Blue Bird (BLBD) 10-K 15 Dec 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Dec. 08, 2015	Apr. 04, 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-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 3, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,884,847
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 46

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,861	$ 61,137
Accounts receivable, net	13,746	21,215
Inventories	49,180	71,300
Other current assets	3,960	4,353
Deferred tax asset	9,150	6,057
Total current assets	128,897	164,062
Property, plant and equipment, net	28,933	29,949
Goodwill	18,825	18,825
Intangible assets, net	60,378	62,240
Equity investment in affiliate	12,505	9,871
Deferred tax asset	15,466	4,073
Other assets	2,899	2,913
Total assets	267,903	291,933
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	79,333	94,294
Accrued warranty costs	7,418	6,594
Accrued expenses	22,980	37,319
Deferred warranty income	4,862	4,117
Other current liabilities	7,072	5,668
Current portion of senior term debt	11,750	11,750
Total current liabilities	133,415	159,742
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt	176,596	211,118
Accrued warranty costs	10,243	8,965
Deferred warranty income	9,283	7,886
Other liabilities	13,169	12,136
Accrued pension liability	46,427	40,881
Total long-term liabilities	$ 255,718	$ 280,986
Guarantees, commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' deficit
Series A preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 500,000 issued at October 3, 2015 and liquidation preference of $50,000	$ 50,000	$ 0
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,874,882 and 22,000,000 issued and outstanding at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively.	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	15,887	0
Accumulated deficit	(135,345)	(102,229)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(51,774)	(46,568)
Total stockholders' deficit	(121,230)	(148,795)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$ 267,903	$ 291,933

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 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) | $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	20,874,882
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	20,874,882

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 919,128	$ 855,735	$ 776,558
Cost of goods sold	798,733	746,362	684,109
Gross profit	120,395	109,373	92,449
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	84,561	91,445	65,332
Operating profit	35,834	17,928	27,117
Interest expense	(19,078)	(6,156)	(2,371)
Interest income	113	102	214
Other income, net	0	72	96
Income before income taxes	16,869	11,946	25,056
Income tax (expense) benefit	(4,442)	(10,441)	27,544
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate	2,634	1,210	1,767
Income from continued operations	15,061	2,715	54,367
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(129)	42	(159)
Net income	14,932	2,757	54,208
Defined benefit pension plan (loss) gain, net of tax of $3,045, $2,326 and $5,709, respectively	(5,206)	(4,150)	10,196
Comprehensive income (loss)	9,726	(1,393)	64,404
Preferred stock dividend	(2,247)	0	0
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 12,685	$ 2,757	$ 54,208
Earnings per share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	21,182,885	22,000,000	22,000,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.13	$ 2.46
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	25,497,602	22,000,000	22,000,000
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.13	$ 2.46

Consolidated Statements of Ope5

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plan (loss) gain, tax	$ (3,045)	$ (2,326)	$ 5,709

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 14,932	$ 2,757	$ 54,208
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax	129	(42)	159
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,790	9,898	11,808
Debt amortization/ Non-cash interest expense	3,010	1,301	1,526
Share-based compensation	1,622	0	0
Equity in net income of affiliate	(2,634)	(1,210)	(1,767)
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets	510	(67)	36
Deferred taxes	(8,626)	3,239	(27,611)
Recognition of uncertain tax position	0	6,390	0
Provision for bad debt	34	(9)	21
Amortization of deferred actuarial pension losses	3,567	2,804	4,233
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	7,435	(7,713)	(4,178)
Inventories	22,120	(8,697)	(7,244)
Other assets	(137)	(1,415)	1,315
Accounts payable	(12,905)	18,080	6,889
Accrued expenses, pension and other liabilities	(14,352)	12,096	(3,414)
Total adjustments	8,434	34,697	(18,386)
Net cash provided by continuing operations	23,495	37,412	35,981
Net cash used in discontinued operations	(129)	(568)	(661)
Total cash provided by operating activities	23,366	36,844	35,320
Cash flows from investing activities
Change in net investment in discounted leases	0	778	563
Cash paid for fixed assets	(5,190)	(5,535)	(4,945)
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	102	0
Restricted cash	0	1,206	0
Total cash used in investing activities	(5,190)	(3,449)	(4,382)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net borrowings under the senior credit facility	0	(71)	71
Borrowings under the senior term loan	0	235,000	12,988
Repayments under the senior term loan	(36,750)	(13,000)	(35,000)
Cash paid for capital leases	(142)	(535)	(907)
Cash paid for debt costs	(3,110)	(12,647)	(111)
Contribution from majority stockholder	13,550	0	0
Payment of dividend	0	(226,821)	0
Change in advances collateralized by discounted leases	0	(778)	(563)
Total cash used in financing activities	(26,452)	(18,852)	(23,522)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(8,276)	14,543	7,416
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	61,137	46,594	39,178
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	52,861	61,137	46,594
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	20,124	1,502	782
Cash received for interest	113	61	133
Cash paid for income taxes	7,145	1,424	145
Cash received for tax refund	0	48	29
Non-cash investing and financing activity
Capital lease acquisitions	563	166	114
Change in accounts payable for capital additions to property, plant and equipment	671	383	555
Common stock dividend on Series A preferred stock (market value of common shares)	2,247	0	0
Non-cash reverse merger activity
Issuance of Common Stock	25,000	0	0
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock	50,000	0	0
Shares assumed by legal acquirer	42,492	0	0
Repurchase of Common Stock from majority stockholder	$ 100,000	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Convertible Preferred Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance (in shares) (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Sep. 29, 2012		100		0
Beginning Balance (in shares) (Restatement Adjustment)		22,000,000		0
Beginning Balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Sep. 29, 2012	$ 15,013,000	$ 1,000	$ 94,999,000	$ 0	$ (52,614,000)	$ (27,372,000)
Beginning Balance (Restatement Adjustment)	15,014,000	$ 2,000	94,999,000	$ 0	(52,614,000)	(27,372,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	54,208,000					54,208,000
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	10,196,000				10,196,000
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 28, 2013		22,000,000		0
Ending Balance at Sep. 28, 2013	79,419,000	$ 2,000	94,999,000	$ 0	(42,418,000)	26,836,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	2,757,000					2,757,000
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	(4,150,000)				(4,150,000)
Dividends	(226,821,000)		(94,999,000)			(131,822,000)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2014		22,000,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 27, 2014	(148,795,000)	$ 2,000			(46,568,000)	(102,229,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	14,932,000					14,932,000
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	42,492,000	$ 500	42,492,000
Shares purchased from majority shareholder (in shares)		(10,000,000)
Shares purchased from majority shareholder	(100,000,000)	$ (1,000)	(67,492,000)			(32,508,000)
Settlement of legal acquirer transaction costs	(14,825,000)					(14,825,000)
Contribution from majority shareholder	13,550,000		13,550,000
Warrant exchange (in shares)		1,212,500
Warrant exchange	0	$ 100	715,000			(715,000)
Series A Preferred Stock dividend - Common Stock (in shares)		182,088
Stock compensation expense	1,622,000		1,622,000
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	(5,206,000)				(5,206,000)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Oct. 03, 2015		20,874,882		500,000
Ending Balance at Oct. 03, 2015	$ (121,230,000)	$ 2,000	$ 15,887,000	$ 50,000,000	$ (51,774,000)	$ (135,345,000)

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Deficit (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability, tax	$ (3,045)	$ (2,326)	$ 5,709

