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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 02, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	POWELL INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000080420
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Trading Symbol	powl
Entity Public Float			$ 339
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,411,638

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 97,720	$ 43,569
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $811 and $746	101,048	101,784
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	66,106	104,793
Inventories	26,521	32,891
Income taxes receivable	1,713	1,232
Deferred income taxes	4,006	3,910
Prepaid expenses	4,569	5,004
Other current assets	2,457	3,916
Total Current Assets	304,140	297,099
Property, plant and equipment, net	144,977	154,594
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	2,059	2,393
Other assets	11,340	10,117
Deferred income taxes		2,288
Long-term receivable (Note E)		2,333
Total Assets	462,516	468,824
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	400	400
Income taxes payable	1,459	784
Accounts payable	34,985	48,008
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions	22,550	19,223
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	43,974	42,057
Accrued product warranty	4,639	4,930
Other accrued expenses	8,212	7,521
Deferred credit ─ short term (Note E)	2,029	2,029
Total Current Liabilities	118,248	124,952
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	2,000	2,400
Deferred compensation	4,840	4,950
Deferred income taxes	138
Other long-term liabilities	1,466	723
Deferred credit ─ long term (Note E)	507	2,537
Total Liabilities	127,199	135,562
Commitments and Contingencies (Note G)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,199,511 and 12,031,243 shares issued, respectively	122	121
Additional paid-in capital	52,003	48,507
Retained earnings	331,959	328,294
Treasury stock, 806,018 and 670,181 shares at cost	(24,999)	(21,259)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(23,768)	(22,401)
Total Stockholders' Equity	335,317	333,262
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 462,516	$ 468,824

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICAL) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 811	$ 746
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,199,511	12,031,243
Treasury stock, shares	806,018	670,181

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 565,243	$ 661,858	$ 647,814
Cost of goods sold	459,038	553,597	522,340
Gross profit	106,205	108,261	125,474
Selling, general and administrative expenses	74,924	76,801	87,756
Research and development expenses	6,731	6,980	7,608
Amortization of intangible assets	352	435	779
Restructuring and separation expenses	8,441	3,397
Operating income	15,757	20,648	29,331
Other income (See Note E)	(2,029)	(2,402)	(1,522)
Interest expense	149	145	178
Interest income	(156)	(86)	(13)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	17,793	22,991	30,688
Income tax provision	2,283	13,552	11,068
Income from continuing operations	15,510	9,439	19,620
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note N)			9,604
Net income	$ 15,510	$ 9,439	$ 29,224
Earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$ 1.36	$ 0.80	$ 1.63
Discontinued operations			0.80
Basic earnings per share	1.36	0.80	2.43
Continuing operations	1.36	0.79	1.62
Discontinued operations			0.80
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.36	$ 0.79	$ 2.42
Weighted average shares:
Basic	11,400	11,869	12,003
Diluted	11,431	11,908	12,058
Dividends per share	$ 1.04	$ 1.04	$ 1.00

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,510	$ 9,439	$ 29,224
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(928)	(16,104)	(4,447)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	(439)	206	17
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 14,143	$ (6,459)	$ 24,794

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 355,226	$ 119	$ 43,193	$ 313,987		$ (2,073)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013		11,971
Net income	29,224			29,224
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,447)					(4,447)
Stock-based compensation	3,385		3,385
Stock-based compensation, shares		44
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	407		407
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding	(718)		(718)
Issuance of restricted stock	1	$ 1
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		16
Retirement of stock	(11,998)			(11,998)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	17					17
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	371,097	$ 120	46,267	331,213		(6,503)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014		12,031
Net income	9,439			9,439
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(16,104)					(16,104)
Stock-based compensation	3,171		3,171
Stock-based compensation, shares		53
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(191)		(191)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding	(740)		(740)
Issuance of restricted stock	1	$ 1
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		16
Purchase of treasury value	(21,259)				$ (21,259)
Purchase of treasury shares					(670)
Dividends paid	(12,358)			(12,358)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	206					206
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	333,262	$ 121	48,507	328,294	$ (21,259)	(22,401)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015		12,100			(670)
Net income	15,510			15,510
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(928)					(928)
Stock-based compensation	4,883		4,883
Stock-based compensation, shares		81
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(387)		(387)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding	(1,000)		(1,000)
Issuance of restricted stock	1	$ 1
Issuance of restricted stock, shares		18
Purchase of treasury value	(3,740)				$ (3,740)
Purchase of treasury shares					(136)
Dividends paid	(11,845)			(11,845)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax	(439)					(439)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 335,317	$ 122	$ 52,003	$ 331,959	$ (24,999)	$ (23,768)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016		12,199			(806)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (PARENTHETICAL) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Postretirement benefit adjustment, tax	$ (237)	$ 123	$ 9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 15,510	$ 9,439	$ 29,224
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	12,979	13,120	11,386
Amortization	352	435	779
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax			(8,563)
Stock-based compensation	4,883	3,171	3,385
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	387	191	(407)
Bad debt expense/(recovery)	187	(29)	1,074
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	2,330	10,521	(3,212)
Gain on amended supply agreement	(2,029)	(2,029)	(1,522)
Cash received from amended supply agreement	2,333	2,333	10,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	369	391	1,959
Costs and billings in excess of estimates on uncompleted contracts	39,612	(17,430)	(17,089)
Inventories	6,159	(572)	(3,959)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,342	2,656	(1,101)
Accounts payable and income taxes payable	(12,334)	(5,073)	1,002
Accrued liabilities	3,927	(3,373)	(4,997)
Other, net	(1,101)	(833)	1,524
Net assets held for sale			(10,355)
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,906	12,918	9,128
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	187	112	118
Proceeds from sale of Transdyn			14,819
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(3,044)	(34,719)	(16,495)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,857)	(34,607)	(1,558)
Financing Activities:
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds	(400)	(400)	(400)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(387)	(191)	407
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding	(1,000)	(740)	(499)
Purchase of treasury shares	(3,740)	(21,259)
Dividends paid	(11,845)	(12,358)	(11,998)
Payments on short-term and other financing			(16)
Net cash used in financing activities	(17,372)	(34,948)	(12,506)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	54,677	(56,637)	(4,936)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(526)	(2,912)	643
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,569	103,118	107,411
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 97,720	$ 43,569	$ 103,118

Business and Organization	12 Months Ended
Business and Organization	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Organization	A. Business and Organization Powell Industries, Inc. (we, us, our, Powell or the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a Nevada company incorporated in 1968. The Nevada corporation was the successor to a company founded by William E. Powell in 1947, which merged into the Company in 1977. Our major subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, include: Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.; Powell (UK) Limited; Powell Canada Inc. and Powell Industries International, B.V. We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring of electrical energy designed to (1) distribute, control and monitor the flow of electrical energy and (2) provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrically powered equipment. Our principal products include integrated power control room substations (PCRs®), custom-engineered modules, electrical houses (E-Houses), traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers and bus duct systems. These products are designed for application voltages ranging from 480 volts to 38,000 volts and are used in oil and gas refining, offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial markets. Our product scope includes designs tested to meet both U.S. standards (ANSI) and international standards (IEC). We assist customers by providing value-added services such as spare parts, field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification and repair, retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear that is obsolete or that is no longer produced by the original manufacturer. We seek to establish long-term relationships with the end users of our systems as well as the design and construction engineering firms contracted by those end users. References to Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 used throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to our fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In January 2014, we sold our wholly owned subsidiary Transdyn Inc. (Transdyn), which was reported in our Process Controls business segment. We have presented the results of these operations as income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of operations. All current and historical financial information presented exclude the financial information for Transdyn or presents it as discontinued operations where applicable. For more information about this disposition, see Note N.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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. Additionally, the recognition of deferred tax assets requires estimates related to future income and other assumptions regarding timing and future profitability. 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,
	2016		2015		2014
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, net of interest income	$	4	$	70		$	149
Income taxes, net of refunds		(352)		2,298			18,889
Non-cash capital expenditures		221		147			13,527

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, receivables, deferred compensation, 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 projects when possible. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $2.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with applicable provisions of contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. All of the retained amount at September 30, 2016, is expected to be collected in the next fiscal year.

