Blue Bird (BLBD) 10-Q 18 Aug 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Aug. 14, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Blue Bird Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1,589,526
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-03
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jul. 4, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,787,845

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 27,823	$ 61,137
Accounts receivable, net	33,815	21,215
Inventories	106,520	71,300
Other current assets	4,421	4,353
Deferred tax asset	2,542	6,057
Total current assets	175,121	164,062
Property, plant and equipment, net	27,880	29,949
Goodwill	18,825	18,825
Intangible assets, net	60,844	62,240
Equity investment in affiliate	10,921	9,871
Deferred tax asset	11,005	4,073
Other assets	3,026	2,913
Total assets	307,622	291,933
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	115,866	94,294
Accrued warranty costs—current portion	6,839	6,594
Accrued expenses	25,021	37,319
Deferred warranty income—current portion	4,546	4,117
Other current liabilities	5,699	5,668
Current portion of senior term debt	11,750	11,750
Total current liabilities	169,721	159,742
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt	204,177	211,118
Accrued warranty costs	9,444	8,965
Deferred warranty income	8,648	7,886
Other liabilities	12,828	12,136
Accrued pension liability	36,650	40,881
Total long-term liabilities	$ 271,747	$ 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 July 4, 2015 and liquidation preference of $50,000	$ 50,000	$ 0
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,787,845 and 22,000,000 issued and outstanding at July 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively.	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	14,791	0
Accumulated deficit	(153,851)	(102,229)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(44,788)	(46,568)
Total stockholders' deficit	(133,846)	(148,795)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$ 307,622	$ 291,933

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001
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 (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	20,787,845
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,787,845

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 262,653	$ 240,326	$ 611,504	$ 581,991
Cost of goods sold	225,991	206,564	532,334	501,767
Gross profit	36,662	33,762	79,170	80,224
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17,404	38,369	66,813	66,900
Operating income (loss)	19,258	(4,607)	12,357	13,324
Interest expense	(4,577)	(711)	(14,473)	(1,235)
Interest income	5	14	39	68
Other (expense) income, net	(33)	48	0	69
Income (loss) before income taxes	14,653	(5,256)	(2,077)	12,226
Income tax (expense) benefit	(4,323)	(2,795)	360	(8,620)
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate, net of tax of $190, $75, $368 and $94, respectively	353	118	681	164
Income (loss) from continuing operations	10,683	(7,933)	(1,036)	3,770
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(127)	(4)	(138)
Net income (loss)	10,683	(8,060)	(1,040)	3,632
Defined benefit pension plan gain, net of tax of $319, $266, $958 and $757, respectively	593	435	1,780	1,346
Comprehensive income (loss)	11,276	(7,625)	740	4,978
Preferred stock dividend	1,239	0	1,239	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 9,444	$ (8,060)	$ (2,279)	$ 3,632
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	20,712,860	22,000,000	21,306,118	22,000,000
Basic earnings per share (loss per share) (in dollars per share)	$ 0.46	$ (0.37)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.17
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	28,081,412	22,000,000	21,306,118	22,000,000
Diluted earnings per share (loss per share) (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ (0.37)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.17

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate, tax expense (benefit)	$ 190	$ 75	$ 368	$ 94
Defined benefit pension plan gain, tax	$ 319	$ 266	$ 958	$ 757