Nature of Business and Basis of

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 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 its Blue Bird Body Company subsidiary 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. 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 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 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 income includes the Company’s share of net 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 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 Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 presentation of Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income has been reclassified from the previous presentation to conform to the current year presentation. The previous presentation showed the amounts in fiscal 2014 and 2013 net of tax expense of $0.4 million and $2.8 million , respectively. Those tax amounts are now included within the Income tax (expense) benefit line on our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. 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 were a total of 53 weeks. In fiscal years 2014 and 2013 there were a total of 52 weeks. 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 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 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ending September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 presented in this Report, 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 fiscal years ending September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 showed borrowings of $2.8 million and $63.7 million , respectively, and payments of $2.9 million and $63.6 million , respectively. The current presentation shows net (payments) borrowings of ( $0.1 million ) and $0.1 million , respectively.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Discontinued Operations In 2007 Blue Bird sold its entire coach business to an unrelated third-party. Results of operations for this disposed business have been classified as discontinued operations since 2007. Net income (loss), net of tax associated with these discontinued operations were $(0.1) million in fiscal year 2015 , $0.0 million in fiscal year 2014 and $(0.2) million in fiscal year 2013 . 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 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. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 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 30 to 90 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 if it determines that the account is uncollectible. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, ownership has transferred to the customer, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, the Company recognizes revenue, net of sales concessions, when the product is delivered or when the product has been completed, is ready for delivery, has been paid for, its title has transferred and is awaiting pickup by the customer, which generally occurs within 30 days of completion. Provisions for discounts are recorded in the same period as the related revenues. The Company classifies shipping and handling revenues and costs billed to a customer as net sales and cost of goods sold. Approximately $16.9 million , $16.0 million and $14.5 million billed to customers was included in net sales for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. Approximately $14.4 million , $14.2 million and $12.6 million of related costs were included in cost of goods sold for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. The Company classifies inbound shipping and handling costs and outbound shipping costs not charged to a customer which are paid for by the Company as cost of goods sold. These inbound and outbound shipping costs amounted to approximately $ 17.5 million , $14.8 million and $14.2 million for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. 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. See Note 3, Supplemental Financial Information, for further information. Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for the majority of its workers’ compensation and medical claims. The expected ultimate cost for claims incurred as of the balance sheet date is not discounted and is recognized as a liability. Self-insurance losses for claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims, using loss development factors and actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and historical loss development experience. At October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , reserves totaled approximately $6.3 million and $6.5 million , respectively. See Note 3, Supplemental Financial Information, for further information. Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable, revolving credit facilities and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair value because of the short-term maturity and highly liquid nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s senior term loan approximates fair value due to the variable interest rate. See Note 9, Debt, for further discussion. Inventories 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 (“FIFO”) 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. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis using the following periods, which represent the estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings 15—33 years Machinery and equipment 5—10 years Computer equipment and software 3—7 years Office furniture and fixtures 3—10 years Costs, including capitalized interest and certain design, construction and installation costs related to assets that are under construction and are in the process of being readied for their intended use, are recorded as construction in progress and are not subject to depreciation. Repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life of the asset are expensed as incurred. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss on the disposition is included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To analyze recoverability, undiscounted future cash flows over the estimated remaining life of the asset are projected. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market and operational performance. Evaluating potential impairment also requires estimates of future operating results and cash flows. No impairment charge was recognized in any of the periods presented. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed in connection with such acquisition. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives acquired in an acquisition are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently should an event occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Such events or circumstances may be a significant change in business climate, economic and industry trends, legal factors, negative operating performance indicators, significant competition, changes in strategy or disposition of a reporting unit or a portion thereof. We have two reporting units for which we test goodwill for impairment: Bus and Parts. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If under the quantitative assessment the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the amount of the impairment loss, if any, must be measured under step two of the impairment analysis. In step two of the analysis, we would record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise. Fair value of the reporting units is estimated primarily using the income approach, which incorporates the use of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market shares, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rate and working capital changes. The cash flow forecasts are based on approved strategic operating plans and long-term forecasts. During the fourth quarter of each year presented, we performed our annual impairment assessment of goodwill which did not indicate that an impairment existed. In the evaluation of indefinite lived assets for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary, or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of an asset to its carrying amount. The Company’s intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is the "Blue Bird" trade name. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of the asset unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If a qualitative assessment is not performed or if a quantitative assessment is otherwise required, then the entity compares the fair value of an asset to its carrying amount and the amount of the impairment loss, if any, is the difference between fair value and carrying value. The fair value of our trade name is derived by using the relief from royalty method, which discounts the estimated cash savings we realized by owning the name instead of otherwise having to license or lease it. During the fourth quarter of each year presented, we performed our annual impairment assessment of our trade name which did not indicate that an impairment existed. Our intangible asset with a definite useful life, customer relationships, is amortized over its estimated useful life of 20 years using the straight-line method and its useful life is reassessed annually. The customer relationship asset is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. No impairments have been recorded. Debt Issue Costs The Company had aggregate deferred financing costs for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , of $12.0 million and $14.8 million , respectively, incurred in connection with its debt facilities. Amounts paid directly to lenders or as an original issue discount are classified as a reduction in the carrying value of the debt and total $9.9 million and $12.1 million as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively. Amounts classified as issuance costs are recorded within other current assets and total $2.1 million and $2.6 million as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively. The Company’s amortization of these costs in total for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were $3.0 million , $1.3 million and $0.1 million , respectively, and is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income as a component of interest expense. All deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense. The effective interest method is used for debt discounts related to the term loan; issue costs related to the revolver are amortized straight line. See Note 9, Debt , for a discussion of the Company’s indebtedness. Pensions The Company accounts for its pension benefit obligations using actuarial models. The measurement of plan obligations and assets was made as of October 3, 2015. Effective January 1, 2006, the benefit plan was frozen to all participants. No accrual of future benefits is earned or calculated beyond this date. Accordingly, our obligation estimate is based on benefits earned at that time discounted using an estimate of the single equivalent discount rate determined by matching the plan’s future expected cash flows to spot rates from a yield curve comprised of high quality corporate bond rates of various durations. The Company recognizes the funded status of its pension plan obligations in its consolidated balance sheet and records in other comprehensive income certain gains and losses that arise during the period, but are deferred under pension accounting rules. Product Warranty Costs 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. 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. See Note 3, Supplemental Financial Information , for further discussion. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. For the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , the Company expensed $5.2 million , $3.7 million and $3.6 million , respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, related to research and development. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates its ability, based on the weight of evidence available, to realize future tax benefits from deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance to reduce a deferred tax asset to a level which, more likely than not, will be realized in future years. The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions based on a cumulative probability assessment if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by an appropriate tax authority with full knowledge of all information. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions are periodically assessed, including the evaluation of new facts and circumstances, to ensure sustainability of the positions. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Environmental Liabilities The Company records reserves for environmental liabilities on a discounted basis when environmental investigation and remediation obligations are probable and related costs are reasonably estimable. See Note 11, Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion. Segment Reporting Operating segments are components of an entity that engage in business activities with discrete financial information available that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in order to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. As discussed further in Note 12, Segment Information , the Company determined its operating and reportable segments to be Bus and Parts. 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In the fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 , the Company has not adopted any new accounting standards that have had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new revenue recognition standard, superseding previous revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The new revenue standard is effective for us in fiscal 2019. The Company is evaluating the impact that adopting this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. 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 ASU No. 2015-04, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits". 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 ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)". 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 July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which is new guidance on the measurement of inventory. Inventory within the scope of this update is required to be measured at the lower of its cost or net realizable value, with net realizable value being the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The standards update is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The impact of adopting this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Financial Informat

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 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 30 to 90 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 as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : ( in thousands of dollars ) 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ 13,851 $ 21,286 Allowance for doubtful accounts (105 ) (71 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 13,746 $ 21,215 Product Warranties The Company's products are generally warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one to five years. Activity in accrued warranty cost (current and long-term portion combined) was as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 15,559 $ 13,447 Add: current period accruals 10,425 9,593 Less: current period reductions of accrual (8,323 ) (7,481 ) Balance at end of period $ 17,661 $ 15,559 Extended Warranty Income 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. Activity in deferred warranty income for the sale of extended warranties of two to five years , was as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 12,003 $ 10,743 $ 10,032 Add: current period deferred income 6,556 5,264 5,006 Less: current period recognition of income (4,414 ) (4,004 ) (4,295 ) Balance at end of period $ 14,145 $ 12,003 $ 10,743 Self-Insurance The accrued self-insurance liability, comprised of workers' compensation and health insurance related claims, was as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Current portion $ 3,534 $ 3,463 Long-term portion 2,786 3,028 Total accrued self-insurance $ 6,320 $ 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.

Business Combination

Business Combination	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combination Background and Summary The Company 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, HCAC’s securities were traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbols “HCAC,” “HCACU” and “HCACW”. 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. On February 24, 2015, HCAC consummated its Business Combination, pursuant to which HCAC acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of SBH from 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. 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. On February 24, 2015, the parties consummated the Business Combination. 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. The lock-up shares were registered on September 8, 2015 and as a result are no longer subject to the Lockup Agreement.

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	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 consisted of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 43,471 $ 45,570 Work in process 2,658 24,062 Finished goods 3,051 1,668 Total inventory $ 49,180 $ 71,300

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Land $ 1,153 $ 839 Buildings 14,246 11,835 Machinery and equipment 55,400 64,153 Office furniture, equipment and other 1,373 2,064 Computer equipment and software 14,232 12,685 Construction in process 827 2,201 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 87,231 93,777 Less: accumulated depreciation (58,298 ) (63,828 ) Total property, plant and equipment, net $ 28,933 $ 29,949 T otal depreciation expense recorded was $6.9 million , $8.0 million and $8.2 million for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill The carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit are as follows at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Goodwill Accumulated Impairments Net Goodwill Bus $ 15,139 $ — $ 15,139 Parts 3,686 — 3,686 Total $ 18,825 $ — $ 18,825 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Goodwill Accumulated Impairments Net Goodwill Bus $ 15,139 $ — $ 15,139 Parts 3,686 — 3,686 Total $ 18,825 $ — $ 18,825 No impairments of goodwill have been recorded.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets are as follows at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Accumulated Total Finite lived: Customer relationships $ 37,425 $ 16,863 $ 20,562 Total amortized intangible assets 37,425 16,863 20,562 Indefinite lived: Trade name 39,816 — 39,816 Total intangible assets $ 77,241 $ 16,863 $ 60,378 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Accumulated Total Finite lived: Customer relationships $ 37,425 $ 15,001 $ 22,424 Finite lived: Engineering designs 12,661 12,661 — Total amortized intangible assets 50,086 27,662 22,424 Indefinite lived: Trade name 39,816 — 39,816 Total intangible assets $ 89,902 $ 27,662 $ 62,240 Management considers the "Blue Bird" trade name to have an indefinite useful life and, accordingly, it is not subject to amortization. Management reached this conclusion principally due to the longevity of the Blue Bird name and because management considers renewal upon reaching the legal limit of the trademarks related to the trade name as perfunctory. The Company expects to maintain usage of the trade name on existing products and introduce new products in the future that will also display the trade name. Customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated life of 20 years . Total amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.9 million , $1.9 million and $3.6 million during each of the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. The 2013 expense included a separate finite lived intangible which was fully amortized as of September 28, 2013. The aggregate amortization expense for each successive year 2016-2020 is expected to be $1.9 million , and $11.2 million thereafter.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt consisted of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $9,904 and $12,132 $ 188,346 $ 222,868 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 11,750 11,750 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 176,596 $ 211,118 In June 2014, Blue Bird Body Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 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, with SG Americas Securities LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) INC., and Fifth Third Bank acting 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 was 6.5% at October 3, 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 October 3, 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 and $5.3 million of Letters of Credit outstanding as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively. 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 further amended on September 28, 2015. The Senior Credit Facility originally carried a five year term, but was amended in September of 2015 to a six year term. The Senior Credit Facility was also amended to permit the Company to pay its preferred share dividends in cash, to permit the Company to tender its existing warrants for cash from available amounts (as further defined in the credit agreement), to amend the definition of consolidated EBITDA to allow an add back of third party expenses related to being a public company, to add Blue Bird Corporation as a guarantor, and to otherwise amend various restricted payment requirements. As of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , $198.3 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. 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 October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , the weighted-average annual effective interest rate of the Senior Credit Facility was 7.8% and 7.8% , respectively. This weighted average effective rate includes the amortization of the discount and deferred charges on the Senior Credit Facility. There were no borrowings outstanding on the Senior Revolving Credit Facility as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 . Interest expense for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was approximately $19.1 million , $6.2 million and $2.4 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 2016 $ 11,750 2017 11,750 2018 11,750 2019 11,750 2020 151,250 $ 198,250

