Blue Bird (BLBD) 10-Q 19 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	15-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Blue Bird Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1589526
Current Fiscal Year End Date	7
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	4-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,692,794

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$22,618	$61,137
Accounts receivable, net	13,048	21,215
Inventories	84,521	71,300
Other current assets	5,972	4,353
Deferred tax asset	2,990	6,057
Total current assets	129,149	164,062
Property, plant and equipment, net	27,606	29,949
Goodwill	18,825	18,825
Intangible assets, net	61,309	62,240
Equity investment in affiliate	10,377	9,871
Deferred tax asset	11,774	4,073
Other assets	2,616	2,913
Total assets	261,656	291,933
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	87,704	94,294
Accrued warranty costs—current portion	6,410	6,594
Accrued expenses	20,480	37,319
Deferred warranty income—current portion	4,250	4,117
Other current liabilities	2,724	5,668
Current portion of senior term debt	11,750	11,750
Total current liabilities	133,318	159,742
Long-term liabilities
Long-term term debt	206,514	211,118
Accrued warranty costs	8,852	8,965
Deferred warranty income	8,090	7,886
Other liabilities	12,417	12,136
Accrued pension liability	38,058	40,881
Total long-term liabilities	273,931	280,986
Guarantees, commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Stockholders' deficit
Series A preferred stock , $.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 500,000 issued at April 04, 2015 and liquidation preference of $50,000	50,000	0
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,692,794 and 22,000,000 issued and outstanding at April 04, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively.	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	14,320	0
Accumulated deficit	-164,534	-102,229
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-45,381	-46,568
Total stockholders' deficit	-145,593	-148,795
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$261,656	$291,933

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, No Par Value	$0.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	500,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$50,000,000
Common Stock, Par Value	$0.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	20,692,794
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,692,794

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$183,018	$195,672	$348,851	$341,665
Cost of goods sold	159,988	169,670	306,343	295,203
Gross profit	23,030	26,002	42,508	46,462
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	33,950	14,430	49,409	28,531
Operating income (loss)	-10,920	11,572	-6,901	17,931
Interest expense	-4,761	-248	-9,896	-524
Interest income	2	29	34	54
Other income, net	23	2	33	21
Operating income (loss) before income taxes	-15,656	11,355	-16,730	17,482
Income tax (expense) benefit	4,251	-3,673	4,683	-5,825
Equity in net income (loss) of non-consolidated affiliate, net of tax $168, $(21), $178 and $20, respectively.	310	-48	328	46
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-11,095	7,634	-11,719	11,703
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-5	-4	-11
Net (loss) income	-11,095	7,629	-11,723	11,692
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	-11,095	7,629	-11,723	11,692
Defined benefit pension plan gain, net of tax $319, $245, $639, and $491, respectively	594	456	1,187	911
Comprehensive income (loss)	($10,501)	$8,085	($10,536)	$12,603
Earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	21,150,630	22,000,000	21,593,387	22,000,000
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.52)	$0.35	($0.54)	$0.53

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plan gain, tax	$319	$245	$639	$491
Equity method investments, tax expense (benefit)	$168	($21)	$178	$20

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income	($11,723)	$11,692
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	4	11
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,565	4,980
Amortization of debt costs	1,547	50
Stock-based compensation	55	0
Equity in net income of affiliate	-328	-46
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	483	57
Deferred taxes	-5,172	2,146
Provision for bad debt	-31	1
Amortization of deferred actuarial pension losses	1,826	1,402
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	8,198	3,473
Inventories	-13,221	-30,565
Other assets	-1,566	886
Accounts payable	-3,807	23,390
Accrued expenses, pension and other liabilities	-22,236	-8,782
Total adjustments	-29,687	-3,008
Net cash (used in)/provided by continuing operations	-41,406	8,695
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-4	-11
Total cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	-41,410	8,684
Cash flows from investing activities
Change in net investment in discounted leases	0	166
Cash paid for fixed assets	-1,832	-2,230
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	23
Restricted cash	0	1,206
Total cash used in investing activities	-1,832	-835
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under the senior credit facility	10,000	1,876
Payments under the senior credit facility	-10,000	-2,066
Repayments under the senior term loan	-5,875	-1,354
Cash paid for capital leases	-80	-440
Cash paid for debt costs	-2,872	0
Contribution from majority stockholder	13,550	0
Change in advances collateralized by discounted leases	0	-166
Total cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	4,723	-2,150
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-38,519	5,699
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	61,137	46,594
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	22,618	52,293
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	12,310	399
Cash received for interest	35	27
Cash paid for income taxes	359	905
Cash received for tax refund	0	48
Non-cash investing and financing activity
Capital lease acquisitions	0	166
Change in accounts payable for capital additions to property, plant and equipment	58	450
Non-cash reverse merger activity
Issuance of Common Stock	25,000	0
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock	50,000	0
Shares assumed by legal acquirer	39,959	0
Repurchase of Common Stock from majority stockholder	$100,000	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares	Preferred Shares	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance at Sep. 28, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Effect of reverse acquisition (in shares) (Restatement Adjustment)		22,000,000
Effect of reverse acquisition (Restatement Adjustment)		$2,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 27, 2014 (Scenario, Previously Reported)	-148,796,000	1,000			-46,568,000	-102,229,000
Ending Balance (Restatement Adjustment)	-148,795,000	2,000			-46,568,000	-102,229,000
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2014 (Scenario, Previously Reported)		100
Ending Balance (in shares) (Restatement Adjustment)		22,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of Stock (in shares)		2,500,000	500,000
Issuance of Common Stock	25,000,000	300		25,000,000
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock	50,000,000		50,000,000
Shares assumed by legal acquirer (in shares)		4,980,294
Shares assumed by legal acquirer	39,959,000	500		39,959,000
Shares purchased from majority shareholder (in shares)		-10,000,000
Shares purchased from majority shareholder	-100,000,000	-1,000		-64,959,000		-35,041,000
Settlement of legal acquirer transaction costs	-14,826,000					-14,826,000
Contribution from majority shareholder	13,550,000			13,550,000
Employee stock options	55,000			55,000
Warrant exchange (in shares)		1,212,500
Warrant exchange		100		715,000		-715,000
Net income (loss)	-11,723,000					-11,723,000
Minimum pension liability, net of tax $639	1,187,000				1,187,000
Ending Balance at Apr. 04, 2015	($145,593,000)	$2,000	$50,000,000	$14,320,000	($45,381,000)	($164,534,000)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Apr. 04, 2015	20,692,794		500,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability, tax	$319	$245	$639	$491

