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations taken as a whole.

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

B. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as an “exit price” which represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability. The accounting guidance requires the use of valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As a basis for considering such assumptions and inputs, a fair value hierarchy has been established which identifies and prioritizes three levels of inputs to be used in measuring fair value.

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly, including: quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data and require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 (in thousands):


	Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2012
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Fair Value at
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		June 30, 2012
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	45,768	$	—	$	—	$	45,768
Foreign currency forward contracts		—		10		—		10

Total	$	45,768	$	10	$	—	$	45,778

Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 (in thousands):


	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2011
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Fair Value at
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		September 30, 2011
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	65,792	$	—	$	—	$	65,792

Total	$	65,792	$	—	$	—	$	65,792

Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Cash equivalents, primarily funds held in money market savings instruments, are reported at their current carrying value which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments and are included in cash and cash equivalents in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Foreign currency forward contracts are valued using an income approach which consists of a discounted cash flow model that takes into account the present value of future cash flows under the terms of the contracts using observable market spot and forward rates as of our reporting date, and are included in Level 2 inputs in the above table. We use these derivative instruments to mitigate non-functional currency transaction exposure on certain contracts with customers and vendors. We mitigate derivative credit risk by transacting with highly rated counterparties. We have evaluated the credit and non-performance risks associated with our derivative counterparties and believe them to be insignificant at June 30, 2012. All contracts are recorded at fair value and marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period, with unrealized gains and losses being included in accumulated other comprehensive income on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for that period. See Note H for further discussion regarding our derivative instruments.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
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-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section 50
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

C. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$	12,138	$	73	$	17,804	$	4,237

Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares		11,812		11,740		11,782		11,730
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units		49		72		52		76

Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		11,861		11,812		11,834		11,806

Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.03	$	0.01	$	1.51	$	0.36

Diluted	$	1.02	$	0.01	$	1.50	$	0.36

All options were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as the options’ exercise price was less than the average market price of our common stock.

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]

DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

D. DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012		2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,043		$	1,508		$	391	$	907
Increase (decrease) to bad debt expense		(127	)		(524	)		509		82
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries		175			(221	)		175		(225	)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		5			(4	)		21		(5	)

Balance at end of period	$	1,096		$	759		$	1,096	$	759

Warranty Accrual

Activity in our product warranty accrual consisted of the following (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,783		$	5,763		$	4,603		$	5,929
Increase (decrease) to warranty expense		752			(148	)		2,084			759
Deductions for warranty charges		(1,068	)		(728	)		(2,254	)		(1,961	)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		(40	)		191			(6	)		351

Balance at end of period	$	4,427		$	5,078		$	4,427		$	5,078

Inventories

The components of inventories are summarized below (in thousands):


	June 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$	41,207		$	38,400
Work-in-progress		7,967			5,892
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		(8,558	)		(7,652	)

Total inventories	$	40,616		$	36,640

Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts

The components of costs and estimated earnings and related amounts billed on uncompleted contracts are summarized below (in thousands):


	June 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	528,599		$	475,525
Estimated earnings		160,668			131,367

		689,267			606,892
Less: Billings to date		655,645			599,847

Net underbilled position	$	33,622		$	7,045

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts — underbilled	$	87,036		$	51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts — overbilled		(53,414	)		(44,523	)

Net underbilled position	$	33,622		$	7,045

Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

E. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization, at June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands):


	June 30, 2012								September 30, 2011
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value			Gross Carrying Value			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Supply agreement
Balance, beginning of period	$	17,580	$	(6,052	)	$	11,528		$	17,580		$	(4,881	)	$	12,699
Amortization		—		(879	)		(879	)		—			(1,171	)		(1,171	)

Balance, end of period	$	17,580	$	(6,931	)	$	10,649		$	17,580		$	(6,052	)	$	11,528

Purchased technology
Balance, beginning of period	$	11,747	$	(7,759	)	$	3,988		$	10,272		$	(6,318	)	$	3,954
Acquisition		—		—			—			1,500			—			1,500
Amortization		—		(1,404	)		(1,404	)		—			(1,689	)		(1,689	)
Foreign currency translation		9		228			237			(25	)		248			223

Balance, end of period	$	11,756	$	(8,935	)	$	2,821		$	11,747		$	(7,759	)	$	3,988

Non-compete agreements
Balance, beginning of period	$	4,170	$	(4,170	)	$	—		$	5,365		$	(3,666	)	$	1,699
Amortization		—		—			—			—			(920	)		(920	)
Foreign currency translation		—		—			—			(35	)		—			(35	)
Impairment (a)		—		—			—			(1,160	)		416			(744	)

Balance, end of period	$	4,170	$	(4,170	)	$	—		$	4,170		$	(4,170	)	$	—

Trade name
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,098	$	(767	)	$	331		$	5,437		$	(938	)	$	4,499
Amortization		—		(147	)		(147	)		—			(583	)		(583	)
Foreign currency translation		—		95			95			(124	)		(1	)		(125	)
Impairment (a)		—		—			—			(4,215	)		755			(3,460	)

Balance, end of period	$	1,098	$	(819	)	$	279		$	1,098		$	(767	)	$	331

Total	$	34,604	$	(20,855	)	$	13,749		$	34,595		$	(18,748	)	$	15,847

(a)	Represents an impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2011 related to the intangible assets of Powell Canada.

All goodwill and intangible assets are reported in our Electrical Power Products business segment.