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 consisted of the following components: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Current Federal $ 12,757 $ 190 $ — State 311 7,012 67 Foreign — — — $ 13,068 $ 7,202 $ 67 Deferred Federal $ (6,903 ) $ 2,934 $ (27,062 ) State (1,723 ) 305 (549 ) Foreign — — — (8,626 ) 3,239 (27,611 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,442 $ 10,441 $ (27,544 ) 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 fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were 26.3% , 87.4% and 109.9% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of a benefit from the change in investor tax on our non-consolidated affiliate, domestic production activities deduction, state tax items and other permanent items offset in part by interest and penalties on an uncertain tax position and transaction costs. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ending September 27, 2014 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of the recording of an uncertain tax position which negatively impacted our rate, partially offset by a benefit from the domestic production activities deduction. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ending September 28, 2013 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as the result of the release of a previously recorded valuation allowance. A reconciliation between the reported income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Computed tax expense (benefit) $ 5,904 $ 4,183 $ 8,770 State taxes, net of deferred benefit (949 ) 877 (530 ) Change in uncertain tax positions 833 4,153 Foreign taxes — — 74 Permanent items (954 ) 1,314 56 Valuation allowance (1 ) (5,652 ) (37,917 ) Tax credits (90 ) 5,294 (289 ) Return to accrual true-ups (386 ) (93 ) (343 ) Investor tax on non-consolidated affiliate income 425 365 2,836 Tax rate adjustments (1,854 ) — — Transaction costs 1,364 — — Other 150 — (201 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,442 $ 10,441 $ (27,544 ) During the current year, there were changes in assumptions about the Company’s ability to utilize U.S. foreign tax credits. The resulting tax rate change was applied to the cumulative beginning of year deferred tax balance for the non-consolidated affiliate, and a $1.7 million benefit was recorded to fiscal 2015 tax expense. The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , which were $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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 6,389 $ — Additions as a result of tax positions taken during the current year (non-current) — 6,389 Additions for tax positions of prior years — — Reductions for tax positions of prior years — — Lapses of applicable statute of limitations — — Settlements during the year — — Balance at end of the period $ 6,389 $ 6,389 The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The accrued interest and penalties as of the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , were $1.1 million , $0.0 million and $0.0 million , respectively. The Company is subject to taxation mostly in the United States and various state jurisdictions. As of October 3, 2015, tax years prior to 2011 are no longer subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities. The sources of and differences between the financial accounting and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities which give rise to the net deferred tax assets are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment $ (1,901 ) $ (1,649 ) Other intangible assets (16,940 ) (16,534 ) Investor tax on non-consolidated affiliate income (1,894 ) (3,200 ) Other assets (559 ) (507 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (21,294 ) $ (21,890 ) Deferred tax assets NOL carryforward $ 5,991 $ 795 Accrued expenses 9,337 5,935 Indirect effect of uncertain tax position 2,488 2,236 Compensation 18,906 16,064 Inventories 922 1,397 Unearned income 5,213 2,917 Tax credits 3,724 3,348 Total deferred tax assets $ 46,581 $ 32,692 Less: Valuation allowance (671 ) (672 ) Deferred tax assets less valuation allowance $ 45,910 $ 32,020 Net deferred tax assets $ 24,616 $ 10,130

Guarantees, Commitments and Con

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies	Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies Litigation As of October 3, 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. Our environmental liability is included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company currently uses a discount rate of 12% and has accrued liabilities of approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively. The estimated aggregate undiscounted amount that will be incurred over the next 12 years as of October 3, 2015 and 13 years as of September 27, 2014 , is $1.2 million and $1.3 million , respectively. The estimated payments for the next five years are approximately $0.1 million per year, and the aggregate amount thereafter is approximately $0.7 million . Future expenditures may exceed the amounts accrued and estimated. Lease Commitments The Company leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under operating leases. Total rent expense recognized in the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , was approximately $1.5 million , $1.7 million and $ 1.9 million , respectively. At October 3, 2015 , the future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with original terms exceeding one year were as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Years Ending Amount 2016 $ 1,104 2017 996 2018 541 2019 228 2020 8 $ 2,877 The Company leases from third party vendors various office and plant equipment, including computers, copy machines and sweepers, that qualify for capital lease treatment under the provisions of ASC 840. Amounts due under capital lease obligations are recorded as liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the interest in the related assets recorded as property and equipment. Depreciation of assets recorded under capital lease obligations is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. These leases have remaining lease terms ranging from 2 - 58 months . Leased property under capital leases is summarized as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Leased property under capital leases $ 974 $ 531 Less: Accumulated depreciation (328 ) (309 ) Leased property under capital leases, net $ 646 $ 222 The following table summarizes, as of October 3, 2015 , the Company’s future minimum lease payments under capital leases: (in thousands of dollars) Years Ending Amount 2016 $ 251 2017 166 2018 160 Thereafter 158 Total minimum lease payments 735 Less: Amount of lease payments representing interest (81 ) Present value of future minimum capital lease payments 654 Less: Current obligations under capital leases (214 ) Long term obligations under capital leases $ 440 Purchase Commitments During the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , the Company entered into short-term and long-term pricing agreements with many of its major suppliers for the purchase of raw materials and parts such as steel, engines, axles and transmissions. As the quantities to be purchased by the Company vary subject to market demand of vehicles manufactured by the Company, under these agreements there are no minimum purchase commitments with the exception of propane fuel systems, engines and tonnages of certain steel products that are repetitively consumed. As of October 3, 2015 , commitments for future production material totaled approximately $18.4 million . The incurrence of these commitments for the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Years Ending Amount 2016 $ 13,261 2017 1,105 2018 4,015 2019 — 2020 — $ 18,381

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 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 fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : Net sales (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Bus $ 861,665 $ 801,837 $ 730,208 Parts 57,463 53,898 46,350 Segment net sales $ 919,128 $ 855,735 $ 776,558 Gross profit (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Bus $ 99,341 $ 89,315 $ 75,749 Parts 21,054 20,058 16,700 Segment gross profit $ 120,395 $ 109,373 $ 92,449 The following table is a reconciliation of segment gross profit to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Segment gross profit $ 120,395 $ 109,373 $ 92,449 Adjustments: Selling, general and administrative expenses (84,561 ) (91,445 ) (65,332 ) Interest expense (19,078 ) (6,156 ) (2,371 ) Interest income 113 102 214 Other income, net — 72 96 Operating income before income taxes $ 16,869 $ 11,946 $ 25,056 Sales are attributable to geographic areas based on customer location and were as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 861,258 $ 760,912 660,152 Canada 49,847 76,275 76,341 Rest of world 8,023 18,548 40,065 Total net sales $ 919,128 $ 855,735 776,558

Stockholders' Deficit

Stockholders' Deficit	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Deficit	Stockholders’ Deficit Authorized and Outstanding Stock Our certificate of incorporation 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, two million of which have been designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred” or "Convertible Preferred Stock") and the remaining eight 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 4, Business Acquisition for a further discussion of these transactions. At October 3, 2015 , there were 20,874,882 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 4, Business Acquisition, for a further discussion of the transaction. We refer to this 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. As of October 3, 2015, there have been no such adjustments. 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 each quarter. 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 at the sole discretion of the Company. We paid dividends in the form of shares of common stock on June 15 and September 15, 2015, totaling 182,088 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 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 Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss). 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 class of 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 Public 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 upon payment of 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 October 3, 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. 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.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net income 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 fiscal years 2014 and 2013 presented below, there were no dilutive securities. For purposes of calculating basic earnings per share, income 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 per share for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands except share data) 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 14,932 $ 2,757 $ 54,208 Less: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend (2,247 ) — — Net income available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ 12,685 $ 2,757 $ 54,208 Add: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend $ 2,247 $ — $ — Net income available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator $ 14,932 $ 2,757 $ 54,208 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 21,182,885 22,000,000 22,000,000 Basic earnings per share $ 0.60 $ 0.13 $ 2.46 Effect of dilutive securities: Non-qualified stock options — — — Warrants — — — Restricted stock 653 — — Convertible Preferred Stock - if converted 4,314,064 — — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 25,497,602 22,000,000 22,000,000 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.13 $ 2.46