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 recording an impairment of such asset is necessary. If an impairment is indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived asset. 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

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.

Intangible Assets

The costs of intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with determinable lives are reviewed for impairment in a similar method as property, plant and equipment as discussed above. For additional information regarding our intangible assets, see Note E herein.

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. In assessing the extent to which net deferred tax assets may be realized, we consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Due to the historical Canadian losses, and the losses that we projected at the time of determination, we were required under the more-likely-than-not accounting standard to record a valuation allowance against the Canadian net deferred tax assets because we anticipated that we may not be able to realize the benefits of the net operating loss carryforwards and other deductible differences. Estimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, additional information becomes available or operating environments change, which may result in a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance. 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 the 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 revenue earned 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.

Warranty Costs

We provide for estimated warranty costs with the recognition of revenue 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 energization, whichever occurs first. 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 activities are directed toward the development of new products and processes as well as improvements in existing products and processes. These costs, which primarily include salaries, contract services and supplies, are expensed as incurred. Such amounts were $6.7 million, $7.0 million and $7.6 million in Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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 recipient 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 May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard on revenue recognition that supersedes previously issued revenue recognition guidance. This standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue (and the related cash flows) arising from customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments used in applying the revenue model and the assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This guidance is now effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method; therefore, we are evaluating the effect that this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We have no plans for early adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new topic on leases which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of the new standard, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on stock-based compensation, which includes amendments to existing guidance for employee share-based payment accounting. The amendments require the recognition in the income statement of the income tax effects of vested or settled awards. The amendments also allow for the employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes and not classify the award as a liability that requires valuation on a mark-to-market basis. In addition, the amendments allow for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. For public companies, the amendments in this standard are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods. This would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. We will early adopt in Fiscal 2017, but it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

C. 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	15,510	$	9,439	$	19,620
Income from discontinued operations		—		—		9,604
Net income	$	15,510	$	9,439	$	29,224
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares		11,400		11,869		12,003
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		31		39		55
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		11,431		11,908		12,058
Net earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.36	$	0.80	$	1.63
Discontinued operations		—		—		0.80
Basic earnings per share	$	1.36	$	0.80	$	2.43

Continuing operations	$	1.36	$	0.79	$	1.62
Discontinued operations		—		—		0.80
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.36	$	0.79	$	2.42

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

D. Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	746		$	1,577
Bad debt expense (recovery)		187			(29	)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries		(120	)		(749	)
Change due to foreign currency translation		(2	)		(53	)
Balance at end of period	$	811		$	746

Inventories

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$	29,639		$	36,575
Work-in-progress		996			1,084
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		(4,114	)		(4,768	)
Total inventories	$	26,521		$	32,891

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,
	2016			2015
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	1,088,921		$	912,237
Estimated earnings		350,125			271,640
		1,439,046			1,183,877
Less: Billings to date		(1,416,914	)		(1,121,141	)
Net underbilled position	$	22,132		$	62,736

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	$	66,106		$	104,793
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled		(43,974	)		(42,057	)
Net underbilled position	$	22,132		$	62,736

Property, Plant and Equipment

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

	September 30,						Range of
	2016			2015			Asset Lives
Land	$	22,107		$	22,380		—
Buildings and improvements		119,512			120,983		3 - 39 Years
Machinery and equipment		103,268			100,306		3 - 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures		3,806			3,564		3 - 10 Years
Construction in process		1,009			1,013		—
	$	249,702		$	248,246
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(104,725	)		(93,652	)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	144,977		$	154,594

There were no assets under capital lease as of September 30, 2016 or September 30, 2015. Depreciation expense from continuing operations, including the depreciation of capital leases when applicable, was $13.0 million, $13.1 million and $11.4 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Warranty Accrual

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,930		$	4,557
Increase to warranty expense		4,249			3,364
Deduction for warranty charges		(4,464	)		(2,738	)
Change due to foreign currency translation		(76	)		(253	)
Balance at end of period	$	4,639		$	4,930

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

E. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist of goodwill, which is not being amortized and purchased technology, which is amortized over 6 to 7 years. We evaluate goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually, or immediately if qualitative conditions indicate that an impairment could exist. No impairment expense has been recorded for the last three fiscal years.

Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization, at September 30, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2016							September 30, 2015
	Gross					Net		Gross					Net
	Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying		Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying
	Value		Amortization			Value		Value		Amortization			Value
Purchased technology	$	11,749	$	(10,693	)	$	1,056	$	11,749	$	(10,359	)	$	1,390

Amortization of intangible assets recorded for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

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

Years Ending September 30,	Total
2017	$	352
2018		352
2019		352
2020		―
2021		―

On August 7, 2006, we purchased certain assets related to the manufacturing of ANSI medium-voltage switchgear and circuit breaker business from General Electric Company (GE). In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a 15-year supply agreement with GE pursuant to which GE would purchase from us all of its requirements for ANSI medium-voltage switchgear and circuit breakers and other related equipment and components (the Products). In connection with the acquisition, we recorded an intangible asset related to this supply agreement. On December 30, 2013, we and GE amended the supply agreement to allow GE to manufacture similar Products for sale immediately and allow them to begin purchasing Products from other suppliers beginning December 31, 2014. In return, GE paid us $10 million upon execution of the amended supply agreement and agreed to pay an additional $7 million over three years, subject to certain conditions. As of September 30, 2016, the remaining balance of $2.3 million is classified as other current assets. We wrote off the intangible asset related to the original supply agreement and recorded a deferred credit in the amount of $8.1 million at December 31, 2013, the amount by which the total proceeds from GE exceeded the unamortized balance of our intangible asset. We are amortizing this deferred credit over the four-year life of the agreement and have recognized gains in other income of $2.0 million for both the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

F. Long-Term Debt

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	2,400		$	2,800
Less: current portion		(400	)		(400	)
Total long-term debt	$	2,000		$	2,400

The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2016, were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,	Long‑Term Debt Maturities
2017	$	400
2018		400
2019		400
2020		400
2021		400
Thereafter		400
Total long-term debt maturities	$	2,400

U.S. Revolver

We have a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (U.S. Revolver) to provide working capital support and letters of credit.