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business and Basis of Presenation	Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Nature of Business
	On February 24, 2015, HCAC consummated its business combination (the “Business Combination”), pursuant to which HCAC acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of School Bus Holdings, Inc. (“SBH”) from The Traxis Group B.V. (the “Seller”). SBH operates its business of designing and manufacturing school buses through subsidiaries and under the Blue Bird Corporation (“Blue Bird”) name. In the Business Combination, the total purchase price was paid in a combination of cash ($100 million) and in shares of HCAC’s Common Stock (12,000,000 shares valued at a total of $120 million). In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, we changed our name from Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. to Blue Bird Corporation.
	Upon consummation of the closing of the Business Combination, SBH became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Bird Corporation and SBH’s direct and indirect subsidiaries became indirect subsidiaries of our parent corporation. We continued the listing of our Common Stock and Public Warrants on Nasdaq under the symbols “BLBD” and “BLBDW,” respectively, effective February 25, 2015.
	Blue Bird Body Company a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Bird, was incorporated in 1958 and has manufactured, assembled and sold school buses to a variety of municipal, federal and commercial customers since 1927. The majority of Blue Bird’s sales are made to an independent distributor network, which in turn sells buses to ultimate end users. The Company is headquartered in Fort Valley, Georgia. References in these notes to financial statements to “Blue Bird”, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Blue Bird Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company uses the equity method to account for its investment in an entity that is not controlled, and where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Consolidated net (loss) income includes the Company’s share of net (loss) income in this entity. The difference between consolidation and the equity method impacts certain of the Company’s financial ratios because of the presentation of the detailed line items reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements for consolidated entities, compared to a two-line presentation of “Equity investment in affiliate” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and “Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 with its quarters consisting of thirteen weeks in most years. In fiscal year 2015 there are a total of 53 weeks. For fiscal year 2015 the three and six months ended were 13 weeks and 27 weeks, respectively. For fiscal year 2014 the three and six months ended were 13 weeks and 26 weeks respectively.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of financial results have been made. Such adjustments consist of only those of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of September 27, 2014 was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. For additional information, including the Company’s significant accounting policies, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2014 as set forth in the proxy statement dated January 20, 2015.
	Use of Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. At the date of the financial statements, these estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and during the reporting period, these estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. For example, significant management judgments are required in determining excess, obsolete, or unsalable inventory, allowance for doubtful accounts, potential impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangibles, the accounting for self-insurance reserves, warranty reserves, pension obligations, income taxes, environmental liabilities and contingencies. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty, and, accordingly, the Company’s accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. The Company evaluates and updates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluations. Actual results could differ from the estimates that the Company has used.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In the six months ended April 4, 2015, the Company has not adopted any new accounting guidance that has had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In April, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Topic 835-30). This ASU is based on the objective of the Simplification Initiative to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The ASU also requires an entity to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. These disclosures include the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, the transition method, a description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items (that is, debt issuance cost asset and the debt liability). This new guidance is effective for public business entities; the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal year periods. Early adoption of the amendments in this Update is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-04, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). This ASU is based on the Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets. The guidance applies to employers that provide pension or other post-retirement benefits as part of a special termination benefit or special or contractual termination benefits not otherwise addressed in other Subtopics (for example, benefits paid at or before retirement and not paid out of a pension or other post-retirement plan). The ASU also applies to settlement of all or a part of an employer's pension or other post-retirement benefit obligation or curtailment of a pension or other post-retirement benefit plan. This new guidance is effective for public business entities; the pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (Topic 820). This ASU is based on the removal of the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. This new guidance is effective for public business entities; the pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse acquisition since immediately following completion of the transaction the sole stockholder of SBH immediately prior to the Business Combination maintained effective control of Blue Bird Corporation, the post-combination company.  For accounting purposes, SBH is deemed the accounting acquirer in the transaction and, consequently, the transaction is treated as a recapitalization of SBH (i.e., a capital transaction involving the issuance of stock and payment of cash by Hennessy Capital for the stock of SBH). Accordingly, the consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations of SBH are the historical financial statements of Blue Bird Corporation, and HCAC assets, liabilities and results of operations are consolidated with SBH beginning on the acquisition date. No step-up in basis or intangible assets or goodwill was recorded in this transaction.  We have effected this treatment through opening stockholder’s deficit by adjusting the number of our common shares outstanding.  Other than transaction costs paid and a contribution from our majority stockholder for payment of management incentive compensation related to the transaction, the transaction was primarily non-cash and involved exchanges of consideration and equity between our majority stockholder and HCAC & related entities.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Information	Supplemental Financial Information
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable consist of amounts owed to the Company by customers. The Company monitors collections and payments from customers, and generally does not require collateral. Accounts receivable are generally due within thirty to ninety days. The Company provides for the possible inability to collect accounts receivable by recording an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reserves for an account when it is considered potentially uncollectible. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience, aging of accounts receivable and information regarding the creditworthiness of its customers. To date, losses have been within the range of management’s expectations. The Company writes off accounts receivable once it is determined that the account is uncollectible. Accounts receivable, net consists of the following:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015			As of September 27, 2014
	Accounts receivables	$	13,089		$	21,286
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(41		)	(71		)
	Accounts receivables, net	$	13,048		$	21,215
	Inventory
	The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or market value. The Company uses a standard costing methodology, which approximates cost on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company reviews the standard costs of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventory on a periodic basis to ensure that its inventories approximate current actual costs. Manufacturing cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory consists of the following:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015			As of September 27, 2014
	Raw materials	$	48,877		$	45,570
	Work in process	26,478			24,062
	Finished goods	9,166			1,668
	Total inventory	$	84,521		$	71,300
	Product Warranties
	The Company’s products are generally warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one to five years. A provision for estimated warranty costs is recorded in the year the unit is sold. The methodology to determine warranty reserve calculates average expected warranty claims using warranty claims by body type, by month, over the life of the bus, which is then multiplied by remaining months under warranty, by warranty type. Management believes the methodology provides for accuracy in addressing reserve requirements. Management believes the warranty reserve is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring future adjustments.
	The Company also sells extended warranties related to its products. Revenue related to these contracts is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period and costs thereunder are expensed as incurred. All warranty expenses are recorded in the cost of goods sold line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The current methodology to determine short-term extended warranty income reserve is based on twelve months of the remaining warranty value for each effective extended warranty at the balance sheet date.
	Activity in accrued warranty cost (current and long-term portion combined) was as follows for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014			April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	15,226		$	13,198		$	15,559		$	13,447
	Add current period accruals	2,073			2,226			3,922			3,800
	Current period reductions of accrual	(2,037		)	(1,920		)	(4,219		)	(3,743		)
	Balance at end of period	$	15,262		$	13,504		$	15,262		$	13,504
	Extended Warranty Income
	Activity in deferred warranty income, for the sale of extended warranties of two to five years, was as follows for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014			April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	12,075		$	10,217		$	12,003		$	10,743
	Add current period deferred income	1,339			1,320			2,506			1,770
	Current period recognition of income	(1,074		)	(993		)	(2,169		)	(1,969		)
	Balance at end of period	$	12,340		$	10,544		$	12,340		$	10,544
	Self-Insurance
	Total accrued self-insurance comprised of workers compensation and health insurance related claims were as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015			As of September 27, 2014
	Current portion	$	3,335		$	3,463
	Long-term portion	2,908			3,028
	Total accrued self-insurance	$	6,243		$	6,491
	The current and long term portions of the accrued self-insurance liability are reflected in accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet.
	Shipping and Handling Revenue (in thousands of dollars)
	Shipping and handling revenues represent costs billed to customers and are presented as net sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included in cost of goods sold. Shipping and handling revenues were $2,463 and $2,974 for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively, and $6,053 and $5,937 for the six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively. The related costs of goods sold were $2,169 and $2,744 for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively, and $5,351 and $5,330 for the six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively.
	Pension Expense
	Components of net periodic pension benefit cost for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended April 04, 2015			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
	Interest cost	$	1,427		$	1,521		$	2,854		$	3,042
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,600		)	(1,631		)	(3,199		)	(3,262		)
	Amortization of prior loss	913			701			1,826			1,402
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	740		$	591		$	1,481		$	1,182
	Amortization of prior loss, recognized in other comprehensive income	913			701			1,826			1,402
	Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$	(173	)	$	(110	)	$	(345	)	$	(220	)

