View Filing Data

$ 3.52

^[1]

$ 2.50

$ (0.23)

$ 3.51

^[1]

$ 2.49

$ (0.23)

Weighted average shares:

11,948

11,850

11,735

11,994

11,925

11,735

[1]	The increase in earnings per share for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by the release of our Canadian valuation allowance. For an explanation of the effective tax rate in Fiscal 2013, see Note H.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 42,076	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,719)	833	(19)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax			111
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	25	159	(111)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 40,382	$ 30,649	$ (2,734)

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

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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
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-Paragraph 28
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-Paragraph 1
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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
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-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
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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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-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
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

Reference 1: 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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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.

Business and Organization

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$ 277,303	$ 117	$ 33,569	$ 244,969	$ (1,352)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2010		11,677
Net income (loss)	(2,715)			(2,715)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(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
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	180		180
Amortization of restricted stock	280		280
Issuance of restricted stock	1,042		1,042
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		28
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	111				111
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	(111)				(111)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	275,343	$ 117	34,343	242,254	(1,371)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2011		11,752
Net income (loss)	29,657			29,657
Foreign currency translation adjustments	833				833
Exercise of stock options	1,799	$ 1	1,798
Exercise of stock options, shares		98
Stock-based compensation	1,004		1,004
Stock-based compensation, shares		7
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	589		589
Amortization of restricted stock	135		135
Issuance of restricted stock	$ 584	$ 1	583
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		74
Retirement of stock, shares		(15)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	$ 159				159
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	310,103	$ 119	$ 38,452	271,911	(379)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012		11,916
Net income (loss)	42,076			$ 42,076
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (1,719)				$ (1,719)
Exercise of stock options, shares
Stock-based compensation	$ 2,369		$ 2,369
Stock-based compensation, shares		39
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	277		277
Amortization of restricted stock	2,095		2,095
Issuance of restricted stock
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		17
Retirement of stock, shares		(1)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	$ 25				25
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 355,226	$ 119	$ 43,193	$ 313,987	$ (2,073)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013		11,971

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (PARENTHETICAL) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax			$ 94
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	$ 14	$ 20	$ 60

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 42,076	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	8,519	10,465	10,598
Amortization	1,671	2,612	4,848
Impairments			7,158
Stock-based compensation	4,464	1,723	99
Bad debt expense (recovery)	(544)	842	(114)
Deferred income tax benefit	(6,720)	(1,422)	(425)
Gain on sale of investment			(1,229)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	5,838	(16,209)	(17,616)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	(165)	(34,755)	(13,519)
Inventories	3,881	3,948	1,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,530)	4,821	4,514
Other assets	(847)	(13)	(2,627)
Accounts payable and income taxes payable	12,565	(6,036)	14,487
Accrued liabilities	(633)	6,411	(4,255)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	23,219	(7,492)	13,553
Other, net	1,968	(517)	1,188
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	91,762	(5,965)	15,487
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	885	195	354
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(74,369)	(29,063)	(7,347)
Proceeds from sale of investment			1,229
Decrease in cash held in escrow		1,000
Increase in cash held in escrow			(1,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(73,484)	(27,868)	(6,764)
Financing Activities:
Borrowings on Canadian revolving line of credit	5,234	7,992	7,810
Payments on Canadian revolving line of credit	(5,234)	(7,992)	(7,818)
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds	(400)	(400)	(400)
Payments on short-term and other financing	(329)	(717)	(1,068)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		1,799	495
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	277	589	180
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(452)	1,271	(801)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	17,826	(32,562)	7,922
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(118)	(864)	191
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	90,040	123,466	115,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 107,748	$ 90,040	$ 123,466

Business and Organization

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

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, B.V.; 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, 2013

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. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications have been made in prior years’ financial statements to conform and expand the presentation of deferred income taxes and research and development used in the current year. These reclassifications have not resulted in any changes to previously reported net income or cash flows 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 and income taxes. 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.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of interest income	$	164	$		141	$		102
Income taxes, net of refunds		14,783			12,104			3,889
Non-cash capital expenditures		2,807			−			−

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, receivables, payables and debt obligations. Except as described below, due to the short-term nature of account receivables and account payables, 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 collectability 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, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $11.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with applicable provisions of engineering and construction contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. Approximately $1.0 million of the retained amount at September 30, 2013, is expected to be collected subsequent to September 30, 2014.

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 the approval of the change order 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

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 herein.

Goodwill

Goodwill is 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, 2013, 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. Occasionally a contract may require that we segment the project into specific deliverables for revenue recognition. Segmenting a contract may result in different interim rates of profitability for each scope of service than if we had recognized revenue on a combined basis.

Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed. The estimated completion to date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or total labor dollars incurred to date compared 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 a more accurate method of measuring the progress of the project. 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 costs, 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 on 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. We use past experience and historical claims to determine the estimated liability. Actual results could differ from our estimate.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Such amounts were $8.5 million, $7.7 million and $7.5 million in Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 award. Compensation expense is recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the awards, typically the vesting period. 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.

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 August 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a rule mandated by the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to require companies to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals that originate 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 implementing the processes and procedures to comply with this rule.

In February 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires companies to provide information regarding the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. A company will be required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, a company is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail regarding those amounts. This accounting guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, on a prospective basis. We are evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but since the guidance only affects presentation and disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, the adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance to resolve the diversity in practice for accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In July 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. This guidance should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

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 that 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 that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
	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, 2013
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	10,531	$	−	$	−	$	10,531
Total	$	10,531	$	−	$	−	$	10,531

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets 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

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.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

Fair value guidance requires certain fair value disclosures, such as those on our long-term debt, to be presented in both interim and annual reports. The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies described below.

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds – The fair value of our long-term debt depends primarily on the coupon rate of our industrial development revenue bonds. The carrying value of our long-term debt at September 30, 2013, approximates fair value based on the current coupon rate of the bonds, which is reset weekly. It is classified as a Level 2 input in the fair value measurement hierarchy as there is an active market for the trading of these industrial development revenue bonds.

There were no transfers between levels with the fair value measurement hierarchy during fiscal year 2013.

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.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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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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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-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.

Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Intangible Assets

D. Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist of (1) goodwill, which is not being amortized, and (2) a supply agreement (15 year useful life), purchased technology (6 to 7 year useful lives) and trade names (10 year useful life), which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We test for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets annually, or immediately if conditions indicate that impairment could exist.

No impairment was identified as a result of performing our annual impairment test of goodwill for Fiscal 2013 or 2012.

During Fiscal 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, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2013							September 30, 2012
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Supply agreement	$	17,580	$	(8,397	)	$	9,183	$	17,580	$	(7,225	)	$	10,355
Purchased technology		11,749		(9,489	)		2,260		11,818		(9,121	)		2,697
Trade name		1,136		(967	)		169		1,136		(871	)		265
Total	$	30,465	$	(18,853	)	$	11,612	$	30,534	$	(17,217	)	$	13,317

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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $1.7 million, $2.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

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

Years Ending September 30,	Total
2014	$	1,652
2015		1,637
2016		1,560
2017		1,560
2018		1,560

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.