Amortization of intangible assets recorded for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $2.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Comprehensive Income

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

F. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income	$	12,138		$	73		$	17,804		$	4,237
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax		(732	)		(559	)		(113	)		1,514
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts, net of tax		—			(9	)		—			(13	)

Comprehensive income	$	11,406		$	(495	)	$	17,691		$	5,738

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-Section 45
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e689-108580

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

G. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):


	June 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	4,000		$	4,400
Capital lease obligations		482			1,041

Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations		4,482			5,441
Less current portion		(836	)		(1,140	)

Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	3,646		$	4,301

US Revolver

In March 2012, we amended our existing credit agreement (Amended Credit Agreement) with a major domestic bank. This amendment to our credit facility was made to increase the dollar limit on capital expenditures to allow us to support our continued expansions, including the Canadian Oil Sands and offshore production markets. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (US Revolver). Obligations are collateralized by the stock of certain of our subsidiaries.

The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement for the US Revolver is a floating rate based upon the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or the bank’s prime rate. Once the applicable rate is determined, a margin ranging from negative 0.5% to 1.75%, as determined by our consolidated leverage ratio, is added to the applicable rate.

The US Revolver provides for the issuance of letters of credit which reduce the amounts which may be borrowed under the revolver. The amount available under the US Revolver was reduced by $41.1 million for our outstanding letters of credit at June 30, 2012.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the US Revolver as of June 30, 2012. Amounts available under the US Revolver were $33.9 million at June 30, 2012. The US Revolver expires on December 31, 2016.

The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive and maintenance-type covenants, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, as well as restriction on the amount of capital expenditures allowed. It also contains financial covenants defining various financial measures and the levels of these measures with which we must comply, as well as a “material adverse change” clause. A “material adverse change” is defined as a material change in our operations, business, properties, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) or a material impairment of our ability to perform our obligations under our credit agreements.

The Amended Credit Agreement is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 66% of the voting capital stock of each non-domestic subsidiary, excluding Powell Canada. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with other existing debt agreements. If an event of default (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement, amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. As of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Amended Credit Agreement.

Canadian Revolver

On December 15, 2009, we entered into a credit agreement with a major international bank (the Canadian Facility) to finance the acquisition of Powell Canada and provide additional working capital support for our operations in Canada. In March 2012, we reduced the Canadian Facility from a $20.0 million CAD (approximately $19.5 million) revolving credit facility (the Canadian Revolver) to $10.0 million CAD (approximately $9.8 million), and eliminated the restrictions on amounts which may be borrowed based on a borrowing base calculation.

The Canadian Revolver provides for the issuance of letters of credit which reduce the amounts which may be borrowed under the Canadian Revolver. As of June 30, 2012, there were no letters of credit outstanding under the Canadian Revolver.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the Canadian Revolver and $9.8 million was available at June 30, 2012. The Canadian Facility expires on February 28, 2015. The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the Canadian Revolver is a floating interest rate based upon either the Canadian Prime Rate, or the lender’s US Bank Rate. Once the applicable rate is determined, a margin of 0.375% to 1.125%, as determined by our consolidated leverage ratio, is added to the applicable rate.

The principal financial covenants are consistent with those in our Amended Credit Agreement. The Canadian Facility contains a “material adverse effect” clause. A “material adverse effect” is defined as a material change in the operations of Powell or Powell Canada in relation to our financial condition, property, business operations, expected net cash flows, liabilities or capitalization.

The Canadian Facility is secured by the assets of our Canadian operations and provides for customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with our existing debt agreements. If an event of default (as defined in the Canadian Facility) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Canadian Facility, amounts outstanding under the Canadian Facility may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. As of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Canadian Facility, and no borrowings were outstanding under this facility at June 30, 2012.

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds

We borrowed $8.0 million in October 2001 through a loan agreement funded with proceeds from tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonds (Bonds). These Bonds were issued by the Illinois Development Finance Authority and were used for the completion of our Northlake, Illinois facility. Pursuant to the Bond issuance, a reimbursement agreement between us and a major domestic bank required an issuance by the bank of an irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit (Bond LC) to the Bonds’ trustee to guarantee payment of the Bonds’ principal and interest when due. The Bond LC is subject to both early termination and extension provisions customary to such agreements, as well as various covenants, for which we were in compliance at June 30, 2012. While the Bonds mature in 2021, the reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions of $400,000 that commenced on October 25, 2002. A sinking fund is used for the redemption of the Bonds. At June 30, 2012, the balance in the restricted sinking fund was approximately $334,000 and was recorded in cash and cash equivalents. The Bonds bear interest at a floating rate determined weekly by the Bonds’ remarketing agent, which was the underwriter for the Bonds and is an affiliate of the bank. This interest rate was 0.60 % per year on June 30, 2012.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING STRATEGIES

H. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING STRATEGIES

We operate in various countries and have operations in the United Kingdom and Canada. These international operations expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. We have entered into certain forward contracts to hedge the risk of certain foreign currency rate fluctuations. To the extent we choose to manage volatility associated with the net exposures, we enter into various financial transactions which we account for using the applicable accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Our objective is to hedge the variability in forecasted cash flow due to the foreign currency risk associated with certain long-term contracts. As of June 30, 2012, we held only derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges related to the U.S. Dollar/British Pound Sterling exchange rate.

All derivatives are recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value and classified based on the instrument’s maturity date. The total notional amount of outstanding derivatives as of June 30, 2012 was $0.7 million.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments included within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012:


	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forwards	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	10	Other accrued expenses	$	—

Total derivatives		$	10		$	—

There were no derivatives outstanding at September 30, 2011.