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Debt consisted of the following:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015		As of September 27, 2014
	2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $10,861 and $12,132	$	218,264	$	222,868
	Total debt	$	218,264	$	222,868
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	11,750		11,750
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	206,514	$	211,118
	In June 2014, Blue Bird Body Company executed a new $235.0 million six year senior term loan provided by Societe Generale (the “Senior Credit Facility”), which acts as the administrative agent, SG Americas Securities LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) INC., and Fifth Third Bank as joint book runners and Joint Lead Arrangers. The Senior Credit Facility amortizes at 5% per annum payable quarterly beginning January 3, 2015. The interest rate on the Senior Credit Facility is an election of either base rate plus 450 basis points or LIBOR (floor of 1 point) plus 550 basis points, and is 6.5% at both April 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014. Blue Bird also has access to a $60.0 million revolving senior credit facility provided by Societe Generale (the “Senior Revolving Credit Facility”), which acts as the administrative agent, SG Americas Securities LLC and Macquarie Capital (USA) INC. The Senior Revolving Credit Facility carries an elective rate of either the base rate plus 450 basis points or LIBOR plus 550 basis points. No borrowings were outstanding on the Senior Revolving Credit Facility as of April 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014. Blue Bird may request letters of credit through its Senior Revolving Credit Facility up to a $15.0 million sub limit. There were $5.1 million of Letters of Credit outstanding on April 4, 2015. The commitment fee on unused amounts of the Senior Revolving Credit Facility is 5%.
	The Senior Credit Facility and the Senior Revolving Credit Facility were executed on June 27, 2014 and have six and five year terms, respectively. As of April 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014, $229.1 million and $235.0 million, respectively, were outstanding on this indebtedness. Approximately $12.7 million of fees were netted out of the proceeds of the debt and paid directly to the lenders. An additional $1.6 million was paid to other third parties, which have been recorded as deferred financing costs. Approximately $1.2 million of fees related to the Senior Revolving Credit Facility were paid directly to the lenders.
	Our term loan is recognized on the Company’s balance sheet at its unpaid principal balance, and is not subject to fair value measurement. However, given that the loan carries a variable rate, the Company estimates that the unpaid principal balance of the term loan would approximate its fair value. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, the Company’s term loan would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	As of April 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the weighted-average annual effective interest rate was 6.5% and 6.5%, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Senior Revolving Credit Facility as of April 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014. Total interest expense recognized by the Company during the fiscal quarters ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 , were approximately $4.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Interest expense for the six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were approximately $9.9 million and $ 0.5 million, respectively.
	Annual schedules of the maturity of the principal of the Senior Credit Facility and the Senior Revolving Credit Facility for the five fiscal years are as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	5,875
	2016	11,750
	2017	11,750
	2018	11,750
	2019	11,750
	2020	176,250
		$	229,125

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income tax provisions for interim periods are based on estimated annual income tax rates, adjusted to reflect the effects of any significant infrequent or unusual items which are required to be discretely recognized within the current interim period. The effective tax rates in the periods presented are largely based upon the forecast pre-tax earnings mix and allocation of certain expenses in various taxing jurisdictions where the Company conducts its business, primarily the United States.
	As a result of the business combination a change in the ownership of the Company occurred which, pursuant to The Internal Revenue Code, will limit on an annual basis the Company's ability to utilize its U.S. Federal NOLs and U.S. Federal tax credits. The Company's NOLs and credits will continue to be available to offset taxable income and tax liabilities (until such NOLs and credits are either used or expire) subject to the Section 382 annual limitation. If the annual limitation amount is not fully utilized in a particular tax year, then the unused portion from that particular tax year will be added to the annual limitation in subsequent years.
	The effective tax rates for the three month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were 27.2% and 32.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended April 4, 2015 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of the benefit from the domestic production activities deduction and state tax items offset in part by interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions and transaction costs . The effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 29, 2014 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, primarily as a result of the benefit from the domestic production activities deduction offset in part by state tax expense.
	The effective tax rates for the six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were 28% and 33.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six month period ended April 4, 2015 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of the benefit from the domestic production activities deduction, a discrete benefit from the extension of the U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit for 2014 and benefit of state tax item offset by interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions and transaction costs. The effective tax rate for the six month period ended March 31, 2014 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of the benefit from the domestic production activities deduction.
	Of the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, $6.4 million and $0 million, respectively would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if realized. The Company’s liability arising from uncertain tax positions is recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The accrued interest and penalties as of the six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, were $0.5 million and $0 million, respectively.