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income	$ (1,040)	$ 3,632
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	4	138
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,646	7,397
Amortization of debt costs	2,283	539
Share-based compensation	526	0
Equity in net income of affiliate	(681)	(164)
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets	495	(2)
Deferred taxes	(4,464)	762
Change in uncertain tax position	0	6,390
Provision for bad debt	134	79
Amortization of deferred actuarial pension losses	2,738	2,103
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(12,734)	(10,870)
Inventories	(35,220)	(46,239)
Other assets	(592)	(586)
Accounts payable	24,049	35,751
Accrued expenses, pension and other liabilities	(13,778)	9,221
Total adjustments	(30,598)	4,381
Net cash (used in)/provided by continuing operations	(31,634)	8,151
Net cash used in discontinued operations	(4)	(115)
Total cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	(31,638)	8,036
Cash flows from investing activities
Change in net investment in discounted leases	0	252
Cash paid for fixed assets	(3,427)	(3,264)
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	23
Restricted cash	0	1,206
Total cash used in investing activities	(3,427)	(1,783)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net borrowings under the senior credit facility	0	(128)
Borrowings under the senior term loan	0	235,000
Repayments under the senior term loan	(8,813)	(13,000)
Cash paid for capital leases	(114)	(490)
Cash paid for debt costs	(2,872)	(12,562)
Contribution from majority stockholder	13,550	0
Payment of dividends	0	(225,700)
Change in advances collateralized by discounted leases	0	(251)
Total cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	1,751	(17,131)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(33,314)	(10,878)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	61,137	46,594
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	27,823	35,716
Non-cash investing and financing activity
Dividend declared but unpaid	0	1,121
Capital lease acquisitions	0	167
Change in accounts payable for capital additions to property, plant and equipment	248	252
Common stock dividend on Series A preferred stock (market value of common shares)	1,239	0
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 Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit - 9 months ended Jul. 04, 2015 - USD ($)	Total	Common Shares	Preferred Shares	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance (in shares) (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Sep. 27, 2014		100
Beginning Balance (in shares) (Restatement Adjustment)		22,000,000
Beginning Balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Sep. 27, 2014	$ (148,796,000)	$ 1,000			$ (46,568,000)	$ (102,229,000)
Beginning Balance (Restatement Adjustment)	(148,795,000)	$ 2,000			(46,568,000)	(102,229,000)
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	526,000			526,000
Warrant exchange (in shares)		1,212,500
Warrant exchange		$ 100		715,000		(715,000)
Series A Preferred Stock dividend - Common Stock	1,239,000	$ 10
Net income (loss)	(1,040,000)					(1,040,000)
Minimum pension liability, net of tax $958	1,780,000				1,780,000
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jul. 04, 2015		20,787,845	500,000
Ending Balance at Jul. 04, 2015	$ (133,846,000)	$ 2,000	$ 50,000,000	$ 14,791,000	$ (44,788,000)	$ (153,851,000)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Deficit (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability, tax	$ 319	$ 266	$ 958	$ 757

Nature of Business and Basis of

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation Nature of Business On February 24, 2015, Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. ("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 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. On May 15, 2015, the Nasdaq Staff informed us orally that we must have 400 round lot holders of our warrants, pursuant to Listing Rule 5410(d), in order for our warrants to continue to be listed on either the Nasdaq Capital Market or the Nasdaq Global Market. Our warrants began trading on the OTCQB on June 2, 2015 as the warrants do not currently meet the round lot requirement. 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 nine months ended were 13 weeks and 40 weeks, respectively. For fiscal year 2014 the three and nine months ended were 13 weeks and 39 weeks respectively. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation 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 were derived from the Company’s audited financial statements but do 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. 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 HCAC 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 of intangible assets or goodwill was recorded in this transaction. We have effected this treatment through opening stockholders' 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 and its related entities. In previously reported Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, we presented borrowings under our senior credit facility gross, as both inflows and outflows from financing activities. As these borrowings are due on demand, they are considered to have maturities of three months or less and therefore qualify for net reporting. Accordingly, in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended June 28, 2014 presented in this Form 10-Q, we have reclassified borrowings under the senior credit facility from gross presentation, as previously reported, to net presentation. The prior presentation of borrowings and payments under the senior credit facility for the nine months ended June 28, 2014 showed borrowings of $2.6 million and payments of $2.7 million . The current presentation shows net payment of $0.1 million . 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 the Company has not adopted any new accounting standards that have had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). The amended guidance requires that all costs incurred to issue debt be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt. The amended guidance is limited to the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been issued and application can be retrospective. The adoption of this ASU will have a limited impact on our consolidated financial statements and will result in the reclassification of approximately $1.2 million of debt issuance costs currently classified as an asset being presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of debt. 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 for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact 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 do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Reporting discontinued operations and disclosure of disposals of components of an entity” (“ASU 2014-08”). The amended guidance requires that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity classified as held for sale should be reported as discontinued operations. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations and add new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08. The impact on the Company of this adoption will depend on the nature and size of future disposals, if any, of a component of the Company.

Supplemental Financial Informat

Supplemental Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 Accounts receivable $ 34,020 $ 21,286 Allowance for doubtful accounts (205 ) (71 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 33,815 $ 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 July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 Raw materials $ 65,680 $ 45,570 Work in process 30,847 24,062 Finished goods 9,993 1,668 Total inventory $ 106,520 $ 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Balance at beginning of period $ 15,262 $ 13,504 $ 15,559 $ 13,447 Add current period accruals 3,014 2,760 6,936 6,561 Current period reductions of accrual (1,993 ) (1,708 ) (6,212 ) (5,452 ) Balance at end of period $ 16,283 $ 14,556 $ 16,283 $ 14,556 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Balance at beginning of period $ 12,340 $ 10,545 $ 12,003 $ 10,743 Add current period deferred income 1,939 1,803 4,445 3,574 Current period recognition of income (1,085 ) (985 ) (3,254 ) (2,954 ) Balance at end of period $ 13,194 $ 11,363 $ 13,194 $ 11,363 Self-Insurance Total accrued self-insurance liability, comprised of workers compensation and health insurance related claims, were as follows: (in thousands of dollars) As of July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 Current portion $ 3,814 $ 3,463 Long-term portion 3,145 3,028 Total accrued self-insurance $ 6,959 $ 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 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 $4.5 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , respectively, and $10.6 million and $11.0 million for the nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , respectively. The related costs of goods sold were $4.0 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , respectively, and $9.4 million and $10.0 million for the nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , respectively. Pension Expense Components of net periodic pension benefit cost for the three and nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 were as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended July 4, 2015 Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Interest cost $ 1,426 $ 1,521 $ 4,280 $ 4,563 Expected return on plan assets (1,599 ) (1,631 ) (4,798 ) (4,893 ) Amortization of prior loss 912 701 2,738 2,103 Net periodic benefit cost $ 739 $ 591 $ 2,220 $ 1,773 Amortization of prior loss, recognized in other comprehensive income 912 701 2,738 2,103 Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (173 ) $ (110 ) $ (518 ) $ (330 ) Equity Investment in Affiliate The Company holds a 50% equity interest in Micro Bird Holdings, Inc. (“Micro Bird”), and accounts for Micro Bird under the equity method of accounting. The carrying amount of the equity method investment is adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of net earnings and losses and dividends received. At July 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the Company had an investment of $10.9 million and $9.9 million , respectively. In recognizing the Company’s 50% portion of Micro Bird net income, the Company recorded $0.7 million and $0.2 million in Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate, net of tax for the nine-months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , respectively. Summarized unaudited financial information for these periods for Micro Bird is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Revenues $ 51,173 $ 50,251 Gross profit 7,073 4,804 Operating income 3,164 939 Net income $ 2,387 $ 742

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt consisted of the following: (in thousands of dollars) As of July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $10,260 and $12,132 $ 215,927 $ 222,868 Total debt $ 215,927 $ 222,868 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 11,750 11,750 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 204,177 $ 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 July 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 July 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 July 4, 2015 . The commitment fee on unused amounts of the Senior Revolving Credit Facility is 0.5% . 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 July 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , $226.2 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 Senior Credit Facility 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 July 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 July 4, 2015 and September 27, 2014 . Total interest expense recognized by the Company during the fiscal quarters ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , was approximately $4.6 million and $0.7 million , respectively. Interest expense for the nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 was approximately $14.5 million and $1.2 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 $ 2,938 2016 11,750 2017 11,750 2018 11,750 2019 11,750 2020 176,250 $ 226,188

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 were 29.5% and (53.2)% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended July 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, state tax items and other permanent 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 June 28, 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 by an uncertain tax position for state tax expense. The effective tax rates for the nine month periods ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 were 17.3% and 70.5% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine month period ended July 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, state tax items and other permanent items offset by interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions and transaction costs. The effective tax rate for the nine month period ended June 28, 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 by an uncertain tax position for state tax expense. Of the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , $ 6.4 million and $ 6.4 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 Condensed 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 , were $0.8 million and $0 , respectively.

Guarantees, Commitments and Con

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies	Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies Litigation As of July 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 positions, 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	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : Net sales (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Bus $ 248,487 $ 226,139 $ 569,693 $ 543,052 Parts 14,166 14,187 41,811 38,939 Segment net sales $ 262,653 $ 240,326 $ 611,504 $ 581,991 Gross profit (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended July 4, 2015 Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Bus $ 31,670 $ 28,544 $ 63,915 $ 65,666 Parts 4,992 5,218 15,255 14,558 Segment gross profit $ 36,662 $ 33,762 $ 79,170 $ 80,224 The following table is a reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for the three and nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Segment gross profit $ 36,662 $ 33,762 $ 79,170 $ 80,224 Adjustments: Selling, general and administrative expenses (17,404 ) (38,369 ) (66,813 ) (66,900 ) Interest expense (4,577 ) (711 ) (14,473 ) (1,235 ) Interest income 5 14 39 68 Other (expense) income, net (33 ) 48 — 69 Operating income (loss) before income taxes $ 14,653 $ (5,256 ) $ (2,077 ) $ 12,226 Sales are attributable to geographic areas based on customer location and were as follows for the three and nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 United States $ 257,522 $ 219,692 $ 565,854 $ 526,446 Canada 4,585 19,975 42,032 48,154 Rest of world 546 659 3,618 7,391 Total net sales $ 262,653 $ 240,326 $ 611,504 $ 581,991

Business Combination

Business Combination	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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. On May 15, 2015, the Nasdaq Staff informed us orally that we must have 400 round lot holders of our warrants, pursuant to Listing Rule 5410(d), in order for our warrants to continue to be listed on either the Nasdaq Capital Market or the Nasdaq Global Market. Our warrants began trading on the OTCQB on June 2nd, 2015 as the warrants do not currently meet the round lot requirement. 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, the Business Combination was approved by Hennessy Capital’s stockholders at the ("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 $75 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the last sale price of our common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30 -trading day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial Business Combination, or (2) if we consummate a transaction after our initial Business Combination which results in our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash or property worth at least $12.00 per share, the initial stockholders will be released from the lock-up. 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	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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” or "Convertible Preferred Stock") 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 July 4, 2015 , there were 20,787,845 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Convertible 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 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, beginning on or after the third anniversary of the initial issuance date, 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. Unless prohibited by applicable law, the Board shall not fail to declare such dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Dividends accrue for all fiscal periods the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is outstanding. 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. On June 15, 2015, we paid a dividend in the form of 95,051 shares of common stock to the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. As we are in an accumulated deficit position, we reduced Additional paid-in capital for the dividend payment at the same amount that we recorded Additional paid-in capital for the issuance of the common stock, which resulted in no net change to our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit. The fair value of this dividend is reflected as a deduction from net income to calculate net income available to common stockholders in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. 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 the OTCQB market 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 were 2,690,462 Placement Warrants outstanding as of July 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 exchanges, there remained a total of 2,690,462 Placement Warrants and 8,809,538 Public Warrants outstanding. The exchange transactions provided no cash proceeds to the Company.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings (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 the weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method. The dilutive effect of our Convertible Preferred Stock is determined using the if-converted 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 a net loss occurred, 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. For purposes of calculating basic earnings per share, income (loss) available to common stockholders is reduced in periods where we have paid a dividend on our Convertible 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 Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Net income (loss) $ 10,683 $ (8,060 ) $ (1,040 ) $ 3,632 Less: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend 1,239 — 1,239 — Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ 9,444 $ (8,060 ) $ (2,279 ) $ 3,632 Add: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend $ 1,239 $ — $ — $ — Net income available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator $ 10,683 $ — $ — $ — Basic weighted average shares outstanding 20,712,860 22,000,000 21,306,118 22,000,000 Basic earnings per share (loss per share) $ 0.46 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.11 ) $ 0.17 Effect of dilutive securities: Non-qualified stock options — — — — Warrants 3,054,478 — — — Restricted stock 10 — — — Convertible Preferred Stock - if converted 4,314,064 — — — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 28,081,412 22,000,000 21,306,118 22,000,000 Diluted earnings per share (loss per share) $ 0.38 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.11 ) $ 0.17

Share Based Compensation

Share Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation	Share Based Compensation 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 100% 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 had 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. 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. Restricted stock units and restricted stock awards are valued based on the intrinsic value of the difference between the exercise price of the award and the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. We expense any award with graded-vesting features using a straight-line attribution method. In our fiscal 2015 third quarter we granted 36,585 restricted stock units ("RSU's") to our Board members and 490,000 shares of restricted stock ("RSA") to management employees. RSU's vest over 10 months , however the recipient does not receive the benefits of the award until the earlier of their termination of service from the Board or a change in control, as defined in the RSU agreements. We recognize expense for these awards over the requisite service (vesting) period as the achievement of the implicit performance condition is always probable based on our corporate charter and Board member terms. The RSA's granted vest over a 33 month period. The following table summarizes the Company's RSA and RSU award activity for the period ended July 4, 2015 : Shares in thousands Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 — — Granted 526,585 $ 13.18 Vested — — Forfeited/canceled — — Unvested shares at July 4, 2015 526,585 $ 13.18 As of July 4, 2015 , there was $6.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards. The expense for these unvested RSA awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.75 years . The expense for these unvested RSU awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of nine months . In the three and nine-month periods ended July 4, 2015 , we recognized $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards. The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the period ended July 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 July 4, 2015 1,004,000 10.05 9.7 $ 131 Fully vested and expected to vest at July 4, 2015 993,000 10.05 9.7 $ 129 Exercisable at July 4, 2015 — As of July 4, 2015 , there was $3.8 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 2.75 years. In the three and nine month periods ended July 4, 2015 , we recognized $0.3 and $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense from option grants, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted in the nine months ended July 4, 2015 is $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 19

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 nine months ended were 13 weeks and 40 weeks, respectively. For fiscal year 2014 the three and nine months ended were 13 weeks and 39 weeks respectively. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation 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 were derived from the Company’s audited financial statements but do 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. 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 HCAC 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 of intangible assets or goodwill was recorded in this transaction. We have effected this treatment through opening stockholders' 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 and its related entities. In previously reported Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, we presented borrowings under our senior credit facility gross, as both inflows and outflows from financing activities. As these borrowings are due on demand, they are considered to have maturities of three months or less and therefore qualify for net reporting. Accordingly, in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended June 28, 2014 presented in this Form 10-Q, we have reclassified borrowings under the senior credit facility from gross presentation, as previously reported, to net presentation. The prior presentation of borrowings and payments under the senior credit facility for the nine months ended June 28, 2014 showed borrowings of $2.6 million and payments of $2.7 million . The current presentation shows net payment of $0.1 million .
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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 the Company has not adopted any new accounting standards that have had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). The amended guidance requires that all costs incurred to issue debt be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt. The amended guidance is limited to the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been issued and application can be retrospective. The adoption of this ASU will have a limited impact on our consolidated financial statements and will result in the reclassification of approximately $1.2 million of debt issuance costs currently classified as an asset being presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of debt. 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 for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact 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 do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Financial Inform20

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 Accounts receivable $ 34,020 $ 21,286 Allowance for doubtful accounts (205 ) (71 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 33,815 $ 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 July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 Raw materials $ 65,680 $ 45,570 Work in process 30,847 24,062 Finished goods 9,993 1,668 Total inventory $ 106,520 $ 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Balance at beginning of period $ 15,262 $ 13,504 $ 15,559 $ 13,447 Add current period accruals 3,014 2,760 6,936 6,561 Current period reductions of accrual (1,993 ) (1,708 ) (6,212 ) (5,452 ) Balance at end of period $ 16,283 $ 14,556 $ 16,283 $ 14,556 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Balance at beginning of period $ 12,340 $ 10,545 $ 12,003 $ 10,743 Add current period deferred income 1,939 1,803 4,445 3,574 Current period recognition of income (1,085 ) (985 ) (3,254 ) (2,954 ) Balance at end of period $ 13,194 $ 11,363 $ 13,194 $ 11,363
Schedule of Self Insurance Reserve	Total accrued self-insurance liability, comprised of workers compensation and health insurance related claims, were as follows: (in thousands of dollars) As of July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 Current portion $ 3,814 $ 3,463 Long-term portion 3,145 3,028 Total accrued self-insurance $ 6,959 $ 6,491
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	Components of net periodic pension benefit cost for the three and nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 were as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended July 4, 2015 Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Interest cost $ 1,426 $ 1,521 $ 4,280 $ 4,563 Expected return on plan assets (1,599 ) (1,631 ) (4,798 ) (4,893 ) Amortization of prior loss 912 701 2,738 2,103 Net periodic benefit cost $ 739 $ 591 $ 2,220 $ 1,773 Amortization of prior loss, recognized in other comprehensive income 912 701 2,738 2,103 Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ (173 ) $ (110 ) $ (518 ) $ (330 )
Equity Method Investments	Summarized unaudited financial information for these periods for Micro Bird is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Revenues $ 51,173 $ 50,251 Gross profit 7,073 4,804 Operating income 3,164 939 Net income $ 2,387 $ 742

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Debt consisted of the following: (in thousands of dollars) As of July 4, 2015 As of September 27, 2014 2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $10,260 and $12,132 $ 215,927 $ 222,868 Total debt $ 215,927 $ 222,868 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 11,750 11,750 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 204,177 $ 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 $ 2,938 2016 11,750 2017 11,750 2018 11,750 2019 11,750 2020 176,250 $ 226,188

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : Net sales (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Bus $ 248,487 $ 226,139 $ 569,693 $ 543,052 Parts 14,166 14,187 41,811 38,939 Segment net sales $ 262,653 $ 240,326 $ 611,504 $ 581,991 Gross profit (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended July 4, 2015 Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Bus $ 31,670 $ 28,544 $ 63,915 $ 65,666 Parts 4,992 5,218 15,255 14,558 Segment gross profit $ 36,662 $ 33,762 $ 79,170 $ 80,224
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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 Segment gross profit $ 36,662 $ 33,762 $ 79,170 $ 80,224 Adjustments: Selling, general and administrative expenses (17,404 ) (38,369 ) (66,813 ) (66,900 ) Interest expense (4,577 ) (711 ) (14,473 ) (1,235 ) Interest income 5 14 39 68 Other (expense) income, net (33 ) 48 — 69 Operating income (loss) before income taxes $ 14,653 $ (5,256 ) $ (2,077 ) $ 12,226
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 nine months ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 28, 2014 Nine Months Ended July 4, 2015 Nine Months Ended June 28, 2014 United States $ 257,522 $ 219,692 $ 565,854 $ 526,446 Canada 4,585 19,975 42,032 48,154 Rest of world 546 659 3,618 7,391 Total net sales $ 262,653 $ 240,326 $ 611,504 $ 581,991

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 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 Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Net income (loss) $ 10,683 $ (8,060 ) $ (1,040 ) $ 3,632 Less: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend 1,239 — 1,239 — Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ 9,444 $ (8,060 ) $ (2,279 ) $ 3,632 Add: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend $ 1,239 $ — $ — $ — Net income available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator $ 10,683 $ — $ — $ — Basic weighted average shares outstanding 20,712,860 22,000,000 21,306,118 22,000,000 Basic earnings per share (loss per share) $ 0.46 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.11 ) $ 0.17 Effect of dilutive securities: Non-qualified stock options — — — — Warrants 3,054,478 — — — Restricted stock 10 — — — Convertible Preferred Stock - if converted 4,314,064 — — — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 28,081,412 22,000,000 21,306,118 22,000,000 Diluted earnings per share (loss per share) $ 0.38 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.11 ) $ 0.17

Share Based Compensation (Table

Share Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	The following table summarizes the Company's RSA and RSU award activity for the period ended July 4, 2015 : Shares in thousands Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 — — Granted 526,585 $ 13.18 Vested — — Forfeited/canceled — — Unvested shares at July 4, 2015 526,585 $ 13.18
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the period ended July 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 July 4, 2015 1,004,000 10.05 9.7 $ 131 Fully vested and expected to vest at July 4, 2015 993,000 10.05 9.7 $ 129 Exercisable at July 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 25

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 24, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net Borrowings/Repayments under the senior credit facility				$ 0	$ 128,000
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fiscal period duration		91 days	91 days	280 days	273 days
Early adoption of recently issued accounting standards, reclassification amount		$ 1,200,000		$ 1,200,000
Scenario, Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Proceeds from lines of credit					$ 2,600,000
Repayments of lines of credit					$ 2,700,000
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 Inform26

Supplemental Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 34,020	$ 21,286
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(205)	(71)
Accounts receivable, net	$ 33,815	$ 21,215

Supplemental Financial Inform27

Supplemental Financial Information - Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 65,680	$ 45,570
Work in process	30,847	24,062
Finished goods	9,993	1,668
Total inventory	$ 106,520	$ 71,300

Supplemental Financial Inform28

Supplemental Financial Information - Product Warranty Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 15,262	$ 13,504	$ 15,559	$ 13,447
Add current period accruals	3,014	2,760	6,936	6,561
Current period reductions of accrual	(1,993)	(1,708)	(6,212)	(5,452)
Balance at end of period	$ 16,283	$ 14,556	$ 16,283	$ 14,556

Supplemental Financial Inform29

Supplemental Financial Information - Extended Warranty Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Movement in Extended Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 12,340	$ 10,545	$ 12,003	$ 10,743
Add current period deferred income	1,939	1,803	4,445	3,574
Current period recognition of income	(1,085)	(985)	(3,254)	(2,954)
Balance at end of period	$ 13,194	$ 11,363	$ 13,194	$ 11,363

Supplemental Financial Inform30

Supplemental Financial Information - Self Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Current portion	$ 3,814	$ 3,463
Long-term portion	3,145	3,028
Total accrued self-insurance	$ 6,959	$ 6,491

Supplemental Financial Inform31

Supplemental Financial Information - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Shipping and handling revenue	$ 4.5	$ 5.1	$ 10.6	$ 11
Shipping and handling costs	$ 4	$ 4.7	$ 9.4	$ 10
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 Inform32

Supplemental Financial Information - Pension Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 1,426	$ 1,521	$ 4,280	$ 4,563
Expected return on plan assets	(1,599)	(1,631)	(4,798)	(4,893)
Amortization of prior loss	912	701	2,738	2,103
Net periodic benefit cost	739	591	2,220	1,773
Amortization of prior loss, recognized in other comprehensive income	912	701	2,738	2,103
Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ (173)	$ (110)	$ (518)	$ (330)

Supplemental Financial Inform33

Supplemental Financial Information - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity investment in affiliate	$ 10,921		$ 10,921		$ 9,871
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliates	$ 353	$ 118	$ 681	$ 164
Micro Bird Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest in equity method investment (as a percent)	50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in affiliate	$ 10,900		$ 10,900		$ 9,900
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues			51,173	50,251
Gross profit			7,073	4,804
Operating income			3,164	939
Net income			$ 2,387	$ 742

Debt - Schedule of Long-term De

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 04, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 215,927	$ 222,868
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	11,750	11,750
Long-term debt, net of current portion	204,177	211,118
Senior Term Loan | 2020 Senior Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	215,927	222,868
2020 senior term loan, discount	$ 10,260	$ 12,132

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Apr. 04, 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		$ 4,600,000	$ 700,000	14,500,000	$ 1,200,000
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		$ 226,200,000		$ 226,200,000		$ 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)				0.50%
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 (Detai

Debt - Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
2,015	$ 2,938
2,016	11,750
2,017	11,750
2,018	11,750
2,019	11,750
2,020	176,250
Total debt	$ 226,188

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	29.50%	(53.20%)	17.30%	70.50%
Statutory Federal income tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 6.4	$ 6.4	$ 6.4	$ 6.4
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 0.8	$ 0	$ 0.8	$ 0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)segment	Jun. 28, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | segment			2
Net sales	$ 262,653	$ 240,326	$ 611,504	$ 581,991
Gross profit	36,662	33,762	79,170	80,224
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	257,522	219,692	565,854	526,446
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4,585	19,975	42,032	48,154
Rest of world
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	546	659	3,618	7,391
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross profit	36,662	33,762	79,170	80,224
Operating Segments | Bus
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	248,487	226,139	569,693	543,052
Gross profit	31,670	28,544	63,915	65,666
Operating Segments | Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	14,166	14,187	41,811	38,939
Gross profit	$ 4,992	$ 5,218	$ 15,255	$ 14,558

Segment Information - Reconcili

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Segment Gross Profit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment gross profit	$ 36,662	$ 33,762	$ 79,170	$ 80,224
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(17,404)	(38,369)	(66,813)	(66,900)
Interest expense	(4,577)	(711)	(14,473)	(1,235)
Interest income	5	14	39	68
Other (expense) income, net	(33)	48	0	69
Operating income (loss) before income taxes	14,653	(5,256)	(2,077)	12,226
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment gross profit	36,662	33,762	79,170	80,224
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(17,404)	(38,369)	(66,813)	(66,900)
Interest expense	(4,577)	(711)	(14,473)	(1,235)
Interest income	5	14	39	68
Other (expense) income, net	$ (33)	$ 48	$ 0	$ 69

Business Combination (Details)