The following table presents the amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2012:


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives					Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income
Derivatives designated:	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2012		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other comprehensive Income into Income	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2012
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange forwards	$	—	$	—	Revenues	$	12	$	11

Total designated cash flow hedges	$	—	$	—		$	12	$	11

The following table presents the amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2011:


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives¹							Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income¹
Derivatives designated:	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011			Nine Months Ended June 30, 2011			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other comprehensive Income into Income	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2011
	( in thousands)							(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange forwards	$	(14	)	$	(19	)	Revenues	$	3	$	45

Total designated cash flow hedges	$	(14	)	$	(19	)		$	3	$	45

¹	For the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2011, we recorded in revenues an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges.

Refer to Note B for a description of how the above financial instruments are valued in accordance with the fair value measurement accounting guidance for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2012.

Cash Flow Hedges

The purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to protect us from the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. We are currently hedging our exposure to the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows through foreign currency forward agreements through October 31, 2012, for transactions denominated in the British Pound Sterling.

All changes in the fair value of outstanding cash flow hedge derivatives, except the ineffective portion, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, until net income is affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction, or until it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur. In most cases, amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income will be released to net income some time after the maturity of the related derivative. The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations’ classification of effective hedge results is the same as that of the underlying exposure. Results of hedges of revenue and product costs are recorded in revenue and costs of sales, respectively, when the underlying hedged transaction affects net income. Results of hedges of selling and administrative expense, if any, are recorded together with those costs when the related expense is recorded. In addition, any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as the changes occur.

As of June 30, 2012, there were no deferred net losses (net of tax) on outstanding derivatives recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified to net income during the next 12 months as a result of underlying hedged transactions being recorded in net income. Actual amounts ultimately reclassified to net income are dependent on the exchange rates in effect when the derivative contracts that are currently outstanding mature. As of June 30, 2012, the maximum term over which we are hedging exposure to the variability of cash flows for our forecasted and recorded transactions is four months. For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded in selling, general and administrative expense an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges.

Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to hedging instruments. In recent years, the ability of financial counterparties to perform under financial instruments has become less certain. We attempt to take into account the financial viability of counterparties in both valuing the instruments and determining their effectiveness as hedging instruments. If a counterparty was unable to perform, our ability to qualify for hedging certain transactions would be compromised and the realizable value of the financial instruments would be uncertain. As a result, our results of operations and cash flows would be impacted.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

I. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit and Bonds

Certain customers require us to post bank letter of credit guarantees or performance bonds issued by a surety. These guarantees and performance bonds assure that we will perform under the terms of our contract. In the event of default, the counterparty may demand payment from the bank under a letter of credit or performance by the surety under a performance bond. To date, there have been no significant expenses related to either for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $41.1 million as of June 30, 2012, under our US Revolver. We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $222.7 million that were outstanding with our sureties, with additional bonding capacity of $377.3 million available, at June 30, 2012.

We have a facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between S&I and a large international bank. This $11.7 million Facility Agreement provides S&I the ability to enter into forward exchange contracts, currency options and bank guarantees. At June 30, 2012, we had a total of $8.5 million of bank guarantees outstanding under this Facility Agreement.

The Facility Agreement provides for financial covenants, customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with our Amended Credit Facility. If an event of default (as defined in the Facility Agreement) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Facility Agreement, obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement may be accelerated and may become or be declared immediately due and payable.

Litigation

We are involved in various legal proceedings, claims and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business which, in general, are subject to uncertainties and the outcomes are not predictable. Although we can give no assurance about the outcome of pending or threatened litigation and the effect such outcomes may have on us, management believes that any ultimate liability resulting from the outcome of such proceedings, to the extent not otherwise provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations or liquidity.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

J. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 for a full description of our existing stock-based compensation plans.

Restricted Stock Units

In October 2010, we granted 34,566 restricted stock units (RSUs) with a fair value of $30.79 per unit to certain officers and key employees of the Company. An additional 4,482 RSUs were granted in October 2010, with a fair value of $32.12 per unit. The RSUs vest over a three-year period from their date of issuance. The fair value of the RSUs was based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) on the grant dates. Sixty-percent of the actual amount of the RSUs earned will be based on the cumulative earnings as reported relative to the three-year performance cycle which began October 1 of the year granted, and ranges from 0% to 150% of the target RSUs granted. The remaining forty-percent of the RSUs are time-based and vest over a three-year period. The RSUs do not have voting rights of common stock, and the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until actually issued.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we granted 32,894 performance-based RSUs with a fair value of $31.18 per unit to certain officers and key employees of the Company. The RSUs vest over a three-year period from their date of issuance, and are earned over a three-year performance cycle.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we also granted 21,931 time-based RSUs with a fair value of $31.18 per unit to certain officers and key employees of the Company. The RSUs vest over a three-year period from their date of issuance, and are time-based.

RSU activity (number of shares) for us was as follows:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2010		87,454		$	38.96
Granted		39,048			30.94
Expired or cancelled		(35,746	)		36.50
Vested/exercised		(21,378	)		37.68

Outstanding at September 30, 2011		69,378			36.10
Granted		54,825			31.18
Expired or cancelled		(19,729	)		40.48
Vested/exercised		—			—

Outstanding at June 30, 2012		104,474		$	36.24

During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded compensation expense of $0.7 million related to the RSUs. We recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million related to the RSUs for the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Restricted Stock

Under the 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (the 2006 Plan), any employee of the Company and its subsidiaries and consultants are eligible to participate in the plan and receive awards. Awards can take the form of options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and performance unit awards.