Share Based Compensation

Share Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 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 an aggregate of 3,700,000 shares of common stock in the form of 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. New shares of the Company's common stock are issued upon stock option exercises, or at the time of grant for restricted stock. 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, if any, 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 ("RSUs") to our Board members and 490,000 shares of restricted stock ("RSAs") 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 fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 : Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 — — Granted 526,585 $ 13.18 Vested 1,220 13.05 Forfeited/canceled 3,658 13.05 Unvested shares at October 3, 2015 521,707 $ 13.18 As of October 3, 2015 , there was $6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSA and RSU awards. The expense for these unvested RSA awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. The expense for these unvested RSU awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of six months . In the fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 , we recognized $0.9 million of stock-based compensation expense related to RSA and RSU awards. The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the fiscal year ending October 3, 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 October 3, 2015 1,004,000 $ 10.05 9.48 $ 197 Fully vested and expected to vest at October 3, 2015 993,000 $ 10.05 9.48 $ 195 Exercisable at October 3, 2015 — As of October 3, 2015 , there was $3.4 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 2.5 years. In the fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 , we recognized $0.7 million of stock-based compensation expense from option grants. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted in the fiscal year ending October 3, 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 Phantom Award A phantom stock award plan was adopted by the Company in February 2007 (as amended and restated from time to time, the “Phantom Award Plan”). Upon vesting of a phantom award, the participants (including employees, directors, officers and consultants of the Company) may be eligible to receive a cash payment subject to the initial investors in the Company receiving an agreed upon return of capital. There have been two events that met the required return on capital to our investors to trigger a Phantom Award Plan payment. In February 2015, in conjunction with the Business Combination, the board of directors approved for all Phantom Award Plan participants a payment of $13.8 million . In June 2014, in conjunction with a dividend payment to our sole stockholder, the board of directors approved a payment for all Phantom Award Plan participants totaling $24.7 million . Additional payments under the terms of the Phantom Plan Awards may be earned when, in addition to required service under the terms of the awards, there are additional distributions to our majority stockholder. The awards are cash settled and liability classified; however, as a future distribution is not deemed probable of occurrence, no accrual has been made for the settlement of the awards as of October 3, 2015. Any future payment under the terms of the Phantom Plan would be funded by our majority stockholder. The grant date fair value of awards granted for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was approximately $0 , $9.9 million and $0.1 million , respectively.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company has a defined benefit pension plan (the “Defined Benefit Plan”) covering U.S. hourly and salaried personnel. On May 13, 2002, the Defined Benefit Plan was amended to freeze new participation as of May 15, 2002, and therefore, any new employees who started on or after May 15, 2002 were not permitted to participate in the Defined Benefit Plan. Effective January 1, 2006, the benefit plan was frozen to all participants. No accrual of future benefits will be calculated beyond this date. The Company contributed $5.5 million and $5.6 million to its Defined Benefit Plan during the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively. For the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , benefits paid were $7.1 million and $6.4 million , respectively. The projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for the Defined Benefit Plan was $142.8 million and $142.6 million as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively. Benefit Obligations : The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the PBO for the Defined Benefit Plan is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 142,555 $ 131,293 Interest cost 5,707 6,084 Assumption changes (a) 1,246 11,489 Actuarial gain 394 65 Benefits paid (7,104 ) (6,376 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 142,798 $ 142,555 (a) The assumption changes referenced in the table above result from (i) changes in the utilized discount rate to value Blue Bird’s future obligations and (ii) updates to the mortality table projections used in the calculation of the benefit obligations. Plan Assets: The summary and reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of the plan assets are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 101,674 $ 93,590 Actual return on plan assets (3,039 ) 9,343 Employer contribution 5,516 5,642 Expenses (676 ) (525 ) Benefits paid (7,104 ) (6,376 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 96,371 $ 101,674 Funded Status: The following table reconciles the benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status and net liability information of the Defined Benefit Plan as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 . The net pension liability is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within accrued pension liability. (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Benefit obligation $ 142,798 $ 142,555 Fair value of plan assets 96,371 101,674 Funded status (46,427 ) (40,881 ) Net pension liability recognized (46,427 ) (40,881 ) Fair Value of Plan Assets: The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC. Fair value is the price to hypothetically sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly manner in the principal market for that asset or liability. This topic provides a hierarchy that gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. This topic requires that financial assets and liabilities be classified into one of the following three categories: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability The Defined Benefit Plan assets are comprised of various investment funds, which are valued based upon their quoted market prices. The invested pension plan assets of the Defined Benefit Plan are all Level 2 assets under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”). There are no sources of significant concentration risk in the invested assets as of October 3, 2015 , the measurement date. The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, a summary of the Defined Benefit Plan’s investments measured at fair value. 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Investment Type Equity securities $ — $ 73,336 $ — $ 73,336 Debt securities — 23,035 — 23,035 Total $ — $ 96,371 $ — $ 96,371 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Investment Type Equity securities $ — $ 76,242 $ — $ 76,242 Debt securities — 25,432 — 25,432 Total $ — $ 101,674 $ — $ 101,674 Losses, net of tax, for the Defined Benefit Plan recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 were $52.8 million , $44.5 million and $38.1 million , respectively. The estimated net loss for the Defined Benefit Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $4.8 million . The unrecognized gain or loss is amortized as follows: the total unrecognized gain or loss, less the larger of 10% of the liability or 10% of the assets, is divided by the average future working lifetime of active plan participants. The following table represents net periodic benefit cost and changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax effect, as of October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 5,707 $ 6,084 $ 5,700 Expected return on plan assets (6,443 ) (6,524 ) (6,097 ) Amortization of net loss 3,567 2,804 4,233 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,831 $ 2,364 $ 3,836 Net (income) loss 11,797 9,261 (11,649 ) Amortization of net loss (3,567 ) (2,804 ) (4,233 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ 8,230 $ 6,457 $ (15,882 ) Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 11,061 $ 8,821 $ (12,046 ) The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine the benefit obligations as of fiscal years 2015 and 2014: Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.05 % 4.10 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A The benchmark for the discount rates is an estimate of the single equivalent discount rate determined by matching the Defined Benefit Plan’s future expected cash flows to spot rates from a yield curve comprised of high quality corporate bond rates of various durations. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.10 % 4.75 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.37 % 7.00 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A The weighted-average asset allocations of plan assets for the Defined Benefit Plan at October 2, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , the measurement date, are as follows: 2015 2014 Equity securities 76 % 75 % Debt securities 24 % 25 % 100 % 100 % There was no Company common stock included in equity securities. Assets of the Defined Benefit Plan are invested primarily in U.S. government securities, common stock funds and cash management funds. Assets are valued using quoted prices in active markets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for the benefits included in the PBO. In estimating that rate, appropriate consideration is given to the returns being earned by the plan assets in the fund and rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment and a building block method. The expected rate of return on each asset class is broken down into three components: (1) inflation, (2) the real risk-free rate of return (i.e., the long term estimate of future returns on default free U.S. government securities) and (3) the risk premium for each asset class (i.e., the expected return in excess of the risk-free rate). The investment strategy for pension plan assets is to limit risk through asset allocation, diversification, selection and timing. Assets are managed on a total return basis, with dividends and interest reinvested in the account. The Company expects to contribute approximately $6.1 million to its Defined Benefit Plan in fiscal year 2016 . The following benefit payments are expected to be paid to the Company’s pension plan participants in the years indicated: (in thousands of dollars) Amount 2016 $ 6,932 2017 7,088 2018 7,296 2019 7,440 2020 7,557 2021-2025 41,092 $ 77,405 Defined Contribution Plans The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all U.S. employees and a defined contribution plan for Canadian employees. The Company had contributed one percent of the employees’ compensation, subject to certain limitations. Beginning in calendar year 2013, the Company ceased the 1% contribution and offered a 50% match on the first 6% of the employee’s contributions. The plans also provide for an additional discretionary match depending on Company performance. The Company contributed approximately $1.7 million , $1.3 million and $1.0 million to the 401(k) plan during the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. Health Benefits The Company provides and is predominantly self-insured for medical, dental, and accident and sickness benefits. A liability related to this obligation is recorded on the Company’s balance sheet under accrued expenses. Total expense related to this plan recorded for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , was approximately $10 million , $9.6 million and $8.9 million , respectively. Employee Compensation Plans The Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”) compensates certain key salaried management employees and is based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) performance as well as a net debt metric. Bonus liabilities of $4.7 million and $8.7 million are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , respectively.

Equity Investment in Affiliate

Equity Investment in Affiliate	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investment in Affiliate	Equity Investment in Affiliate On October 14, 2009, Blue Bird and Girardin Minibus entered into a venture, Micro Bird Holdings, Inc. (“Micro Bird”), to combine the complementary expertise of the two separate manufacturers. Blue Bird Micro Bird by Girardin buses are produced in Drummondville, Quebec by Micro Bird. The Company holds a 50% equity interest, accounts for Micro Bird under the equity method of accounting and does not consolidate the venture, as the Company does not have control based on the shared powers of both venture partners to direct the activities that most significantly impact Micro Bird’s financial performance. 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 October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , the Company had an investment of $12.5 million and $9.9 million , respectively. In recognizing the Company’s 50% portion of Micro Bird net income, the Company recorded $2.6 million , $1.2 million and $1.8 million in equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. Summarized financial information for Micro Bird from its September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 financial results is as follows: Balance Sheet (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Current assets $ 18,239 $ 29,568 Non-current assets 9,412 11,166 Total assets 27,651 40,734 Current liabilities 9,248 22,787 Non-current liabilities 233 75 Total liabilities 9,481 22,862 Net assets $ 18,170 $ 17,872 Income Statement (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues $ 109,777 $ 77,632 $ 77,116 Gross profit 13,278 9,044 9,343 Operating income 8,003 4,373 4,906 Net income $ 5,760 $ 2,440 $ 3,650

Quarterly Information (Unaudite

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (in thousands except per share data) 2015 First Second Third Fourth Total revenue $ 165,833 $ 183,018 $ 262,653 $ 307,624 Gross profit 19,478 23,030 36,662 41,225 Operating profit (loss) 4,019 (10,920 ) 19,258 23,477 Income (loss) from continuing operations (624 ) (11,095 ) 10,683 16,097 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (4 ) — — (125 ) Net income (loss) $ (628 ) $ (11,095 ) $ 10,683 $ 15,972 Less: Preferred Stock dividend — — 1,239 1,008 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ (628 ) $ (11,095 ) $ 9,444 $ 14,964 Income (loss) per common share Basic $ (0.03 ) $ (0.52 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.72 Diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.52 ) $ 0.42 0.63 2014 Total revenue $ 145,993 $ 195,672 $ 240,326 $ 273,744 Gross profit 20,460 26,002 33,762 29,149 Operating profit (loss) 6,358 11,572 (4,607 ) 4,605 Income (loss) from continuing operation 4,069 7,634 (7,933 ) (1,055 ) Income ( loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (6 ) (5 ) (127 ) 180 Net income(loss) $ 4,063 $ 7,629 $ (8,060 ) $ (875 ) Income (loss) per common share Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.35 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.04 ) Diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.35 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.04 ) Net income (loss) per share in each quarter is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the quarter while net income (loss) per share for the full year is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. Thus, the sum of the four quarters' net income (loss) per share will not necessarily equal the full year net income (loss) per share. Diluted EPS data for the third quarter of 2015 presented above has been revised from $0.38 , as previously reported, to $0.42 We made an immaterial correction to our dilutive share denominator to correctly present the dilutive impact of our outstanding warrants, each of which is exercisable into a half share of our common stock. The dilutive share impact was reduced from 3,054,478 to 358,950 shares.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Balance at Beginning of Period Charges to Expense/ (Income) Doubtful Accounts Written Off, Net Balance at End of Period (in thousands of dollars) Fiscal Year Ending September 28, 2013 $ 60 $ 21 $ — $ 81 September 27, 2014 $ 81 $ (9 ) $ (1 ) $ 71 October 3, 2015 $ 71 $ 34 $ — $ 105 Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: Balance at Beginning of Period Charges to Expense/ (Income) Charges utilized/Write offs Balance at End of Period (in thousands of dollars) Fiscal Year Ending September 28, 2013 $ 42,124 $ — $ (35,800 ) $ 6,324 September 27, 2014 $ 6,324 $ — $ (5,652 ) $ 672 October 3, 2015 $ 672 $ — $ (1 ) $ 671

