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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	POWELL INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000080420
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Trading Symbol	powl
Entity Public Float			$ 403,202,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,915,673

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 90,040	$ 123,466
Cash held in escrow		1,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,399 and $391, respectively	125,771	109,317
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	86,734	51,568
Inventories, net	32,917	36,640
Income taxes receivable	485	4,071
Deferred income taxes	4,598	3,580
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,865	7,040
Total Current Assets	346,410	336,682
Property, plant and equipment, net	78,652	59,637
Goodwill	1,003	1,003
Intangible assets, net	13,317	15,847
Other assets	8,930	8,507
Total Assets	448,312	421,676
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	725	1,140
Income taxes payable	3,516	881
Accounts payable	48,490	56,893
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions	25,822	22,314
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	37,144	44,523
Accrued product warranty	5,714	4,603
Other accrued expenses	9,462	7,370
Total Current Liabilities	130,873	137,724
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current maturities	3,630	4,301
Deferred compensation	2,891	3,242
Postretirement benefit obligation	685	900
Other liabilities	130	166
Total Liabilities	138,209	146,333
Commitments and Contingencies (Note K)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,915,673 and 11,752,393 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	119	117
Additional paid-in capital	38,452	34,343
Retained earnings	271,911	242,254
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(379)	(1,371)
Total Stockholders' Equity	310,103	275,343
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 448,312	$ 421,676

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,399	$ 391
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,915,673	11,752,393
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,915,673	11,752,393

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692
Cost of goods sold	577,256	462,467	408,635
Gross profit	139,938	99,930	142,057
Selling, general and administrative expenses	88,947	85,058	84,457
Amortization of intangible assets	2,599	4,752	4,477
Impairments		7,158	7,452
Operating income	48,392	2,962	45,671
Gain on sale of investment		(1,229)
Interest expense	272	408	870
Interest income	(114)	(214)	(260)
Income before income taxes	48,234	3,997	45,061
Income tax provision	18,577	6,712	19,894
Net income (loss)	29,657	(2,715)	25,167
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest			(159)
Net income (loss) attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.:	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)	$ 25,008
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.:
Basic	$ 2.50	$ (0.23)	$ 2.17
Diluted	$ 2.49	$ (0.23)	$ 2.14
Weighted average shares:
Basic	11,850	11,735	11,545
Diluted	11,925	11,735	11,693

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance at Sep. 30, 2009		$ 115	$ 29,401	$ 219,961	$ (2,716)	$ 246,761
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2009		11,480
Net income (loss)	$ 25,008			25,008		25,008
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,467				1,467	1,467
Exercise of stock options		$ 1	1,699			1,700
Exercise of stock options, shares		109
Stock-based compensation		$ 1	791			792
Stock-based compensation, shares		58
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised			878			878
Amortization of restricted stock			467			467
Issuance of restricted stock			333			333
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		30
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $265 and $94 for the period ended 2010 and 2011 respectively	(206)				(206)	(206)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $58, $60 and $20 for the period ended 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	103				103	103
Total comprehensive income (loss)	26,372			25,008	1,364	26,372
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010		$ 117	33,569	244,969	(1,352)	277,303
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2010		11,677
Net income (loss)	(2,715)			(2,715)		(2,715)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(19)				(19)	(19)
Exercise of stock options			495			495
Exercise of stock options, shares		27
Stock-based compensation			(1,223)			(1,223)
Stock-based compensation, shares		20
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised			180			180
Amortization of restricted stock			280			280
Issuance of restricted stock			1,042			1,042
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		28
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $265 and $94 for the period ended 2010 and 2011 respectively	111				111	111
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $58, $60 and $20 for the period ended 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(111)				(111)	(111)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(2,734)			(2,715)	(19)	(2,734)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011		$ 117	34,343	242,254	(1,371)	275,343
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2011		11,752
Net income (loss)	29,657			29,657		29,657
Foreign currency translation adjustments	833				833	833
Exercise of stock options		$ 1	1,798			1,799
Exercise of stock options, shares		98
Stock-based compensation			1,004			1,004
Stock-based compensation, shares		7
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised			589			589
Amortization of restricted stock			135			135
Issuance of restricted stock		$ 1	583			584
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		74
Retirement of stock		(15)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $58, $60 and $20 for the period ended 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	159				159	159
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 30,649			29,657	992	30,649
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012		$ 119	$ 38,452	$ 271,911	$ (379)	$ 310,103
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012		11,916

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, tax		$ 94	$ 265
Postretirement benefit adjustment, tax	$ 20	$ 60	$ 58

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)	$ 25,167
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	10,465	10,598	9,154
Amortization	2,612	4,848	4,549
Impairments		7,158	7,452
Stock-based compensation	1,723	99	1,929
Bad debt expense (recovery)	842	(114)	410
Deferred income taxes	(1,422)	(425)	(348)
Gain on sale of investment		(1,229)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(16,209)	(17,616)	39,687
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(34,755)	(13,519)	8,243
Inventories	3,948	1,542	12,320
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,821	4,514	(5,813)
Other assets	(13)	(2,627)	440
Accounts payable and income taxes payable	(6,036)	14,487	(20,281)
Accrued liabilities	6,411	(4,255)	(5,392)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(7,492)	13,553	(13,762)
Other, net	(517)	1,188	378
Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities	(5,965)	15,487	64,133
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	195	354	14
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(29,063)	(7,347)	(4,420)
Proceeds from sale of investment		1,229
Decrease in cash held in escrow	1,000
Increase in cash held in escrow		(1,000)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest - Powell Asia			(659)
Acquisition of Powell Canada			(23,394)
Net cash used in investing activities	(27,868)	(6,764)	(28,459)
Financing Activities:
Borrowings on Canadian revolving line of credit	7,992	7,810	891
Payments on Canadian revolving line of credit	(7,992)	(7,818)	(13,984)
Payments on Canadian term loan			(2,429)
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds	(400)	(400)	(400)
Payments on deferred acquisition payable			(4,292)
Payments on short term and other financing	(717)	(1,068)	(1,087)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,799	495	1,700
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	589	180	209
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,271	(801)	(19,392)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(32,562)	7,922	16,282
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(864)	191	1,668
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	123,466	115,353	97,403
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 90,040	$ 123,466	$ 115,353

Business And Organization	12 Months Ended
Business And Organization	Sep. 30, 2012
Business And Organization [Abstract]
Business and Organization	A. Business and Organization 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.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The financial position and results of operation of our Singapore joint venture, in which we held a majority ownership, have also been consolidated. As a result of this consolidation, we record noncontrolling interest on our balance sheet for our joint venture partner’s share of equity in the joint venture. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in prior years’ financial statements to conform to the presentation used in the current year. These reclassifications have not resulted in any changes to previously reported net income for any periods.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Cash of $1.0 million was held in escrow at September 30, 2011. This restricted cash was related to a purchase of land which closed in October 2011 for $6.5 million.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 141	$ 102	$ 563
Income taxes, net of refunds	12,104	3,889	31,993

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include cash, short-term investments, marketable securities, receivables, payables and debt obligations. Except as described below, due to the short-term nature of the investments, the book value is representative of their fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as interest rates are indexed to the Federal Funds Rate, the Canadian Prime Rate or the bank’s prime rate.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We maintain and continually assess the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate for losses resulting from the inability of our customers to pay amounts due to us. This estimated allowance is based on historical experience of uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, the overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers with respect to their inability to make payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectibility of accounts receivable. Future changes in our customers’ operating performance and cash flows or in general economic conditions could have an impact on their ability to fully pay these amounts, which could have a material impact on our operating results. In most cases, receivables are not collateralized. However, we utilize letters of credit to secure payment on sales when possible. At September 30, 2012 and 2011, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $8.7 million and $6.1 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with applicable provisions of engineering and construction contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. Approximately $4.0 million of the retained amount at September 30, 2012, is expected to be collected subsequent to September 30, 2013.

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts arise when revenues are recorded on a percentage-of-completion basis but cannot be invoiced under the terms of the contract. Such amounts are invoiced upon completion of contractual milestones.

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts also include certain costs associated with unapproved change orders. These costs are included when change order approval is probable. Amounts are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred when recovery is probable. The amounts recorded involve the use of judgments and estimates; thus, actual recoverable amounts could differ from original assumptions.

In accordance with industry practice, assets and liabilities related to costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, have been classified as current. The contract cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year; thus, collection of amounts related to these contracts may extend beyond one year.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using weighted-average methods and include the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We use estimates in determining the level of reserves required to state inventory at the lower of cost or market. Our estimates are based on market activity levels, production requirements, the physical condition of products and technological innovation. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the carrying value of inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements, which extend the useful lives of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be realizable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment of such asset is necessary. This requires us to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and the costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and our projections may vary from cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be reflected in income (loss) from operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, we estimate the useful lives of our property, plant and equipment and periodically review these estimates to determine whether these lives are appropriate.

Intangible Assets Which Are Amortized

The costs of intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. When certain events or changes in operating conditions occur, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment of such assets is necessary. For intangible assets that are amortized, we review their estimated useful lives and evaluate whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. For additional information regarding our intangible assets and related impairment, see Note D.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are evaluated for impairment annually, or immediately if conditions indicate that impairment could exist. The evaluation requires a two-step impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss. The first step of the test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. Both steps of the goodwill impairment testing involve significant estimates.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We believe that the deferred tax asset recorded as of September 30, 2012, is realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. If we were to subsequently determine that we would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to deferred tax assets would increase earnings for the period in which such determination was made. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.

The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accounting literature also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues are primarily generated from engineering and manufacturing of custom products under long-term contracts that may last from one month to several years, depending on the contract. Revenues from long-term contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.

Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed primarily based on the estimated completion to date calculated by multiplying the total contract price by percentage of performance to date, based on total costs or total labor dollars incurred to date to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method used to determine the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the labor method is determined to be a more accurate method of measuring the progress of the projects. Application of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and all costs associated with operation of equipment. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays in our project performance and the recoverability of any claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of liquidated damages, if any, may result in revisions to costs and income, with their effects being recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period.

Revenues associated with maintenance, repair and service contracts are recognized when the services are performed. Expenses related to these types of services are recognized as incurred.

Warranties

We provide for estimated warranty costs at the time of sale based upon historical rates applicable to individual product lines. In addition, specific provisions are made when the costs of such warranties are expected to exceed accruals. Our standard terms and conditions of sale include a warranty for parts and service for the earlier of 18 months from the date of shipment or 12 months from the date of initial operations. Occasionally projects require warranty terms that are longer than our standard terms due to the nature of the project. Extended warranty terms may be negotiated and included in our contracts.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. These costs are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Such amounts were $7.7 million, $7.5 million and $6.5 million in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which the entity is located. The financial statements of all subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar have been translated into U.S. Dollars. All assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using year-end exchange rates, and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The U.S. Dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the restricted stock award and recognize it as expense over the applicable vesting period of the stock award using the straight-line method. Excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense that must be recognized directly in equity are considered financing rather than operating cash flow activities.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of managing our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we periodically utilize foreign exchange forward contracts. The objective of these contracts is to minimize impacts to cash flows and profitability due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on accounts receivable, accounts payable and forecasted cash transactions. These contracts are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, which is based upon an income approach consisting of a discounted cash flow model that takes into account the present value of the future cash flows under the terms of the contracts using current market information as of the reporting date, such as foreign currency spot and forward rates.

We formally document our hedging relationships, including identifying the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. We also formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. The effective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the hedged item affects the income statement, the gain or loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income is reported on the same line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the hedged item. In addition, any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of derivatives used as cash flow hedges is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the changes occur. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, or it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, we discontinue hedge accounting and any unrealized gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

We provide 1) qualitative disclosures regarding the objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments and engaging in hedging activities in the context of our overall risk exposure; 2) quantitative disclosure in tabular format of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses and 3) disclosures about credit-risk related contingent features in derivative instruments.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is included as a component of stockholders’ equity net of tax, includes unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, postretirement benefit adjustments and currency translation adjustments in foreign consolidated subsidiaries.

New Accounting Standards

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB), which are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements upon adoption.

In January 2010, the 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 were not required to provide the amended disclosures for any previous periods presented for comparative purposes. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this update has not had 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 of 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. Under either method, entities must display adjustments for items reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in both net income and other comprehensive income. The provisions for this guidance are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012.

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 amount. 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 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 any 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 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.

In August 2012, the SEC adopted a rule mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act to require companies to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country. The final rule applies to a company that uses minerals including tantalum, tin, gold or tungsten. The final rule requires companies to provide disclosure on a new form filed with the SEC, with the first specialized disclosure report due on May 31, 2014, for the 2013 calendar year, and annually on May 31 each year thereafter. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption.

Subsequent Events

We evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

C. 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 September 30, 2012 (in thousands):


	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2012
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at September 30, 2012
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	45,888	$	—	$	—	$	45,888
Total	$	45,888	$	—	$	—	$	45,888
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 (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at 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 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 tables. 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 September 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 the Consolidated Balance Sheets for that period. At September 30, 2012, all foreign currency forward contracts have been settled, with no balances recorded on our consolidated balance sheets related to these transactions.

- 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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-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
-Topic 825
-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

Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

D. Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist of (1) goodwill, which is not being amortized, and (2) customer relationships (15 years), trademarks (15 years), trade names (10 years), non-compete agreements (5 years), a supply agreement (15 years) and purchased technologies (6 to 7 years) which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We test for impairment of goodwill annually, or immediately if conditions indicate that impairment could exist.

During the year ended September 30, 2010, we acquired intangible assets and recorded goodwill in connection with our acquisition of Powell Canada and our acquisition of a 50% interest in the operations of a joint venture in Kazakhstan. During fiscal year 2010, our impairment analyses for goodwill indicated that an impairment was required. A loss on impairment of $7.5 million was recorded in fiscal year 2010 related to the Powell Canada acquisition. Our strategic decision to exit the 50% owned joint venture in Kazakhstan and delays in the anticipated growth in capital investments in the Oil Sands Region of western Canada, relative to our expectations, resulted in the impairment charge. No impairment was identified as a result of performing our annual impairment test of goodwill for fiscal years 2012 or 2011.

During fiscal year 2011, our impairment analysis indicated that the non-compete agreements, trade name and customer relationships intangible assets related to the Powell Canada acquisition were impaired due to continued operating losses at Powell Canada, which have reduced our projections for future revenues and cash flows. Accordingly, we recognized a loss on impairment of $7.2 million.

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


	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
	Gross Carrying Value	Accumulated Amortization	Net Carrying Value	Gross Carrying Value	Accumulated Amortization	Net Carrying Value
Supply agreement	$ 17,580	$ (7,225)	$ 10,355	$ 17,580	$ (6,052)	$ 11,528
Purchased technology	11,818	(9,121)	2,697	11,747	(7,759)	3,988
Non-compete agreements	4,170	(4,170)	—	4,170	(4,170)	—
Trade name	1,136	(871)	265	1,098	(767)	331

Total	$ 34,704	$ (21,387)	$ 13,317	$ 34,595	$ (18,748)	$ 15,847

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

Amortization of intangible assets recorded for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, was $2.6 million, $4.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the five subsequent fiscal years is expected to be (in thousands):


Years Ending September 30,	Total
2013	$ 1,673
2014	1,673
2015	1,649
2016	1,576
2017	1,576

- 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

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

E. Earnings Per Share

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


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)	$ 25,008

Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares	11,850	11,735	11,545
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (1)	75	—	148
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,925	11,735	11,693

Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 2.50	$ (0.23)	$ 2.17
Diluted	$ 2.49	$ (0.23)	$ 2.14

(1) In fiscal year 2011, these items were excluded from diluted income (loss) per share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Approximately 23,000 shares related to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because they were antidilutive at September 30, 2011. All options were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2010, respectively, as the options’ exercise prices were less than the average market price of our common stock.

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

F. Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Balance at beginning of year	$ 391	$ 907
Increase (decrease) to bad debt expense	842	(114)
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	142	(394)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	24	(8)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,399	$ 391

Warranty Accrual

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


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Balance at beginning of year	$ 4,603	$ 5,929
Increase to warranty expense	3,624	788
Deductions for warranty charges	(2,323)	(2,432)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	(190)	318
Balance at end of year	$ 5,714	$ 4,603

In addition to our standard estimated warranty accrual, during fiscal year 2012, we recorded an additional $1.0 million of warranty expense related to the estimated costs to replace certain component parts which may be defective.

Inventories

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


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$ 33,632	$ 38,400
Work-in-progress	6,422	5,892
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	(7,137)	(7,652)
Total inventories	$ 32,917	$ 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):


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 635,714	$ 475,525
Estimated earnings	168,480	131,367
	804,194	606,892
Less: Billings to date	754,604	599,847
Net underbilled position	$ 49,590	$ 7,045

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	$ 86,734	$ 51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled	(37,144)	(44,523)
Net underbilled position	$ 49,590	$ 7,045

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are summarized below (in thousands):


	September 30,		Range of
	2012	2011	Asset Lives
Land	$ 24,766	$ 7,640	—
Buildings and improvements	55,431	54,321	3 - 39 Years
Machinery and equipment	67,007	62,456	3 - 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures	2,940	3,203	3 - 10 Years
Construction in process	7,224	2,625	—
	157,368	130,245
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(78,716)	(70,608)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 78,652	$ 59,637

The increases in land and construction in process are primarily the result of construction of facilities in Houston, Texas, and Acheson, Alberta, Canada.

Included in property and equipment are assets under capital lease of $1.8 million and $2.9 million at September 30, 2012 and 2011, with related accumulated depreciation of $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Depreciation expense, including the depreciation of capital leases, was $10.5 million, $10.6 million and $9.2 million for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

G. Long-Term Debt

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


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 4,000	$ 4,400
Capital lease obligations	355	1,041
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,355	5,441
Less current portion	(725)	(1,140)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 3,630	$ 4,301

The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2012, were as follows (in thousands):


Year Ending September 30,	Long-Term Debt Maturities
2013	$ 725
2014	428
2015	402
2016	400
2017	400
Thereafter	2,000
Total long-term debt maturities	$ 4,355

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 up 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 $36.5 million for our outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2012.

There were no borrowings under the US Revolver as of September 30, 2012. Amounts available under the US Revolver were $38.5 million at September 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’s principal financial covenants include:

Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio — The Amended Credit Agreement requires that the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio be greater than 1.25 to 1.00. The consolidated fixed charge calculation is income before interest and income taxes, increased by depreciation and amortization expense (EBITDA) and reduced by income taxes and capital expenditures for the previous 12 months, divided by the sum of payments on long-term debt, excluding the US Revolver and interest expense, during the previous 12 months.

Maximum Leverage Ratio — The Amended Credit Agreement requires that the ratio be less than 2.75 to 1.00. The maximum leverage ratio is the sum of total long-term debt and outstanding letters of credit, less industrial development revenue bonds, divided by the EBITDA for the previous 12 months.

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 September 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 $20.3 million) revolving credit facility (the Canadian Revolver) to $10.0 million CAD (approximately $10.2 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. The amount available under the Canadian Revolver was reduced by $0.1 million for an outstanding letter of credit at September 30, 2012.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the Canadian Revolver, and $10.0 million was available at September 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 described 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 September 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Canadian Facility.

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), as collateral, 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 September 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 September 30, 2012, the balance in the restricted sinking fund was approximately $434,000 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 0.45% per year on September 30, 2012.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

H. Income Taxes

The components of the income tax provision were as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Current:
Federal	$ 18,156	$ 5,470	$ 18,126
State	1,512	939	1,750
Foreign	331	563	1,071
	19,999	6,972	20,947

Deferred:
Federal	(1,840)	(122)	(1,189)
State	25	(76)	23
Foreign	393	(62)	113
	(1,422)	(260)	(1,053)
Total income tax provision	$ 18,577	$ 6,712	$ 19,894

Income before income taxes and minority interest was as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
U.S.	$ 53,885	$ 19,850	$ 53,467
Other than U.S.	(5,651)	(15,853)	(8,406)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	$ 48,234	$ 3,997	$ 45,061

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. income tax rate and the effective income tax rate, as computed on earnings before income tax provision in each of the three years presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, was as follows:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Statutory rate	35%	35%	35%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2	14	3
International withholding tax	(1)	(9)	—
Other permanent tax items	—	5	—
Foreign rate differential	1	33	1
Domestic production activities deduction	(3)	(16)	(2)
Foreign valuation allowance and other	4	106	7
Effective rate	38%	168%	44%

Our provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes of 38% in fiscal year 2012 compared to 168% and 44% in fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2011 resulted from a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in Canada.

We have not recorded deferred income taxes on $16 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries because of management’s intent to indefinitely reinvest such earnings. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. It is not practical, however, to estimate the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings.

We are subject to income tax in the U.S., multiple state jurisdictions and a few international jurisdictions, primarily the U.K. and in Canada since December 15, 2009. For U.S. Federal income tax purposes, all years prior to 2009 are closed. We do not consider any state in which we do business to be a major tax jurisdiction. We remain open to examination in the U.K. for tax years 2008 to the present.

The net deferred income tax asset (liability) was comprised of the following (in thousands):


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Current deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	$ 7,053	$ 6,801
Gross liabilities	(2,455)	(3,221)
Net current deferred income tax asset	4,598	3,580
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	2,422	2,133
Gross liabilities	—	(114)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset	2,422	2,019
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 7,020	$ 5,599

At September 30, 2012 and 2011, the noncurrent deferred income tax asset was included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The tax effect of temporary differences between U.S. GAAP accounting and federal income tax accounting creating deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Deferred Tax Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 367	$ 89
Workers compensation	360	39
Stock-based compensation	729	354
Reserve for accrued employee benefits	1,546	1,579
Warranty accrual	1,336	935
Depreciation and amortization	1,366	956
Deferred compensation	1,013	1,343
Postretirement benefits liability	373	460
Accrued legal	114	182
Uniform capitalization and inventory	3,683	4,667
Goodwill impairment	1,285	1,360
Other	14	41
Net operating loss	4,787	3,144
Gross deferred tax asset	16,973	15,149
Less: valuation allowance	7,498	6,215
Deferred tax assets	9,475	8,934

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Uncompleted contracts	(2,455)	(3,221)
Other	—	(5)
Capital lease	—	(109)
Deferred tax liabilities	(2,455)	(3,335)

Net deferred tax asset	$ 7,020	$ 5,599

At September 30, 2012, we had $19.1 million of gross foreign operating loss carryforwards, which are subject to a 20-year carryforward period. As of September 30, 2012, we have recorded a net valuation allowance of $7.5 million against our Canadian deferred tax assets, which we expect cannot be realized through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. We believe that our deferred tax assets in other tax jurisdictions are more likely than not realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and our estimate of future taxable income.

We previously adopted accounting guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. Upon adoption of the guidance, we recorded a $0.3 million increase in our tax reserves, an offsetting decrease of $0.2 million to retained earnings for uncertain tax positions and an increase in deferred income tax assets of $0.1 million. As of the adoption date, we had total tax reserves of $1.2 million. This reserve includes an estimate of potential interest and penalties on estimated liabilities for uncertain tax positions, which were recorded as components of income tax expense, in the amount of $160,000 as of September 30, 2012. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax liabilities follows (in thousands):


Balance as of September 30, 2011	$ 763
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period	43
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities	(32)
Decreases related to expirations of statute of limitations	(263)
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$ 511

Our continuing policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. The amount of interest and penalty expense recorded for the year ended September 30, 2012, was not material.

There was no material change in the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the year ended September 30, 2012. Management believes that it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months, the total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 39% due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations in various state and local jurisdictions.

Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. Although timing of the resolution and/or closure of audits is highly uncertain, we do not believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits would materially change in the next 12 months.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: 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.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 3
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-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

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Strategies	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Strategies	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Strategies	I. 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 sales. As of September 30, 2012, we held no derivatives. In order for a derivative to qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be formally designated as a hedge by documenting the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. The documentation includes a description of the hedging instrument, the hedge item, the risk being hedged, our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the method for assessing the effectiveness of the hedge and the method for measuring hedge ineffectiveness. Additionally, the hedge relationship must be expected to be highly effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item at both inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. We assess the ongoing effectiveness of our hedges in accordance with the Cumulative Dollar-Offset Approach, and measure and record hedge ineffectiveness at the end of each fiscal quarter, as necessary. All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value and classified based on the instrument’s maturity date. There were no outstanding derivatives as of September 30, 2011, and September 30, 2012.

- 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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
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-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 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 133
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+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

J. Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan

We have a defined employee contribution 401(k) plan for substantially all of our U.S. employees. We match 100% of employee contributions up to an employee contribution of 4% of each employee’s salary. We recognized expenses of $4.6 million, $3.4 million and $2.9 million in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, under this plan primarily related to matching contributions.

Deferred Compensation

We offer an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan to a select group of management and highly compensated individuals. The plan permits the deferral of up to 50% of a participant’s base salary and/or 100% of a participant’s annual incentive bonus. The deferrals are held in a separate trust, which has been established to administer the plan. The assets of the trust are subject to the claims of our creditors in the event that we become insolvent. Consequently, the trust qualifies as a grantor trust for income tax purposes (a Rabbi Trust). The assets and liabilities of the plan are recorded in other assets and deferred compensation in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. Changes in the deferred compensation balance are charged to compensation expense. The plan is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue code. There was no compensation expense related to this plan in fiscal year 2012. Total assets held by the trustee and deferred compensation liabilities were $2.1 million at September 30, 2012.

Certain executives were provided an executive benefit plan which provides for fixed payments upon normal retirement on or after age 65 and the completion of at least 10 years of continuous employment. The estimated present value of these payments were accrued over the service life of these individuals, and $0.8 million is recorded in deferred compensation in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets related to this executive benefit plan. To assist in funding the deferred compensation liability, we have invested in corporate-owned life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of these policies is presented in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cash surrender value of life insurance policies was $4.1 million at September 30, 2012.

Retiree Medical Plan

We have a plan to extend to retirees health benefits which are available to active employees under our existing health plans. This plan is unfunded. The plan provides coverage for employees with at least 10 years of service and who are age 55 or older but less than 65. The retiree is required to pay the COBRA rate less a subsidy provided by us based on years of service at the time of retirement.

For the year ended September 30, 2012, the measurement of postretirement benefit expense was based on assumptions used to value the postretirement benefit liability as of September 30, 2012, our measurement date.

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2012 and 2011, consisted of the following on a pretax basis (in thousands):

908
	September 30,
	2012	2011
Net actuarial gain	$ (909)	$ (827)
Prior service cost	—	51
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (909)	$ (776)

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2012, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2013 were as follows (in thousands):


Net actuarial gain	$ (67)
Prior service cost	—
Total	$ (67)

The following table illustrates the changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, changes in fair value of assets and the funded status of the postretirement benefit plan (in thousands):


	September 30,
		2012		2011
Changes in postretirement benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	895	$	663
Service cost		23		40
Interest cost		17		39
Actuarial loss (gain)		(189)		248
Benefits paid		(57)		(95)
Balance at end of year	$	689	$	895
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	—	$	—
Employer contributions		57		95
Benefits paid		(57)		(95)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	—	$	—
Reconciliation of funded status:
Unfunded liability	$	(689)	$	(895)
Unrecognized prior service cost		—		51
Unrecognized net actuarial gain		(909)		(827)
Net liability recognized	$	(1,598)	$	(1,671)


	2012	2011
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at September 30:
Discount rate pre-retirement	0.00%	0.00%
Discount rate post-retirement	3.08	4.24
Current year trend rate	8.40	10.00
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	5.00
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023	2014

If the medical care cost trend rate assumptions were increased or decreased by 1% as of September 30, 2012, the effect of this change on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and service and interest costs would be an increase of $102,000 and $5,000 or a decrease of $53,000 and $3,000, respectively.


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 23	$ 40	$ 33
Interest cost	17	39	39
Prior service cost	51	115	115
Net gain recognized	(107)	(37)	(49)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$ (16)	$ 157	$ 138


	2012	2011
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit costs at September 30:
Discount rate pre-retirement	0.00%	0.00%
Discount rate post-retirement	4.24	4.56
Current year trend rate	9.00	10.00
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	5.00
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2015	2013

Future expected benefit payments as of September 30, 2012, related to postretirement benefits for the subsequent five years were as follows (in thousands):


Year Ending September 30,	Expected Benefit Payments
2013	$ 61
2014	44
2015	47
2016	46
2017	54
2018 through 2022	283

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 518
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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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
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-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 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 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

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

K. Commitments and Contingencies

Long-Term Debt

See Note G herein for discussion of our long-term debt.

Leases

We lease certain offices, facilities and equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. At September 30, 2012, the minimum annual rental commitments under leases having terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands):


Years Ending September 30,	Operating Leases
2013	$ 5,597
2014	4,575
2015	3,533
2016	2,910
2017	2,274
Thereafter	7,725
Total lease commitments	$ 26,614

Lease expense for all operating leases was $5.4 million, $3.7 million and $3.3 million for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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 $36.6 million as of September 30, 2012. We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $249.1 million that were outstanding, with additional bonding capacity of $150.9 million available, at September 30, 2012.

We have a facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between S&I and a large international bank. The $12.1 million facility agreement provides S&I the ability to enter into forward exchange contracts, currency options and performance bonds. At September 30, 2012, we had outstanding a total of $7.0 million of guarantees 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-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

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

L. Stock-Based Compensation

We have the following stock-based compensation plans:

Restricted Stock

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 fiscal 2012, 16,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to such directors at a price of $37.50 per share. In fiscal 2011, 17,500 shares of restricted stock were issued to such directors at a price of $33.49 per share. The maximum aggregate number of shares of stock that may be issued under the Restricted Stock Plan is 150,000 and will consist of authorized but unissued or reacquired shares of stock, or any combination thereof. The restricted stock grants vest 50% per year over a two-year period on each anniversary of the grant date. Unless terminated by the Board, the Restricted Stock Plan will terminate at the close of business on December 16, 2014, and no further grants shall be made under the plan after such date. Awards granted before such date shall continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of the plan and the respective agreements pursuant to which they were granted. The total number of shares of common stock available for future awards under the plan was 32,879 shares as of September 30, 2012.

The 2000 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended, previously had been adopted for the benefit of members of the Board of Directors of the Company who, at the time of their service, were not employees of the Company or any of its affiliates. Following the adoption of the Restricted Stock Plan described above, the Compensation Committee ceased the use of this plan in making new grants to directors. The total number of shares of common stock available for future awards under the plan was 33,117 shares as of September 30, 2012.

The 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (the 2006 Plan) grants any employee of the Company and its subsidiaries and consultants, the right to participate in the plan and receive awards. Awards can take the form of options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and performance unit awards. The maximum aggregate number of shares of stock that may be issued under the 2006 Plan is 750,000 shares. The total number of shares of common stock available under the plan was 508,403 shares as of September 30, 2012.

In August 2012, 45,000 shares of restricted stock were issued under the 2006 Plan to our new President and Chief Executive Officer. These shares were issued at a price of $39.11 per share. The restricted stock grant vests 33% per year over a three-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, who was an employee of the Company at the time the shares were issued. 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 unvested 7,601 shares previously issued to him became immediately vested and were expensed in selling, general and administrative expenses.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, 10,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to our former CEO at a price of $37.67 per share under the 2006 Plan. The restricted stock grant vests 20% per year over a five-year period on each anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the five-year vesting period based on the $37.67 price per share on the grant date. In conjunction with the separation of our former CEO in September 2011, the remaining unvested 8,000 shares previously issued to him became immediately vested and were expensed in selling, general and administrative expenses.

During the year ended September 30, 2012, we recorded compensation expense of $0.7 million related to restricted stock grants. We recorded compensation expense of $0.8 million and $0.8 million related to restricted stock grants for the years ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

In October 2009 and October 2010, we granted 34,700 and 34,566 restricted stock units (RSUs), respectively, with a fair value of $38.36 and $30.79 per unit, respectively, 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. 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. At September 30, 2012, there were 99,725 RSUs outstanding. 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, 2009	94,589	$ 36.04
Granted	34,688	38.36
Expired or cancelled	—	—
Vested/exercised	(41,823)	31.86
Outstanding at September 30, 2010	87,454	38.96
Granted	39,048	30.94
Expired or cancelled	—	—
Vested/exercised	(57,124)	36.94
Outstanding at September 30, 2011	69,378	36.10
Granted	54,825	31.18
Expired or cancelled	(24,478)	38.71
Vested/exercised	—	—
Outstanding at September 30, 2012	99,725	$ 32.69

We recorded compensation expense of $1.5 million and $1.3 million related to RSUs for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2010, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2011, we recorded a credit to compensation expense of $1.4 million related to RSUs, as the estimated earnings per share goals were not met for the three-year cumulative performance cycle for all RSU awards currently outstanding.

Stock Options

The 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the 1992 Plan), permits us to grant to key employees non-qualified options and stock grants, subject to certain conditions and restrictions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and proportionate adjustments in the event of stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate transactions. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 1992 Plan is 2.7 million shares. Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Generally, options granted have an expiration date of seven years from the grant date and vest in increments of 20% per year over a five-year period. Pursuant to the 1992 Plan, option holders who exercise their options and hold the underlying shares of common stock for five years, vest in a stock grant equal to 20% of the original option shares. While restricted until the expiration of five years, the stock grant is considered issued at the date of the stock option exercise and is included in earnings per share. During fiscal years 2012 and 2010, 3,740 shares and 12,380 shares, respectively, of restricted stock were issued to option holders who met specified requirements under the 1992 Plan. There were no restricted stock grants under the 1992 Plan during fiscal year 2011. There have been no stock options granted since July 2005, and all outstanding options under the 1992 Plan were exercised or forfeited as of September 30, 2012. There were 466,392 shares available to be granted under this plan as of September 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.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-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 Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-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

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Business Segments [Abstract]

Business Segments

M. 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 business 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):


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Revenues:
Electrical Power Products	$ 686,581	$ 533,339	$ 517,069
Process Control Systems	30,613	29,058	33,623
Total	$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692

Gross profit:
Electrical Power Products	$ 132,458	$ 91,730	$ 129,780
Process Control Systems	7,480	8,200	12,277
Total	$ 139,938	$ 99,930	$ 142,057

Income before income taxes:
Electrical Power Products	$ 48,055	$ 3,888	$ 41,378
Process Control Systems	179	109	3,683
Total	$ 48,234	$ 3,997	$ 45,061

Depreciation and amortization:
Electrical Power Products	$ 13,010	$ 15,188	$ 13,453
Process Control Systems	55	162	177
Total	$ 13,065	$ 15,350	$ 13,630

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 was recorded in our Electrical Power Products business segment. Income before taxes for fiscal 2011 includes an impairment charge of $7.2 million, which was recorded in the fourth quarter, to reflect the impairment for the value of the intangible assets that were recorded in relation to the acquisition of Powell Canada. This loss was recorded in our Electrical Power Products business segment.

Income before income taxes for fiscal 2010 includes an impairment charge of $7.5 million to reflect the impairment for the value of goodwill that was recorded in relation to the acquisition of Powell Canada. This loss was recorded in our Electrical Power Products business segment.

Geographic Information

Revenues are as follows (in thousands):


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Europe (including former Soviet Union)	$ 24,857	$ 7,107	$ 25,174
Far East	14,865	17,172	24,998
Middle East and Africa	79,781	46,304	25,880
North, Central and South America (excluding U.S.)	184,935	112,949	81,506
United States	412,756	378,865	393,134
Total revenues	$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692

The United States accounted for 58%, 67% and 71% of consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During fiscal years 2012 and 2011, our operations in Canada accounted for 13% and 17% of revenues with customers, respectively. During fiscal year 2012, one petrochemical project being shipped to Colombia accounted for 11% of revenues with customers.


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Long-lived assets:
United States	$ 60,012	$ 47,966
United Kingdom	6,238	6,409
Canada	12,402	5,262
Total	$ 78,652	$ 59,637

Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation.

- 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.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
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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

Quarterly Results Of Operations

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Quarterly Results Of Operations [Abstract]

Quarterly Results Of Operations

N. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The table below sets forth the unaudited consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):


	2012 Quarters
	First	Second	Third	Fourth	2012
Revenues	$ 157,456	$ 181,486	$ 194,093	$ 184,159	$ 717,194
Gross profit	20,378	34,237	43,843	41,480	139,938
Net income (loss)	(1,745)	7,411	12,138	11,853	29,657
Basic earnings (loss) per share	(0.15)	0.63	1.03	0.99	2.50
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	(0.15)	0.63	1.02	0.99	2.49

	2011 Quarters
	First	Second	Third	Fourth	2011
Revenues	$ 124,674	$ 125,111	$ 141,369	$ 171,243	$ 562,397
Gross profit	25,865	24,877	21,864	27,324	99,930
Net income (loss)	2,432	1,733	73	(6,953)	(2,715)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.21	0.15	0.01	(0.59)	(0.23)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.21	0.15	0.01	(0.59)	(0.23)

The sum of the individual earnings per share amounts may not agree with year-to-date earnings per share as each period’s computation is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period.

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. Income before taxes for fiscal 2011 includes an impairment charge of $7.2 million, which was recorded in the fourth quarter, to reflect the impairment for the value of the intangible assets that were recorded in relation to the acquisition of Powell Canada.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The financial position and results of operation of our Singapore joint venture, in which we held a majority ownership, have also been consolidated. As a result of this consolidation, we record noncontrolling interest on our balance sheet for our joint venture partner’s share of equity in the joint venture. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made in prior years’ financial statements to conform to the presentation used in the current year. These reclassifications have not resulted in any changes to previously reported net income for any periods.
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the 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.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Cash of $1.0 million was held in escrow at September 30, 2011. This restricted cash was related to a purchase of land which closed in October 2011 for $6.5 million.
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial instruments include cash, short-term investments, marketable securities, receivables, payables and debt obligations. Except as described below, due to the short-term nature of the investments, the book value is representative of their fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as interest rates are indexed to the Federal Funds Rate, the Canadian Prime Rate or the bank’s prime rate.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We maintain and continually assess the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate for losses resulting from the inability of our customers to pay amounts due to us. This estimated allowance is based on historical experience of uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, the overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers with respect to their inability to make payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectibility of accounts receivable. Future changes in our customers’ operating performance and cash flows or in general economic conditions could have an impact on their ability to fully pay these amounts, which could have a material impact on our operating results. In most cases, receivables are not collateralized. However, we utilize letters of credit to secure payment on sales when possible. At September 30, 2012 and 2011, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $8.7 million and $6.1 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with applicable provisions of engineering and construction contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. Approximately $4.0 million of the retained amount at September 30, 2012, is expected to be collected subsequent to September 30, 2013.
Costs And Estimated Earnings In Excess Of Billings On Uncompleted Contracts	Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts arise when revenues are recorded on a percentage-of-completion basis but cannot be invoiced under the terms of the contract. Such amounts are invoiced upon completion of contractual milestones. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts also include certain costs associated with unapproved change orders. These costs are included when change order approval is probable. Amounts are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred when recovery is probable. The amounts recorded involve the use of judgments and estimates; thus, actual recoverable amounts could differ from original assumptions. In accordance with industry practice, assets and liabilities related to costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, have been classified as current. The contract cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year; thus, collection of amounts related to these contracts may extend beyond one year.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using weighted-average methods and include the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We use estimates in determining the level of reserves required to state inventory at the lower of cost or market. Our estimates are based on market activity levels, production requirements, the physical condition of products and technological innovation. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the carrying value of inventory.
Property, Plant And Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements, which extend the useful lives of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be realizable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment of such asset is necessary. This requires us to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and the costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and our projections may vary from cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be reflected in income (loss) from operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, we estimate the useful lives of our property, plant and equipment and periodically review these estimates to determine whether these lives are appropriate.
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Which Are Amortized The costs of intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. When certain events or changes in operating conditions occur, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if an impairment of such assets is necessary. For intangible assets that are amortized, we review their estimated useful lives and evaluate whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. For additional information regarding our intangible assets and related impairment, see Note D. Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Assets Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are evaluated for impairment annually, or immediately if conditions indicate that impairment could exist. The evaluation requires a two-step impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss. The first step of the test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. Both steps of the goodwill impairment testing involve significant estimates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We believe that the deferred tax asset recorded as of September 30, 2012, is realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. If we were to subsequently determine that we would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to deferred tax assets would increase earnings for the period in which such determination was made. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accounting literature also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Our revenues are primarily generated from engineering and manufacturing of custom products under long-term contracts that may last from one month to several years, depending on the contract. Revenues from long-term contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed primarily based on the estimated completion to date calculated by multiplying the total contract price by percentage of performance to date, based on total costs or total labor dollars incurred to date to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method used to determine the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the labor method is determined to be a more accurate method of measuring the progress of the projects. Application of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and all costs associated with operation of equipment. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays in our project performance and the recoverability of any claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of liquidated damages, if any, may result in revisions to costs and income, with their effects being recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period. Revenues associated with maintenance, repair and service contracts are recognized when the services are performed. Expenses related to these types of services are recognized as incurred.
Warranties	Warranties We provide for estimated warranty costs at the time of sale based upon historical rates applicable to individual product lines. In addition, specific provisions are made when the costs of such warranties are expected to exceed accruals. Our standard terms and conditions of sale include a warranty for parts and service for the earlier of 18 months from the date of shipment or 12 months from the date of initial operations. Occasionally projects require warranty terms that are longer than our standard terms due to the nature of the project. Extended warranty terms may be negotiated and included in our contracts.
Research And Development Expense	Research and Development Expense Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. These costs are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Such amounts were $7.7 million, $7.5 million and $6.5 million in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which the entity is located. The financial statements of all subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar have been translated into U.S. Dollars. All assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using year-end exchange rates, and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The U.S. Dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the restricted stock award and recognize it as expense over the applicable vesting period of the stock award using the straight-line method. Excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense that must be recognized directly in equity are considered financing rather than operating cash flow activities.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments As part of managing our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, we periodically utilize foreign exchange forward contracts. The objective of these contracts is to minimize impacts to cash flows and profitability due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on accounts receivable, accounts payable and forecasted cash transactions. These contracts are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, which is based upon an income approach consisting of a discounted cash flow model that takes into account the present value of the future cash flows under the terms of the contracts using current market information as of the reporting date, such as foreign currency spot and forward rates. We formally document our hedging relationships, including identifying the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. We also formally assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. The effective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the hedged item affects the income statement, the gain or loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income is reported on the same line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the hedged item. In addition, any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of derivatives used as cash flow hedges is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the changes occur. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, or it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, we discontinue hedge accounting and any unrealized gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated financial statements. We provide 1) qualitative disclosures regarding the objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments and engaging in hedging activities in the context of our overall risk exposure; 2) quantitative disclosure in tabular format of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses and 3) disclosures about credit-risk related contingent features in derivative instruments.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is included as a component of stockholders’ equity net of tax, includes unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments, postretirement benefit adjustments and currency translation adjustments in foreign consolidated subsidiaries.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB), which are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on our consolidated statements upon adoption. In January 2010, the 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 were not required to provide the amended disclosures for any previous periods presented for comparative purposes. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this update has not had 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 of 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. Under either method, entities must display adjustments for items reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in both net income and other comprehensive income. The provisions for this guidance are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012. 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 amount. 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 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 any 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 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. In August 2012, the SEC adopted a rule mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act to require companies to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country. The final rule applies to a company that uses minerals including tantalum, tin, gold or tungsten. The final rule requires companies to provide disclosure on a new form filed with the SEC, with the first specialized disclosure report due on May 31, 2014, for the 2013 calendar year, and annually on May 31 each year thereafter. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 141	$ 102	$ 563
Income taxes, net of refunds	12,104	3,889	31,993

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis

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, 2012 (in thousands):


	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2012
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at September 30, 2012
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	45,888	$	—	$	—	$	45,888
Total	$	45,888	$	—	$	—	$	45,888
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 (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at September 30, 2011
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	65,792	$	—	$	—	$	65,792
Total	$	65,792	$	—	$	—	$	65,792
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule Of Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization


	September 30, 2012			September 30, 2011
	Gross Carrying Value	Accumulated Amortization	Net Carrying Value	Gross Carrying Value	Accumulated Amortization	Net Carrying Value
Supply agreement	$ 17,580	$ (7,225)	$ 10,355	$ 17,580	$ (6,052)	$ 11,528
Purchased technology	11,818	(9,121)	2,697	11,747	(7,759)	3,988
Non-compete agreements	4,170	(4,170)	—	4,170	(4,170)	—
Trade name	1,136	(871)	265	1,098	(767)	331

Total	$ 34,704	$ (21,387)	$ 13,317	$ 34,595	$ (18,748)	$ 15,847

Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense


Years Ending September 30,	Total
2013	$ 1,673
2014	1,673
2015	1,649
2016	1,576
2017	1,576

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)	$ 25,008

Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares	11,850	11,735	11,545
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (1)	75	—	148
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,925	11,735	11,693

Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 2.50	$ (0.23)	$ 2.17
Diluted	$ 2.49	$ (0.23)	$ 2.14

(1) In fiscal year 2011, these items were excluded from diluted income (loss) per share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]

Activity In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Balance at beginning of year	$ 391	$ 907
Increase (decrease) to bad debt expense	842	(114)
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	142	(394)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	24	(8)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,399	$ 391

Activity In Product Warranty Accrual


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Balance at beginning of year	$ 4,603	$ 5,929
Increase to warranty expense	3,624	788
Deductions for warranty charges	(2,323)	(2,432)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	(190)	318
Balance at end of year	$ 5,714	$ 4,603

Components Of Inventories


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$ 33,632	$ 38,400
Work-in-progress	6,422	5,892
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	(7,137)	(7,652)
Total inventories	$ 32,917	$ 36,640

Cost And Estimated Earnings On Uncompleted Contracts


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 635,714	$ 475,525
Estimated earnings	168,480	131,367
	804,194	606,892
Less: Billings to date	754,604	599,847
Net underbilled position	$ 49,590	$ 7,045

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	$ 86,734	$ 51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled	(37,144)	(44,523)
Net underbilled position	$ 49,590	$ 7,045

Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment


	September 30,		Range of
	2012	2011	Asset Lives
Land	$ 24,766	$ 7,640	—
Buildings and improvements	55,431	54,321	3 - 39 Years
Machinery and equipment	67,007	62,456	3 - 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures	2,940	3,203	3 - 10 Years
Construction in process	7,224	2,625	—
	157,368	130,245
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(78,716)	(70,608)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 78,652	$ 59,637

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Components Of Long-Term Debt


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 4,000	$ 4,400
Capital lease obligations	355	1,041
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,355	5,441
Less current portion	(725)	(1,140)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 3,630	$ 4,301

Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt


Year Ending September 30,	Long-Term Debt Maturities
2013	$ 725
2014	428
2015	402
2016	400
2017	400
Thereafter	2,000
Total long-term debt maturities	$ 4,355

- 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
-Publisher FASB
-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

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section 50
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

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

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Provision


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Current:
Federal	$ 18,156	$ 5,470	$ 18,126
State	1,512	939	1,750
Foreign	331	563	1,071
	19,999	6,972	20,947

Deferred:
Federal	(1,840)	(122)	(1,189)
State	25	(76)	23
Foreign	393	(62)	113
	(1,422)	(260)	(1,053)
Total income tax provision	$ 18,577	$ 6,712	$ 19,894

Schedule Of Income Before Income Taxes And Minority Interest


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
U.S.	$ 53,885	$ 19,850	$ 53,467
Other than U.S.	(5,651)	(15,853)	(8,406)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	$ 48,234	$ 3,997	$ 45,061

Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Statutory rate	35%	35%	35%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2	14	3
International withholding tax	(1)	(9)	—
Other permanent tax items	—	5	—
Foreign rate differential	1	33	1
Domestic production activities deduction	(3)	(16)	(2)
Foreign valuation allowance and other	4	106	7
Effective rate	38%	168%	44%

Schedule Of Components Of Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Current deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	$ 7,053	$ 6,801
Gross liabilities	(2,455)	(3,221)
Net current deferred income tax asset	4,598	3,580
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	2,422	2,133
Gross liabilities	—	(114)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset	2,422	2,019
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 7,020	$ 5,599

Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Deferred Tax Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 367	$ 89
Workers compensation	360	39
Stock-based compensation	729	354
Reserve for accrued employee benefits	1,546	1,579
Warranty accrual	1,336	935
Depreciation and amortization	1,366	956
Deferred compensation	1,013	1,343
Postretirement benefits liability	373	460
Accrued legal	114	182
Uniform capitalization and inventory	3,683	4,667
Goodwill impairment	1,285	1,360
Other	14	41
Net operating loss	4,787	3,144
Gross deferred tax asset	16,973	15,149
Less: valuation allowance	7,498	6,215
Deferred tax assets	9,475	8,934

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Uncompleted contracts	(2,455)	(3,221)
Other	—	(5)
Capital lease	—	(109)
Deferred tax liabilities	(2,455)	(3,335)

Net deferred tax asset	$ 7,020	$ 5,599

Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Liabilities


Balance as of September 30, 2011	$ 763
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period	43
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities	(32)
Decreases related to expirations of statute of limitations	(263)
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$ 511

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

908
	September 30,
	2012	2011
Net actuarial gain	$ (909)	$ (827)
Prior service cost	—	51
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (909)	$ (776)

Schedule Of Amounts In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year


Net actuarial gain	$ (67)
Prior service cost	—
Total	$ (67)

Schedule Of Changes In Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Changes In Fair Falue Of Plan Assets And Funded Status


	September 30,
		2012		2011
Changes in postretirement benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	895	$	663
Service cost		23		40
Interest cost		17		39
Actuarial loss (gain)		(189)		248
Benefits paid		(57)		(95)
Balance at end of year	$	689	$	895
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	—	$	—
Employer contributions		57		95
Benefits paid		(57)		(95)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	—	$	—
Reconciliation of funded status:
Unfunded liability	$	(689)	$	(895)
Unrecognized prior service cost		—		51
Unrecognized net actuarial gain		(909)		(827)
Net liability recognized	$	(1,598)	$	(1,671)

Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations


	2012	2011
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at September 30:
Discount rate pre-retirement	0.00%	0.00%
Discount rate post-retirement	3.08	4.24
Current year trend rate	8.40	10.00
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	5.00
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023	2014

Components Of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 23	$ 40	$ 33
Interest cost	17	39	39
Prior service cost	51	115	115
Net gain recognized	(107)	(37)	(49)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$ (16)	$ 157	$ 138

Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Costs


	2012	2011
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit costs at September 30:
Discount rate pre-retirement	0.00%	0.00%
Discount rate post-retirement	4.24	4.56
Current year trend rate	9.00	10.00
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	5.00
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2015	2013

Schedule Of Future Expected Benefit Payments


Year Ending September 30,	Expected Benefit Payments
2013	$ 61
2014	44
2015	47
2016	46
2017	54
2018 through 2022	283

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Schedule Of Future Minimum Annual Rental Commitments Under Leases


Years Ending September 30,	Operating Leases
2013	$ 5,597
2014	4,575
2015	3,533
2016	2,910
2017	2,274
Thereafter	7,725
Total lease commitments	$ 26,614

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Activity


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share

Outstanding at September 30, 2009	94,589	$ 36.04
Granted	34,688	38.36
Expired or cancelled	—	—
Vested/exercised	(41,823)	31.86
Outstanding at September 30, 2010	87,454	38.96
Granted	39,048	30.94
Expired or cancelled	—	—
Vested/exercised	(57,124)	36.94
Outstanding at September 30, 2011	69,378	36.10
Granted	54,825	31.18
Expired or cancelled	(24,478)	38.71
Vested/exercised	—	—
Outstanding at September 30, 2012	99,725	$ 32.69

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Business Segments [Abstract]

Detailed information regarding business segments


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Revenues:
Electrical Power Products	$ 686,581	$ 533,339	$ 517,069
Process Control Systems	30,613	29,058	33,623
Total	$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692

Gross profit:
Electrical Power Products	$ 132,458	$ 91,730	$ 129,780
Process Control Systems	7,480	8,200	12,277
Total	$ 139,938	$ 99,930	$ 142,057

Income before income taxes:
Electrical Power Products	$ 48,055	$ 3,888	$ 41,378
Process Control Systems	179	109	3,683
Total	$ 48,234	$ 3,997	$ 45,061

Depreciation and amortization:
Electrical Power Products	$ 13,010	$ 15,188	$ 13,453
Process Control Systems	55	162	177
Total	$ 13,065	$ 15,350	$ 13,630

Schedule Of Revenues From External Customers By Geographical Areas


	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Europe (including former Soviet Union)	$ 24,857	$ 7,107	$ 25,174
Far East	14,865	17,172	24,998
Middle East and Africa	79,781	46,304	25,880
North, Central and South America (excluding U.S.)	184,935	112,949	81,506
United States	412,756	378,865	393,134
Total revenues	$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692

Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets, By Geographical Areas


	September 30,
	2012	2011
Long-lived assets:
United States	$ 60,012	$ 47,966
United Kingdom	6,238	6,409
Canada	12,402	5,262
Total	$ 78,652	$ 59,637

- 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

Quarterly Results Of Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Quarterly Results Of Operations [Abstract]

Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information


	2012 Quarters
	First	Second	Third	Fourth	2012
Revenues	$ 157,456	$ 181,486	$ 194,093	$ 184,159	$ 717,194
Gross profit	20,378	34,237	43,843	41,480	139,938
Net income (loss)	(1,745)	7,411	12,138	11,853	29,657
Basic earnings (loss) per share	(0.15)	0.63	1.03	0.99	2.50
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	(0.15)	0.63	1.02	0.99	2.49

	2011 Quarters
	First	Second	Third	Fourth	2011
Revenues	$ 124,674	$ 125,111	$ 141,369	$ 171,243	$ 562,397
Gross profit	25,865	24,877	21,864	27,324	99,930
Net income (loss)	2,432	1,733	73	(6,953)	(2,715)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.21	0.15	0.01	(0.59)	(0.23)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	0.21	0.15	0.01	(0.59)	(0.23)

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash held in escrow			$ 1,000
Purchase of land	$ 6,500
Retention amounts included in accounts receivable		$ 8,700	6,100
Retained amount expected to be collected subsequent to September 30, 2013		4,000
Research and development costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses		$ 7,700	$ 7,500	$ 6,500

- Definition

The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use.

+ References + Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interest	$ 141	$ 102	$ 563
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 12,104	$ 3,889	$ 31,993

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 45,888	$ 65,792
Total	45,888	65,792
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents	45,888	65,792
Total	45,888	65,792
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents
Total
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents
Total
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Company may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

+ References + Details

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 2,599	$ 4,752	$ 4,477
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	15 years
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	15 years
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	10 years
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	5 years
Supply Agreement [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	15 years
Purchased Technology [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	7 years
Purchased Technology [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	6 years
Powell Canada [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Loss on impairment of Goodwill			$ 7,500
Loss on impairment of intangible assets		$ 7,200
Kazakhstan Joint Venture [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Equity investment in Kazakhstan			50.00%

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 34,704	$ 34,595
Accumulated Amortization	(21,387)	(18,748)
Net Carrying value	13,317	15,847
Supply Agreement [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	17,580	17,580
Accumulated Amortization	(7,225)	(6,052)
Net Carrying value	10,355	11,528
Purchased Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	11,818	11,747
Accumulated Amortization	(9,121)	(7,759)
Net Carrying value	2,697	3,988
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	4,170	4,170
Accumulated Amortization	(4,170)	(4,170)
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	1,136	1,098
Accumulated Amortization	(871)	(767)
Net Carrying value	$ 265	$ 331

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2013	$ 1,673
2014	1,673
2015	1,649
2016	1,576
2017	$ 1,576

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2010

Numerator:

Net income (loss) attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.

$ 11,853

$ 12,138

$ 7,411

$ (1,745)

$ (6,953)

$ 73

$ 1,733

$ 2,432

$ 29,657

$ (2,715)

$ 25,008

Denominator:

Weighted average basic shares

11,850,000

11,735,000

11,545,000

Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units

^[1]

75,000

148,000

Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions

11,925,000

11,735,000

11,693,000

Net earnings (loss) per share:

Basic

$ 0.99

$ 1.03

$ 0.63

$ (0.15)

$ (0.59)

$ 0.01

$ 0.15

$ 0.21

$ 2.50

$ (0.23)

$ 2.17

Diluted

$ 0.99

$ 1.02

$ 0.63

$ (0.15)

$ (0.59)

$ 0.01

$ 0.15

$ 0.21

$ 2.49

$ (0.23)

$ 2.14

Shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share

23,000

[1]	In fiscal year 2011, these items were excluded from diluted income (loss) per share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Warranty expense	$ 1,000
Depreciation expense	$ 10,465	$ 10,598	$ 9,154

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Activity In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 391	$ 907
Increase (decrease) to bad debt expense	842	(114)	$ 410
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	142	(394)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	24	(8)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,399	$ 391	$ 907

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Activity In Product Warranty Accrual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 4,603	$ 5,929
Increase to warranty expense	3,624	788
Deductions for warranty charges	(2,323)	(2,432)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	(190)	318
Balance at end of year	$ 5,714	$ 4,603

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Components Of Inventories) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$ 33,632	$ 38,400
Work-in-progress	6,422	5,892
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	(7,137)	(7,652)
Total inventories	$ 32,917	$ 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 (Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 635,714	$ 475,525
Estimated earnings	168,480	131,367
Total	804,194	606,892
Less: Billings to date	754,604	599,847
Net underbilled position	49,590	7,045
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts underbilled	86,734	51,568
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts overbilled	$ (37,144)	$ (44,523)

- Definition

Liability attributable to (i) billings in excess of costs under the percentage of completion contract accounting method representing the difference between contractually invoiced amounts (billings) and revenue recognized based, for example, on costs incurred to estimated total costs at period end or (ii) contractually invoiced amounts (billings) in excess of costs incurred and accumulated under the completed contract accounting method.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Total amount included in cost of uncompleted contracts in excess of related billings, or unbilled accounts receivable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 912
-SubTopic 310
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6471842&loc=d3e55302-109406

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 210.5-02.3(c)(3))
-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 605
-SubTopic 35
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802688&loc=d3e57795-111642

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 605
-SubTopic 35
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802688&loc=d3e57807-111642

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 45
-Paragraph 12
-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
-Section A
-Paragraph 4, 21
-Chapter 11
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph c(2), c(3), c(4)
-Article 5

+ Details

Detail Of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 157,368	$ 130,245
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(78,716)	(70,608)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	78,652	59,637
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	24,766	7,640
Building And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 55,431	54,321
Building And Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	39 years
Building And Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	3 years
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 67,007	62,456
Machinery And Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	15 years
Machinery And Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	3 years
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 2,940	3,203
Furniture And Fixtures [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	10 years
Furniture And Fixtures [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	3 years
Construction In Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 7,224	2,625
Assets Under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	1,800	2,900
Less: Accumulated depreciation	$ (1,000)	$ (1,400)

Long Term Debt (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Long Term Debt (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 CAD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2012 CAD ($)	Feb. 29, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2001 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	125.00%
Maximum Leverage Ratio	275.00%
Balance in the restricted sinking fund	$ 434,000
US Revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
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.
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 36,500,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 38,500,000
Credit facility expiration date	Dec. 31, 2016
Percentage of voting capital stock pledged as collateral	100.00%
Non-domestic subsidiaries of voting capital stock	66.00%
US Revolver [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin	1.75%
Canadian Revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 100,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 10,000,000
Revolving canadian credit facility		$ 10.0	$ 10,200,000	$ 20.0	$ 20,300,000
Credit facility expiration date	Feb. 28, 2015
Canadian Revolver [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin	1.125%
Canadian Revolver [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin	0.375%
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings						$ 8,000,000
Reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions	$ 400,000
Interest rate	0.45%

Long-Term Debt (Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 4,000	$ 4,400
Capital lease obligations	355	1,041
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,355	5,441
Less current portion	(725)	(1,140)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 3,630	$ 4,301

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
2013	$ 725
2014	428
2015	402
2016	400
2017	400
Thereafter	2,000
Total long-term debt maturities	$ 4,355

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate		38.00%	168.00%	44.00%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		$ 16,000,000
Operating loss carryforward		19,100,000
Valuation allowance		7,500,000
Potential interest and penalties		$ 160,000
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to expiration of certain statutes of limitations		39.00%
Increase in tax reserves	$ 300,000
Decrease to retained earnings	200,000
Increase in deferred income taxes	100,000
Tax reserves	$ 1,200,000

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Current:
Federal	$ 18,156	$ 5,470	$ 18,126
State	1,512	939	1,750
Foreign	331	563	1,071
Current income tax provision	19,999	6,972	20,947
Deferred:
Federal	(1,840)	(122)	(1,189)
State	25	(76)	23
Foreign	393	(62)	113
Deferred income tax provision	(1,422)	(260)	(1,053)
Total income tax provision	$ 18,577	$ 6,712	$ 19,894

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Income Before Interest, Income Taxes And Minority Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S.	$ 53,885	$ 19,850	$ 53,467
Other than U.S.	(5,651)	(15,853)	(8,406)
Income before income taxes	$ 48,234	$ 3,997	$ 45,061

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.00%	14.00%	3.00%
International withholding tax	(1.00%)	(9.00%)
Other permanent tax items		5.00%
Foreign rate differential	1.00%	33.00%	1.00%
Domestic production activities deduction	(3.00%)	(16.00%)	(2.00%)
Foreign valuation allowance and other	4.00%	106.00%	7.00%
Effective rate	38.00%	168.00%	44.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Gross assets, current	$ 7,053	$ 6,801
Gross liabilities, current	(2,455)	(3,221)
Net current deferred income tax asset	4,598	3,580
Gross assets, noncurrent	2,422	2,133
Gross liabilities, noncurrent		(114)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset	2,422	2,019
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 7,020	$ 5,599

- Definition

Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 367	$ 89
Workers compensation	360	39
Stock-based compensation	729	354
Reserve for accrued employee benefits	1,546	1,579
Warranty accrual	1,336	935
Depreciation and amortization	1,366	956
Deferred compensation	1,013	1,343
Postretirement benefits liability	373	460
Accrued legal	114	182
Uniform capitalization and inventory	3,683	4,667
Goodwill impairment	1,285	1,360
Other	14	41
Net operating loss	4,787	3,144
Gross deferred tax asset	16,973	15,149
Less: valuation allowance	7,498	6,215
Deferred tax asset	9,475	8,934
Uncompleted contracts	(2,455)	(3,221)
Other		(5)
Capital lease		(109)
Deferred tax liabilities	(2,455)	(3,335)
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 7,020	$ 5,599

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Balance as of September 30, 2011	$ 763
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period	43
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities	(32)
Decreases related to expirations of statute of limitations	(263)
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$ 511

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of employee gross salary matched by employer	4.00%
Defined contribution plan recognized expenses	$ 4,600,000	$ 3,400,000	$ 2,900,000
Pecentage of employee based salary permitted for deferral under the plan	50.00%
Percentage of employee annual bonus permitted for deferral under the plan	100.00%
Deferred compensation plan assets	$ 2,100,000
Deferred compensation recorded liability	800,000
Cash Surrender value of life insurance	4,100,000
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	102,000
Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost	5,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	53,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost	$ 3,000
Deferred Compensation [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation requisite service period	on or after age 65 and the completion of at least 10 years of continuous employment
Retiree Medical Plan [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation requisite service period	10 years of service and who are age 55 or older but less than 65

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain	$ (909)	$ (827)
Prior service cost		51
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (909)	$ (776)

- Definition

The pretax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Amount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Glossary Prior Service Cost
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Glossary Prior Service Cost
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521884

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-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 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-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 87
-Paragraph 264
-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 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-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

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Amounts In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain	$ (67)
Prior service cost
Total	$ (67)

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Changes In Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Changes In Fair Falue Of Plan Assets And Funded Status) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Changes in postretirement benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$ 895	$ 663
Service cost	23	40	$ 33
Interest cost	17	39	39
Actuarial loss (gain)	(189)	248
Benefits paid	(57)	(95)
Balance at end of year	689	895	663
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
Employer contributions	57	95
Benefits paid	(57)	(95)
Fair value of assets at end of year
Reconciliation of funded status:
Unfunded liability	(689)	(895)
Unrecognized prior service cost		(51)
Net actuarial gain	(909)	(827)
Net liability recognized	$ (1,598)	$ (1,671)

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Pre-Retirement [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.00%	0.00%
Post-Retirement [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.08%	4.24%
Benefit Obligation [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Current year trend rate	8.40%	10.00%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023	2014

Employee Benefit Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 23	$ 40	$ 33
Interest cost	17	39	39
Prior service cost	51	115	115
Net gain recognized	(107)	(37)	(49)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$ (16)	$ 157	$ 138

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a, h
-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 106
-Paragraph 518
-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

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Costs)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Pre-Retirement [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.00%	0.00%
Post-Retirement [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.24%	4.56%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]
Current year trend rate	9.00%	10.00%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2015	2013

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Future Expected Benefit Payments) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
2013	$ 61
2014	44
2015	47
2016	46
2017	54
2018 through 2022	$ 283

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expense for operating leases	$ 5.4	$ 3.7	$ 3.3
Additional bonding capacity	150.9
S&I [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	7.0
Line of credit facility	12.1
Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	36.6
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	$ 249.1

Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Future Minimum Annual Rental Commitments Under Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2013	$ 5,597
2014	4,575
2015	3,533
2016	2,910
2017	2,274
Thereafter	7,725
Total lease commitments	$ 26,614

Stock Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized					750,000
Number of shares available for grant					508,403
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock issuable to eligible Board of Directors members annually					2,000
Maximum aggregate number of shares to be issued under the plan					150,000
Number of shares available for grant					32,879
Shares issued under the plan					16,000	17,500
Shares issued, price per share					$ 37.50	$ 33.49
Vesting period					2 years
Vesting percentage per year					50.00%
Compensation expense					$ 0.7	$ 0.8	$ 0.8
Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued under the plan	45,000	2,000	26,000	10,000
Shares issued, price per share	$ 39.11	$ 37.50		$ 37.67
Vesting period	3 years	2 years	3 years	5 years
Vesting percentage per year	33.00%	50.00%		20.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value					$ 37.67
Shares vested			7,601	8,000
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued, price per share			$ 32.12
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued, price per share			$ 30.79
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					5 years
Vesting percentage per year					20.00%
Stock Options [Member] \| Non Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant					33,117

Stock Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009
Time Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining Time based RSUs				40.00%
Vesting period				3 years
Additional Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted during period	4,482
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 32.12
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage per year				50.00%
Vesting period				2 years
Compensation expense				$ 0.7	$ 0.8	$ 0.8
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units outstanding				99,725	69,378	87,454	94,589
Vesting period				3 years
Shares granted during period	34,566	34,700		54,825	39,048	34,688
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 30.79	$ 38.36		$ 38.71
Compensation expense				$ 1.5	$ (1.4)	$ 1.3
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Time Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years
Shares granted during period			21,931
Weighted average grant date fair value			$ 31.18
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Actual amount of RSUs earned based on cumulative earnings				60.00%
Performance cycle			3 years	3 years
Vesting period			3 years
Shares granted during period			32,894
Weighted average grant date fair value			$ 31.18
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target RSUs granted range				150.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Target RSUs granted range				0.00%

Stock Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2010
1992 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	2,700,000
Number of shares available for grant	466,392
Restricted stock issued	3,740	12,380
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options expiration period	7 years
Vesting percentage per year	20.00%
Vesting period	5 years

Stock Based Compensation (Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Beginning Balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units	87,454	94,589	69,378	87,454	94,589
Outstanding Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 38.96	$ 36.04	$ 36.10	$ 38.96	$ 36.04
Granted, Number of Restricted Stock Units	34,566	34,700	54,825	39,048	34,688
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share			$ 31.18	$ 30.94	$ 38.36
Expired or cancelled, Number of Restricted Stock Units			(24,478)
Expired or cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 30.79	$ 38.36	$ 38.71
Vested/exercised, Number of Restricted Stock Units				(57,124)	(41,823)
Vested/exercised, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share				$ 36.94	$ 31.86
Outstanding Ending balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units			99,725	69,378	87,454
Outstanding Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share			$ 32.69	$ 36.10	$ 38.96

Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012 segment	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
Number of reportable business segments \| segment	2
Gain on sale of investment		$ 1,229
Consolidated Revenue [Member] \| Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Concentration risk percentage	58.00%	67.00%	71.00%
Customer Revenue [Member] \| Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| CANADA
Concentration risk percentage	13.00%	17.00%
Customer Revenue [Member] \| Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| COLOMBIA
Concentration risk percentage	11.00%
Powell Canada [Member]
Intangible assets impairment charge		$ 7,200
Loss on impairment of Goodwill			$ 7,500
Kazakhstan Joint Venture [Member]
Equity investment in Kazakhstan			50.00%

Business Segments (Schedule Of Business Segments Detailed Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692
Gross profit	$ 41,480	$ 43,843	$ 34,237	$ 20,378	$ 27,324	$ 21,864	$ 24,877	$ 25,865	139,938	99,930	142,057
Income before income taxes									48,234	3,997	45,061
Depreciation and amortization expense									13,065	15,350	13,630
Electrical Power Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									686,581	533,339	517,069
Gross profit									132,458	91,730	129,780
Income before income taxes									48,055	3,888	41,378
Depreciation and amortization expense									13,010	15,188	13,453
Process Control Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									30,613	29,058	33,623
Gross profit									7,480	8,200	12,277
Income before income taxes									179	109	3,683
Depreciation and amortization expense									$ 55	$ 162	$ 177

Business Segments (Schedule Of Revenue From External Customers, By Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 717,194	$ 562,397	$ 550,692
Europe (including former Soviet Union) [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	24,857	7,107	25,174
Far East [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	14,865	17,172	24,998
Middle East and Africa [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	79,781	46,304	25,880
North, Central and South America (excluding U.S.) [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	184,935	112,949	81,506
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 412,756	$ 378,865	$ 393,134

Business Segments (Schedule Of Long-Lived Assets, By Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	$ 78,652	$ 59,637
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	60,012	47,966
UNITED KINGDOM
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	6,238	6,409
CANADA
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	$ 12,402	$ 5,262

Quarterly Results Of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 184,159	$ 194,093	$ 181,486	$ 157,456	$ 171,243	$ 141,369	$ 125,111	$ 124,674	$ 717,194	$ 562,397
Gross profit	41,480	43,843	34,237	20,378	27,324	21,864	24,877	25,865	139,938	99,930	$ 142,057
Net income (loss)	$ 11,853	$ 12,138	$ 7,411	$ (1,745)	$ (6,953)	$ 73	$ 1,733	$ 2,432	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)	$ 25,008
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.99	$ 1.03	$ 0.63	$ (0.15)	$ (0.59)	$ 0.01	$ 0.15	$ 0.21	$ 2.50	$ (0.23)	$ 2.17
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.99	$ 1.02	$ 0.63	$ (0.15)	$ (0.59)	$ 0.01	$ 0.15	$ 0.21	$ 2.49	$ (0.23)	$ 2.14
Gain on sale of investment										$ 1,229

- 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)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
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-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16381557&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
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-Section S99
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 6: 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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-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 portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph 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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 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.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-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 SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details