We have a Restricted Stock Plan for the benefit of members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) who, at the time of their service, are not employees of the Company or any of its affiliates. Subject to certain conditions and restrictions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board and proportionate adjustments in the event of stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate transactions, each eligible director will receive 2,000 shares of restricted stock annually. In June 2012, 16,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to such directors at a price of $37.50 per share. In June 2011, 16,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to such directors at a price of $33.49 per share. The restricted stock grants vest 50% per year over a two-year period on each anniversary of the grant date.

In June 2012, 2,000 shares of restricted stock were issued under the 2006 Plan to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, who is an employee of the Company. These shares were issued at a price of $37.50 per share. The restricted stock grant vests 50% per year over a two-year period on each anniversary of the grant date.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, 26,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to certain officers and key employees of the Company with a fair value ranging from $30.79 to $32.12 per share under the 2006 Plan. The restricted stock grant vests over a three-year period on each anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over a three-year period based on the price per share on the grant date. In conjunction with the separation of our former President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2011, the remaining 7,601 shares issued to him that were unvested became immediately vested.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded compensation expense of $0.4 million related to restricted stock grants. We recorded compensation expense of $0.8 million related to restricted stock grants for the nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Stock Options

Stock option activity for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 was as follows:


	Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Remaining Weighted Average Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
								(in thousands)
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		97,550		$	18.44
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(97,550	)		18.44
Forfeited / Cancelled		—			—

Outstanding at June 30, 2012		—		$	—		—	$	—

Exercisable at June 30, 2012		—		$	—		—	$	—

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Business Segments

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Business Segments [Abstract]

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

K. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We manage our business through operating segments, which are comprised of two reportable business segments: Electrical Power Products and Process Control Systems. Electrical Power Products includes equipment and systems for the distribution and control of electrical energy. Process Control Systems consists principally of instrumentation, computer controls, communications and data management systems to control and manage critical processes.

The table below reflects certain information relating to our operations by reportable segment. All revenues represent sales from unaffiliated customers. The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Corporate expenses are allocated to the operating business segments primarily based on revenues. The corporate assets are mainly cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Detailed information regarding our business segments is shown below (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended June 30,					Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011		2012		2011
Revenues:
Electrical Power Products	$	186,272		$	134,425	$	510,910	$	370,143
Process Control Systems		7,821			6,944		22,125		21,010

Total	$	194,093		$	141,369	$	533,035	$	391,153

Gross profit:
Electrical Power Products	$	41,677		$	19,788	$	93,203	$	67,236
Process Control Systems		2,166			2,076		5,255		5,369

Total	$	43,843		$	21,864	$	98,458	$	72,605

Income before income taxes:
Electrical Power Products	$	18,422		$	1,055	$	30,066	$	8,567
Process Control Systems		(143	)		140		54		(390	)

Total	$	18,279		$	1,195	$	30,120	$	8,177

Depreciation and amortization expense:
Electrical Power Products	$	3,365		$	3,951	$	9,779	$	11,325
Process Control Systems		22			39		35		123

Total	$	3,387		$	3,990	$	9,814	$	11,448

Income before income taxes includes a $1.2 million gain recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 resulting from cash received from the sale of our 50% equity investment in Kazakhstan. This gain is recorded in our Electrical Power Products business segment.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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+ Details

Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Overview	Overview Powell Industries, Inc. (we, us, our, Powell or the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a Nevada company incorporated in 1968. The Nevada corporation was the successor to a company founded by William E. Powell in 1947, which merged into the Company in 1977. Our major subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, include: Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.; Transdyn, Inc.; Powell Industries International, Inc.; Switchgear & Instrumentation Limited (S&I) and Powell Canada Inc. We develop, design, manufacture and service custom engineered-to-order equipment and systems for the management and control of electrical energy and other critical processes. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we serve the transportation, environmental, energy, industrial and utility industries.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Powell and its subsidiaries included in Powell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011, which was filed with the SEC on December 12, 2011.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. The most significant estimates used in our financial statements affect revenue and cost recognition for construction contracts, the allowance for doubtful accounts, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, goodwill and other intangible assets, self-insurance, warranty accruals, income taxes and estimates related to acquisition valuations. The amounts recorded for insurance claims, warranties, legal, income taxes and other contingent liabilities require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding these contingent liabilities, in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Estimates may change as new events occur, additional information becomes available or operating environments change. Actual results may differ from our estimates.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued updated guidance to amend the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. This update requires new disclosures about significant transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (including the reasons for these transfers) and the reasons for any transfers in or out of Level 3. This update also requires a reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis. In addition to these new disclosure requirements, this update clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements. For example, this update clarifies that reporting entities are required to provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities, rather than each major category of assets or liabilities. This update also clarifies the requirement for entities to disclose information about both the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This update became effective for us with the interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, our fiscal year 2011, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis, which became effective for us with the interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2010, our fiscal year 2012. We are not required to provide the amended disclosures for any previous periods presented for comparative purposes. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to fair value measurement, which amends current guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance generally represents clarification of fair value measurement standards, but also includes instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements. Entities are required to present total comprehensive income either in a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. Under the single-statement approach, entities must include the components of net income, a total for net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income. Under the two-statement approach, entities must report an income statement and, immediately following, a statement of other comprehensive income. This new guidance will be effective for us beginning October 1, 2012, and will have financial presentation changes only. In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment. Under this guidance, an entity would be allowed to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amounts. This new guidance includes a number of factors to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, our fiscal year 2013. Early adoption is permitted; however, we will not adopt this guidance until October 1, 2012. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our reported results of operations or financial position.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. No significant events occurred subsequent to the balance sheet or prior to the filing of this report that would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations taken as a whole.
Fair value measurement	In May 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to fair value measurement, which amends current guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. This guidance generally represents clarification of fair value measurement standards, but also includes instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012. We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of comprehensive income	In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements. Entities are required to present total comprehensive income either in a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. Under the single-statement approach, entities must include the components of net income, a total for net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income. Under the two-statement approach, entities must report an income statement and, immediately following, a statement of other comprehensive income. This new guidance will be effective for us beginning October 1, 2012, and will have financial presentation changes only.
Goodwill for impairment	In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment. Under this guidance, an entity would be allowed to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amounts. This new guidance includes a number of factors to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, our fiscal year 2013. Early adoption is permitted; however, we will not adopt this guidance until October 1, 2012. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our reported results of operations or financial position.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment	In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standards update regarding the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. Under this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment testing by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. This update is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, our fiscal year 2013. Early adoption is permitted; however, we will not adopt this guidance until October 1, 2012. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our reported results of operations or financial position.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis


	Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2012
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Fair Value at
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		June 30, 2012
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	45,768	$	—	$	—	$	45,768
Foreign currency forward contracts		—		10		—		10

Total	$	45,768	$	10	$	—	$	45,778

Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—


	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2011
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Fair Value at
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		September 30, 2011
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	65,792	$	—	$	—	$	65,792

Total	$	65,792	$	—	$	—	$	65,792

Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$	12,138	$	73	$	17,804	$	4,237

Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares		11,812		11,740		11,782		11,730
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units		49		72		52		76

Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		11,861		11,812		11,834		11,806

Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.03	$	0.01	$	1.51	$	0.36

Diluted	$	1.02	$	0.01	$	1.50	$	0.36

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]

Activity in allowance for doubtful accounts receivable


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012		2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,043		$	1,508		$	391	$	907
Increase (decrease) to bad debt expense		(127	)		(524	)		509		82
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries		175			(221	)		175		(225	)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		5			(4	)		21		(5	)

Balance at end of period	$	1,096		$	759		$	1,096	$	759

Activity in product warranty accrual


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,783		$	5,763		$	4,603		$	5,929
Increase (decrease) to warranty expense		752			(148	)		2,084			759
Deductions for warranty charges		(1,068	)		(728	)		(2,254	)		(1,961	)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		(40	)		191			(6	)		351

Balance at end of period	$	4,427		$	5,078		$	4,427		$	5,078

Components of inventories


	June 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$	41,207		$	38,400
Work-in-progress		7,967			5,892
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		(8,558	)		(7,652	)

Total inventories	$	40,616		$	36,640

Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts


	June 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	528,599		$	475,525
Estimated earnings		160,668			131,367

		689,267			606,892
Less: Billings to date		655,645			599,847

Net underbilled position	$	33,622		$	7,045

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts — underbilled	$	87,036		$	51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts — overbilled		(53,414	)		(44,523	)

Net underbilled position	$	33,622		$	7,045

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization


	June 30, 2012								September 30, 2011
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value			Gross Carrying Value			Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Supply agreement
Balance, beginning of period	$	17,580	$	(6,052	)	$	11,528		$	17,580		$	(4,881	)	$	12,699
Amortization		—		(879	)		(879	)		—			(1,171	)		(1,171	)

Balance, end of period	$	17,580	$	(6,931	)	$	10,649		$	17,580		$	(6,052	)	$	11,528

Purchased technology
Balance, beginning of period	$	11,747	$	(7,759	)	$	3,988		$	10,272		$	(6,318	)	$	3,954
Acquisition		—		—			—			1,500			—			1,500
Amortization		—		(1,404	)		(1,404	)		—			(1,689	)		(1,689	)
Foreign currency translation		9		228			237			(25	)		248			223

Balance, end of period	$	11,756	$	(8,935	)	$	2,821		$	11,747		$	(7,759	)	$	3,988

Non-compete agreements
Balance, beginning of period	$	4,170	$	(4,170	)	$	—		$	5,365		$	(3,666	)	$	1,699
Amortization		—		—			—			—			(920	)		(920	)
Foreign currency translation		—		—			—			(35	)		—			(35	)
Impairment (a)		—		—			—			(1,160	)		416			(744	)

Balance, end of period	$	4,170	$	(4,170	)	$	—		$	4,170		$	(4,170	)	$	—

Trade name
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,098	$	(767	)	$	331		$	5,437		$	(938	)	$	4,499
Amortization		—		(147	)		(147	)		—			(583	)		(583	)
Foreign currency translation		—		95			95			(124	)		(1	)		(125	)
Impairment (a)		—		—			—			(4,215	)		755			(3,460	)

Balance, end of period	$	1,098	$	(819	)	$	279		$	1,098		$	(767	)	$	331

Total	$	34,604	$	(20,855	)	$	13,749		$	34,595		$	(18,748	)	$	15,847

(a)	Represents an impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2011 related to the intangible assets of Powell Canada.