Business Combination (Details)	Feb. 24, 2015USD ($)fund$ / sharesshares	Feb. 18, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 04, 2015$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of managed funds | fund	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) | $ / shares	$ 10
Backstop private placement, price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 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
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) | $ / shares		$ 10
Backstop private placement, price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 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
Hennessy Capital | Common Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Shares redeemed (in shares)	7,494,700
Shares redeemed, value | $	$ 75,000,000
Blue Bird Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lock-up period	180 days
Lock Up agreement sale price of common stock, equal to or exceeds (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 12
Threshold trading days			20 days
Consecutive trading day period			30 days
Initial Lock Up period			150 days
Convertible shares, value of cash or property (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 12
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

Stockholders' Deficit - Common and Preferred Stock (Details) - $ / shares	Feb. 24, 2015	Jul. 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)		$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized		10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares issued		20,787,845	22,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		20,787,845	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)		$ 0.0001
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		20,787,845
Common stock, shares outstanding		20,787,845
Preferred Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized		10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.0001
Issuance of stock (in shares)	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	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)		7.625%
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 - Warrant

Stockholders' Deficit - Warrants (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015$ / shares$ / warrantshares	Mar. 17, 2015shares	Mar. 02, 2015shares	Feb. 24, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
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) | $ / warrant	5.75
Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.50
Expiration period	5 years
Common stock trigger price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24
Threshold trading days	20 days
Threshold consecutive trading days	30 days
Shares withdrawn to shares tendered, ratio			0.10
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) | $ / warrant	5.75
Exercise price of warrant (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.50			$ 0.50
Warrants outstanding, value | $				$ 6.1
Number of warrants tendered (in shares)		9,434,538
Number of shares of common stock issued for warrants (in shares)		943,454
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 ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Including Dilutive Securities [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 10,683	$ (8,060)	$ (1,040)	$ 3,632
Less: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend	1,239	0	1,239	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	9,444	(8,060)	(2,279)	3,632
Add: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend	1,239	0	0	0
Net income available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator	$ 10,683	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	20,712,860	22,000,000	21,306,118	22,000,000
Basic earnings per share (loss per share) (in dollars per share)	$ 0.46	$ (0.37)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.17
Effect of dilutive securities:
Warrants (in shares)	3,054,478	0	0	0
Convertible Preferred Stock - if converted (in shares)	4,314,064	0	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	28,081,412	22,000,000	21,306,118	22,000,000
Diluted earnings per share (loss per share) (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ (0.37)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.17
Non-qualified stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities related to share based compensation (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities related to share based compensation (in shares)	10	0	0	0

Share Based Compensation - Narr

Share Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - Jul. 04, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs		2 years 9 months
Stock-based compensation	$ 0.3	$ 0.4
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in period (in shares)	36,585
Award vesting period		10 months
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs		9 months
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in period (in shares)	490,000
Award vesting period		33 months
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs		2 years 9 months
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in period (in shares)		526,585,000
Unrecogniized compensation expense	$ 6.8	$ 6.8
Stock-based compensation	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Share Based Compensation - Rest

Share Based Compensation - Restricted Stock and Unit Activity (Details) - Jul. 04, 2015 - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Total
Number of Shares
Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	526,585
Vested (in shares)	0
Forfeited/canceled (in shares)	0
Unvested shares at July 4, 2015 (in shares)	526,585
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	13.18
Vested (in dollars per share)	0
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share)	0
Unvested shares at July 4, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 13.18

Share Based Compensation (Detai

Share Based Compensation (Details) - Jul. 04, 2015 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Total	Total
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	1,004,000
Fully vested and expected to vest (in shares)	993,000	993,000
Exercisable (in shares)	0	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	10.05
Fully vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$ 10.05	$ 10.05
Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term		9 years 8 months 12 days
Fully vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term		9 years 8 months 12 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 131	$ 131
Fully vested and expected to vest , Aggregate Intrinsic Value	129	129
Unrecognized compensation costs	3,800	$ 3,800
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs		2 years 9 months
Stock-based compensation	$ 300	$ 400

Share Based Compensation - Fair

Share Based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions (Details) - Jul. 04, 2015 - $ / shares	Total
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

Uncategorized Items - blbd-2015

Label	Element	Value
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock Dividends, Shares	us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsShares	95,051
Common Stock [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Reverse Acquisition	blbd_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueReverseAcquisition	$ 2
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Reverse Acquisition	blbd_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesReverseAcquisition	22,000,000