The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver is a floating rate based upon the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, the bank’s prime rate, or the Eurocurrency rate plus 1.00%. 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 $26.8 million for our outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2016.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Revolver as of September 30, 2016. Amounts available under the U.S. Revolver were $48.2 million at September 30, 2016. The U.S. Revolver expires on December 31, 2018.

The U.S. Revolver 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 U.S. Revolver is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting capital stock of each non-domestic subsidiary. The U.S. Revolver 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 U.S. Revolver) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the U.S. Revolver, amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the U.S. Revolver.

Canadian Revolver

We have a $7.6 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 Canadian Revolver provides for the issuance of letters of credit which reduce the amounts that may be borrowed under this revolver. There were no outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2016. 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 Canadian Revolver expires on March 31, 2018.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the Canadian Revolver as of September 30, 2016 and amounts available under the Canadian Revolver were $7.6 million at September 30, 2016.

The principal financial covenants are consistent with those described in our U.S. Revolver. 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 Inc. 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, 2016, 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, 2016. 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. 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 1.02% as of September 30, 2016.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

G. Commitments and Contingencies

Long-Term Debt

See Note F 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, 2016, 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
2017	$	2,495
2018		1,491
2019		1,167
2020		1,470
2021		1,370
Thereafter		2,485
Total lease commitments	$	10,478

Lease expense for all operating leases was $3.5 million, $4.0 million and $3.9 million for Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In Fiscal 2015, we exited one of our previously occupied leased facilities in Acheson, Alberta, Canada. The lease does not expire until October 2019; however, we have sublet that facility through the remaining term of the lease. In Fiscal 2014, we also exited one of our previously occupied leased facilities in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This lease does not expire until July 2023; however, we have sublet that facility through July 2019.

Letters of Credit and Bonds

Certain customers require us to post bank letter of credit guarantees or surety bonds. These guarantees and surety 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 bond. To date, there have been no significant expenses related to either letters of credit or surety bonds for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $26.8 million as of September 30, 2016. We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $233.6 million that were outstanding, with additional bonding capacity of $516.4 million available, at September 30, 2016.

We have a $9.1 million facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between Powell (UK) Limited and a large international bank. This Facility Agreement provides Powell (UK) Limited the ability to enter into bank guarantees as well as forward exchange contracts and currency options. At September 30, 2016, we had outstanding guarantees totaling $4.1 million under this Facility Agreement and amounts available under this Facility Agreement were $5.0 million. This facility expired in November 2016. The Facility Agreement provides for financial covenants and customary events of default, and carries cross-default provisions with our U.S. Revolver. 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 therein, obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement may be accelerated and may become or be declared immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Facility Agreement.

Litigation

We are involved in various legal proceedings, claims and other disputes arising from our commercial operations, projects, employees and other matters which, in general, are subject to uncertainties and in which the outcomes are not predictable. Although we can give no assurances about the resolution of pending claims, litigation or other disputes 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.

Liquidated Damages

Certain of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet them, could require us to pay liquidated damages. Each individual contract defines the conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. As of September 30, 2016, our exposure to possible liquidated damages is $2.5 million, of which approximately $1.5 million is probable. Based on our actual or projected failure to meet these various contractual commitments, $1.5 million has been recorded as a reduction to revenue. We will attempt to obtain change orders, contract extensions or accelerate project completion which may resolve the potential for any unaccrued liquidated damage. Should we fail to achieve relief on some or all of these contractual obligations, we could be required to pay additional liquidated damages, which could negatively impact our future operating results.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

H. Income Taxes

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2014
Current:
Federal	$	(1,395	)	$	2,638		$	12,184
State		449			699			2,226
Foreign		899			(306	)		(130	)
		(47	)		3,031			14,280
Deferred:
Federal		1,923			3,296			(1,798	)
State		47			420			(311	)
Foreign		360			6,805			(1,103	)
		2,330			10,521			(3,212	)
Total income tax provision	$	2,283		$	13,552		$	11,068

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015			2014
U.S.	$	5,087	$	33,549		$	35,131
Other than U.S.		12,706		(10,558	)		(4,443	)
Income before income taxes	$	17,793	$	22,991		$	30,688

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,
	2016			2015			2014
Statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2			3			3
Research and development credit		(8	)		(21	)		—
Foreign rate differential		(8	)		4			1
Domestic production activities deduction		—			(3	)		(3	)
Foreign valuation allowance		(11	)		43			—
Other		3			(2	)		—
Effective rate		13	%		59	%		36	%

Our provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate on pre-tax earnings of 13% in Fiscal 2016 compared to 59% and 36% in Fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by the statutory tax rates in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Canada and the relative amounts of income earned in those jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that have been fully reserved with a valuation allowance. Additionally, the effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by a $0.8 million discrete item recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 related to the retroactive reinstatement of the Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit) for the previously expired period from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. On December 18, 2015, the “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015” was enacted which retroactively reinstated and made permanent the R&D Tax Credit. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2015 was adversely impacted by the establishment of a valuation allowance against our Canadian deferred tax assets during the second quarter of Fiscal 2015. This was partially offset by the release of a $4.1 million FIN 48 reserve related to the R&D Tax Credit upon closing an IRS audit. We also recorded a $0.6 million discrete item in Fiscal 2015 that was also related to the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit referred to above. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2014 approximated the combined U.S. federal and state statutory rate.

We have not recorded deferred income taxes on $21.5 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 certain 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 2011 – 2015, United Kingdom 2014 – 2015 and the United States 2013 and 2015.

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Current deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	$	4,384		$	3,910
Gross liabilities		(378	)		—
Net current deferred income tax asset		4,006			3,910
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
Gross assets		16,170			5,005
Gross liabilities		(16,308	)		(2,717	)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset (liability)		(138	)		2,288
Net deferred income tax asset	$	3,868		$	6,198

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,
	2016			2015
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss	$	10,453		$	9,877
Uniform capitalization and inventory		1,596			1,895
Deferred compensation		1,853			1,848
Stock-based compensation		760			993
Reserve for accrued employee benefits		1,679			1,482
Warranty accrual		1,388			915
Goodwill		345			398
Postretirement benefits liability		503			—
Allowance for doubtful accounts		220			166
Accrued legal		294			60
Credit carryforwards		1,292			1,329
Other		171			8
Deferred tax assets		20,554			18,971
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization		(8,247	)		(2,705	)
Other		—			(12	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(8,247	)		(2,717	)

Less: valuation allowance		(8,439	)		(10,056	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	3,868		$	6,198

At September 30, 2016, we had $39 million of gross foreign net operating loss carryforwards, the majority of which are subject to a 20-year carryforward period and will begin to expire in 2031. During Fiscal 2015, we established a valuation allowance in the amount of $9.3 million against Canadian net deferred tax assets. In assessing the realizability of net deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Due to the historical Canadian losses, and the losses that we projected at the time of determination, we were required under the more-likely-than-not accounting standard to record a valuation allowance against the Canadian net deferred tax assets because we anticipated that we may not be able to realize the benefits of the net operating loss carryforwards and other deductible differences.