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive income (loss)


	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income	$	12,138		$	73		$	17,804		$	4,237
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax		(732	)		(559	)		(113	)		1,514
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts, net of tax		—			(9	)		—			(13	)

Comprehensive income	$	11,406		$	(495	)	$	17,691		$	5,738

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt


	June 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	4,000		$	4,400
Capital lease obligations		482			1,041

Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations		4,482			5,441
Less current portion		(836	)		(1,140	)

Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	3,646		$	4,301

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies [Abstract]

Fair value of derivative instruments included within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


	Asset Derivatives			Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange forwards	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	10	Other accrued expenses	$	—

Total derivatives		$	10		$	—

Amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives					Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income
Derivatives designated:	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2012		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other comprehensive Income into Income	Three Months Ended June 30, 2012		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2012
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange forwards	$	—	$	—	Revenues	$	12	$	11

Total designated cash flow hedges	$	—	$	—		$	12	$	11


	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives¹							Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income¹
Derivatives designated:	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011			Nine Months Ended June 30, 2011			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other comprehensive Income into Income	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2011
	( in thousands)							(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange forwards	$	(14	)	$	(19	)	Revenues	$	3	$	45

Total designated cash flow hedges	$	(14	)	$	(19	)		$	3	$	45

¹	For the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2011, we recorded in revenues an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Restricted Stock Units


	Number of Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2010		87,454		$	38.96
Granted		39,048			30.94
Expired or cancelled		(35,746	)		36.50
Vested/exercised		(21,378	)		37.68

Outstanding at September 30, 2011		69,378			36.10
Granted		54,825			31.18
Expired or cancelled		(19,729	)		40.48
Vested/exercised		—			—

Outstanding at June 30, 2012		104,474		$	36.24

Stock option activity


	Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Remaining Weighted Average Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
								(in thousands)
Outstanding at September 30, 2011		97,550		$	18.44
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(97,550	)		18.44
Forfeited / Cancelled		—			—

Outstanding at June 30, 2012		—		$	—		—	$	—

Exercisable at June 30, 2012		—		$	—		—	$	—

Business Segments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Business Segments [Abstract]

Detailed information regarding business segments


	Three Months Ended June 30,					Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011		2012		2011
Revenues:
Electrical Power Products	$	186,272		$	134,425	$	510,910	$	370,143
Process Control Systems		7,821			6,944		22,125		21,010

Total	$	194,093		$	141,369	$	533,035	$	391,153

Gross profit:
Electrical Power Products	$	41,677		$	19,788	$	93,203	$	67,236
Process Control Systems		2,166			2,076		5,255		5,369

Total	$	43,843		$	21,864	$	98,458	$	72,605

Income before income taxes:
Electrical Power Products	$	18,422		$	1,055	$	30,066	$	8,567
Process Control Systems		(143	)		140		54		(390	)

Total	$	18,279		$	1,195	$	30,120	$	8,177

Depreciation and amortization expense:
Electrical Power Products	$	3,365		$	3,951	$	9,779	$	11,325
Process Control Systems		22			39		35		123

Total	$	3,387		$	3,990	$	9,814	$	11,448

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ 10
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Recurring basis [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents	45,768	$ 65,792
Foreign currency forward contracts	10
Total	45,778	65,792
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Total
Recurring basis [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents	45,768	65,792
Total	45,768	65,792
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Total
Recurring basis [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents
Foreign currency forward contracts	10
Total	10
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Total
Recurring basis [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents
Total
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Total

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$ 12,138	$ 73	$ 17,804	$ 4,237
Denominator
Weighted average basic shares	11,812	11,740	11,782	11,730
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	49	72	52	76
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,861	11,812	11,834	11,806
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.03	$ 0.01	$ 1.51	$ 0.36
Diluted	$ 1.02	$ 0.01	$ 1.50	$ 0.36

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 18
-Article 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
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-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 128
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,043	$ 1,508	$ 391	$ 907
Increase (decrease) in bad debt expense	(127)	(524)	509	82
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	175	(221)	175	(225)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	5	(4)	21	(5)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,096	$ 759	$ 1,096	$ 759

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Activity in product warranty accrual
Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,783	$ 5,763	$ 4,603	$ 5,929
Increase (decrease) in warranty expense	752	(148)	2,084	759
Deductions for warranty charges	(1,068)	(728)	(2,254)	(1,961)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	(40)	191	(6)	351
Balance at end of period	$ 4,427	$ 5,078	$ 4,427	$ 5,078

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Components of inventories
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$ 41,207	$ 38,400
Work-in-progress	7,967	5,892
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	(8,558)	(7,652)
Total inventories	$ 40,616	$ 36,640

- Definition

The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value; takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, technological obsolescence, and shrinkage. May also provide for estimated product returns or price concessions pertaining to product cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.BB)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386940&loc=d3e100047-122729

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e24092-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386567&loc=d3e3927-108312

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Paragraph 14
-Chapter 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Paragraph 8, 9, 14
-Chapter 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
-Chapter 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 09
-Article 12

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

+ Details

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts underbilled	$ 87,036	$ 51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts overbilled	53,414	44,523
Uncompleted contract [Member]
Cost and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	528,599	475,525
Estimated earnings	160,668	131,367
Total	689,267	606,892
Less: Billings to date	655,645	599,847
Net underbilled -overbilled position	33,622	7,045
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts underbilled	87,036	51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts overbilled	53,414	44,523
Net underbilled -overbilled position	$ 33,622	$ 7,045

Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization
Gross Carrying Value, Beginning balance		$ 34,595			$ 34,595
Gross Carrying Value, Ending balance	$ 34,604				34,604		$ 34,595
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance		(18,748)			(18,748)
Amortization of intangible assets	(704)		$ (1,237)		(2,111)	$ (3,658)
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(20,855)				(20,855)		(18,748)
Net Carrying value, beginning balance		15,847			15,847
Net Carrying value, ending balance	13,749				13,749		15,847
Supply Agreement [Member]
Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization
Gross Carrying Value, Beginning balance		17,580		17,580	17,580	17,580	17,580
Amortization, Gross Carrying Value
Gross Carrying Value, Ending balance	17,580				17,580		17,580
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance		(6,052)		(4,881)	(6,052)	(4,881)	(4,881)
Amortization of intangible assets					(879)		(1,171)
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(6,931)				(6,931)		(6,052)
Net Carrying value, beginning balance		11,528		12,699	11,528	12,699	12,699
Amortization Carrying Value					879		1,171
Net Carrying value, ending balance	10,649				10,649		11,528
Purchased Technology [Member]
Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization
Gross Carrying Value, Beginning balance		11,747		10,272	11,747	10,272	10,272
Amortization, Gross Carrying Value
Acquisition							(1,500)
Foreign currency translation, Gross Carrying Value					9		(25)
Gross Carrying Value, Ending balance	11,756				11,756		11,747
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance		(7,759)		(6,318)	(7,759)	(6,318)	(6,318)
Amortization of intangible assets					(1,404)		(1,689)
Foreign currency translation Amortization					228		248
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(8,935)				(8,935)		(7,759)
Net Carrying value, beginning balance		3,988		3,954	3,988	3,954	3,954
Amortization Carrying Value					1,404		1,689
Foreign currency translation Net Carrying Value					237		223
Net Carrying value, ending balance	2,821				2,821		3,988
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization
Gross Carrying Value, Beginning balance		4,170		5,365	4,170	5,365	5,365
Foreign currency translation, Gross Carrying Value							(35)
Impairment - Gross Carrying Value							(1,160)
Gross Carrying Value, Ending balance	4,170				4,170		4,170
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance		(4,170)		(3,666)	(4,170)	(3,666)	(3,666)
Amortization of intangible assets							(920)
Impairment Amortization							416
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(4,170)				(4,170)		(4,170)
Net Carrying value, beginning balance				1,699		1,699	1,699
Amortization Carrying Value							920
Foreign currency translation Net Carrying Value							(35)
Impairment - Net Carrying Value							(744)
Trade names [Member]
Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization
Gross Carrying Value, Beginning balance		1,098		5,437	1,098	5,437	5,437
Foreign currency translation, Gross Carrying Value							(124)
Impairment - Gross Carrying Value							(4,215)
Gross Carrying Value, Ending balance	1,098				1,098		1,098
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance		(767)		(938)	(767)	(938)	(938)
Amortization of intangible assets					(147)		(583)
Foreign currency translation Amortization					95		(1)
Impairment Amortization							755
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(819)				(819)		(767)
Net Carrying value, beginning balance		$ 331		$ 4,499	331	$ 4,499	4,499
Amortization Carrying Value					147		583
Foreign currency translation Net Carrying Value					95		(125)
Impairment - Net Carrying Value							(3,460)
Net Carrying value, ending balance	$ 279				$ 279		$ 331

Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Other Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 704		$ 1,237		$ 2,111	$ 3,658

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income	$ 12,138	$ 73	$ 17,804	$ 4,237
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax	(732)	(559)	(113)	1,514
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts, net of tax		(9)		(13)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 11,406	$ (495)	$ 17,691	$ 5,738

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments, resulting from the process of expressing in the reporting currency of the reporting entity those amounts that are denominated or measured in a different currency, and from transactions whose terms are denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (a-c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32022-110900

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 18
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6915805&loc=d3e32157-110900

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 13, 20, 31
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Net of tax amount, before reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 121
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Long-term debt
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 4,000	$ 4,400
Capital lease obligations	482	1,041
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,482	5,441
Less current portion	(836)	(1,140)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 3,646	$ 4,301

Long Term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Long Term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2001
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	$ 9,800,000	$ 9,800,000
Margin	0.50%	0.50%
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 41,100,000	$ 41,100,000
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal Funds Rate / bank's prime rate	0.50%	0.50%
Decrease In US Revolver		$ 0
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 33,900,000	$ 33,900,000
Amended Credit Agreement is collateralized by a pledge of voting capital stock	100.00%	100.00%
Non-domestic subsidiaries of voting capital stock	66.00%	66.00%
Borrowings				$ 8,000,000
Reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions				$ 400,000
Balance in the restricted sinking fund	$ 334,000	$ 334,000
Interest rate	0.60%	0.60%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility			$ 75,000,000
Revolving Credit Interest Rate	The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement for the US Revolver is a floating rate based upon the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or the bank’s prime rate.
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 0	$ 0
US Revolver expires		Dec. 31, 2016
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Margin	1.75%	1.75%
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal Funds Rate / bank's prime rate	1.75%	1.75%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Margin	0.50%	0.50%
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal Funds Rate / bank's prime rate	0.50%	0.50%
Canadian Facility [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 0	$ 0
Credit Agreement Entrance Date		Dec. 15, 2009
Revolving canadian credit facility	20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Revolving amended canadian credit facility	$ 9,800,000	$ 9,800,000
Canadian Facility expires		Feb. 28, 2015
Canadian Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Margin	1.125%	1.125%
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal Funds Rate / bank's prime rate	1.125%	1.125%
Canadian Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Long-Term Debt (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Margin	0.375%	0.375%
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal Funds Rate / bank's prime rate	0.375%	0.375%