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

Earnings per Share

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Earnings per Share

E. Earnings Per Share

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common and potential common share includes the weighted average of additional shares associated with the incremental effect of dilutive restricted stock and restrictive stock units, as prescribed by the FASB guidance on earnings per share.

The following table reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	42,076	$		29,657	$		(2,715	)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares		11,948			11,850			11,735
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (1)		46			75			−
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		11,994			11,925			11,735
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	3.52	$		2.50	$		(0.23	)
Diluted	$	3.51	$		2.49	$		(0.23	)

(1) In Fiscal 2011, 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.

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,399		$	391
Increase in (decrease to) bad debt expense		(544	)		842
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries		(142	)		142
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		(10	)		24
Balance at end of year	$	703		$	1,399

Inventories

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$	30,097		$	33,632
Work-in-progress		3,818			6,422
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		(4,932	)		(7,137	)
Total inventories	$	28,983		$	32,917

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,
	2013			2012
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	697,760		$	635,714
Estimated earnings		177,921			168,480
		875,681			804,194
Less: Billings to date		849,261			754,604
Net underbilled position	$	26,420		$	49,590

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	$	86,621		$	86,734
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled		(60,201	)		(37,144	)
Net underbilled position	$	26,420		$	49,590

Property, Plant and Equipment

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

	September 30,							Range of Asset Lives
	2013				2012			Range of Asset Lives
Land	$	24,022		$		24,766			—
Buildings and improvements		79,746				55,431			3 ‑ 39 Years
Machinery and equipment		72,217				67,007			3 ‑ 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures		2,964				2,940			3 ‑ 10 Years
Construction in process		48,300				7,224			—
		227,249				157,368
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(82,660	)			(78,716	)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	144,589		$		78,652

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

Included in property and equipment are assets under capital lease of $0.5 million and $1.8 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, with related accumulated depreciation of $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Depreciation expense, including the depreciation of capital leases, was $8.5 million, $10.5 million and $10.6 million for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Warranty Accrual

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	5,714		$	4,603
Increase to warranty expense		4,060			3,624
Deductions for warranty charges		(4,359	)		(2,323	)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		35			(190	)
Balance at end of year	$	5,450		$	5,714

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Long-Term Debt

G. Long-Term Debt

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	3,600		$	4,000
Capital lease obligations		16			355
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations		3,616			4,355
Less current portion		(416	)		(725	)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	3,200		$	3,630

The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,	Long‑Term Debt Maturities
2014	$	416
2015		400
2016		400
2017		400
2018		400
Thereafter		1,600
Total long-term debt maturities	$	3,616

U.S. Revolver

In June 2013, we amended our existing credit agreement (Amended Credit Agreement) with a major domestic bank. We amended our credit facility in order to increase the dollar limit on capital expenditures related to the construction of our new facilities in Houston, Texas and Acheson, Alberta, Canada. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Revolver provides for the issuance of letters of credit which reduce the amounts that may be borrowed under this revolver. The amount available under the U.S. Revolver was reduced by $20.0 million for our outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2013.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Revolver as of September 30, 2013. Amounts available under the U.S. Revolver were $55.0 million at September 30, 2013. The U.S. Revolver expires on December 31, 2016.

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

The Amended Credit Agreement is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 66% of the voting capital stock of each non-domestic subsidiary, excluding Powell Canada. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with other existing debt agreements. If an event of default (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement, amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Amended Credit Agreement.

Canadian Revolver

We have a $9.5 million credit agreement with a major international bank in Canada (the Canadian Revolver) to provide working capital support and letters of credit for our operations in Canada. The issuance of letters of credit reduces 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, 2013.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the Canadian Revolver, and $9.4 million was available at September 30, 2013. The Canadian Revolver 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 Bankers’ Acceptance Rate. Once the applicable rate is determined, a margin of 0.50% to 1.75%, 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 Revolver 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 Revolver 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 Revolver) occurs and is continuing, per the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Canadian Revolver, amounts outstanding under the Canadian Revolver may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Canadian Revolver.

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, 2013. While the Bonds mature in 2021, the reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions of $0.4 million that commenced on October 25, 2002. A sinking fund is used for the redemption of the Bonds. At September 30, 2013, the balance in the restricted sinking fund was approximately $0.4 million 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 0.25% per year on September 30, 2013.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Income Taxes

H. Income Taxes

At September 30, 2013, we had $15 million of gross foreign operating loss carryforwards which are subject to a 20-year carryforward period, the first of which expire in 2031. As of September 30, 2013, we have released a valuation allowance that was recorded against Canadian deferred tax assets, resulting in a $7 million tax benefit. We believe these deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be utilized by 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.

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Current:
Federal	$	12,003		$	18,156		$	5,470
State		1,813			1,512			939
Foreign		1,562			331			563
		15,378			19,999			6,972
Deferred:
Federal		(447	)		(1,840	)		(122	)
State		(105	)		25			(76	)
Foreign		(6,170	)		393			(62	)
		(6,722	)		(1,422	)		(260	)
Total income tax provision	$	8,656		$	18,577		$	6,712

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012				2011
U.S.	$	46,905	$		53,885		$		19,850
Other than U.S.		3,827			(5,651	)			(15,853	)
Income before income taxes	$	50,732	$		48,234		$		3,997

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,
	2013				2012				2011
Statutory rate		35		%		35		%		35		%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2				2				14
International withholding tax		(1	)			(1	)			(9	)
Other permanent tax items		1				−				5
Foreign rate differential		(1	)			1				33
Domestic production activities deduction		(3	)			(3	)			(16	)
Foreign valuation allowance and other		(16	)			4				106
Effective rate		17		%		38		%		168		%

The decrease in the effective tax rate for Fiscal 2013 resulted from the release of the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in Canada. The effective tax rate for the Fiscal 2011 was negatively impacted by our inability to record a tax benefit related to pre-tax losses in Canada.

We have not recorded deferred income taxes on $15 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 Canada. We do not consider any state in which we do business to be a major tax jurisdiction. We remain open to examination in the other jurisdictions as follows: Canada 2010 – 2012, United Kingdom 2012 and the United States 2009 – 2012.