Guarantees_Commitments_and_Con

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies	Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation
	As of April 4, 2015, the Company had a number of product liability and other cases pending. Management believes that, considering the Company’s insurance coverage and its intention to vigorously defend its position, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial statements.
	Environmental
	The Company is subject to a variety of environmental regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials used in its manufacturing processes. Failure by the Company to comply with present and future regulations could subject it to future liabilities. In addition, such regulations could require the Company to acquire costly equipment or to incur other significant expenses to comply with environmental regulations. The Company is currently not involved in any material environmental proceedings and therefore management believes that the resolution of environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	We manage our business in two operating segments, which are also our reportable segments. The Bus segment includes the manufacturing and assembly of school buses to be sold to a variety of customers across the United States, Canada and in international markets. The Parts segment consists primarily of the purchase of parts from third parties to be sold to dealers within the Company’s network. Financial information is reported on the basis that it is used internally by the chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) in evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company has been identified as the CODM. Management evaluates the segments based primarily upon revenues and gross profit. A measure of assets is not applicable, as segment assets are not regularly reviewed by the CODM for evaluating performance or allocating resources. The tables below present segment net sales and gross profit for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	Net sales
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
		April 04, 2015
	Bus	$	169,223		$	182,988		$	321,206		$	316,913
	Parts	13,795			12,684			27,645			24,752
	Segment net sales	$	183,018		$	195,672		$	348,851		$	341,665
	Gross profit
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended April 04, 2015			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
	Bus	$	17,943		$	21,117		$	32,245		$	37,122
	Parts	5,087			4,885			10,263			9,340
	Segment gross profit	$	23,030		$	26,002		$	42,508		$	46,462
	The following table is a reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
		April 04, 2015
	Segment gross profit	$	23,030		$	26,002		$	42,508		$	46,462
	Adjustments:
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(33,950		)	(14,430		)	(49,409		)	(28,531		)
	Interest expense	(4,761		)	(248		)	(9,896		)	(524		)
	Interest income	2			29			34			54
	Other income, net	23			2			33			21
	Operating income (loss) before income taxes	$	(15,656	)	$	11,355		$	(16,730	)	$	17,482
	Sales are attributable to geographic areas based on customer location and were as follows for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
		April 04, 2015
	United States	$	152,381		$	171,792		$	308,332		$	306,754
	Canada	28,288			23,073			37,447			28,179
	Rest of world	2,349			807			3,072			6,732
	Total net sales	$	183,018		$	195,672		$	348,851		$	341,665

Business_Combination

Business Combination	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combination
	Background and Summary
	Blue Bird Corporation was originally formed in September 2013 as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, under the name Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. (“HCAC” or “Hennessy Capital”) for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination involving HCAC and one or more businesses. As a SPAC, HCAC was a shell (blank check) company that had no operations and whose purpose was to go public with the intention of merging with or acquiring a company with the proceeds of the SPAC’s initial public offering (IPO). Until the consummation of the Business Combination (as defined below), HCAC’s securities were traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbols “HCAC,” “HCACU” and “HCACW”.
	On February 24, 2015, HCAC consummated its business combination (the “Business Combination”), pursuant to which HCAC acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of School Bus Holdings, Inc. (“SBH”) from The Traxis Group B.V. (the “Seller”). SBH operates its business of designing and manufacturing school buses through subsidiaries and under the “Blue Bird” name. In the Business Combination, the total purchase price was paid in a combination of cash ($100 million) and in shares of HCAC’s Common Stock (12,000,000 shares valued at a total of $120 million). In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, we changed our name from Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. to Blue Bird Corporation.
	The cash purchase price in the Business Combination was funded through amounts that remained in HCAC’s trust after the redemption of all shares that were offered for redemption pursuant to HCAC’s certificate of incorporation, together with $75 million of funds invested through private placements of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that occurred simultaneously with the consummation of the Business Combination.
	Upon consummation of the closing of the Business Combination, SBH became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Bird Corporation and SBH’s direct and indirect subsidiaries became indirect subsidiaries of our parent corporation. We continued the listing of our Common Stock and Public Warrants on Nasdaq under the symbols “BLBD” and “BLBDW,” respectively, effective February 25, 2015.
	The “Company” refers to the consolidated company and its subsidiaries at and after the closing of the Business Combination.
	Purchase Agreement / Proxy Statement
	On September 21, 2014, Hennessy Capital Partners I LLC (the “HCAC Sponsor”) signed a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the Seller to acquire all outstanding stock of SBH. The material terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement were described in Hennessy Capital’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on January 20, 2015, which was supplemented in additional proxy statement materials filed with the SEC on February 10, 2015.
	Backstop Purchase Agreement and Preferred Stock Subscription Agreement
	In connection with its execution of the Purchase Agreement, Hennessy Capital entered into a backstop purchase agreement with two funds managed by Overland Advisors, LLC (such funds referred to collectively as the “Backstop Commitment Investor”), and a preferred stock subscription agreement with The Osterweis Strategic Income Fund and The Osterweis Strategic Investment Fund (collectively, the “PIPE Investment Investor”).
	In the backstop purchase agreement, the Backstop Commitment Investor made a commitment (the “Backstop Commitment”) in which it agreed to purchase up to $10 million worth of shares of Hennessy Capital common stock, through (i)open market or privately negotiated transactions with third parties, at a purchase price of up to $10.00 per share, (ii) a private placement with consummation to occur concurrently with that of the Business Combination at a purchase price of $10.00 per share for 1,000,000 shares (the “Common Backstop Placement”), or (iii) a combination thereof.
	In the preferred stock subscription agreement, the PIPE Investment Investor agreed to purchase from Hennessy Capital, concurrent with the consummation of the closing of the Business Combination, 400,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of approximately $40 million, subject to a possible increase to up to 500,000 shares or approximately $50 million (the “PIPE Investment”).
	On February 18, 2015, Hennessy Capital entered into a subscription agreement with four funds managed by Coliseum Capital Management, LLC (the “Common/Preferred Investor”) pursuant to which the Common/Preferred Investor agreed (the “Subsequent Backstop Commitment”) to purchase $25 million worth of shares of Hennessy Capital common stock, through (i) open market or privately negotiated transactions with third parties, at a purchase price of up to $10.00 per share, (ii) a private placement with consummation to occur concurrently with that of the Business Combination at a purchase price of $10.00 per share (the “Subsequent Common Backstop Placement”), or (iii) a combination thereof, and further agreed to purchase 100,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to a private placement for gross proceeds of approximately $10.0 million to occur concurrently with that of the Business Combination (the “Subsequent PIPE Investment”).
	Business Combination Approval and Consummation
	On February 23, 2015 (“Special Meeting”), the Business Combination was approved by Hennessy Capital’s stockholders at a special meeting.
	On February 24, 2015, the registrant consummated the Business Combination, pursuant to which the registrant acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of SBH. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the total purchase price was paid in a combination of cash ($100 million) and in shares of the registrant’s common stock (12,000,000 shares valued at a total of $120 million). In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company redeemed a total of 7,494,700 shares of its common stock pursuant to the terms of the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, resulting in a total cash payment from Hennessy Capital’s trust account to redeeming stockholders of $74.9 million.
	On February 24, 2015, at the closing of the Business Combination, the PIPE Investment Investor purchased 400,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock from the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $40 million and the Common/Preferred Investor purchased 100,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock from the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $10 million. In addition, at the closing, the Company issued to the Backstop Commitment Investor 102,750 shares referenced in the Purchase Agreement as “Utilization Fee Shares”, and the Common/Preferred Investor purchased 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from the Company for aggregate gross proceeds of $25 million.
	New Registration Rights Agreement
	On February 24, 2015, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the Seller, the Backstop Commitment Investor, the PIPE Investment Investor and the Common/Preferred Investor (the “New Registration Rights Agreement”). The parties were granted registration rights that obligate Blue Bird Corporation to register for resale, among other shares, all or any portion of the shares of the Company’s capital stock that were issued by the Company in connection with the Business Combination, the Backstop Commitment (including any shares received as a fee payable in connection with the Backstop Commitment), the Subsequent Backstop Commitment, the PIPE Investment and the Subsequent PIPE Investment (including the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the PIPE Investment and the Subsequent PIPE Investment).
	On April 27, 2015, a registration statement on Form S-3 filed by the Company in connection with, among other things, its obligations under the New Registration Rights Agreement was declared effective by the SEC.
	Under the New Registration Rights Agreement, the parties also hold “piggyback” registration rights exercisable at any time that allow them to include the shares of Blue Bird Corporation common stock that they own in any public offering of equity securities initiated by us (other than those public offerings pursuant to registration statements on forms that do not permit registration for resale by them). The “piggyback” registration rights are subject to proportional cutbacks based on the manner of such offering and the identity of the party initiating such offering.
	Blue Bird Corporation will pay all expenses incidental to its performance under the New Registration Rights Agreement, as well as the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by the parties to that agreement in connection with the sale of their shares under the New Registration Rights Agreement.
	Lock-Up Agreements
	On February 24, 2015, the Seller entered into a 180-day lock-up agreement with Blue Bird Corporation with respect to the shares of Company common stock received by the Seller pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and the initial stockholders (consisting of the “HCAC Sponsor”, and the other officers, directors and former directors of HCAC who, together with the HCAC Sponsor, acquired a total of 2,875,000 shares of Hennessy Capital’s common stock prior to its initial public offering and then forfeited 1,900,000 of such shares in connection with an amendment to the Purchase Agreement and 102,750 of such shares in connection with the payment of a utilization fee to the Backstop Commitment Investor) entered into a 12-month lock-up agreement with the Seller with respect to their remaining 872,250 shares (together with the shares received by the Seller pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the “lock-up shares”).
	Pursuant to the lock-up agreements, each party agreed that, for a period of 180 days (in the case of the Seller) or 12 months (in the case of the initial stockholders) from the closing the parties will not: (1) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position with respect to any lock-up shares of such party, (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any lock-up shares of such party, in cash or otherwise, or (3) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified therein.
	Each party may sell or otherwise transfer any lock-up shares of such party to its equity holders, provided in each such case that the transferee thereof agrees to be bound by the restrictions set forth in the lock-up agreement applicable to such lock-up shares.

Stockholders_Deficit

Stockholders' Deficit	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Deficit	Stockholders’ Deficit
	Authorized and Outstanding Stock
	Our charter authorizes the issuance of 110 million shares, consisting of 100 million shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 10 million shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 2 million of which have been designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred”) and the remaining 8 million of which are undesignated. The outstanding shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
	Common Stock
	On February 24, 2015, we sold 2,500,000 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share in a private placement. Proceeds from the sale were part of the consideration received by our majority owner as part of a recapitalization and reverse acquisition completed in the Business Combination. We also issued (i) 12,000,000 shares of Common Stock to the Seller upon consummation of the Business Combination and (ii) 102,750 shares of Common Stock as a utilization fee to the Backstop Commitment Investor. Please see Note 7 for a further discussion of these transactions.
	At April 4, 2015, there were 20,692,794 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
	Preferred Stock
	By the filing of a Certificate of Designations (the “Certificate of Designations”) on February 24, 2015, we have designated 2.0 million shares of preferred stock as Series A Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock and, on February 24, 2015, we issued 500,000 shares of such series. Proceeds from the sale were part of the consideration received by our majority owner as part of a recapitalization and reverse acquisition completed in the Business Combination. Please see Note 7 for a further discussion of the transaction. We refer to that series as our “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.”
	Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at the holder’s option at any time, initially into 8.6 shares of our common stock (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $11.59 per share), subject to specified adjustments as set forth in the Certificate of Designations. In addition, we have the right, at our option, to cause all outstanding shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to be automatically converted into shares of common stock under certain circumstances and, if our company undergoes certain fundamental changes, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into common stock on the effective date of such fundamental change.
	Holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive when, as and if declared by the Board, dividends which are payable at a rate of 7.625% per annum. The dividends are payable in cash, common shares, preferred shares, or any combination thereof. The form of dividend payment is in the sole discretion of the Company.
	In the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders the Liquidation Preference ($100.00 per share) plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends in respect of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (whether or not declared) to the date fixed for liquidation, winding-up or dissolution in preference to the holders of, and before any payment or distribution is made on any other stock.
	Warrants
	Public Warrants
	The Company has issued warrants to purchase its common stock which were originally issued as part of units in Hennessy Capital’s initial public offering (the “Public Warrants”). There are currently 8,809,538 Public Warrants outstanding. Each Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one-half of one share of our Common Stock at a price of $5.75 per one-half of one share ($11.50 per whole share), subject to adjustment. Public Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of shares of our Common Stock. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Public Warrants. The Public Warrants will expire on February 24, 2020, five years after the completion of the Business Combination, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. We may call the Public Warrants for redemption if, and only if, the reported last sale price of our common stock equals or exceeds $24.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date we send the notice of redemption to the Warrant holders. The Public Warrants are listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "BLBDW".
	Placement Warrants
	The Company has issued warrants to purchase its common stock which were originally issued in connection with a private placement which occurred concurrently with Hennessy Capital’s initial public offering (the “Placement Warrants”). There were initially 12,125,000 Placement Warrants purchased at a price of $0.50 per unit for an aggregate purchase price of $6.1 million. The Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants sold in the initial public offering, except that, if held by the HCAC Sponsor or its permitted assignees, they (a) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis; and (b) are not subject to being called for redemption. There are 2,690,462 Placement Warrants outstanding as of April 4, 2015. Each such warrant entitles the holder to purchase one-half of one share of our Common Stock at a price of $5.75 per one-half of one share ($11.50 per whole share), subject to adjustment.
	Warrant Exchange
	On March 2, 2015, we completed our offer to exchange up to a maximum of 5,750,000 of our outstanding Public Warrants for shares of our common stock, at an exchange ratio of 0.1 of a share for each Public Warrant validly tendered and not withdrawn (approximately one share for every ten Public Warrants tendered). A total of 2,690,462 Public Warrants were tendered and not properly withdrawn, resulting in a total of 269,046 shares of common stock being issued by our Company. On March 17, 2015, we completed a second offer to exchange Placement Warrants for shares of our common stock, and in such exchange offer, a total of 9,434,538 Placement Warrants were tendered and not properly withdrawn, resulting in a total of 943,454 shares of our common stock being issued. There were no cash proceeds to the Company from these exchange transactions. As a result of the exchange, there are 2,690,462 Placement Warrants outstanding. This transaction provided no cash proceeds to the Company.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method. In the fiscal 2014 periods presented below where we have net income, there were no dilutive securities. In the fiscal 2015 periods presented below where we have a net loss, the effect of dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive to our loss per share so there is no adjustment to the calculation and therefore basic and diluted loss per share are the same. Income (loss) available to common stockholders will be reduced in periods where we have paid a dividend on our Preferred Stock.
	The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods indicated:
	(in thousands except share data)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,095	)	$	7,629	$	(11,723	)	$	11,692
	Income available to common stockholders	(11,095		)	7,629		(11,723		)	11,692
	Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and Diluted	21,150,630			22,000,000		21,593,387			22,000,000
	Net income (loss) per common share Basic and Diluted	$	(0.52	)	$	0.35	$	(0.54	)	$	0.53

Incentive_Stock_Option_Plan

Incentive Stock Option Plan	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Incentive Stock Option Plan	Incentive Stock Option Plan
	Stock-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units,
	are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair value. The fair value of each stock option award on the grant date is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: expected dividend yield, expected stock price volatility, weighted-average risk-free interest rate and weighted average expected term of the options. The volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is based on peer group volatility because we do not have a sufficient trading history as a stand-alone public company. Because we do not have sufficient history with respect to stock option activity and post-vesting cancellations, the expected term assumption is based on the simplified method under GAAP, which is based on the vesting period and contractual term for each vesting tranche of awards. The mid-point between the vesting date and the expiration date is used as the expected term under this method. The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes model is based on the implied yield curve available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues at the date of grant with a remaining term equal to the Company’s expected term assumption. The Company has never declared or paid a cash dividend on common shares. We expense any award with a graded-vesting feature using a straight-line attribution method.
	In fiscal 2015, we adopted the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Under the Plan, the Committee may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options,
	stock appreciation rights (collectively “SARs” and each individually a “SAR”), restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, incentive bonus awards, other cash-based awards and other stock-based awards. The exercise price of a share subject to a stock option may not be less than one-hundred percent of the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock with respect to the grant date of such stock option. In fiscal years prior to 2015 we have not granted any stock options or other stock-settled awards. No portion of the options shall vest and become exercisable after the date on which the Optionee’s Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates. The vesting of all unvested shares of Common Stock subject to an option will automatically be accelerated in connection with a “Change in Control”, as defined in the Plan.
	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the period ended April 4, 2015:
	(Shares and per share in actual amounts)	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014	—		—		—	—
	Granted	1,004,000		$	10.05	—	—
	Exercised	—		—		—	—
	Canceled	—		—		—	—
	Forfeited	—		—		—	—
	Outstanding at April 4, 2015	1,004,000		10.05		9.9	$	131
	Fully vested and expected to vest at April 4, 2015	993,000		10.05		9.9	$	129
	Exercisable at April 4, 2015	—
	As of April 4, 2015, there was $4.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option grants. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3 years. In the period ended April 4, 2015, we recognized $55,000 of stock-based compensation expense.
	For the period ended April 4, 2015, the weighted-average fair value of options granted for our equity awards was $4.14. The fair value of each option award on the grant date was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
	Dividend Yield	0	%
	Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.7	%
	Expected Volatility	40.1	%
	Expected Term (Years)	6

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o1

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company uses the equity method to account for its investment in an entity that is not controlled, and where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Consolidated net (loss) income includes the Company’s share of net (loss) income in this entity. The difference between consolidation and the equity method impacts certain of the Company’s financial ratios because of the presentation of the detailed line items reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements for consolidated entities, compared to a two-line presentation of “Equity investment in affiliate” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and “Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 with its quarters consisting of thirteen weeks in most years. In fiscal year 2015 there are a total of 53 weeks. For fiscal year 2015 the three and six months ended were 13 weeks and 27 weeks, respectively. For fiscal year 2014 the three and six months ended were 13 weeks and 26 weeks respectively.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of financial results have been made. Such adjustments consist of only those of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of September 27, 2014 was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. For additional information, including the Company’s significant accounting policies, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2014 as set forth in the proxy statement dated January 20, 2015.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions	Use of Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. At the date of the financial statements, these estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, and during the reporting period, these estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. For example, significant management judgments are required in determining excess, obsolete, or unsalable inventory, allowance for doubtful accounts, potential impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangibles, the accounting for self-insurance reserves, warranty reserves, pension obligations, income taxes, environmental liabilities and contingencies. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty, and, accordingly, the Company’s accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. The Company evaluates and updates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluations. Actual results could differ from the estimates that the Company has used.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In the six months ended April 4, 2015, the Company has not adopted any new accounting guidance that has had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In April, 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Topic 835-30). This ASU is based on the objective of the Simplification Initiative to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The ASU also requires an entity to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. These disclosures include the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, the transition method, a description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items (that is, debt issuance cost asset and the debt liability). This new guidance is effective for public business entities; the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal year periods. Early adoption of the amendments in this Update is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-04, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). This ASU is based on the Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets. The guidance applies to employers that provide pension or other post-retirement benefits as part of a special termination benefit or special or contractual termination benefits not otherwise addressed in other Subtopics (for example, benefits paid at or before retirement and not paid out of a pension or other post-retirement plan). The ASU also applies to settlement of all or a part of an employer's pension or other post-retirement benefit obligation or curtailment of a pension or other post-retirement benefit plan. This new guidance is effective for public business entities; the pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (Topic 820). This ASU is based on the removal of the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. This new guidance is effective for public business entities; the pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	The Company writes off accounts receivable once it is determined that the account is uncollectible. Accounts receivable, net consists of the following:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015			As of September 27, 2014
	Accounts receivables	$	13,089		$	21,286
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(41		)	(71		)
	Accounts receivables, net	$	13,048		$	21,215
Schedule of Inventory, Current	Manufacturing cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory consists of the following:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015			As of September 27, 2014
	Raw materials	$	48,877		$	45,570
	Work in process	26,478			24,062
	Finished goods	9,166			1,668
	Total inventory	$	84,521		$	71,300
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Activity in accrued warranty cost (current and long-term portion combined) was as follows for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014			April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	15,226		$	13,198		$	15,559		$	13,447
	Add current period accruals	2,073			2,226			3,922			3,800
	Current period reductions of accrual	(2,037		)	(1,920		)	(4,219		)	(3,743		)
	Balance at end of period	$	15,262		$	13,504		$	15,262		$	13,504
	Extended Warranty Income
	Activity in deferred warranty income, for the sale of extended warranties of two to five years, was as follows for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014			April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	12,075		$	10,217		$	12,003		$	10,743
	Add current period deferred income	1,339			1,320			2,506			1,770
	Current period recognition of income	(1,074		)	(993		)	(2,169		)	(1,969		)
	Balance at end of period	$	12,340		$	10,544		$	12,340		$	10,544
Schedule of Self Insurance Reserve	Total accrued self-insurance comprised of workers compensation and health insurance related claims were as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015			As of September 27, 2014
	Current portion	$	3,335		$	3,463
	Long-term portion	2,908			3,028
	Total accrued self-insurance	$	6,243		$	6,491
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	Components of net periodic pension benefit cost for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended April 04, 2015			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
	Interest cost	$	1,427		$	1,521		$	2,854		$	3,042
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,600		)	(1,631		)	(3,199		)	(3,262		)
	Amortization of prior loss	913			701			1,826			1,402
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	740		$	591		$	1,481		$	1,182
	Amortization of prior loss, recognized in other comprehensive income	913			701			1,826			1,402
	Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$	(173	)	$	(110	)	$	(345	)	$	(220	)