A rollforward of the valuation allowance for the past three years is summarized below:

Balance at September 30, 2013	$	135
Charged to cost and expenses		80
Charged to other accounts		688
Balance at September 30, 2014	$	903
Charged to cost and expenses		10,048
Charged to other accounts		(895	)
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	10,056
Charged to cost and expenses		(1,934	)
Charged to other accounts		317
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	8,439

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2014
Balance at beginning of period	$	784		$	4,026		$	3,845
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period		293			954			225
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period		―			2			14
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations		(31	)		(49	)		(58	)
Decreases related to settlement with taxing authorities		―			(4,149	)		—
Balance at end of period	$	1,046		$	784		$	4,026

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, 2016 was not material.

During Fiscal 2013, prior year U.S. federal income tax returns were amended to reflect increased R&D Credits and unrecognized tax benefits related to these refund claims were recorded. These amended returns, along with the refund claims, were subject to an Internal Revenue Service audit which was closed during the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 resulting in a $4.1 million tax benefit. Due to the expiration of certain federal statutes of limitations, management believes that, within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 32%.

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 uncertain, we believe it is probable that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately 33% in the next 12 months due to an audit resolution.

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Sep. 30, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	I. Employee Benefit Plans Retirement Plans We have defined employee contribution plans for substantially all of our U.S. employees (401(k) plan) and our Canadian employees (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). We recognized expenses under these plans primarily related to matching contributions of $3.9 million, $5.9 million and $5.3 million in Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Deferred Compensation We offer a 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, an irrevocable rabbi trust (the Rabbi Trust), which has been established to administer the plan. The Rabbi Trust is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants. The assets of the trust are subject to the claims of our creditors in the event that we become insolvent. Consequently, the Rabbi Trust qualifies as a grantor trust for income tax purposes. We make periodic payments into company-owned life insurance policies held in this Rabbi Trust to fund the expected obligations arising under this plan. 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 recorded to compensation expense and reflected within the selling, general and administrative line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The plan is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue code. We recorded net compensation expense adjustments of $0.1 million related to this plan in Fiscal 2016. Total assets held by the trustee and deferred compensation liabilities were $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, at September 30, 2016. 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 $0.4 million is recorded in deferred compensation 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 and was $4.6 million at September 30, 2016. 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. The unfunded liability was $1.4 million and $0.7 million as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and our net periodic postretirement benefit expenses have been less than $0.1 million for the last three fiscal years. Due to the immateriality of the costs and liabilities of this plan, no further disclosure is being presented.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

J. Stock-Based Compensation

We have the following stock-based compensation plans:

2014 Equity Incentive Plan

In February 2014, our stockholders approved and adopted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2014 Plan) which replaced our 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (2006 Plan). Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2014 Plan include our officers and employees. The 2014 Plan authorizes stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based awards, as well as certain other awards. Restricted stock grants vest equally over their respective vesting period on each anniversary of the grant date and compensation expense is recognized over their respective vesting periods based on the price per share on the grant date.

In accordance with the 2014 Plan, the compensation committee has authorized grants of restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain officers and key employees of the company. 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. Typically, these grants vest over a three-year period from their date of issuance. In February 2016, the Board of Directors voted to modify future RSU awards. The modification provides that sixty percent of the grant is time-based and vests over a three-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, based on continued employment. The remaining forty percent of the grant will be earned based on the three-year earnings performance of the Company following the grant date. At September 30, 2016, there were 159,988 RSUs outstanding. The RSUs do not have voting rights but do receive dividend equivalents upon vesting; additionally, the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until vested and common stock is issued.

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

	Number of			Weighted
	Restricted			Average
	Stock			Fair Value
	Units			Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2013		81,555		$	38.66
Granted		57,200			66.15
Vested		(29,832	)		44.88
Forfeited		(2,078	)		56.34
Outstanding at September 30, 2014		106,845		$	51.30
Granted		89,500			41.75
Vested		(55,431	)		45.23
Forfeited		(7,408	)		43.82
Outstanding at September 30, 2015		133,506		$	47.83
Granted		168,800			31.64
Vested⁽¹⁾		(116,568	)		33.10
Forfeited		(25,750	)		50.28
Outstanding at September 30, 2016		159,988		$	43.12

(1)	Includes the accelerated vesting of 84,043 shares previously issued to our former Chief Executive Officer and other senior managers as part of their separation packages, see Note M.

We have reserved 750,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Plan. In Fiscal 2016, 63,628 shares were issued under the 2014 Plan and the total number of shares of common stock left available was 664,911 shares.

2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan

In February 2014, our stockholders approved and adopted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders the 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (the 2014 Director Plan). The total number of shares of common stock reserved under the plan is 150,000 shares. The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Eligibility to participate in the plan is limited to those individuals who are members of the Board of the Company and who are not employees of the Company or any affiliate of the Company.

Under the terms of the 2014 Director Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be granted during any calendar year to any individual is 12,000 shares. The total number of shares that may be issued for awards to any single participant during a calendar year for other stock-based awards (excluding stock options and SARs) is 4,000 shares. The Compensation Committee has determined that each non-employee director will receive 2,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock annually and that the annual grant of restricted shares will vest over a two-year period, of which 50% will vest on each anniversary of the grant date.

In February 2016, we issued 16,000 shares of restricted stock to our non-employee directors at a price of $25.63 per share and in April 2016, we also issued 1,000 shares of restricted stock to a non-employee director at a price of $29.38 per share under the 2014 Director Plan. In February 2015, we issued 16,000 restricted shares at a price of $33.37 per share and in September 2015, we issued 1,400 restricted shares at a price of $29.48 per share under the 2014 Director Plan. The total number of shares of common stock available for future awards under the 2014 Director plan was 101,600 shares as of September 30, 2016.

At September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were 26,800 shares and 26,200 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding. Total compensation expense related to restricted stock grants under all plans was $0.7 million, $1.3 million and $1.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Total compensation expense related to RSU’s under all plans was $4.2 million, $1.9 million and $2.1 million for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

We record the amortization of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units as an increase to additional paid-in capital. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, amounts not yet recognized related to non-vested stock totaled $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, the total weighted average remaining contractual life of our restricted stock and RSU’s is 0.82 years and 1.83 years, respectively.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

K. 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 and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016
	Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable		Fair Value at
	Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		September 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2016
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	435	$	—	$	—	$	435
Deferred compensation		1,643		4,130		—		5,773
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation		—		4,449		—		4,449

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015
	Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable		Fair Value at
	Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		September 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	434	$	—	$	—	$	434
Deferred compensation		1,879		2,904		—		4,783
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation		—		4,487		—		4,487

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 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.

Deferred Compensation – We hold investments in an irrevocable Rabbi Trust for our deferred compensation plan. These assets include both mutual fund investments and company-owned life insurance policies. Under the plan, participants designate investment options to serve as the basis for measurement of the notional value of their accounts. The fair values of the underlying securities of these funds are based on quoted market prices and are categorized as Level I in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The company-owned life insurance policies are valued at cash surrender value and are therefore categorized as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.

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, 2016, 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 2016.