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

	September 30,
	2013				2012
Current deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	$	5,561		$		7,053
Gross liabilities		(845	)			(2,455	)
Net current deferred income tax asset		4,716				4,598
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
Gross assets		9,025				2,423
Gross liabilities		−				−
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset		9,025				2,423
Net deferred income tax asset	$	13,741		$		7,021

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss	$	3,892		$	4,787
Uniform capitalization and inventory		2,510			3,683
Reserve for accrued employee benefits		1,517			1,546
Deferred compensation		1,297			1,013
Goodwill		1,198			1,285
Stock-based compensation		1,291			729
Warranty accrual		1,101			1,336
Workers’ compensation		185			360
Depreciation and amortization		953			1,366
Postretirement benefits liability		396			373
Allowance for doubtful accounts		209			367
Accrued legal		57			114
Other		115			15
Gross deferred tax asset		14,721			16,974
Less: valuation allowance		(135	)		(7,498	)
Deferred tax asset		14,586			9,476
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Uncompleted contracts		(845	)		(2,455	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(845	)		(2,455	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	13,741		$	7,021

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax liabilities follows (in thousands):

Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	511
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period		880
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period		2,869
Decreases related to expirations of statute of limitations		(415	)
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	3,845

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, 2013 was not material.

During Fiscal 2013, prior year U.S. federal income tax returns were amended to reflect increased research and development credits, and unrecognized tax benefits related to these refund claims were recorded. Management believes that it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months, the total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 1% 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.

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.

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

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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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.

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Employee Benefit Plans

I. 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 under this plan primarily related to matching contributions of $5.3 million, $4.6 million and $3.4 million in Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 2013. Total assets held by the trustee and deferred compensation liabilities were $2.9 million at September 30, 2013.

Certain former 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 $0.6 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 $4.2 million at September 30, 2013.

Retiree Medical Plan

We have a plan that extends health benefits to retirees that are also 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 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, 2013, the measurement of postretirement benefit expense was based on assumptions used to value the postretirement benefit liability as of September 30, 2013, our measurement date.

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following on a pretax basis (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Net actuarial gain	$	(830	)	$	(909	)
Prior service cost		−			−
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(830	)	$	(909	)

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2013, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

Net actuarial gain	$	(61	)
Prior service cost		−
Total	$	(61	)

The unfunded liability was $0.7 million as of September 30, 2013 and 2012. The following table illustrates the changes in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the changes in fair value of assets of the postretirement benefit plan (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2013				2012
Changes in postretirement benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	689		$		895
Service cost		66				23
Interest cost		23				17
Actuarial loss (gain)		20				(189	)
Benefits paid		(59	)			(57	)
Balance at end of year	$	739		$		689
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	−		$		−
Employer contributions		59				57
Benefits paid		(59	)			(57	)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	−		$		−


Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at September 30:
Discount rate pre-retirement	0.00	%	0.00	%
Discount rate post-retirement	4.26	%	3.08	%
Current year trend rate	8.10	%	8.40	%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023		2023

If the medical care cost trend rate assumptions were increased or decreased by 1% as of September 30, 2013, the effect of this change on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and service and interest costs would be an increase of $138,709 and $24,151 or a decrease of $100,063 and $17,894, respectively.

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the last three years are as follows:

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
Service cost	$	66		$	23		$	40
Interest cost		23			17			39
Prior service cost		−			51			115
Net gain recognized		(59	)		(107	)		(37	)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	30		$	(16	)	$	157


Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit costs 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	%	9.00	%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023		2015

Future expected benefit payments as of September 30, 2013, related to postretirement benefits for the subsequent five years were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,	Expected Benefit Payments
2014	$	40
2015		43
2016		43
2017		54
2018		63
2019 through 2023		353

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

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)
-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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-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
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph 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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-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 158
-Paragraph 7, 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.

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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-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.

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-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.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

J. Commitments and Contingencies

Long-Term Debt

See Note G herein for a 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, 2013, 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
2014	$	4,741
2015		3,661
2016		2,801
2017		1,956
2018		2,143
Thereafter		6,405
Total lease commitments		21,707

Lease expense for all operating leases was $6.0 million, $5.4 million and $3.7 million for Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The lease on our previous Canadian facility does not expire until July 2023, however, we have sublet that facility through July 2019. We recorded a $1.7 million loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 for the net difference between our annual lease costs and the expected receipts from the anticipated sublease, as well as the write-off of leasehold improvements.

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 letters of credit or performance bonds for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $20.1 million as of September 30, 2013. We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $283.4 million that were outstanding, with additional bonding capacity of $116.7 million available, at September 30, 2013.

We have an $8.1 million facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between S&I and a large international bank. This Facility Agreement provides S&I the ability to enter into various guarantees, such as forward exchange contracts, currency options and performance bonds. At September 30, 2013, we had outstanding guarantees totaling $4.7 million under this Facility Agreement.

The Facility Agreement provides for financial covenants and 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, per 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. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Facility Agreement. The Facility Agreement expires in July 2014.

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 in which 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.

In March 2013, we settled a lawsuit we had filed against the previous owners of Powell Canada in the amount of $1.7 million, which was received in April 2013 and is recorded as gain on settlement in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

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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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-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.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Stock-Based Compensation

K. Stock-Based Compensation

We have the following stock-based compensation plans:

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 January 2013, 500 shares of restricted stock were issued to a newly appointed director at a price of $42.54 per share. In February 2013, 16,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to such directors at a price of $58.54 per share. In Fiscal 2012, 16,000 shares of restricted stock were issued to such directors at a price of $37.50 per share. The maximum aggregate number of shares of stock that may be issued under the Restricted Stock Plan is 150,000 and consists 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 16,379 shares as of September 30, 2013.

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, 2013.

The 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (the 2006 Plan) grants any employee of the Company and its subsidiaries 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 435,711 shares as of September 30, 2013.

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. These restricted stock grants vest equally 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. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, there were 68,100 shares and 89,641 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding.

During the year ended September 30, 2013, we recorded compensation expense of $2.1 million related to restricted stock grants. We recorded compensation expense of $0.7 million and $0.8 million related to restricted stock grants for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We issue restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain officers and key employees of the company. The RSUs vest over a three-year period from their date of issuance. The fair value of the RSUs is 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 begins 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, 2013, there were 81,555 RSUs outstanding. The RSUs do not have voting rights and do not receive dividends on common stock; additionally, the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until actually issued.

Total RSU activity (number of shares) for the past three years is summarized below:

			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2010	87,454		$	38.96
Granted	39,048			30.94
Vested	(57,124	)		36.94
Forfeited	−			−
Outstanding at September 30, 2011	69,378		$	36.10
Granted	54,825			31.18
Vested	(24,478	)		38.71
Forfeited	−			−
Outstanding at September 30, 2012	99,725		$	32.69
Granted	58,775			39.05
Vested	(66,383	)		34.00
Forfeited	(10,562	)		33.46
Outstanding at September 30, 2013	81,555		$	38.66

We present the amortization of non-vested restricted stock as an increase to additional paid-in capital. As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, amounts not yet recognized related to non-vested stock totaled $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, the total weighted average remaining contractual life of our restricted stock and RSU’s is 1.43 years and 1.59 years, respectively. We recorded compensation expense of $2.4 million and $1.5 million related to RSUs for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the year ended September 30, 2011, we recorded a reduction 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 are entitled to an additional 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 2013 and 2012, zero shares and 3,740 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 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, 2013.

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

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Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Business Segments

L. Business Segments

We manage our business through two reportable operating 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,
	2013		2012			2011
Revenues:
Electrical Power Products	$	635,253	$	686,581	$		533,339
Process Control Systems		39,519		30,613			29,058
Total	$	674,772	$	717,194	$		562,397
Gross profit:
Electrical Power Products	$	137,756	$	132,458	$		91,730
Process Control Systems		9,080		7,480			8,200
Total	$	146,836	$	139,938	$		99,930
Income before income taxes:
Electrical Power Products	$	49,421	$	48,055	$		3,888
Process Control Systems		1,311		179			109
Total	$	50,732	$	48,234	$		3,997
Depreciation and amortization:
Electrical Power Products	$	10,103	$	13,010	$		15,188
Process Control Systems		87		55			162
Total	$	10,190	$	13,065	$		15,350

In the fourth quarter of our Fiscal 2013, we recovered approximately $5.1 million related to one large project at Powell Canada, of which approximately $3.8 million was recorded as revenue and the remaining $1.3 million was related to amounts recorded to other assets. This recovery related to cost overruns on a large project with execution challenges in the first half of fiscal year 2012 which negatively impacted revenue and gross profit in Fiscal 2012 in our Electrical Power Products segment. Also, in our Electrical Power Products segment, in the second quarter of Fiscal 2013, we settled a lawsuit we had filed against the previous owners of Powell Canada in the amount of $1.7 million, which was received in the third quarter of Fiscal 2013.

Income before income taxes for Fiscal 2011 includes a $1.2 million gain recorded in the second quarter 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 income 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. The loss was recorded in our Electrical Power Products business segment.

	September 30,
	2013		2012
Segment assets:
Electrical Power Products	$	334,169	$	319,215
Process Control Systems		17,083		14,540
Corporate		179,651		114,557
Total	$	530,903	$	448,312

Geographic Information

Revenues are as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013		2012		2011
Europe (including former Soviet Union)	$	753	$	24,857	$	7,107
Far East		36,965		14,865		17,172
Middle East and Africa		86,470		79,781		46,304
North, Central and South America (excluding U.S.)		145,470		184,935		112,949
United States		405,114		412,756		378,865
Total revenues	$	674,772	$	717,194	$	562,397

The United States accounted for 60%, 58% and 67% of consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, revenues from customers located in Canada accounted for 17%, 13% and 16% of revenues with customers, respectively.

During Fiscal 2012, one petrochemical project shipped to Colombia accounted for 11% of revenues with customers.

	September 30,
	2013		2012
Long-lived assets:
United States	$	96,918	$	60,012
United Kingdom		5,894		6,238
Canada		41,777		12,402
Total	$	144,589	$	78,652

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

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

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Restructuring and Relocation Costs

Restructuring and Relocation Costs

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

M. Restructuring and Relocation Costs

During Fiscal 2013 we recorded restructuring and relocation charges totaling $3.9 million. These charges were related to our Electrical Power Products business segment.

We recorded approximately $2.8 million in Fiscal 2013 related to relocation efforts in connection with the construction of our new facility in Houston, Texas and our new facility in Acheson, Alberta, Canada. These costs were primarily related to the relocation of our operations, the loss on the sublease, and the abandonment of leasehold improvements on the previously occupied facilities in the second half of Fiscal 2013. The construction of our two new facilities was substantially completed in September 2013 and we have relocated the majority of our operations and personnel from their previously leased facilities.

In the third quarter of Fiscal 2013, we recorded $1.1 million related to severance at our United Kingdom operations. These operations were negatively impacted by market conditions and competitive pressures in the international markets in which they operate; therefore, we exited certain non-core operations and eliminated certain positions to better align our workforce with current market conditions.

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results Of Operations

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

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, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

	2013 Quarters
	First		Second		Third		Fourth			2013
Revenues	$	153,941	$	153,915	$	179,519	$	187,397	$		674,772
Gross profit		33,784		31,715		38,485		42,852			146,836
Net income		7,385		6,818		9,305		18,568			42,076
Earnings per share: (1)
Basic	$	0.62	$	0.57	$	0.78	$	1.55	$		3.52
Diluted		0.62		0.57		0.77		1.54			3.51

(1) The increase in earnings per share for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by the release of our Canadian valuation allowance. For an explanation of the effective tax rate in Fiscal 2013, see Note H.

	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
Earnings per share
Basic	$	(0.15	)	$	0.63	$	1.03	$	0.99	$	2.50
Diluted		(0.15	)		0.63		1.02		0.99		2.49

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.

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.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events	O. Subsequent Events On November 4, 2013, our Board elected to begin quarterly payments of dividends. The first payout will be December 18, 2013 in the amount of $0.25 per share to shareholders of record on November 20, 2013, which will result in an aggregate payment of approximately $3.0 million.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2013
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Reclassifications have been made in prior years’ financial statements to conform and expand the presentation of deferred income taxes and research and development used in the current year. These reclassifications have not resulted in any changes to previously reported net income or cash flows 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 and income taxes. 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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, receivables, payables and debt obligations. Except as described below, due to the short-term nature of account receivables and account payables, 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 collectability 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, 2013 and 2012, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $11.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with applicable provisions of engineering and construction contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. Approximately $1.0 million of the retained amount at September 30, 2013, is expected to be collected subsequent to September 30, 2014.
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 the approval of the change order 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 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 herein. Goodwill Goodwill is 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, 2013, 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. Occasionally a contract may require that we segment the project into specific deliverables for revenue recognition. Segmenting a contract may result in different interim rates of profitability for each scope of service than if we had recognized revenue on a combined basis. Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed. The estimated completion to date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or total labor dollars incurred to date compared 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 a more accurate method of measuring the progress of the project. 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 costs, 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 on 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. We use past experience and historical claims to determine the estimated liability. Actual results could differ from our estimate.
Research and Development Expense	Research and Development Expense Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Such amounts were $8.5 million, $7.7 million and $7.5 million in Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 award. Compensation expense is recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the awards, typically the vesting period. 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.
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 August 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a rule mandated by the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to require companies to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals that originate 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 implementing the processes and procedures to comply with this rule. In February 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance that requires companies to provide information regarding the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. A company will be required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, a company is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail regarding those amounts. This accounting guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, on a prospective basis. We are evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, but since the guidance only affects presentation and disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, the adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance to resolve the diversity in practice for accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ending September 30, 2015. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. In July 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. This guidance should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of interest income	$	164	$		141	$		102
Income taxes, net of refunds		14,783			12,104			3,889
Non-cash capital expenditures		2,807			−			−

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
	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, 2013
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	10,531	$	−	$	−	$	10,531
Total	$	10,531	$	−	$	−	$	10,531

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets 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

Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization, at September 30, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2013							September 30, 2012
	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
Supply agreement	$	17,580	$	(8,397	)	$	9,183	$	17,580	$	(7,225	)	$	10,355
Purchased technology		11,749		(9,489	)		2,260		11,818		(9,121	)		2,697
Trade name		1,136		(967	)		169		1,136		(871	)		265
Total	$	30,465	$	(18,853	)	$	11,612	$	30,534	$	(17,217	)	$	13,317

Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense

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

Years Ending September 30,	Total
2014	$	1,652
2015		1,637
2016		1,560
2017		1,560
2018		1,560

Earnings per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	42,076	$		29,657	$		(2,715	)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares		11,948			11,850			11,735
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (1)		46			75			−
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		11,994			11,925			11,735
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	3.52	$		2.50	$		(0.23	)
Diluted	$	3.51	$		2.49	$		(0.23	)

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,399		$	391
Increase in (decrease to) bad debt expense		(544	)		842
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries		(142	)		142
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		(10	)		24
Balance at end of year	$	703		$	1,399

Components of Inventories

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$	30,097		$	33,632
Work-in-progress		3,818			6,422
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		(4,932	)		(7,137	)
Total inventories	$	28,983		$	32,917

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,
	2013			2012
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	697,760		$	635,714
Estimated earnings		177,921			168,480
		875,681			804,194
Less: Billings to date		849,261			754,604
Net underbilled position	$	26,420		$	49,590

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	$	86,621		$	86,734
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled		(60,201	)		(37,144	)
Net underbilled position	$	26,420		$	49,590

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

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

	September 30,							Range of Asset Lives
	2013				2012			Range of Asset Lives
Land	$	24,022		$		24,766			—
Buildings and improvements		79,746				55,431			3 ‑ 39 Years
Machinery and equipment		72,217				67,007			3 ‑ 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures		2,964				2,940			3 ‑ 10 Years
Construction in process		48,300				7,224			—
		227,249				157,368
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(82,660	)			(78,716	)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	144,589		$		78,652

Activity in Product Warranty Accrual

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	5,714		$	4,603
Increase to warranty expense		4,060			3,624
Deductions for warranty charges		(4,359	)		(2,323	)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation		35			(190	)
Balance at end of year	$	5,450		$	5,714

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Components of Long-Term Debt

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	3,600		$	4,000
Capital lease obligations		16			355
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations		3,616			4,355
Less current portion		(416	)		(725	)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	3,200		$	3,630

Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt

The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,	Long‑Term Debt Maturities
2014	$	416
2015		400
2016		400
2017		400
2018		400
Thereafter		1,600
Total long-term debt maturities	$	3,616

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.

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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-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

Schedule of Components Of Income Tax Provision

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Current:
Federal	$	12,003		$	18,156		$	5,470
State		1,813			1,512			939
Foreign		1,562			331			563
		15,378			19,999			6,972
Deferred:
Federal		(447	)		(1,840	)		(122	)
State		(105	)		25			(76	)
Foreign		(6,170	)		393			(62	)
		(6,722	)		(1,422	)		(260	)
Total income tax provision	$	8,656		$	18,577		$	6,712

Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012				2011
U.S.	$	46,905	$		53,885		$		19,850
Other than U.S.		3,827			(5,651	)			(15,853	)
Income before income taxes	$	50,732	$		48,234		$		3,997

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013				2012				2011
Statutory rate		35		%		35		%		35		%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2				2				14
International withholding tax		(1	)			(1	)			(9	)
Other permanent tax items		1				−				5
Foreign rate differential		(1	)			1				33
Domestic production activities deduction		(3	)			(3	)			(16	)
Foreign valuation allowance and other		(16	)			4				106
Effective rate		17		%		38		%		168		%

Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities

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

	September 30,
	2013				2012
Current deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	$	5,561		$		7,053
Gross liabilities		(845	)			(2,455	)
Net current deferred income tax asset		4,716				4,598
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
Gross assets		9,025				2,423
Gross liabilities		−				−
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset		9,025				2,423
Net deferred income tax asset	$	13,741		$		7,021

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

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

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss	$	3,892		$	4,787
Uniform capitalization and inventory		2,510			3,683
Reserve for accrued employee benefits		1,517			1,546
Deferred compensation		1,297			1,013
Goodwill		1,198			1,285
Stock-based compensation		1,291			729
Warranty accrual		1,101			1,336
Workers’ compensation		185			360
Depreciation and amortization		953			1,366
Postretirement benefits liability		396			373
Allowance for doubtful accounts		209			367
Accrued legal		57			114
Other		115			15
Gross deferred tax asset		14,721			16,974
Less: valuation allowance		(135	)		(7,498	)
Deferred tax asset		14,586			9,476
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Uncompleted contracts		(845	)		(2,455	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(845	)		(2,455	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	13,741		$	7,021

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Liabilities

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax liabilities follows (in thousands):

Balance as of September 30, 2012	$	511
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period		880
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period		2,869
Decreases related to expirations of statute of limitations		(415	)
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$	3,845

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.

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following on a pretax basis (in thousands):

	September 30,
	2013			2012
Net actuarial gain	$	(830	)	$	(909	)
Prior service cost		−			−
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(830	)	$	(909	)

Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2013, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

Net actuarial gain	$	(61	)
Prior service cost		−
Total	$	(61	)

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligations Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status

	September 30,
	2013				2012
Changes in postretirement benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	689		$		895
Service cost		66				23
Interest cost		23				17
Actuarial loss (gain)		20				(189	)
Benefits paid		(59	)			(57	)
Balance at end of year	$	739		$		689
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	−		$		−
Employer contributions		59				57
Benefits paid		(59	)			(57	)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	−		$		−

Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations


Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at September 30:
Discount rate pre-retirement	0.00	%	0.00	%
Discount rate post-retirement	4.26	%	3.08	%
Current year trend rate	8.10	%	8.40	%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023		2023

Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the last three years are as follows:

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
Service cost	$	66		$	23		$	40
Interest cost		23			17			39
Prior service cost		−			51			115
Net gain recognized		(59	)		(107	)		(37	)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	30		$	(16	)	$	157

Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Costs


Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit costs 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	%	9.00	%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00	%	5.00	%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023		2015

Schedule of Future Expected Benefit Payments

Future expected benefit payments as of September 30, 2013, related to postretirement benefits for the subsequent five years were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,	Expected Benefit Payments
2014	$	40
2015		43
2016		43
2017		54
2018		63
2019 through 2023		353

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Schedule of Future Minimum Annual Rental Commitments Under Leases

At September 30, 2013, 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
2014	$	4,741
2015		3,661
2016		2,801
2017		1,956
2018		2,143
Thereafter		6,405
Total lease commitments		21,707

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity

Total RSU activity (number of shares) for the past three years is summarized below:

			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2010	87,454		$	38.96
Granted	39,048			30.94
Vested	(57,124	)		36.94
Forfeited	−			−
Outstanding at September 30, 2011	69,378		$	36.10
Granted	54,825			31.18
Vested	(24,478	)		38.71
Forfeited	−			−
Outstanding at September 30, 2012	99,725		$	32.69
Granted	58,775			39.05
Vested	(66,383	)		34.00
Forfeited	(10,562	)		33.46
Outstanding at September 30, 2013	81,555		$	38.66

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Detailed Information Regarding Business Segments

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013		2012			2011
Revenues:
Electrical Power Products	$	635,253	$	686,581	$		533,339
Process Control Systems		39,519		30,613			29,058
Total	$	674,772	$	717,194	$		562,397
Gross profit:
Electrical Power Products	$	137,756	$	132,458	$		91,730
Process Control Systems		9,080		7,480			8,200
Total	$	146,836	$	139,938	$		99,930
Income before income taxes:
Electrical Power Products	$	49,421	$	48,055	$		3,888
Process Control Systems		1,311		179			109
Total	$	50,732	$	48,234	$		3,997
Depreciation and amortization:
Electrical Power Products	$	10,103	$	13,010	$		15,188
Process Control Systems		87		55			162
Total	$	10,190	$	13,065	$		15,350

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated

	September 30,
	2013		2012
Segment assets:
Electrical Power Products	$	334,169	$	319,215
Process Control Systems		17,083		14,540
Corporate		179,651		114,557
Total	$	530,903	$	448,312

Schedule of Revenues from External Customers by Geographical Areas

	Year Ended September 30,
	2013		2012		2011
Europe (including former Soviet Union)	$	753	$	24,857	$	7,107
Far East		36,965		14,865		17,172
Middle East and Africa		86,470		79,781		46,304
North, Central and South America (excluding U.S.)		145,470		184,935		112,949
United States		405,114		412,756		378,865
Total revenues	$	674,772	$	717,194	$	562,397

Schedule of Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas

	September 30,
	2013		2012
Long-lived assets:
United States	$	96,918	$	60,012
United Kingdom		5,894		6,238
Canada		41,777		12,402
Total	$	144,589	$	78,652

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.

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Results Of Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

The table below sets forth the unaudited consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share data):

	2013 Quarters
	First		Second		Third		Fourth			2013
Revenues	$	153,941	$	153,915	$	179,519	$	187,397	$		674,772
Gross profit		33,784		31,715		38,485		42,852			146,836
Net income		7,385		6,818		9,305		18,568			42,076
Earnings per share: (1)
Basic	$	0.62	$	0.57	$	0.78	$	1.55	$		3.52
Diluted		0.62		0.57		0.77		1.54			3.51

	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
Earnings per share
Basic	$	(0.15	)	$	0.63	$	1.03	$	0.99	$	2.50
Diluted		(0.15	)		0.63		1.02		0.99		2.49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest, net of interest income	$ 164	$ 141	$ 102
Income taxes, net of refunds	14,783	$ 12,104	$ 3,889
Non-cash capital expenditures	$ 2,807

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Retention amounts included in accounts receivable	$ 11,500	$ 8,700
Retained amount expected to be collected subsequent to September 30, 2014	1,000
Research and development expenses	$ 8,521	$ 7,652	$ 7,520

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.

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 10,531	$ 45,888
Total	10,531	45,888
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets
Cash equivalents	10,531	45,888
Total	10,531	45,888
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Cash equivalents
Total
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash equivalents
Total

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.

Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 30,465	$ 30,534
Accumulated Amortization	(18,853)	(17,217)
Net Carrying Value	11,612	13,317
Supply Agreement
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	17,580	17,580
Accumulated Amortization	(8,397)	(7,225)
Net Carrying Value	9,183	10,355
Purchased Technology
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	11,749	11,818
Accumulated Amortization	(9,489)	(9,121)
Net Carrying Value	2,260	2,697
Trade Names
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	1,136	1,136
Accumulated Amortization	(967)	(871)
Net Carrying Value	$ 169	$ 265

Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2014	$ 1,652
2015	1,637
2016	1,560
2017	1,560
2018	$ 1,560

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 1,659,000	$ 2,599,000	$ 4,752,000
Trade Names
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	10 years
Supply Agreement
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	15 years
Purchased Technology \| Minimum
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	6 years
Purchased Technology \| Maximum
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset	7 years
Powell Canada
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Loss on impairment of Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
Loss on impairment of intangible assets			$ 7,200,000

Earnings per Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Numerator:

Net income (loss)

$ 18,568

$ 9,305

$ 6,818

$ 7,385

$ 11,853

$ 12,138

$ 7,411

$ (1,745)

$ 42,076

$ 29,657

$ (2,715)

Denominator:

Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (1)

11,948

11,850

11,735

^[1]

Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions

11,994

11,925

11,735

Net earnings (loss) per share:

$ 1.55

^[2]

$ 0.78

^[2]

$ 0.57

^[2]

$ 0.62

^[2]

$ 0.99

$ 1.03

$ 0.63

$ (0.15)

$ 3.52

^[2]

$ 2.50

$ (0.23)

$ 1.54

^[2]

$ 0.77

^[2]

$ 0.57

^[2]

$ 0.62

^[2]

$ 0.99

$ 1.02

$ 0.63

$ (0.15)

$ 3.51

^[2]

$ 2.49

$ (0.23)

[1]	In Fiscal 2011, 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.
[2]	The increase in earnings per share for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by the release of our Canadian valuation allowance. For an explanation of the effective tax rate in Fiscal 2013, see Note H.

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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
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-SubTopic 225
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
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-Paragraph 1
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 18
-Article 7

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

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section 03
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Section 04
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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.

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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

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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7655603&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
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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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

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

Earnings per Share (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Earnings per Share (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2011 shares
Earnings (loss) per share:
Shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share	23,000

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

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

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-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 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 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Activity In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Balance at beginning of year	$ 1,399	$ 391
Increase in (decrease to) bad debt expense	(544)	842	$ (114)
Deductions for uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(142)	142
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	(10)	24
Balance at end of year	$ 703	$ 1,399	$ 391

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Activity in Product Warranty Accrual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Balance at beginning of year	$ 5,714	$ 4,603
Increase to warranty expense	4,060	3,624
Deductions for warranty charges	(4,359)	(2,323)
Increase (decrease) due to foreign currency translation	35	(190)
Balance at end of year	$ 5,450	$ 5,714

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Components of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$ 30,097	$ 33,632
Work-in-progress	3,818	6,422
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	(4,932)	(7,137)
Total inventories	$ 28,983	$ 32,917

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.

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

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09)
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-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
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
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-Paragraph 8, 9, 14
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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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
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-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

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 697,760	$ 635,714
Estimated earnings	177,921	168,480
Total	875,681	804,194
Less: Billings to date	849,261	754,604
Net underbilled position	26,420	49,590
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	86,621	86,734
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled	$ (60,201)	$ (37,144)

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.

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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 912
-SubTopic 310
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-Paragraph 2
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 605
-SubTopic 35
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 605
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-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

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 227,249	$ 157,368
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(82,660)	(78,716)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	144,589	78,652
Land
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	24,022	24,766
Building And Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 79,746	55,431
Building And Improvements \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	3 years
Building And Improvements \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	39 years
Machinery And Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 72,217	67,007
Machinery And Equipment \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	3 years
Machinery And Equipment \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	15 years
Furniture And Fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 2,964	2,940
Furniture And Fixtures \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	3 years
Furniture And Fixtures \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Life	10 years
Construction In Process
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 48,300	$ 7,224

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 227,249	$ 157,368
Accumulated depreciation	82,660	78,716
Depreciation	8,519	10,465	$ 10,598
Assets Under Capital Leases
Property, plant and equipment gross	500	1,800
Accumulated depreciation	$ 500	$ 1,000

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

Long-Term Debt (Components of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 3,600	$ 4,000
Capital lease obligations	16	355
Subtotal long-term debt and capital lease obligations	3,616	4,355
Less current portion	(416)	(725)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current maturities	$ 3,200	$ 3,630

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
2014	$ 416
2015	400
2016	400
2017	400
2018	400
Thereafter	1,600
Total long-term debt maturities	$ 3,616

Long Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Long Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2001
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance in the restricted sinking fund	$ 400,000
U.S. Revolver
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		$ 75,000,000.0
Revolving credit interest rate	The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement for the U.S. 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	$ 20,000,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 55,000,000
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%
U.S. Revolver \| Maximum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin	1.75%
Canadian Revolver
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 100,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 9,400,000
Credit facility expiration date	Feb. 28, 2015
Revolving credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 9,500,000
Canadian Revolver \| Maximum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin	1.75%
Canadian Revolver \| Minimum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin	0.50%
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings			$ 8,000,000
Reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions	$ 400,000
Interest rate	0.25%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current:
Federal	$ 12,003	$ 18,156	$ 5,470
State	1,813	1,512	939
Foreign	1,562	331	563
Current income tax provision	15,378	19,999	6,972
Deferred:
Federal	(447)	(1,840)	(122)
State	(105)	25	(76)
Foreign	(6,170)	393	(62)
Deferred income tax provision	(6,722)	(1,422)	(260)
Total income tax provision	$ 8,656	$ 18,577	$ 6,712

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
U.S.	$ 46,905	$ 53,885	$ 19,850
Other than U.S.	3,827	(5,651)	(15,853)
Income before income taxes	$ 50,732	$ 48,234	$ 3,997

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.00%	2.00%	14.00%
International withholding tax	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(9.00%)
Other permanent tax items	1.00%		5.00%
Foreign rate differential	(1.00%)	1.00%	33.00%
Domestic production activities deduction	(3.00%)	(3.00%)	(16.00%)
Foreign valuation allowance and other	(16.00%)	4.00%	106.00%
Effective rate	17.00%	38.00%	168.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross assets, current	$ 5,561	$ 7,053
Gross liabilities, current	(845)	(2,455)
Net current deferred income tax asset	4,716	4,598
Gross assets, noncurrent	9,025	2,423
Gross liabilities, noncurrent
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset	9,025	2,423
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 13,741	$ 7,021

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.

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss	$ 3,892	$ 4,787
Uniform capitalization and inventory	2,510	3,683
Reserve for accrued employee benefits	1,517	1,546
Deferred compensation	1,297	1,013
Goodwill	1,198	1,285
Stock-based compensation	1,291	729
Warranty accrual	1,101	1,336
Workers’ compensation	185	360
Depreciation and amortization	953	1,366
Postretirement benefits liability	396	373
Allowance for doubtful accounts	209	367
Accrued legal	57	114
Other	115	15
Gross deferred tax asset	14,721	16,974
Less: valuation allowance	(135)	(7,498)
Deferred tax asset	14,586	9,476
Uncompleted contracts	(845)	(2,455)
Deferred tax liabilities	(845)	(2,455)
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 13,741	$ 7,021

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance as of September 30, 2012	$ 511
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period	880
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period	2,869
Decreases related to expirations of statute of limitations	(415)
Balance as of September 30, 2013	$ 3,845

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 15
Operating loss carryforward	15
Valuation allowance	$ 7
Foreign operating loss carryforwards expiration date	2031
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to expiration of certain statutes of limitations	1.00%

The portion of the valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from net operating loss carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 30
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907311&loc=d3e30536-109315

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 48
-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 109
-Paragraph 43
-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 109
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph e
-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.

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain	$ (830)	$ (909)
Prior service cost
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (830)	$ (909)

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.

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 1
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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
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-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.

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Expected to be Recognized Over Next Fiscal Year) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain	$ (61)
Prior service cost
Total	$ (61)

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation and Changes in Fair Value of Assets of Postretirement Benefit Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Changes in postretirement benefit obligation:
Balance at beginning of year	$ 689	$ 895
Service cost	66	23	$ 40
Interest cost	23	17	39
Actuarial loss (gain)	20	(189)
Benefits paid	(59)	(57)
Balance at end of year	739	689	895
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year
Employer contributions	59	57
Benefits paid	(59)	(57)
Fair value of assets at end of year

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 1
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Projected Benefit Obligation
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503904

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 6
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph E1
-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 132R
-Paragraph 5
-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.

The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 715
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Glossary Benefits
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506267

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506309

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Postretirement Benefits
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521376

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-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.

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

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.

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.

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
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-Paragraph 1
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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
-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
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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.

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pre Retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.00%	0.00%
Post Retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.26%	3.08%
Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Benefit Obligation [Line Items]
Current year trend rate	8.10%	8.40%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023	2023

Employee Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 66	$ 23	$ 40
Interest cost	23	17	39
Prior service cost		51	115
Net gain recognized	(59)	(107)	(37)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$ 30	$ (16)	$ 157

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.

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pre Retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.00%	0.00%
Post Retirement
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.08%	4.24%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Line Items]
Current year trend rate	8.40%	9.00%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	5.00%
Year ultimate trend rate reached	2023	2015

Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Future Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2014	$ 40
2015	43
2016	43
2017	54
2018	63
2019 through 2023	$ 353

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of employee gross salary matched by employer	4.00%
Defined contribution plan recognized expenses	$ 5,300,000	$ 4,600,000	$ 3,400,000
Percentage 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	$ 2,900,000
Deferred compensation recorded liability	600,000
Cash Surrender value of life insurance	4,200,000
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	138,709
Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost	24,151
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	100,063
Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost	17,894
Unfunded liability	$ 700,000	$ 700,000
Deferred Compensation
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
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation requisite service period	10 years of service who are age 55 or older but less than 65.

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Annual Rental Commitments Under Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
2014	$ 4,741
2015	3,661
2016	2,801
2017	1,956
2018	2,143
Thereafter	6,405
Total lease commitments	$ 21,707

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expense for operating leases			$ 6.0	$ 5.4	$ 3.7
Loss on sublease and write-off of leasehold improvements		$ 1.7
Additional bonding capacity		116.7	116.7
Proceeds from legal settlements	$ 1.7
Financial Standby Letter of Credit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee liability		20.1	20.1
Performance Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee liability		283.4	283.4
S&I
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee liability		4.7	4.7
Revolving credit facility		$ 8.1	$ 8.1

Stock Based Compensation (Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Beginning Balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units	99,725	69,378	87,454
Granted, Number of Restricted Stock Units	58,775	54,825	39,048
Vested, Number of Restricted Stock Units	(66,383)	(24,478)	(57,124)
Forfeited, Number of Restricted Stock Units	(10,562)
Outstanding Ending balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units	81,555	99,725	69,378
Outstanding Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 32.69	$ 36.10	$ 38.96
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	39.05	31.18	30.94
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	34.00	38.71	36.94
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	33.46
Outstanding Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	38.66	32.69	36.10
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	34.00	38.71	36.94
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 33.46

Stock Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
2006 Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant						435,711
Number of shares authorized						750,000
Restricted Stock
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						16,379
Shares issued under the plan	16,000	500		2,000	26,000		16,000
Shares issued, price per share	$ 58.54	$ 42.54		$ 37.50			$ 37.50
Vesting period				2 years	3 years	2 years
Vesting percentage per year				50.00%		50.00%
Shares vested					7,601
Unvested restricted stock outstanding						68,100	89,641
Compensation expense						$ 2.1	$ 0.7	$ 0.8
Restricted Stock \| Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued, price per share					$ 30.79
Restricted Stock \| Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued, price per share					$ 32.12
Restricted Stock \| Non Employee Director Stock Option Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant						33,117
Restricted Stock \| 2006 Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued under the plan			45,000
Shares issued, price per share			$ 39.11
Vesting period			3 years
Vesting percentage per year			33.00%

Stock Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock outstanding			81,555	99,725	69,378	87,454
Performance cycle		3 years
Compensation expense			$ 2.4	$ 1.5	$ 1.4
Amounts not yet recognized related to non-vested stock totaled			$ 2.1	$ 1.9
Weighted average remaining contractual life			1 year 7 months 2 days
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock outstanding			68,100	89,641
Vesting period	2 years	3 years	2 years
Compensation expense			$ 2.1	$ 0.7	$ 0.8
Weighted average remaining contractual life			1 year 5 months 5 days
Time Based Restricted Stock Unit \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining Time based RSUs			40.00%
Vesting period			3 years
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
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
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining Time based RSUs			0.00%
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining Time based RSUs			150.00%

Stock Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options
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
1992
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	0	3,740

Business Segments (Schedule Of Business Segments Detailed Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 674,772	$ 717,194	$ 562,397
Gross profit	$ 42,852	$ 38,485	$ 31,715	$ 33,784	$ 41,480	$ 43,843	$ 34,237	$ 20,378	146,836	139,938	99,930
Income before income taxes									50,732	48,234	3,997
Depreciation and amortization expense									10,190	13,065	15,350
Electrical Power Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									635,253	686,581	533,339
Gross profit									137,756	132,458	91,730
Income before income taxes									49,421	48,055	3,888
Depreciation and amortization expense									10,103	13,010	15,188
Process Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									39,519	30,613	29,058
Gross profit									9,080	7,480	8,200
Income before income taxes									1,311	179	109
Depreciation and amortization expense									$ 87	$ 55	$ 162

Business Segments (Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 530,903	$ 448,312
Electrical Power Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	334,169	319,215
Process Control Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	17,083	14,540
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment assets	$ 179,651	$ 114,557

Business Segments (Schedule Of Revenue From External Customers, By Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 674,772	$ 717,194	$ 562,397
Europe (including former Soviet Union)
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	753	24,857	7,107
Far East
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	36,965	14,865	17,172
Middle East and Africa
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	86,470	79,781	46,304
North, Central and South America (excluding U.S.)
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	145,470	184,935	112,949
United States
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 405,114	$ 412,756	$ 378,865

Business Segments (Schedule of Long-Lived Assets, By Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	$ 144,589	$ 78,652
United States
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	96,918	60,012
United Kingdom
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	5,894	6,238
Canada
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-lived assets	$ 41,777	$ 12,402

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 CAD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 CAD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 CAD ($)
Number of reportable business segments \| segment					2
Gain on sale of investment							$ 1,229
Revenues					$ 674,772	$ 717,194	562,397
Other assets					7,333	6,507
Proceeds from legal settlements	$ 1,700
United States
Revenues					$ 405,114	$ 412,756	$ 378,865
Concentration risk percentage					60.00%	58.00%	67.00%
Canada
Concentration risk percentage					17.00%	13.00%	16.00%
Colombia
Concentration risk percentage						11.00%
Powell Canada
Loss on impairment of intangible assets							$ 7,200
Recovery relating to cost overruns on a large project		$ 5.1
Revenues		$ 3.8
Other assets								$ 1.3
Electrical Power Products
Revenues					$ 635,253	$ 686,581	$ 533,339
Proceeds from legal settlements			$ 1,700
Electrical Power Products \| Kazakhstan Joint Venture
Gain on sale of investment				$ 1.2
Equity investment in Kazakhstan				50.00%
Electrical Power Products \| Powell Canada
Loss on impairment of intangible assets				$ 7.2

Restructuring and Relocation Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and relocation costs		$ 3,927
Costs incurred		$ 2,800
Severance costs	$ 1,100

The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding costs or losses pertaining to an entity newly acquired in a business combination or a discontinued operation as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and costs associated with one-time termination benefits.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140904-122747

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)(10)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5-8
-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 Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 146
-Paragraph 8-13, 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS146-1
-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 112
-Paragraph 7
-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.

Disclosure - Quarterly Results Of Operations (Details) [Line Items]

Quarterly Results Of Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Revenues

$ 187,397

$ 179,519

$ 153,915

$ 153,941

$ 184,159

$ 194,093

$ 181,486

$ 157,456

$ 674,772

$ 717,194

Gross profit

42,852

38,485

31,715

33,784

41,480

43,843

34,237

20,378

146,836

139,938

$ 99,930

Net income (loss)

$ 18,568

$ 9,305

$ 6,818

$ 7,385

$ 11,853

$ 12,138

$ 7,411

$ (1,745)

$ 42,076

$ 29,657

$ (2,715)

Earnings (loss) per share:

$ 1.55

^[1]

$ 0.78

^[1]

$ 0.57

^[1]

$ 0.62

^[1]

$ 0.99

$ 1.03

$ 0.63

$ (0.15)

$ 3.52

^[1]

$ 2.50

$ (0.23)

$ 1.54

^[1]

$ 0.77

^[1]

$ 0.57

^[1]

$ 0.62

^[1]

$ 0.99

$ 1.02

$ 0.63

$ (0.15)

$ 3.51

^[1]

$ 2.49

$ (0.23)

[1]	The increase in earnings per share for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by the release of our Canadian valuation allowance. For an explanation of the effective tax rate in Fiscal 2013, see Note H.

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

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.