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Debt consisted of the following:
	(in thousands of dollars)	As of April 04, 2015		As of September 27, 2014
	2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $10,861 and $12,132	$	218,264	$	222,868
	Total debt	$	218,264	$	222,868
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	11,750		11,750
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	206,514	$	211,118
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Annual schedules of the maturity of the principal of the Senior Credit Facility and the Senior Revolving Credit Facility for the five fiscal years are as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)
	Year	Amount
	2015	$	5,875
	2016	11,750
	2017	11,750
	2018	11,750
	2019	11,750
	2020	176,250
		$	229,125

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The tables below present segment net sales and gross profit for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	Net sales
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
		April 04, 2015
	Bus	$	169,223		$	182,988		$	321,206		$	316,913
	Parts	13,795			12,684			27,645			24,752
	Segment net sales	$	183,018		$	195,672		$	348,851		$	341,665
	Gross profit
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended April 04, 2015			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
	Bus	$	17,943		$	21,117		$	32,245		$	37,122
	Parts	5,087			4,885			10,263			9,340
	Segment gross profit	$	23,030		$	26,002		$	42,508		$	46,462
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	The following table is a reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
		April 04, 2015
	Segment gross profit	$	23,030		$	26,002		$	42,508		$	46,462
	Adjustments:
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(33,950		)	(14,430		)	(49,409		)	(28,531		)
	Interest expense	(4,761		)	(248		)	(9,896		)	(524		)
	Interest income	2			29			34			54
	Other income, net	23			2			33			21
	Operating income (loss) before income taxes	$	(15,656	)	$	11,355		$	(16,730	)	$	17,482
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	Sales are attributable to geographic areas based on customer location and were as follows for the three and six months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
	(in thousands of dollars)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended March 29, 2014			Six Months Ended April 04, 2015			Six Months Ended March 29, 2014
		April 04, 2015
	United States	$	152,381		$	171,792		$	308,332		$	306,754
	Canada	28,288			23,073			37,447			28,179
	Rest of world	2,349			807			3,072			6,732
	Total net sales	$	183,018		$	195,672		$	348,851		$	341,665

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods indicated:
	(in thousands except share data)	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014		April 04, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Net income (loss)	$	(11,095	)	$	7,629	$	(11,723	)	$	11,692
	Income available to common stockholders	(11,095		)	7,629		(11,723		)	11,692
	Weighted average shares outstanding Basic and Diluted	21,150,630			22,000,000		21,593,387			22,000,000
	Net income (loss) per common share Basic and Diluted	$	(0.52	)	$	0.35	$	(0.54	)	$	0.53

Incentive_Stock_Option_Plan_Ta

Incentive Stock Option Plan (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the period ended April 4, 2015:
	(Shares and per share in actual amounts)	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at September 27, 2014	—		—		—	—
	Granted	1,004,000		$	10.05	—	—
	Exercised	—		—		—	—
	Canceled	—		—		—	—
	Forfeited	—		—		—	—
	Outstanding at April 4, 2015	1,004,000		10.05		9.9	$	131
	Fully vested and expected to vest at April 4, 2015	993,000		10.05		9.9	$	129
	Exercisable at April 4, 2015	—
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of each option award on the grant date was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
	Dividend Yield	0	%
	Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.7	%
	Expected Volatility	40.1	%
	Expected Term (Years)	6

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o2

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) (School Bus Holdings, Inc., USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 24, 2015
School Bus Holdings, Inc.
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Cash paid	$100,000,000
Shares issued for acquisition (in shares)	12,000,000
Shares issued for acquisition, value	$120,000,000

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Accounts receivables	$13,089	$21,286
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-41	-71
Accounts receivables, net	$13,048	$21,215

Supplemental_Financial_Informa3

Supplemental Financial Information - Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Raw materials	$48,877	$45,570
Work in process	26,478	24,062
Finished goods	9,166	1,668
Total inventory	$84,521	$71,300

Supplemental_Financial_Informa4

Supplemental Financial Information - Product Warranty Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$15,226	$13,198	$15,559	$13,447
Add current period accruals	2,073	2,226	3,922	3,800
Current period reductions of accrual	-2,037	-1,920	-4,219	-3,743
Balance at end of period	$15,262	$13,504	$15,262	$13,504

Supplemental_Financial_Informa5

Supplemental Financial Information - Extended Warranty Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Movement in Extended Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$12,075	$10,217	$12,003	$10,743
Add current period deferred income	1,339	1,320	2,506	1,770
Current period recognition of income	-1,074	-993	-2,169	-1,969
Balance at end of period	$12,340	$10,544	$12,340	$10,544

Supplemental_Financial_Informa6

Supplemental Financial Information - Self Insurance (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Current portion	$3,335	$3,463
Long-term portion	2,908	3,028
Total accrued self-insurance	$6,243	$6,491

Supplemental_Financial_Informa7

Supplemental Financial Information - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Shipping and handling revenue	$2,463	$2,974	$6,053	$5,937
Shipping and handling costs	$2,169	$2,744	$5,351	$5,330
Minimum
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Standard product warranty, period			1 year
Extended product warranty, period			2 years
Maximum
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Standard product warranty, period			5 years
Extended product warranty, period			5 years

Supplemental_Financial_Informa8

Supplemental Financial Information - Pension Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Interest cost	$1,427	$1,521	$2,854	$3,042
Expected return on plan assets	-1,600	-1,631	-3,199	-3,262
Amortization of prior loss	913	701	1,826	1,402
Net periodic benefit cost	740	591	1,481	1,182
Amortization of prior loss, recognized in other comprehensive income	913	701	1,826	1,402
Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income	($173)	($110)	($345)	($220)

Debt_Schedule_of_Longterm_Debt

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$218,264	$222,868
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	11,750	11,750
Long-term debt, net of current portion	206,514	211,118
Senior Term Loan | 2020 Senior Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	218,264	222,868
2020 senior term loan, discount	$10,861	$12,132

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost paid to lenders			$12,700,000
Debt issuance costs paid to other third parties			1,600,000
Interest expense	4,800,000	200,000	9,900,000	500,000
Senior Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost paid to lenders			1,200,000
Senior Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount					235,000,000
Debt term					6 years
Stated interest rate (as a percent)							5.00%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%		6.50%			6.50%
Long-term line of credit	229,100,000		229,100,000			235,000,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%		6.50%				6.50%
Base Rate | Senior Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			4.50%			4.50%
LIBOR | Senior Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			5.50%			5.50%
Variable rate floor (as a percent)			0.01%			0.01%
Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Facility | Senior Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	60,000,000		60,000,000
Commitment fee (as a percent)			5.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Credit Facility | Senior Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			4.50%			4.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Credit Facility | Senior Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			5.50%			5.50%
Letters of Credit | Credit Facility | Senior Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	15,000,000		15,000,000
Line of credit, amount outstanding	$5,100,000		$5,100,000