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Geographic Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Geographic Information

L. Geographic Information

Revenues by country represent sales to unaffiliated customers as determined by the ultimate destination of our products and services, summarized for the last three fiscal years by region in the table below (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
United States	$	405,298	$	474,038	$	365,085
Canada		77,252		101,191		137,684
Middle East and Africa		40,294		40,557		84,330
Europe		26,200		23,567		34,920
Far East		7,895		12,026		15,127
Mexico, Central and South America		8,304		10,479		10,668
Total revenues	$	565,243	$	661,858	$	647,814

	September 30,
	2016		2015
Long-lived assets:
United States	$	88,304	$	95,694
Canada		52,292		53,879
United Kingdom		4,381		5,021
Total	$	144,977	$	154,594

Long-lived assets by country consist of property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and are determined based on the location of the tangible assets.

- Definition

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

+ References

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+ Details

Restructuring and Separation Costs	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and Separation Costs	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Separation Costs	M. Restructuring and Separation Costs In response to challenging conditions primarily in the oil and gas markets, we have taken various actions during Fiscal 2016 to continue to align our workforce with future production requirements. In Fiscal 2016, we incurred approximately $7.9 million of separation costs, of which $3.8 million were separation costs related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer in December 2015. Additionally in Fiscal 2016, we incurred approximately $0.5 million of restructuring costs related to a Canadian facility that we leased and exited in the third quarter of Fiscal 2015. Of the $7.9 million in separation costs recorded in Fiscal 2016, $6.8 million has been paid and the remaining $1.1 million will be paid over the next fiscal year. In Fiscal 2015, we incurred $3.4 million of restructuring and separation costs. Of this, $2.6 million were separation and severance costs associated with headcount reductions in Canada and certain U.S. operations, as well as the departure of our former Chief Operating Officer. The remaining $0.8 million was related to the exit of one of our previously occupied leased facilities in Acheson, Alberta, Canada and the write-off of associated leasehold improvements. The lease does not expire until October 2019; however, we have sublet the facility through the remaining term of the lease.

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

N. Discontinued Operations

On January 15, 2014, we sold our wholly owned subsidiary Transdyn to a global provider of electronic toll collection systems, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The purchase price from the sale of this subsidiary totaled $16.0 million, of which we received cash of $14.4 million. The remaining $1.6 million was placed into an escrow account and was released to us in July 2015. We received additional cash of $0.4 million after the final working capital adjustment was calculated in March 2014. We recorded a gain on this transaction of $8.6 million, net of tax, which has been included in income from discontinued operations in Fiscal 2014 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Transdyn’s results were previously reflected in the Process Control Systems business segment.

We have presented the results of these operations as income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of operations.

Summary comparative financial results of discontinued operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
Revenues	$	—	$	—	$	13,923
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $633	$	—	$	—	$	1,041
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $5,218		—		—		8,563
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	—	$	—	$	9,604
Earnings per share information:
Basic	$	—	$	—	$	0.80
Diluted	$	—	$	—	$	0.80

- Definition

The entire disclosure related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

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+ Details

Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
Share Repurchase Program	Sep. 30, 2016
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program	O. Share Repurchase Program On December 17, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the Repurchase Program) which allowed us to repurchase up to $25 million of our outstanding stock. The purchases were made from time to time in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions and Rule 10b5-1 trading plans in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Repurchase Program was funded from cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities. The Repurchase Program expired on December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had purchased 806,018 shares at a cost of $25 million under the Repurchase Program. The average purchase price per share from inception of the program until its expiration was $31.02.

Quarterly Information

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Information

P. Quarterly Information

The table below sets forth the unaudited consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):

	2016 Quarters
	First			Second		Third		Fourth		2016
Revenues	$	149,977		$	152,266	$	133,207	$	129,793	$	565,243
Gross profit		23,150			30,094		27,285		25,676		106,205
Net income (loss)		(459	)		5,567		4,894		5,508		15,510
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.04	)	$	0.49	$	0.43	$	0.48	$	1.36
Diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	0.49	$	0.43	$	0.48	$	1.36

	2015 Quarters
	First			Second			Third		Fourth		2015
Revenues	$	152,601		$	170,199		$	176,733	$	162,325	$	661,858
Gross profit		21,069			24,301			32,944		29,947		108,261
Net income (loss)		(239	)		(3,683	)		7,049		6,312		9,439
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.31	)	$	0.60	$	0.54	$	0.80
Diluted	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.31	)	$	0.60	$	0.54	$	0.79

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.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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.

Use of 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,
	2016		2015		2014
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, net of interest income	$	4	$	70		$	149
Income taxes, net of refunds		(352)		2,298			18,889
Non-cash capital expenditures		221		147			13,527

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Accounts Receivable

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts

Inventories

Property, Plant and Equipment

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Intangible Assets

Income Taxes

Revenue Recognition

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.

Warranty Costs

Research and Development Expense

Foreign Currency Translation

Stock-Based Compensation

New Accounting Standards

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):


	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest, net of interest income	$	4	$	70		$	149
Income taxes, net of refunds		(352)		2,298			18,889
Non-cash capital expenditures		221		147			13,527

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	15,510	$	9,439	$	19,620
Income from discontinued operations		—		—		9,604
Net income	$	15,510	$	9,439	$	29,224
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares		11,400		11,869		12,003
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		31		39		55
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions		11,431		11,908		12,058
Net earnings per share:
Continuing operations	$	1.36	$	0.80	$	1.63
Discontinued operations		—		—		0.80
Basic earnings per share	$	1.36	$	0.80	$	2.43

Continuing operations	$	1.36	$	0.79	$	1.62
Discontinued operations		—		—		0.80
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.36	$	0.79	$	2.42

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	746		$	1,577
Bad debt expense (recovery)		187			(29	)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries		(120	)		(749	)
Change due to foreign currency translation		(2	)		(53	)
Balance at end of period	$	811		$	746

Components of Inventories

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$	29,639		$	36,575
Work-in-progress		996			1,084
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		(4,114	)		(4,768	)
Total inventories	$	26,521		$	32,891

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,
	2016			2015
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	1,088,921		$	912,237
Estimated earnings		350,125			271,640
		1,439,046			1,183,877
Less: Billings to date		(1,416,914	)		(1,121,141	)
Net underbilled position	$	22,132		$	62,736

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	$	66,106		$	104,793
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled		(43,974	)		(42,057	)
Net underbilled position	$	22,132		$	62,736

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

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

	September 30,						Range of
	2016			2015			Asset Lives
Land	$	22,107		$	22,380		—
Buildings and improvements		119,512			120,983		3 - 39 Years
Machinery and equipment		103,268			100,306		3 - 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures		3,806			3,564		3 - 10 Years
Construction in process		1,009			1,013		—
	$	249,702		$	248,246
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(104,725	)		(93,652	)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	144,977		$	154,594

Activity in Warranty Accrual

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,930		$	4,557
Increase to warranty expense		4,249			3,364
Deduction for warranty charges		(4,464	)		(2,738	)
Change due to foreign currency translation		(76	)		(253	)
Balance at end of period	$	4,639		$	4,930

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization, at September 30, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2016							September 30, 2015
	Gross					Net		Gross					Net
	Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying		Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying
	Value		Amortization			Value		Value		Amortization			Value
Purchased technology	$	11,749	$	(10,693	)	$	1,056	$	11,749	$	(10,359	)	$	1,390

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
2017	$	352
2018		352
2019		352
2020		―
2021		―

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Long-Term Debt

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	2,400		$	2,800
Less: current portion		(400	)		(400	)
Total long-term debt	$	2,000		$	2,400

Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt

The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2016, were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,	Long‑Term Debt Maturities
2017	$	400
2018		400
2019		400
2020		400
2021		400
Thereafter		400
Total long-term debt maturities	$	2,400

- Definition

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

+ References

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: 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=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Annual Rental Commitments Under Leases

At September 30, 2016, 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
2017	$	2,495
2018		1,491
2019		1,167
2020		1,470
2021		1,370
Thereafter		2,485
Total lease commitments	$	10,478

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2014
Current:
Federal	$	(1,395	)	$	2,638		$	12,184
State		449			699			2,226
Foreign		899			(306	)		(130	)
		(47	)		3,031			14,280
Deferred:
Federal		1,923			3,296			(1,798	)
State		47			420			(311	)
Foreign		360			6,805			(1,103	)
		2,330			10,521			(3,212	)
Total income tax provision	$	2,283		$	13,552		$	11,068

Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015			2014
U.S.	$	5,087	$	33,549		$	35,131
Other than U.S.		12,706		(10,558	)		(4,443	)
Income before income taxes	$	17,793	$	22,991		$	30,688

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2014
Statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2			3			3
Research and development credit		(8	)		(21	)		—
Foreign rate differential		(8	)		4			1
Domestic production activities deduction		—			(3	)		(3	)
Foreign valuation allowance		(11	)		43			—
Other		3			(2	)		—
Effective rate		13	%		59	%		36	%

Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets

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

	September 30,
	2016			2015
Current deferred income taxes:
Gross assets	$	4,384		$	3,910
Gross liabilities		(378	)		—
Net current deferred income tax asset		4,006			3,910
Noncurrent deferred income taxes:
Gross assets		16,170			5,005
Gross liabilities		(16,308	)		(2,717	)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset (liability)		(138	)		2,288
Net deferred income tax asset	$	3,868		$	6,198

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,
	2016			2015
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss	$	10,453		$	9,877
Uniform capitalization and inventory		1,596			1,895
Deferred compensation		1,853			1,848
Stock-based compensation		760			993
Reserve for accrued employee benefits		1,679			1,482
Warranty accrual		1,388			915
Goodwill		345			398
Postretirement benefits liability		503			—
Allowance for doubtful accounts		220			166
Accrued legal		294			60
Credit carryforwards		1,292			1,329
Other		171			8
Deferred tax assets		20,554			18,971
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization		(8,247	)		(2,705	)
Other		—			(12	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(8,247	)		(2,717	)

Less: valuation allowance		(8,439	)		(10,056	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	3,868		$	6,198

Schedule of Valuation Allowance

A rollforward of the valuation allowance for the past three years is summarized below:

Balance at September 30, 2013	$	135
Charged to cost and expenses		80
Charged to other accounts		688
Balance at September 30, 2014	$	903
Charged to cost and expenses		10,048
Charged to other accounts		(895	)
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	10,056
Charged to cost and expenses		(1,934	)
Charged to other accounts		317
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	8,439

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

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

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2014
Balance at beginning of period	$	784		$	4,026		$	3,845
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period		293			954			225
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period		―			2			14
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations		(31	)		(49	)		(58	)
Decreases related to settlement with taxing authorities		―			(4,149	)		—
Balance at end of period	$	1,046		$	784		$	4,026

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity

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

	Number of			Weighted
	Restricted			Average
	Stock			Fair Value
	Units			Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2013		81,555		$	38.66
Granted		57,200			66.15
Vested		(29,832	)		44.88
Forfeited		(2,078	)		56.34
Outstanding at September 30, 2014		106,845		$	51.30
Granted		89,500			41.75
Vested		(55,431	)		45.23
Forfeited		(7,408	)		43.82
Outstanding at September 30, 2015		133,506		$	47.83
Granted		168,800			31.64
Vested⁽¹⁾		(116,568	)		33.10
Forfeited		(25,750	)		50.28
Outstanding at September 30, 2016		159,988		$	43.12

(1)	Includes the accelerated vesting of 84,043 shares previously issued to our former Chief Executive Officer and other senior managers as part of their separation packages, see Note M.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016
	Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable		Fair Value at
	Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		September 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2016
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	435	$	—	$	—	$	435
Deferred compensation		1,643		4,130		—		5,773
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation		—		4,449		—		4,449

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015
	Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
	Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable		Fair Value at
	Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs		September 30,
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	434	$	—	$	—	$	434
Deferred compensation		1,879		2,904		—		4,783
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation		—		4,487		—		4,487

Geographic Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Revenues from External Customers by Geographical Areas

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
United States	$	405,298	$	474,038	$	365,085
Canada		77,252		101,191		137,684
Middle East and Africa		40,294		40,557		84,330
Europe		26,200		23,567		34,920
Far East		7,895		12,026		15,127
Mexico, Central and South America		8,304		10,479		10,668
Total revenues	$	565,243	$	661,858	$	647,814

Schedule of Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas

	September 30,
	2016		2015
Long-lived assets:
United States	$	88,304	$	95,694
Canada		52,292		53,879
United Kingdom		4,381		5,021
Total	$	144,977	$	154,594

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Discontinued Operations

Summary comparative financial results of discontinued operations were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2014
Revenues	$	—	$	—	$	13,923
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $633	$	—	$	—	$	1,041
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $5,218		—		—		8,563
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	—	$	—	$	9,604
Earnings per share information:
Basic	$	—	$	—	$	0.80
Diluted	$	—	$	—	$	0.80

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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+ Details

Quarterly Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

The table below sets forth the unaudited consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):

	2016 Quarters
	First			Second		Third		Fourth		2016
Revenues	$	149,977		$	152,266	$	133,207	$	129,793	$	565,243
Gross profit		23,150			30,094		27,285		25,676		106,205
Net income (loss)		(459	)		5,567		4,894		5,508		15,510
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.04	)	$	0.49	$	0.43	$	0.48	$	1.36
Diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	0.49	$	0.43	$	0.48	$	1.36

	2015 Quarters
	First			Second			Third		Fourth		2015
Revenues	$	152,601		$	170,199		$	176,733	$	162,325	$	661,858
Gross profit		21,069			24,301			32,944		29,947		108,261
Net income (loss)		(239	)		(3,683	)		7,049		6,312		9,439
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.31	)	$	0.60	$	0.54	$	0.80
Diluted	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.31	)	$	0.60	$	0.54	$	0.79

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest, net of interest income	$ 4	$ 70	$ 149
Income taxes, net of refunds	(352)	2,298	18,889
Non-cash capital expenditures	$ 221	$ 147	$ 13,527

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Retention amounts included in accounts receivable	$ 2,700	$ 5,400
Retained amount expected to be collected in next fiscal year	2,700
Research and development expenses	$ 6,731	$ 6,980	$ 7,608

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, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations									$ 15,510	$ 9,439	$ 19,620
Income from discontinued operations											9,604
Net income	$ 5,508	$ 4,894	$ 5,567	$ (459)	$ 6,312	$ 7,049	$ (3,683)	$ (239)	$ 15,510	$ 9,439	$ 29,224
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares									11,400	11,869	12,003
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units									31	39	55
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions									11,431	11,908	12,058
Net earnings per share:
Continuing operations									$ 1.36	$ 0.80	$ 1.63
Discontinued operations											0.80
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.43	$ 0.49	$ (0.04)	$ 0.54	$ 0.60	$ (0.31)	$ (0.02)	1.36	0.80	2.43
Continuing operations									1.36	0.79	1.62
Discontinued operations											0.80
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.43	$ 0.49	$ (0.04)	$ 0.54	$ 0.60	$ (0.31)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.36	$ 0.79	$ 2.42

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 746	$ 1,577
Bad debt expense (recovery)	187	(29)	$ 1,074
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(120)	(749)
Change due to foreign currency translation	(2)	(53)
Balance at end of period	$ 811	$ 746	$ 1,577

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Components of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies	$ 29,639	$ 36,575
Work-in-progress	996	1,084
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	(4,114)	(4,768)
Total inventories	$ 26,521	$ 32,891

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 1,088,921	$ 912,237
Estimated earnings	350,125	271,640
Total	1,439,046	1,183,877
Less: Billings to date	(1,416,914)	(1,121,141)
Net underbilled position	22,132	62,736
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled	66,106	104,793
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled	(43,974)	(42,057)
Net underbilled position	$ 22,132	$ 62,736

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Schedule of Property, Plant And Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 249,702	$ 248,246
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(104,725)	(93,652)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	144,977	154,594
Land
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	22,107	22,380
Building and Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 119,512	120,983
Building and Improvements \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Lives	3 years
Building and Improvements \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Lives	39 years
Machinery and Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 103,268	100,306
Machinery and Equipment \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Lives	3 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Lives	15 years
Furniture and Fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 3,806	3,564
Furniture and Fixtures \| Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Lives	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures \| Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Lives	10 years
Construction in Process
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 1,009	$ 1,013

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 249,702	$ 248,246
Depreciation	12,979	13,120	$ 11,386
Assets Under Capital Leases
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	$ 0	$ 0

Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Activity in Warranty Accrual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,930	$ 4,557
Increase to warranty expense	4,249	3,364
Deduction for warranty charges	(4,464)	(2,738)
Change due to foreign currency translation	(76)	(253)
Balance at end of period	$ 4,639	$ 4,930

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets		352,000	435,000	779,000
Cash received from amended supply agreement		2,333,000	2,333,000	10,000,000
Other current assets		$ 2,457,000	3,916,000
Deferred credit amortization period		4 years
Gains in other income		$ 2,029,000	2,402,000	$ 1,522,000
General Electric Company
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cash received from amended supply agreement	$ 10,000,000
Additional amount paid on execution of agreement		$ 7,000,000
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, period		3 years
Other current assets		$ 2,300,000
Deferred credit					$ 8,100,000
Other Income \| General Electric Company
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gains in other income		$ 2,000,000	$ 2,000,000
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
Supply Agreement
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible asset		15 years

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization) (Details) - Purchased Technology - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 11,749	$ 11,749
Accumulated Amortization	(10,693)	(10,359)
Net Carrying Value	$ 1,056	$ 1,390

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2017	$ 352
2018	352
2019	$ 352

Long-Term Debt (Components of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 2,400	$ 2,800
Less: current portion	(400)	(400)
Total long-term debt	$ 2,000	$ 2,400

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2017	$ 400
2018	400
2019	400
2020	400
2021	400
Thereafter	400
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 2,400	$ 2,800

Long Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Long Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2001
U.S. Revolver
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 75,000,000
Revolving credit interest rate	The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver is a floating rate based upon the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, the bank’s prime rate, or the Eurocurrency rate plus 1.00%.
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 26,800,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 48,200,000
Credit facility expiration date	Dec. 31, 2018
Revolving credit facility borrowings, outstanding amount	$ 0
Percentage of voting capital stock pledged as collateral	100.00%
Non-domestic subsidiaries of voting capital stock	65.00%
U.S. Revolver \| Maximum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
U.S. Revolver \| Federal Funds Rate
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
U.S. Revolver \| Eurocurrency Rate
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Canadian Revolver
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 7,600,000
Outstanding letters of credit	0
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 7,600,000
Credit facility expiration date	Mar. 31, 2018
Revolving credit facility borrowings, outstanding amount	$ 0
Canadian Revolver \| Maximum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
Canadian Revolver \| Minimum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	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	1.02%

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Annual Rental Commitments Under Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2017	$ 2,495
2018	1,491
2019	1,167
2020	1,470
2021	1,370
Thereafter	2,485
Total lease commitments	$ 10,478

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Lease expense for operating leases	$ 3,500,000	$ 4,000,000	$ 3,900,000
Additional bonding capacity	516,400,000
Liquidated damages	2,500,000
Probable liquidated damages	1,500,000
Loss contingency, estimate of actual or projected loss	1,500,000
Facility Agreement \| Powell (UK) Limited
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	4,100,000
Revolving credit facility	9,100,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	5,000,000
Financial Standby Letter of Credit
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	26,800,000
Performance Guarantee
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	$ 233,600,000

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ (1,395)	$ 2,638	$ 12,184
State	449	699	2,226
Foreign	899	(306)	(130)
Current income tax provision	(47)	3,031	14,280
Deferred:
Federal	1,923	3,296	(1,798)
State	47	420	(311)
Foreign	360	6,805	(1,103)
Deferred income tax provision	2,330	10,521	(3,212)
Total income tax provision	$ 2,283	$ 13,552	$ 11,068

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$ 5,087	$ 33,549	$ 35,131
Other than U.S.	12,706	(10,558)	(4,443)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 17,793	$ 22,991	$ 30,688

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Research and development credit	(8.00%)	(21.00%)
Foreign rate differential	(8.00%)	4.00%	1.00%
Domestic production activities deduction		(3.00%)	(3.00%)
Foreign valuation allowance	(11.00%)	43.00%
Other	3.00%	(2.00%)
Effective rate	13.00%	59.00%	36.00%

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	13.00%	59.00%	36.00%
Release of a FIN 48 reserve related to the federal research and development tax credit	$ 1,046	$ 784	$ 4,026	$ 4,100	$ 3,845
Retroactive tax benefit	800	600
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	21,500
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 39,000
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance		$ 9,300
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration period (in years)	20 years
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	2031
Tax benefit	$ 4,100
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to expiration of certain federal statutes of limitations	32.00%
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits due to audit resolution	33.00%
R&D Tax Credit
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward description	On December 18, 2015, the “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015” was enacted which retroactively reinstated and made permanent the R&D Tax Credit

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross assets, current	$ 4,384	$ 3,910
Gross liabilities, current	(378)
Net current deferred income tax asset	4,006	3,910
Gross assets, noncurrent	16,170	5,005
Gross liabilities, noncurrent	(16,308)	(2,717)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset (liability)	(138)	2,288
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 3,868	$ 6,198

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss	$ 10,453	$ 9,877
Uniform capitalization and inventory	1,596	1,895
Deferred compensation	1,853	1,848
Stock-based compensation	760	993
Reserve for accrued employee benefits	1,679	1,482
Warranty accrual	1,388	915
Goodwill	345	398
Postretirement benefits liability	503
Allowance for doubtful accounts	220	166
Accrued legal	294	60
Credit carryforwards	1,292	1,329
Other	171	8
Deferred tax assets	20,554	18,971
Depreciation and amortization	(8,247)	(2,705)
Other		(12)
Deferred tax liabilities	(8,247)	(2,717)
Less: valuation allowance	(8,439)	(10,056)
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 3,868	$ 6,198