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying 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 income includes the Company’s share of net 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 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 Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 presentation of Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income has been reclassified from the previous presentation to conform to the current year presentation. The previous presentation showed the amounts in fiscal 2014 and 2013 net of tax expense of $0.4 million and $2.8 million , respectively. Those tax amounts are now included within the Income tax (expense) benefit line on our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. 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 were a total of 53 weeks. In fiscal years 2014 and 2013 there were a total of 52 weeks. 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 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 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ending September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 presented in this Report, 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 fiscal years ending September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 showed borrowings of $2.8 million and $63.7 million , respectively, and payments of $2.9 million and $63.6 million , respectively. The current presentation shows net (payments) borrowings of ( $0.1 million ) and $0.1 million , respectively. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”)
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 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 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 30 to 90 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 if it determines that the account is uncollectible.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, ownership has transferred to the customer, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, the Company recognizes revenue, net of sales concessions, when the product is delivered or when the product has been completed, is ready for delivery, has been paid for, its title has transferred and is awaiting pickup by the customer, which generally occurs within 30 days of completion. Provisions for discounts are recorded in the same period as the related revenues. The Company classifies shipping and handling revenues and costs billed to a customer as net sales and cost of goods sold. Approximately $16.9 million , $16.0 million and $14.5 million billed to customers was included in net sales for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. Approximately $14.4 million , $14.2 million and $12.6 million of related costs were included in cost of goods sold for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. The Company classifies inbound shipping and handling costs and outbound shipping costs not charged to a customer which are paid for by the Company as cost of goods sold. These inbound and outbound shipping costs amounted to approximately $ 17.5 million , $14.8 million and $14.2 million for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 , respectively. 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.
Self-Insurance	Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for the majority of its workers’ compensation and medical claims. The expected ultimate cost for claims incurred as of the balance sheet date is not discounted and is recognized as a liability. Self-insurance losses for claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims, using loss development factors and actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and historical loss development experience.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable, revolving credit facilities and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair value because of the short-term maturity and highly liquid nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s senior term loan approximates fair value due to the variable interest rate. See Note 9, Debt, for further discussion.
Inventories	Inventories 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 (“FIFO”) 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.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis using the following periods, which represent the estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings 15—33 years Machinery and equipment 5—10 years Computer equipment and software 3—7 years Office furniture and fixtures 3—10 years Costs, including capitalized interest and certain design, construction and installation costs related to assets that are under construction and are in the process of being readied for their intended use, are recorded as construction in progress and are not subject to depreciation. Repairs and maintenance that do not extend the useful life of the asset are expensed as incurred. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss on the disposition is included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To analyze recoverability, undiscounted future cash flows over the estimated remaining life of the asset are projected. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the fair value of the asset less any costs of disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market and operational performance. Evaluating potential impairment also requires estimates of future operating results and cash flows. No impairment charge was recognized in any of the periods presented.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed in connection with such acquisition. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives acquired in an acquisition are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently should an event occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Such events or circumstances may be a significant change in business climate, economic and industry trends, legal factors, negative operating performance indicators, significant competition, changes in strategy or disposition of a reporting unit or a portion thereof. We have two reporting units for which we test goodwill for impairment: Bus and Parts. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If under the quantitative assessment the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the amount of the impairment loss, if any, must be measured under step two of the impairment analysis. In step two of the analysis, we would record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise. Fair value of the reporting units is estimated primarily using the income approach, which incorporates the use of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model to forecast operating cash flows, including markets and market shares, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rate and working capital changes. The cash flow forecasts are based on approved strategic operating plans and long-term forecasts. During the fourth quarter of each year presented, we performed our annual impairment assessment of goodwill which did not indicate that an impairment existed. In the evaluation of indefinite lived assets for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary, or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of an asset to its carrying amount. The Company’s intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is the "Blue Bird" trade name. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of the asset unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If a qualitative assessment is not performed or if a quantitative assessment is otherwise required, then the entity compares the fair value of an asset to its carrying amount and the amount of the impairment loss, if any, is the difference between fair value and carrying value. The fair value of our trade name is derived by using the relief from royalty method, which discounts the estimated cash savings we realized by owning the name instead of otherwise having to license or lease it. During the fourth quarter of each year presented, we performed our annual impairment assessment of our trade name which did not indicate that an impairment existed. Our intangible asset with a definite useful life, customer relationships, is amortized over its estimated useful life of 20 years using the straight-line method and its useful life is reassessed annually. The customer relationship asset is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. No impairments have been recorded.
Debt Issue Costs	All deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense. The effective interest method is used for debt discounts related to the term loan; issue costs related to the revolver are amortized straight line.
Pensions	Pensions The Company accounts for its pension benefit obligations using actuarial models. The measurement of plan obligations and assets was made as of October 3, 2015. Effective January 1, 2006, the benefit plan was frozen to all participants. No accrual of future benefits is earned or calculated beyond this date. Accordingly, our obligation estimate is based on benefits earned at that time discounted using an estimate of the single equivalent discount rate determined by matching the plan’s future expected cash flows to spot rates from a yield curve comprised of high quality corporate bond rates of various durations. The Company recognizes the funded status of its pension plan obligations in its consolidated balance sheet and records in other comprehensive income certain gains and losses that arise during the period, but are deferred under pension accounting rules.
Product Warranty Costs	Product Warranty Costs 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.
Extended Product Warranty Costs	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. 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. See Note 3, Supplemental Financial Information , for further discussion.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates its ability, based on the weight of evidence available, to realize future tax benefits from deferred tax assets and establishes a valuation allowance to reduce a deferred tax asset to a level which, more likely than not, will be realized in future years. The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions based on a cumulative probability assessment if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by an appropriate tax authority with full knowledge of all information. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions are periodically assessed, including the evaluation of new facts and circumstances, to ensure sustainability of the positions. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Environmental Expenditures	Environmental Liabilities The Company records reserves for environmental liabilities on a discounted basis when environmental investigation and remediation obligations are probable and related costs are reasonably estimable. See Note 11, Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting Operating segments are components of an entity that engage in business activities with discrete financial information available that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in order to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. As discussed further in Note 12, Segment Information , the Company determined its operating and reportable segments to be Bus and Parts. 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.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In the fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 , the Company has not adopted any new accounting standards that have had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new revenue recognition standard, superseding previous revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard will be effective for the first interim period within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The new revenue standard is effective for us in fiscal 2019. The Company is evaluating the impact that adopting this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. 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 ASU No. 2015-04, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits". 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 ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)". 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 July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory", which is new guidance on the measurement of inventory. Inventory within the scope of this update is required to be measured at the lower of its cost or net realizable value, with net realizable value being the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The standards update is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The impact of adopting this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis using the following periods, which represent the estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings 15—33 years Machinery and equipment 5—10 years Computer equipment and software 3—7 years Office furniture and fixtures 3—10 years Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Land $ 1,153 $ 839 Buildings 14,246 11,835 Machinery and equipment 55,400 64,153 Office furniture, equipment and other 1,373 2,064 Computer equipment and software 14,232 12,685 Construction in process 827 2,201 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 87,231 93,777 Less: accumulated depreciation (58,298 ) (63,828 ) Total property, plant and equipment, net $ 28,933 $ 29,949

Supplemental Financial Inform31

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following as of October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : ( in thousands of dollars ) 2015 2014 Accounts receivable $ 13,851 $ 21,286 Allowance for doubtful accounts (105 ) (71 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 13,746 $ 21,215
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability	Activity in accrued warranty cost (current and long-term portion combined) was as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 15,559 $ 13,447 Add: current period accruals 10,425 9,593 Less: current period reductions of accrual (8,323 ) (7,481 ) Balance at end of period $ 17,661 $ 15,559 Extended Warranty Income 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. Activity in deferred warranty income for the sale of extended warranties of two to five years , was as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 12,003 $ 10,743 $ 10,032 Add: current period deferred income 6,556 5,264 5,006 Less: current period recognition of income (4,414 ) (4,004 ) (4,295 ) Balance at end of period $ 14,145 $ 12,003 $ 10,743
Schedule of Self Insurance Reserve	The accrued self-insurance liability, comprised of workers' compensation and health insurance related claims, was as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Current portion $ 3,534 $ 3,463 Long-term portion 2,786 3,028 Total accrued self-insurance $ 6,320 $ 6,491

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	Inventory consisted of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 43,471 $ 45,570 Work in process 2,658 24,062 Finished goods 3,051 1,668 Total inventory $ 49,180 $ 71,300

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis using the following periods, which represent the estimated useful lives of the assets: Buildings 15—33 years Machinery and equipment 5—10 years Computer equipment and software 3—7 years Office furniture and fixtures 3—10 years Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Land $ 1,153 $ 839 Buildings 14,246 11,835 Machinery and equipment 55,400 64,153 Office furniture, equipment and other 1,373 2,064 Computer equipment and software 14,232 12,685 Construction in process 827 2,201 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 87,231 93,777 Less: accumulated depreciation (58,298 ) (63,828 ) Total property, plant and equipment, net $ 28,933 $ 29,949

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit are as follows at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Goodwill Accumulated Impairments Net Goodwill Bus $ 15,139 $ — $ 15,139 Parts 3,686 — 3,686 Total $ 18,825 $ — $ 18,825 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Goodwill Accumulated Impairments Net Goodwill Bus $ 15,139 $ — $ 15,139 Parts 3,686 — 3,686 Total $ 18,825 $ — $ 18,825

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets are as follows at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Accumulated Total Finite lived: Customer relationships $ 37,425 $ 16,863 $ 20,562 Total amortized intangible assets 37,425 16,863 20,562 Indefinite lived: Trade name 39,816 — 39,816 Total intangible assets $ 77,241 $ 16,863 $ 60,378 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Accumulated Total Finite lived: Customer relationships $ 37,425 $ 15,001 $ 22,424 Finite lived: Engineering designs 12,661 12,661 — Total amortized intangible assets 50,086 27,662 22,424 Indefinite lived: Trade name 39,816 — 39,816 Total intangible assets $ 89,902 $ 27,662 $ 62,240
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets are as follows at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Accumulated Total Finite lived: Customer relationships $ 37,425 $ 16,863 $ 20,562 Total amortized intangible assets 37,425 16,863 20,562 Indefinite lived: Trade name 39,816 — 39,816 Total intangible assets $ 77,241 $ 16,863 $ 60,378 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Gross Accumulated Total Finite lived: Customer relationships $ 37,425 $ 15,001 $ 22,424 Finite lived: Engineering designs 12,661 12,661 — Total amortized intangible assets 50,086 27,662 22,424 Indefinite lived: Trade name 39,816 — 39,816 Total intangible assets $ 89,902 $ 27,662 $ 62,240

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Debt consisted of the following at October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $9,904 and $12,132 $ 188,346 $ 222,868 Less: Current portion of long-term debt 11,750 11,750 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 176,596 $ 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 2016 $ 11,750 2017 11,750 2018 11,750 2019 11,750 2020 151,250 $ 198,250

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 consisted of the following components: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Current Federal $ 12,757 $ 190 $ — State 311 7,012 67 Foreign — — — $ 13,068 $ 7,202 $ 67 Deferred Federal $ (6,903 ) $ 2,934 $ (27,062 ) State (1,723 ) 305 (549 ) Foreign — — — (8,626 ) 3,239 (27,611 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,442 $ 10,441 $ (27,544 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation between the reported income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Computed tax expense (benefit) $ 5,904 $ 4,183 $ 8,770 State taxes, net of deferred benefit (949 ) 877 (530 ) Change in uncertain tax positions 833 4,153 Foreign taxes — — 74 Permanent items (954 ) 1,314 56 Valuation allowance (1 ) (5,652 ) (37,917 ) Tax credits (90 ) 5,294 (289 ) Return to accrual true-ups (386 ) (93 ) (343 ) Investor tax on non-consolidated affiliate income 425 365 2,836 Tax rate adjustments (1,854 ) — — Transaction costs 1,364 — — Other 150 — (201 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,442 $ 10,441 $ (27,544 )
Summary of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 6,389 $ — Additions as a result of tax positions taken during the current year (non-current) — 6,389 Additions for tax positions of prior years — — Reductions for tax positions of prior years — — Lapses of applicable statute of limitations — — Settlements during the year — — Balance at end of the period $ 6,389 $ 6,389
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The sources of and differences between the financial accounting and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities which give rise to the net deferred tax assets are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment $ (1,901 ) $ (1,649 ) Other intangible assets (16,940 ) (16,534 ) Investor tax on non-consolidated affiliate income (1,894 ) (3,200 ) Other assets (559 ) (507 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (21,294 ) $ (21,890 ) Deferred tax assets NOL carryforward $ 5,991 $ 795 Accrued expenses 9,337 5,935 Indirect effect of uncertain tax position 2,488 2,236 Compensation 18,906 16,064 Inventories 922 1,397 Unearned income 5,213 2,917 Tax credits 3,724 3,348 Total deferred tax assets $ 46,581 $ 32,692 Less: Valuation allowance (671 ) (672 ) Deferred tax assets less valuation allowance $ 45,910 $ 32,020 Net deferred tax assets $ 24,616 $ 10,130

Guarantees, Commitments and C38

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	At October 3, 2015 , the future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with original terms exceeding one year were as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Years Ending Amount 2016 $ 1,104 2017 996 2018 541 2019 228 2020 8 $ 2,877
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	Leased property under capital leases is summarized as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Leased property under capital leases $ 974 $ 531 Less: Accumulated depreciation (328 ) (309 ) Leased property under capital leases, net $ 646 $ 222
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	The following table summarizes, as of October 3, 2015 , the Company’s future minimum lease payments under capital leases: (in thousands of dollars) Years Ending Amount 2016 $ 251 2017 166 2018 160 Thereafter 158 Total minimum lease payments 735 Less: Amount of lease payments representing interest (81 ) Present value of future minimum capital lease payments 654 Less: Current obligations under capital leases (214 ) Long term obligations under capital leases $ 440
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	The incurrence of these commitments for the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Years Ending Amount 2016 $ 13,261 2017 1,105 2018 4,015 2019 — 2020 — $ 18,381

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The tables below present segment net sales and gross profit for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : Net sales (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Bus $ 861,665 $ 801,837 $ 730,208 Parts 57,463 53,898 46,350 Segment net sales $ 919,128 $ 855,735 $ 776,558 Gross profit (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Bus $ 99,341 $ 89,315 $ 75,749 Parts 21,054 20,058 16,700 Segment gross profit $ 120,395 $ 109,373 $ 92,449
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 fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Segment gross profit $ 120,395 $ 109,373 $ 92,449 Adjustments: Selling, general and administrative expenses (84,561 ) (91,445 ) (65,332 ) Interest expense (19,078 ) (6,156 ) (2,371 ) Interest income 113 102 214 Other income, net — 72 96 Operating income before income taxes $ 16,869 $ 11,946 $ 25,056
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	Sales are attributable to geographic areas based on customer location and were as follows for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 861,258 $ 760,912 660,152 Canada 49,847 76,275 76,341 Rest of world 8,023 18,548 40,065 Total net sales $ 919,128 $ 855,735 776,558

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 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 per share for the fiscal years ending October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 : (in thousands except share data) 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 14,932 $ 2,757 $ 54,208 Less: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend (2,247 ) — — Net income available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ 12,685 $ 2,757 $ 54,208 Add: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend $ 2,247 $ — $ — Net income available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator $ 14,932 $ 2,757 $ 54,208 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 21,182,885 22,000,000 22,000,000 Basic earnings per share $ 0.60 $ 0.13 $ 2.46 Effect of dilutive securities: Non-qualified stock options — — — Warrants — — — Restricted stock 653 — — Convertible Preferred Stock - if converted 4,314,064 — — Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 25,497,602 22,000,000 22,000,000 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.13 $ 2.46

Share Based Compensation (Table

Share Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 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 fiscal year ending October 3, 2015 : Number of Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 — — Granted 526,585 $ 13.18 Vested 1,220 13.05 Forfeited/canceled 3,658 13.05 Unvested shares at October 3, 2015 521,707 $ 13.18
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the fiscal year ending October 3, 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 October 3, 2015 1,004,000 $ 10.05 9.48 $ 197 Fully vested and expected to vest at October 3, 2015 993,000 $ 10.05 9.48 $ 195 Exercisable at October 3, 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

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the PBO for the Defined Benefit Plan is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 142,555 $ 131,293 Interest cost 5,707 6,084 Assumption changes (a) 1,246 11,489 Actuarial gain 394 65 Benefits paid (7,104 ) (6,376 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 142,798 $ 142,555 (a) The assumption changes referenced in the table above result from (i) changes in the utilized discount rate to value Blue Bird’s future obligations and (ii) updates to the mortality table projections used in the calculation of the benefit obligations.
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	The summary and reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of the plan assets are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 101,674 $ 93,590 Actual return on plan assets (3,039 ) 9,343 Employer contribution 5,516 5,642 Expenses (676 ) (525 ) Benefits paid (7,104 ) (6,376 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 96,371 $ 101,674
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The net pension liability is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within accrued pension liability. (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Benefit obligation $ 142,798 $ 142,555 Fair value of plan assets 96,371 101,674 Funded status (46,427 ) (40,881 ) Net pension liability recognized (46,427 ) (40,881 )
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The weighted-average asset allocations of plan assets for the Defined Benefit Plan at October 2, 2015 and September 27, 2014 , the measurement date, are as follows: 2015 2014 Equity securities 76 % 75 % Debt securities 24 % 25 % 100 % 100 % The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, a summary of the Defined Benefit Plan’s investments measured at fair value. 2015 (in thousands of dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Investment Type Equity securities $ — $ 73,336 $ — $ 73,336 Debt securities — 23,035 — 23,035 Total $ — $ 96,371 $ — $ 96,371 2014 (in thousands of dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Investment Type Equity securities $ — $ 76,242 $ — $ 76,242 Debt securities — 25,432 — 25,432 Total $ — $ 101,674 $ — $ 101,674
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table represents net periodic benefit cost and changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax effect, as of October 3, 2015 , September 27, 2014 and September 27, 2014 : (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 5,707 $ 6,084 $ 5,700 Expected return on plan assets (6,443 ) (6,524 ) (6,097 ) Amortization of net loss 3,567 2,804 4,233 Net periodic benefit cost $ 2,831 $ 2,364 $ 3,836 Net (income) loss 11,797 9,261 (11,649 ) Amortization of net loss (3,567 ) (2,804 ) (4,233 ) Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ 8,230 $ 6,457 $ (15,882 ) Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income $ 11,061 $ 8,821 $ (12,046 )
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.10 % 4.75 % Expected long-term return on plan assets 6.37 % 7.00 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.05 % 4.10 % Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid to the Company’s pension plan participants in the years indicated: (in thousands of dollars) Amount 2016 $ 6,932 2017 7,088 2018 7,296 2019 7,440 2020 7,557 2021-2025 41,092 $ 77,405

Equity Investment in Affiliate

Equity Investment in Affiliate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Summarized financial information for Micro Bird from its September 30, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 financial results is as follows: Balance Sheet (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 Current assets $ 18,239 $ 29,568 Non-current assets 9,412 11,166 Total assets 27,651 40,734 Current liabilities 9,248 22,787 Non-current liabilities 233 75 Total liabilities 9,481 22,862 Net assets $ 18,170 $ 17,872 Income Statement (in thousands of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues $ 109,777 $ 77,632 $ 77,116 Gross profit 13,278 9,044 9,343 Operating income 8,003 4,373 4,906 Net income $ 5,760 $ 2,440 $ 3,650

Quarterly Information (Unaudi44

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	(in thousands except per share data) 2015 First Second Third Fourth Total revenue $ 165,833 $ 183,018 $ 262,653 $ 307,624 Gross profit 19,478 23,030 36,662 41,225 Operating profit (loss) 4,019 (10,920 ) 19,258 23,477 Income (loss) from continuing operations (624 ) (11,095 ) 10,683 16,097 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (4 ) — — (125 ) Net income (loss) $ (628 ) $ (11,095 ) $ 10,683 $ 15,972 Less: Preferred Stock dividend — — 1,239 1,008 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders - Basic EPS numerator $ (628 ) $ (11,095 ) $ 9,444 $ 14,964 Income (loss) per common share Basic $ (0.03 ) $ (0.52 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.72 Diluted $ (0.03 ) $ (0.52 ) $ 0.42 0.63 2014 Total revenue $ 145,993 $ 195,672 $ 240,326 $ 273,744 Gross profit 20,460 26,002 33,762 29,149 Operating profit (loss) 6,358 11,572 (4,607 ) 4,605 Income (loss) from continuing operation 4,069 7,634 (7,933 ) (1,055 ) Income ( loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (6 ) (5 ) (127 ) 180 Net income(loss) $ 4,063 $ 7,629 $ (8,060 ) $ (875 ) Income (loss) per common share Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.35 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.04 ) Diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.35 $ (0.37 ) $ (0.04 )

Nature of Business and Basis 45

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 24, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate		$ 2,634	$ 1,210	$ 1,767
Fiscal period duration		371 days	364 days	364 days
Net borrowings (repayments) under the senior credit facility		$ 0	$ (71)	$ 71
Scenario, Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate			400	2,800
Proceeds from lines of credit			2,800	63,700
Repayments of lines of credit			$ 2,900	$ 63,600
School Bus Holdings, Inc.
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Cash paid	$ 100,000
Shares issued for acquisition (in shares)	12,000,000
Shares issued for acquisition, value	$ 120,000

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Net loss (income) from discontinued operations	$ (129)	$ 42	$ (159)
Shipping and handling revenue	16,900	16,000	14,500
Shipping and handling costs	14,400	14,200	12,600
Inbound and outbound shipping costs	17,500	14,800	14,200
Accrued self-insurance	6,320	6,491
Deferred loan origination fees	12,000	14,800
Discount and other reductions in carrying value of debt	9,900	12,100
Deferred financing costs included in other current assets	2,100	2,600
Debt amortization/ Non-cash interest expense	3,000	1,300	100
Research and development expense	$ 5,200	$ 3,700	$ 3,600
Minimum
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Standard product warranty, period	1 year
Maximum
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Standard product warranty, period	5 years
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption | Other Assets
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Early adoption of recently issued accounting standards, reclassification amount	$ 1,200
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption | Long-term Debt
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Early adoption of recently issued accounting standards, reclassification amount	$ 1,200
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated life	20 years

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	15 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	33 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Computer equipment and software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Computer equipment and software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years
Office furniture and fixtures | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Office furniture and fixtures | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years

Supplemental Financial Inform48

Supplemental Financial Information - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 13,851	$ 21,286
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(105)	(71)
Accounts receivable, net	$ 13,746	$ 21,215

Supplemental Financial Inform49

Supplemental Financial Information - Product Warranty Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 15,559	$ 13,447
Add: current period accruals	10,425	9,593
Less: current period reductions of accrual	(8,323)	(7,481)
Balance at end of period	$ 17,661	$ 15,559

Supplemental Financial Inform50

Supplemental Financial Information - Extended Warranty Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Movement in Extended Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 12,003	$ 10,743	$ 10,032
Add: current period deferred income	6,556	5,264	5,006
Less: current period recognition of income	(4,414)	(4,004)	(4,295)
Balance at end of period	$ 14,145	$ 12,003	$ 10,743

Supplemental Financial Inform51

Supplemental Financial Information - Self Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]
Current portion	$ 3,534	$ 3,463
Long-term portion	2,786	3,028
Total accrued self-insurance	$ 6,320	$ 6,491

Supplemental Financial Inform52

Supplemental Financial Information - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
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

Business Combination (Details)

Business Combination (Details)	Feb. 24, 2015USD ($)fund$ / sharesshares	Feb. 18, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 03, 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 Stock
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 Stock
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 Stock
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 Stock
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

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 43,471	$ 45,570
Work in process	2,658	24,062
Finished goods	3,051	1,668
Total inventory	$ 49,180	$ 71,300

Property, Plant and Equipment55

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 87,231	$ 93,777
Less: accumulated depreciation	(58,298)	(63,828)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	28,933	29,949
Depreciation	6,900	8,000	$ 8,200
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	1,153	839
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	14,246	11,835
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	55,400	64,153
Office furniture, equipment and other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	1,373	2,064
Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	14,232	12,685
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 827	$ 2,201

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	$ 18,825	$ 18,825
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Net Goodwill	18,825	18,825
Bus
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	15,139	15,139
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Net Goodwill	15,139	15,139
Parts
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Goodwill	3,686	3,686
Accumulated Impairments	0	0
Net Goodwill	$ 3,686	$ 3,686

Other Intangible Assets (Detail

Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 37,425	$ 50,086
Gross Carrying Amount	77,241	89,902
Accumulated Amortization	16,863	27,662
Total	20,562	22,424
Total	60,378	62,240
Trade names
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Nonamortized intangible assets	39,816	39,816
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	37,425	37,425
Accumulated Amortization	16,863	15,001
Total	$ 20,562	22,424
Engineering designs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount		12,661
Accumulated Amortization		12,661
Total		$ 0

Other Intangible Assets - Narra

Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 1.9	$ 1.9	$ 3.6
Amortization expense, 2016	1.9
Amortization expense, 2017	1.9
Amortization expense, 2018	1.9
Amortization expense, 2019	1.9
Amortization expense, 2020	1.9
Amortization expense, thereafter	$ 11.2
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated life	20 years

Debt - Schedule of Long-term De

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Current portion of long-term debt	$ 11,750	$ 11,750
Long-term debt, net of current portion	176,596	211,118
Long-term debt, discount	9,900	12,100
Senior Term Loan | 2020 Senior Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020 senior term loan, net of discount of $9,904 and $12,132	188,346	222,868
Long-term debt, discount	$ 9,904	$ 12,132

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Apr. 04, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost paid to lenders		$ 12,700,000
Interest expense		$ 19,100,000	$ 6,200,000	$ 2,400,000
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%
Long-term line of credit		$ 198,300,000	$ 235,000,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)		7.80%	7.80%
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
Line of credit, amount outstanding		$ 0	$ 0
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
Line of credit, amount outstanding		$ 5,100,000	$ 5,300,000

Debt - Maturity Schedule (Detai

Debt - Maturity Schedule (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity
2,016	$ 11,750
2,017	11,750
2,018	11,750
2,019	11,750
2,020	151,250
Total debt	$ 198,250

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	26.30%	87.40%	109.90%
Statutory Federal income tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Adjustments for changes in assumptions in utilization of foreign tax credits	$ 1,700
Unrecognized tax benefits	6,389	$ 6,389	$ 0
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1,100	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Income Tax (Bene

Income Taxes - Income Tax (Benefit) Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Current
Federal	$ 12,757	$ 190	$ 0
State	311	7,012	67
Foreign	0	0	0
Current income tax (benefit) expense	13,068	7,202	67
Deferred
Federal	(6,903)	2,934	(27,062)
State	(1,723)	305	(549)
Foreign	0	0	0
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(8,626)	3,239	(27,611)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 4,442	$ 10,441	$ (27,544)

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed tax expense (benefit)	$ 5,904	$ 4,183	$ 8,770
State taxes, net of deferred benefit	(949)	877	$ (530)
Change in uncertain tax positions	833	4,153
Foreign taxes	0	0	$ 74
Permanent items	(954)	1,314	56
Valuation allowance	(1)	(5,652)	(37,917)
Tax credits	(90)	5,294	(289)
Return to accrual true-ups	(386)	(93)	(343)
Investor tax on non-consolidated affiliate income	425	365	2,836
Tax rate adjustments	(1,854)	0	0
Transaction costs	1,364	0	0
Other	150	0	(201)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 4,442	$ 10,441	$ (27,544)

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 6,389	$ 0
Additions as a result of tax positions taken during the current year (non-current)	0	6,389
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	0
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations	0	0
Settlements during the year	0	0
Balance at end of the period	$ 6,389	$ 6,389

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	$ (1,901)	$ (1,649)
Other intangible assets	(16,940)	(16,534)
Investor tax on non-consolidated affiliate income	(1,894)	(3,200)
Other assets	(559)	(507)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(21,294)	(21,890)
Deferred tax assets
NOL carryforward	5,991	795
Accrued expenses	9,337	5,935
Indirect effect of uncertain tax position	2,488	2,236
Compensation	18,906	16,064
Inventories	922	1,397
Unearned income	5,213	2,917
Tax credits	3,724	3,348
Total deferred tax assets	46,581	32,692
Less: Valuation allowance	(671)	(672)
Deferred tax assets less valuation allowance	45,910	32,020
Net deferred tax assets	$ 24,616	$ 10,130

Guarantees, Commitments and C67

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, discount rate (as a percent)	12.00%
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies	$ 500	$ 600
Period for aggregate undiscounted amount	12 years	13 years
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, gross	$ 1,200	$ 1,300
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	100
2,017	100
2,018	100
2,019	100
2,020	100
Thereafter	700
Rent expense	1,500	$ 1,700	$ 1,900
Commitments for future production material	$ 18,381
Minimum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease term	2 months
Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease term	58 months

Guarantees, Commitments and C68

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 1,104
2,017	996
2,018	541
2,019	228
2,020	8
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases	$ 2,877

Guarantees, Commitments and C69

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Capital Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Leased property under capital leases	$ 974	$ 531
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(328)	(309)
Leased property under capital leases, net	$ 646	$ 222

Guarantees, Commitments and C70

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 251
2,017	166
2,018	160
Thereafter	158
Total minimum lease payments	735
Less: Amount of lease payments representing interest	(81)
Present value of future minimum capital lease payments	654
Less: Current obligations under capital leases	(214)
Long term obligations under capital leases	$ 440

Guarantees, Commitments and C71

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies - Future Purchase Commitments Due (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 13,261
2,017	1,105
2,018	4,015
2,019	0
2,020	0
Total purchase commitments	$ 18,381

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 04, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 03, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)segment	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | segment									2
Net sales									$ 919,128	$ 855,735	$ 776,558
Gross profit	$ 41,225	$ 36,662	$ 23,030	$ 19,478	$ 29,149	$ 33,762	$ 26,002	$ 20,460	120,395	109,373	92,449
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									861,258	760,912	660,152
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									49,847	76,275	76,341
Rest of world
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									8,023	18,548	40,065
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									919,128	855,735	776,558
Gross profit									120,395	109,373	92,449
Operating Segments | Bus
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									861,665	801,837	730,208
Gross profit									99,341	89,315	75,749
Operating Segments | Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									57,463	53,898	46,350
Gross profit									$ 21,054	$ 20,058	$ 16,700

Segment Information - Reconcili

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Segment Gross Profit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment gross profit	$ 41,225	$ 36,662	$ 23,030	$ 19,478	$ 29,149	$ 33,762	$ 26,002	$ 20,460	$ 120,395	$ 109,373	$ 92,449
Selling, general and administrative expenses									(84,561)	(91,445)	(65,332)
Interest expense									(19,078)	(6,156)	(2,371)
Interest income									113	102	214
Other income, net									0	72	96
Operating income before income taxes	$ 16,097	$ 10,683	$ (11,095)	$ (624)	$ (1,055)	$ (7,933)	$ 7,634	$ 4,069	16,869	11,946	25,056
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment gross profit									120,395	109,373	92,449
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									(84,561)	(91,445)	(65,332)
Interest expense									(19,078)	(6,156)	(2,371)
Interest income									113	102	214
Other income, net									$ 0	$ 72	$ 96

Stockholders' Deficit - Common

Stockholders' Deficit - Common and Preferred Stock (Details) - $ / shares	Sep. 15, 2015	Jun. 15, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
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				20,874,882	22,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding				20,874,882	22,000,000
Common Stock
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				20,874,882
Common stock, shares outstanding				20,874,882
Convertible Preferred Stock
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 Stock | Backstop Commitment Investor
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares acquired (in shares)			102,750
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding				20,874,882	22,000,000	22,000,000
Issuance of stock (in shares)				2,500,000
Series A Preferred Stock dividend - Common Stock (in shares)	182,088	182,088		182,088

Stockholders' Deficit - Warrant

Stockholders' Deficit - Warrants (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015$ / shares$ / warrantshares	Jul. 04, 2015shares	Mar. 17, 2015shares	Mar. 02, 2015shares	Feb. 24, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Number of shares received from exercise of each warrant (in shares)		0.5
Public Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)	8,809,538
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 shares received from exercise of each warrant (in shares)	0.5			0.1
Number of warrants tendered (in shares)				2,690,462
Number of shares of common stock issued for warrants (in shares)				269,046
Placement Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)	2,690,462				12,125,000
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 shares received from exercise of each warrant (in shares)	0.5
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								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Including Dilutive Securities [Line Items]
Net income	$ 15,972	$ 10,683	$ (11,095)	$ (628)	$ (875)	$ (8,060)	$ 7,629	$ 4,063	$ 14,932	$ 2,757	$ 54,208
Less: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend	(1,008)	(1,239)	0	0					(2,247)	0	0
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 14,964	$ 9,444	$ (11,095)	$ (628)					12,685	2,757	54,208
Add: Convertible Preferred Stock dividend									2,247	0	0
Net income available to common stockholders - Diluted EPS numerator									$ 14,932	$ 2,757	$ 54,208
Basic weighted average shares outstanding									21,182,885	22,000,000	22,000,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)									$ 0.60	$ 0.13	$ 2.46
Effect of dilutive securities:
Warrants (in shares)		358,950							0	0	0
Convertible Preferred Stock - if converted (in shares)									4,314,064	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding									25,497,602	22,000,000	22,000,000
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)									$ 0.59	$ 0.13	$ 2.46
Non-qualified stock options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities related to share based compensation (in shares)									0	0	0
Restricted stock
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities related to share based compensation (in shares)									653	0	0

Share Based Compensation - Narr

Share Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be granted under Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan				3,700,000
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs				2 years 6 months
Stock-based compensation				$ 0.7
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
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 6 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
Unrecognized compensation expense				$ 6
Stock-based compensation				0.9
Phantom award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Phantom awards plan payment approved	$ 24.7	$ 13.8
Grant date fair value of awards granted in period				$ 0	$ 9.9	$ 0.1

Share Based Compensation - Rest

Share Based Compensation - Restricted Stock and Unit Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 (in shares) | shares	0
Granted (in shares) | shares	526,585
Vested (in shares) | shares	1,220
Forfeited/canceled (in shares) | shares	3,658
Unvested shares at October 3, 2015 (in shares) | shares	521,707
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested shares at September 27, 2014 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	13.18
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	13.05
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	13.05
Unvested shares at October 3, 2015 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 13.18

Share Based Compensation (Detai

Share Based Compensation (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	1,004,000
Exercised (in shares)	0
Canceled (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,004,000
Fully vested and expected to vest (in shares)	993,000
Exercisable (in shares)	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	10.05
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	10.05
Fully vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 10.05
Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term	9 years 5 months 23 days
Fully vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Contractual Remaining Term	9 years 5 months 23 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 197
Fully vested and expected to vest , Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	195
Unrecognized compensation costs | $	$ 3,400
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation costs	2 years 6 months
Stock-based compensation | $	$ 700

Share Based Compensation - Fair

Share Based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015$ / shares
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

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Deta

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay	1.00%	6.00%
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' contribution		50.00%
Employer discretionary contribution amount		$ 1,700	$ 1,300	$ 1,000
Medical, dental and accident and sickness benefit expense		10,000	9,600	8,900
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution		5,516	5,642
Benefits paid		7,104	6,376
Benefit obligation		142,798	142,555	131,293
Losses, net of tax, for defined benefit plan		52,800	44,500	$ 38,100
Estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss over next fiscal year		4,800
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year		6,100
Employee Compensation Plan | Management
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Bonus liabilities		$ 4,700	$ 8,700

Benefit Plans - Projected Benef

Benefit Plans - Projected Benefit Obligation (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ 142,555	$ 131,293
Interest cost	5,707	6,084	$ 5,700
Assumption changes	1,246	11,489
Actuarial gain	394	65
Benefits paid	(7,104)	(6,376)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$ 142,798	$ 142,555	$ 131,293

Benefit Plans - Change in Plan

Benefit Plans - Change in Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 101,674	$ 93,590
Actual return on plan assets	(3,039)	9,343
Employer contribution	5,516	5,642
Expenses	(676)	(525)
Benefits paid	(7,104)	(6,376)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$ 96,371	$ 101,674

Benefit Plans - Net Funded Stat

Benefit Plans - Net Funded Status (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	$ 142,798	$ 142,555	$ 131,293
Fair value of plan assets	96,371	101,674	$ 93,590
Funded status	(46,427)	(40,881)
Net pension liability recognized	$ (46,427)	$ (40,881)

Benefit Plans - Fair Value of P

Benefit Plans - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 96,371	$ 101,674	$ 93,590
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	96,371	101,674
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	73,336	76,242
Equity securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	73,336	76,242
Equity securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23,035	25,432
Debt securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Debt securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23,035	25,432
Debt securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Benefit Plans - Amounts Recogni

Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net (income) loss	$ 15,972	$ 10,683	$ (11,095)	$ (628)	$ (875)	$ (8,060)	$ 7,629	$ 4,063	$ 14,932	$ 2,757	$ 54,208
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost									5,707	6,084	5,700
Expected return on plan assets									(6,443)	(6,524)	(6,097)
Amortization of net loss									3,567	2,804	4,233
Net periodic benefit cost									2,831	2,364	3,836
Net (income) loss									11,797	9,261	(11,649)
Amortization of net loss									(3,567)	(2,804)	(4,233)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income									8,230	6,457	(15,882)
Total recognized in net periodic pension benefit cost and other comprehensive income									$ 11,061	$ 8,821	$ (12,046)

Benefit Plans - Assumptions Use

Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (Details)	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.05%	4.10%

Benefit Plans - Assumptions U88

Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Net Benefit Cost (Details) - Pension Plan	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.10%	4.75%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.37%	7.00%

Benefit Plans - Weighted Averag

Benefit Plans - Weighted Average Asset Allocations (Details) - Pension Plan	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average allocations of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average allocations of plan assets	76.00%	75.00%
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average allocations of plan assets	24.00%	25.00%

Benefit Plans - Expected Benefi

Benefit Plans - Expected Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 6,932
2,017	7,088
2,018	7,296
2,019	7,440
2,020	7,557
2021-2025	41,092
Total expected future benefit payments	$ 77,405

Equity Investment in Affiliat91

Equity Investment in Affiliate - Balance Sheet (Details) - Micro Bird Holdings, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 18,239	$ 29,568
Non-current assets	9,412	11,166
Total assets	27,651	40,734
Current liabilities	9,248	22,787
Non-current liabilities	233	75
Total liabilities	9,481	22,862
Net assets	$ 18,170	$ 17,872

Equity Investment in Affiliat92

Equity Investment in Affiliate - Income Statement (Details) - Micro Bird Holdings, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 109,777	$ 77,632	$ 77,116
Gross profit	13,278	9,044	9,343
Operating income	8,003	4,373	4,906
Net income	$ 5,760	$ 2,440	$ 3,650

Equity Investment in Affiliat93

Equity Investment in Affiliate - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2009manufacturer
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of manufacturers before venture | manufacturer				2
Equity investment in affiliate	$ 12,505	$ 9,871
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate	$ 2,634	1,210	$ 1,767
Micro Bird Holdings, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest in equity method investment (as a percent)	50.00%
Equity investment in affiliate	$ 12,500	9,900
Equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate	$ 2,600	$ 1,200	$ 1,800

Quarterly Information (Unaudi94

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 307,624	$ 262,653	$ 183,018	$ 165,833	$ 273,744	$ 240,326	$ 195,672	$ 145,993
Gross profit	41,225	36,662	23,030	19,478	29,149	33,762	26,002	20,460	$ 120,395	$ 109,373	$ 92,449
Operating profit (loss)	23,477	19,258	(10,920)	4,019	4,605	(4,607)	11,572	6,358	35,834	17,928	27,117
Income (loss) from continuing operations	16,097	10,683	(11,095)	(624)	(1,055)	(7,933)	7,634	4,069	16,869	11,946	25,056
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(125)	0	0	(4)	180	(127)	(5)	(6)
Net income	15,972	10,683	(11,095)	(628)	$ (875)	$ (8,060)	$ 7,629	$ 4,063	14,932	2,757	54,208
Less: Preferred Stock dividend	1,008	1,239	0	0					2,247	0	0
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 14,964	$ 9,444	$ (11,095)	$ (628)					$ 12,685	$ 2,757	$ 54,208
Income (loss) per common share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.46	$ (0.52)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.35	$ 0.18
Income (loss) per common share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.63	$ 0.42	$ (0.52)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.35	$ 0.18

Quarterly Information (Unaudi95

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jul. 04, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Income (loss) per common share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.63	$ 0.42	$ (0.52)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.35	$ 0.18
Number of shares received from exercise of each warrant (in shares)		0.5
Dilutive share impact of warrants (in shares)		358,950							0	0	0
Scenario, Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Income (loss) per common share, Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.38
Dilutive share impact of warrants (in shares)		3,054,478

Schedule II - Valuation and Q96

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 71	$ 81	$ 60
Charges to Expense/ (Income)	34	(9)	21
Charges utilized/Write offs	0	(1)	0
Balance at End of Period	105	71	81
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	672	6,324	42,124
Charges to Expense/ (Income)	0	0	0
Charges utilized/Write offs	(1)	(5,652)	(35,800)
Balance at End of Period	$ 671	$ 672	$ 6,324

Uncategorized Items - blbd-2015

Label	Element	Value
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Reverse Acquisition	blbd_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueReverseAcquisition	$ 0
Common Stock [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Reverse Acquisition	blbd_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueReverseAcquisition	$ 2,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Reverse Acquisition	blbd_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesReverseAcquisition	22,000,000