Debt_Maturity_Schedule_Details

Debt - Maturity Schedule (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
2015	$5,875
2016	11,750
2017	11,750
2018	11,750
2019	11,750
2020	176,250
Total debt	$229,125

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	27.20%	32.40%	28.00%	33.30%
Statutory Federal income tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%		35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$6.40	$0	$6.40	$0
Accrued interest and penalties	$0.50	$0	$0.50	$0

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
			segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments			2
Net sales	$183,018	$195,672	$348,851	$341,665
Gross profit	23,030	26,002	42,508	46,462
Bus
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	169,223	182,988	321,206	316,913
Gross profit	17,943	21,117	32,245	37,122
Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	13,795	12,684	27,645	24,752
Gross profit	5,087	4,885	10,263	9,340
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	152,381	171,792	308,332	306,754
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	28,288	23,073	37,447	28,179
Rest of world
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$2,349	$807	$3,072	$6,732

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Segment Gross Profit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment gross profit	$23,030	$26,002	$42,508	$46,462
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-33,950	-14,430	-49,409	-28,531
Interest expense	-4,761	-248	-9,896	-524
Interest income	2	29	34	54
Other income, net	23	2	33	21
Operating income (loss) before income taxes	-15,656	11,355	-16,730	17,482
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment gross profit	23,030	26,002	42,508	46,462
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-33,950	-14,430	-49,409	-28,531
Interest expense	-4,761	-248	-9,896	-524
Interest income	2	29	34	54
Other income, net	$23	$2	$33	$21

Business_Combination_Details

Business Combination (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 24, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Feb. 18, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of managed funds		2
School Bus Holdings, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	$100,000,000
Shares issued for acquisition (in shares)	12,000,000
Shares issued for acquisition, value	120,000,000
School Bus Holdings, Inc. | Common Class A and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from private placement of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock	75,000,000
Backstop Commitment Investor
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lock-up period	12 months
Backstop Commitment Investor | Hennessy Capital | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Backstop purchase agreement, maximum purchase amount	10,000,000
Backstop purchase agreement, maximum purchase amount (in dollars per share)	$10
Backstop private placement, price per share (in dollars per share)	$10
Backstop private placement (in shares)	1,000,000
Shares acquired (in shares)	102,750
Number of shares under lock-up agreement (in shares)	872,250
PIPE Investment | Hennessy Capital | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	40,000,000
Shares acquired (in shares)	400,000
PIPE Investment | Hennessy Capital | Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Subscription agreement purchase amount (in shares)		400,000
Subscription agreement purchase amount	40,000,000
Subscription agreement, possible increased amount (in shares)	500,000
Subscription agreement, possible increased amount	50,000,000
Hennessy Capital | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shares redeemed (in shares)	7,494,700
Shares redeemed, value	74,900,000
Common/Preferred Investor | Hennessy Capital | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	25,000,000
Backstop purchase agreement, maximum purchase amount			25,000,000
Backstop purchase agreement, maximum purchase amount (in dollars per share)			$10
Backstop private placement, price per share (in dollars per share)			$10
Shares acquired (in shares)	2,500,000
Common/Preferred Investor | Hennessy Capital | Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	10,000,000
Backstop private placement (in shares)			100,000
Backstop private placement			$10,000,000
Shares acquired (in shares)	100,000
Blue Bird Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lock-up period	180 days
Blue Bird Corporation | Hennessy Capital
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shares acquired (in shares)	2,875,000
Shares forfeited (in shares)	1,900,000

Stockholders_Deficit_Common_an

Stockholders' Deficit - Common and Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 24, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized		110,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized		100,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized		10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		20,692,794	22,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		20,692,794	22,000,000
Common Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized		100,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.00
Common shares sold in private placement (in shares)	2,500,000
Shares issued in private placement, price per share (in dollars per share)	$10
Common stock, shares issued		20,692,794
Common stock, shares outstanding		20,692,794
Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.00
Issuance of stock	500,000
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)		$100
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		2,000,000
Shares of common stock issued upon conversion		8.6
Conversion price (in dollars per share)		$11.59
Dividend rate (as a percent)		7.63%
Undesignated Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		8,000,000
School Bus Holdings, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued for acquisition (in shares)	12,000,000
Hennessy Capital | Common Shares | Backstop Commitment Investor
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares acquired (in shares)	102,750

Stockholders_Deficit_Warrants_

Stockholders' Deficit - Warrants (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Mar. 17, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015
Public Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)	8,809,538
Number of shares received from exercise of each warrant (in shares)	0.5	0.1
Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per warrant)	5.75
Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per share)	$11.50
Expiration period	5 years
Common stock trigger price (in dollars per share)	$24
Threshold trading days	20 days
Threshold consecutive trading days	30 days
Shares withdrawn to shares tendered, ratio		0.1
Number of warrants tendered (in shares)		2,690,462
Number of shares of common stock issued for warrants (in shares)		269,046
Placement Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)	2,690,462			12,125,000
Number of shares received from exercise of each warrant (in shares)	0.5
Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per warrant)	5.75
Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per share)	$11.50			$0.50
Warrants outstanding, value	$6.10
Number of warrants tendered (in shares)			9,434,538
Number of shares of common stock issued for warrants (in shares)			943,454
Warrant Exchange
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)	2,690,462
Maximum | Warrant Exchange
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)		5,750,000

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($11,095)	$7,629	($11,723)	$11,692
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	($11,095)	$7,629	($11,723)	$11,692
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	21,150,630	22,000,000	21,593,387	22,000,000
Net income (loss) per common share Basic and Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.52)	$0.35	($0.54)	$0.53

Incentive_Stock_Option_Plan_De

Incentive Stock Option Plan (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	1,004,000
Exercised (in shares)	0
Canceled (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,004,000
Fully vested and expected to vest (in shares)	993,000
Exercisable (in shares)	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$0
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.05
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$0
Canceled (in dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$10.05
Fully vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$10.05
Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term	9 years 10 months 24 days
Fully vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term	9 years 10 months 24 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$131,000
Fully vested and expected to vest , Aggregate Intrinsic Value	129,000
Unrecognized compensation costs	4,100,000
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs	3 years
Stock-based compensation	$55,000

Incentive_Stock_Option_Plan_Fa

Incentive Stock Option Plan - Fair Value Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted average fair value of equity awards (in dollars per share)	4.14
Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend Yield	0.00%
Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.70%
Expected Volatility	40.10%
Expected Term	6 years