Income Taxes (Schedule of Valuation Allowance) (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 10,056	$ 903	$ 135
Charged to cost and expenses	(1,934)	10,048	80
Charged to other accounts	317	(895)	688
Ending balance	$ 8,439	$ 10,056	$ 903

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 784	$ 4,026	$ 3,845
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period	293	954	225
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period		2	14
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations	(31)	(49)	(58)
Decreases related to settlement with taxing authorities		(4,149)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,046	$ 784	$ 4,026

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan recognized expenses	$ 3,900	$ 5,900	$ 5,300
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 expense adjustment	$ 100
Deferred compensation plan assets	5,800
Deferred compensation liabilities	4,449	4,487
Deferred compensation recorded liability	400
Cash Surrender value of life insurance	$ 4,600
Deferred Compensation
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation requisite service period	10 years
Retiree Medical Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation requisite service period	10 years
Unfunded liability	$ 1,400	700
Retiree Medical Plan \| Maximum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost		$ 100	$ 100	$ 100

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
2014 Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance					750,000
Shares issued under the plan						63,628
Number of shares available for grant						664,911
2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance					150,000	101,600
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock outstanding			133,506			159,988	133,506	106,845	81,555
Compensation expense						$ 4.2	$ 1.9	$ 2.1
Amounts not yet recognized related to non-vested stock totaled			$ 1.9			$ 2.1	1.9
Weighted average remaining contractual life						1 year 9 months 29 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| 2014 Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock outstanding						159,988
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| 2014 Equity Incentive Plan \| Time Based Restricted Stock Unit
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Actual amount of RSUs earned based on cumulative earnings		60.00%
Vesting period		3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| 2014 Equity Incentive Plan \| Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Target RSUs granted range		40.00%
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense						$ 0.7	$ 1.3	$ 1.3
Weighted average remaining contractual life						9 months 26 days
Restricted Stock \| 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					2 years
Unvested restricted stock outstanding			26,200			26,800	26,200
Shares issued under the plan	1,000	16,000	1,400	16,000
Maximum number of Share granted to any individual					12,000
Number of share issued to any individual					4,000
Restricted stock issuable to eligible Board of Directors members annually					2,000
Shares issued, price per share	$ 29.38	$ 25.63	$ 29.48	$ 33.37			$ 29.48
Restricted Stock \| 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan \| Vesting of First Anniversary
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					50.00%
Restricted Stock \| 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan \| Vesting of Second Anniversary
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					50.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Sep. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]

Outstanding Beginning Balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units

133,506

106,845

81,555

Granted, Number of Restricted Stock Units

168,800

89,500

57,200

Vested, Number of Restricted Stock Units

(116,568)

^[1]

(55,431)

(29,832)

Forfeited, Number of Restricted Stock Units

(25,750)

(7,408)

(2,078)

Outstanding Ending Balance, Number of Restricted Stock Units

159,988

133,506

106,845

Outstanding Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share

$ 47.83

$ 51.30

$ 38.66

Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share

31.64

41.75

66.15

Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share

33.10

^[1]

45.23

44.88

Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share

50.28

43.82

56.34

Outstanding Ending Balance, Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share

$ 43.12

$ 47.83

$ 51.30

[1]	Includes the accelerated vesting of 84,043 shares previously issued to our former Chief Executive Officer and other senior managers as part of their separation packages, see Note M.

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Parenthetical) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 shares
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) \| Chief Executive Officer and Other Senior Managers
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation accelerated vesting shares	84,043

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 435	$ 434
Deferred compensation	5,773	4,783
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	4,449	4,487
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets:
Cash equivalents	435	434
Deferred compensation	1,643	1,879
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets:
Deferred compensation	4,130	2,904
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	$ 4,449	$ 4,487

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Transfers between measurement levels	$ 0

Geographic Information (Schedule of Revenues from External Customers by Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 565,243	$ 661,858	$ 647,814
United States
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	405,298	474,038	365,085
Canada
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	77,252	101,191	137,684
Middle East and Africa
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	40,294	40,557	84,330
Europe
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	26,200	23,567	34,920
Far East
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,895	12,026	15,127
Mexico, Central and South America
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 8,304	$ 10,479	$ 10,668

Geographic Information (Schedule of Long-Lived Assets by Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 144,977	$ 154,594
United States
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	88,304	95,694
Canada
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	52,292	53,879
United Kingdom
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 4,381	$ 5,021

Restructuring and Separation Costs (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Separation costs		$ 7,900	$ 2,600
Restructuring and separation expenses	$ 3,800	8,441	3,397
Restructuring and separation costs paid		6,800
Restructuring and separation costs payable over the next fiscal year		1,100
Restructuring costs related to exited of Canadian facility lease and write-off of associated leasehold improvements		$ 500	$ 800

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Purchase price from the sale of Transdyn, Inc	$ 16,000
Cash received from sale of subsidiary	14,400		$ 14,819
Escrow cash	$ 1,600
Additional working capital adjustment		$ 400
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax			$ 8,563

Discontinued Operations (Schedule of Operating Results) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 13,923
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $633	1,041
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $5,218	8,563
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 9,604
Earnings per share:
Basic \| $ / shares	$ 0.80
Diluted \| $ / shares	$ 0.80

- Definition

Amount after tax of income (loss) from a discontinued operation including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Includes, but is not limited to, the income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and adjustments to a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Discontinued Operations (Schedule of Operating Results) (Parenthetical) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations, tax	$ 633
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, tax	$ 5,218

- Definition

Amount of tax expense (benefit) related to a discontinued operation. Includes, but is not limited to, tax expense (benefit) related to income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, tax expense (benefit) related to gain (loss) on disposal, tax expense (benefit) related to gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Share Repurchase Program (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 17, 2014
Equity Class Of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program expiration date	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock purchased under repurchase program		806,018
Stock purchased under repurchase program, value	$ 3,740,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 21,259,000
Stock purchased under repurchased program, average purchase price per share		$ 31.02
Maximum
Equity Class Of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 25,000,000

Quarterly Results Of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 129,793	$ 133,207	$ 152,266	$ 149,977	$ 162,325	$ 176,733	$ 170,199	$ 152,601	$ 565,243	$ 661,858	$ 647,814
Gross profit	25,676	27,285	30,094	23,150	29,947	32,944	24,301	21,069	106,205	108,261	125,474
Net income (loss)	$ 5,508	$ 4,894	$ 5,567	$ (459)	$ 6,312	$ 7,049	$ (3,683)	$ (239)	$ 15,510	$ 9,439	$ 29,224
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.48	$ 0.43	$ 0.49	$ (0.04)	$ 0.54	$ 0.60	$ (0.31)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.36	$ 0.80	$ 2.43
Diluted	$ 0.48	$ 0.43	$ 0.49	$ (0.04)	$ 0.54	$ 0.60	$ (0.31)	$ (0.02)	$ 1.36	$ 0.79	$ 2.42