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	$ 10
Liability Derivatives Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	10
Liability Derivatives Fair Value

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Details 1) - Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives		$ (14)		$ (19)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income	12	3	11	45
Revenue [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income		3		45
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives		$ (14)		$ (19)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Revenue [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Amounts affecting the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income	$ 12		$ 11

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Textual) [Abstract]
Total notional amount of outstanding derivatives	$ 700	$ 700
Fair value of foreign exchange forwards derivative outstanding			$ 0
Net losses (net of tax) on outstanding derivatives	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum term for recorded transactions		4 months
Immaterial amount of ineffectiveness from cash	we recorded in selling, general and administrative expense an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges	we recorded in selling, general and administrative expense an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies, additional bonding capacity	$ 377.3
Commitments and Contingencies, facility agreement	11.7
Secured and Unsecured Letter of Credit [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss	41.1
Performance and Maintenance Bonds [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss	222.7
Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss	$ 8.5

Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding Beginning balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units	69,378	87,454
Outstanding Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 36.10	$ 38.96
Granted, Number of Restricted Stock Units	54,825	39,048
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 31.18	$ 30.94
Expired or cancelled, Number of Restricted Stock Units	19,729	35,746
Expired or cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ (40.48)	$ (36.50)
Vested/exercised, Number of Restricted Stock Units		(21,378)
Vested/exercised, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share		$ 37.68
Outstanding Ending balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units	104,474	69,378
Outstanding Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 36.24	$ 36.10

Stock Based Compensation (Details 1)	9 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details 1)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock option activity
Outstanding Stock Options, Beginning balance \| shares	97,550
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance \| $ / shares	$ 18.44
Granted Stock Options \| shares
Granted Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares
Exercised Stock Options \| shares	(97,550)
Exercised Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 18.44
Forfeited Stock Options \| shares
Forfeited Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares
Outstanding Stock Options, Ending balance \| shares
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance \| $ / shares
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $
Exercisable Stock Options \| shares
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $

Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 shares	Oct. 31, 2010 Vote $ / RestrictedStockUnit shares	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / RestrictedStockUnit shares	Dec. 31, 2010 $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units (RSUs), Granted
Performance Based RSUs [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units (RSUs), Granted			32,894
Restricted stock units fair value per unit \| $ / RestrictedStockUnit			31.18
Time Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units fair value per unit \| $ / RestrictedStockUnit			31.18
Additional Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units (RSUs), Granted		4,482
Restricted stock units fair value per unit \| $ / RestrictedStockUnit		32.12
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units (RSUs), Granted		34,566
Restricted stock units fair value per unit \| $ / RestrictedStockUnit		30.79
RSUs vest period		3 years
Actual amount of RSUs earned based on cumulative earnings		60.00%
Performance cycle		3 years
Remaining Time based RSUs		40.00%
RSUs Voting Right of common stock \| Vote		0
Compensation expense related to restricted stock \| $					$ 0.7	$ 0.1
Restricted Stock Issuable To Eligible Board of Directors Members Annually					2,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock immediately vested	7,601
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Time Based RSUs [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock units (RSUs), Granted			21,931
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Target RSUs granted range		150.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Target RSUs granted range		0.00%
Restricted Stock Grants [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock issued					16,000	16,000
Restricted stock issued, par value \| $ / shares					$ 37.50	$ 33.49
Restricted Stock Grants Vest Percentage						50.00%
Restricted stock grants vest period						2 years
Restricted stock grants vest over grant period				3 years
Compensation expense recognized on grant date				3 years
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants \| $					$ 0.4	$ 0.8
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Issued As Restricted Stock Unit				26,000
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock issued to officers and certain employees, range \| $ / shares				$ 32.12
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock issued to officers and certain employees, range \| $ / shares				$ 30.79

Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)
Revenues	$ 194,093	$ 141,369		$ 533,035	$ 391,153
Gross profit	43,843	21,864		98,458	72,605
Income before income taxes	18,279	1,195	$ 1,195	30,120	8,177
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,387	3,990		9,814	11,448
Electrical Power Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)
Revenues	186,272	134,425		510,910	370,143
Gross profit	41,677	19,788		93,203	67,236
Income before income taxes	18,422	1,055		30,066	8,567
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,365	3,951		9,779	11,325
Process Control Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)
Revenues	7,821	6,944		22,125	21,010
Gross profit	2,166	2,076		5,255	5,369
Income before income taxes	(143)	140		54	(390)
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 22	$ 39		$ 35	$ 123

Business Segments (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
Business Segments (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($) Segment	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Business Segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of reportable business segments \| Segment	2
Income before income taxes	$ 18,279	$ 1,195	$ 1,195	$ 30,120	$ 8,177
Equity investment in Kazakhstan			50.00%
Gain on sale of investment					$ 1,229

Stock Based Compensation (Details 1)	9 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details 1)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock option activity
Outstanding Stock Options, Beginning balance \| shares	97,550
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance \| $ / shares	$ 18.44
Granted Stock Options \| shares
Granted Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares
Exercised Stock Options \| shares	(97,550)
Exercised Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 18.44
Forfeited Stock Options \| shares
Forfeited Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares
Outstanding Stock Options, Ending balance \| shares
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance \| $ / shares
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $
Exercisable Stock Options \| shares
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $