Johnson Outdoors (JOUT) 10-Q 5 May 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC
Entity Central Index Key	788,329
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-29
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,782,779
Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,212,006

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Net sales	$ 149,807	$ 134,192	$ 243,536	$ 219,490
Cost of sales	84,894	79,197	142,058	131,196
Gross profit	64,913	54,995	101,478	88,294
Operating expenses:
Marketing and selling	28,796	25,776	49,618	45,775
Administrative management, finance and information systems	11,001	9,891	21,562	20,045
Research and development	4,658	4,190	9,368	8,236
Total operating expenses	44,455	39,857	80,548	74,056
Operating profit	20,458	15,138	20,930	14,238
Interest income	(9)	(10)	(32)	(18)
Interest expense	124	297	610	487
Other (income) expense, net	(1,494)	182	(1,440)	(381)
Profit before income taxes	21,837	14,669	21,792	14,150
Income tax expense	7,878	5,348	3,777	5,363
Net income	$ 13,959	$ 9,321	$ 18,015	$ 8,787
Weighted average common shares - Basic:
Participating securities	19		21
Weighted average common shares - Dilutive	9,915	9,848	9,892	9,821
Class A [Member]
Weighted average common shares - Basic:
Weighted average common shares - Basic	8,684	8,636	8,659	8,609
Net income per common share - Basic:
Net income per common share - Basic	$ 1.41	$ 0.94	$ 1.83	$ 0.89
Net income per common share - Diluted:
Net income per common share - Diluted	1.39	0.93	1.80	0.88
Dividends declared per common share:
Dividends Per Common Share	$ 0.09	$ 0.08	$ 0.18	$ 0.16
Class B [Member]
Weighted average common shares - Basic:
Weighted average common shares - Basic	1,212	1,212	1,212	1,212
Net income per common share - Basic:
Net income per common share - Basic	$ 1.28	$ 0.86	$ 1.66	$ 0.81
Net income per common share - Diluted:
Net income per common share - Diluted	1.39	0.93	1.80	0.88
Dividends declared per common share:
Dividends Per Common Share	$ 0.08	$ 0.07	$ 0.16	$ 0.15

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 13,959	$ 9,321	$ 18,015	$ 8,787
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	874	3,048	(2,873)	1,271
Change in pension plans, net of tax of $54, $59, $108 and $118, respectively	87	97	175	193
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	961	3,145	(2,698)	1,464
Total comprehensive income	$ 14,920	$ 12,466	$ 15,317	$ 10,251

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Change in pension plan, tax	$ 54	$ 59	$ 108	$ 118

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,360	$ 87,294	$ 50,938
Accounts receivable, net	122,386	41,522	102,786
Inventories	74,858	68,397	89,769
Other current assets	4,007	4,755	4,573
Total current assets	230,611	201,968	248,066
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $128,519, $123,921 and $122,369, respectively	48,130	48,998	45,862
Deferred income taxes	22,583	19,063	16,389
Goodwill	11,182	11,196	16,672
Other intangible assets, net	13,950	14,462	14,435
Other assets	15,846	14,592	13,365
Total assets	342,302	310,279	354,789
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt		381	373
Accounts payable	39,069	24,521	40,966
Accrued liabilities:
Salaries, wages and benefits	13,883	17,396	12,162
Accrued warranty	5,543	4,326	4,735
Income taxes payable	4,952	1,691	7,618
Accrued discounts and returns	8,445	7,074	6,427
Other	14,883	12,265	13,847
Total current liabilities	86,775	67,654	86,128
Long-term debt, less current maturities	5,000	7,008	37,172
Deferred income taxes	1,178	1,216	1,266
Retirement benefits	12,409	12,699	9,901
Other liabilities	15,616	14,206	13,133
Total liabilities	120,978	102,783	147,600
Common stock:
Capital in excess of par value	71,721	71,127	70,084
Retained earnings	151,641	135,405	132,374
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(344)	2,354	5,101
Treasury stock at cost, shares of Class A common stock: 79,071, 64,323 and 33,599, respectively	(2,197)	(1,892)	(872)
Total shareholders' equity	221,324	207,496	207,189
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	342,302	310,279	354,789
Class A [Member]
Common stock:
Shares issued and outstanding	442	441	441
Class B [Member]
Common stock:
Shares issued and outstanding	$ 61	$ 61	$ 61

Condensed Consolidated Balance6

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 128,519	$ 123,921	$ 122,369
Class A [Member]
Common stock, shares issued	8,782,779	8,778,028	8,808,905
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,782,779	8,778,028	8,808,905
Treasury stock, shares	79,071	64,323	33,599
Class B [Member]
Common stock, shares issued	1,212,006	1,212,006	1,212,382
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,212,006	1,212,006	1,212,382

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 18,015	$ 8,787
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Depreciation	5,683	5,220
Amortization of intangible assets	673	430
Amortization of deferred financing costs	217	61
Stock based compensation	954	947
Deferred income taxes	(3,862)	(302)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(81,169)	(57,481)
Inventories, net	(7,028)	(9,080)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	19,883	16,146
Other current assets	647	377
Other non-current assets	44	23
Other long-term liabilities	(15)	(444)
Other, net	(252)	(179)
Cash used for operating activities	(46,210)	(35,495)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for purchase of businesses		(5,250)
Capital expenditures	(5,194)	(5,608)
Cash used for investing activities	(5,194)	(10,858)
CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings from revolving credit lines	5,000	30,000
Principal payments on term loans and other long-term debt	(7,374)	(180)
Common stock transactions		22
Dividends paid	(1,779)	(1,583)
Purchases of treasury stock	(663)	(476)
Cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(4,816)	27,783
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash	(1,714)	349
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(57,934)	(18,221)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Beginning of period	87,294	69,159
End of period	29,360	50,938
Supplemental Disclosure:
Cash paid for taxes	4,236	2,015
Cash paid for interest	$ 386	$ 402

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1 Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 , and their results of operations for the three and six month periods then ended and cash flows for the six month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company ’ s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13 , 201 6 . Effective with the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company has renamed its business segments to better reflect the outdoor lifestyle focus of the Company’s brands. The Company’s segments are now referred to as Fishing (formerly Marine Electronics), Camping (formerly Outdoor Equipment), Watercraft Recreation (formerly Watercraft) and Diving (unchanged). There is no change in the composition of the Company’s segments. Due to seasonal variations and other factors, the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the Company's full 201 7 fiscal year. See “Seasonality” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein for additional information. All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thousands.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	2 Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,885 , $2,182 and $2,310 as of March 31, 2017 , September 30, 2016 and April 1 , 201 6 , respectively. The increase in net accounts receivable to $122,386 as of March 31, 2017 from $41,522 as of September 30 , 201 6 is attributable to the seasonal nature of the Company's business. The determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where specific collection concerns about a receivable exist, a reserve is established to value the affected account receivable at an amount the Company believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of accounts receivable outstanding for each business segment . Uncollectible accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after collection efforts have been exhausted. The Company typically does not require collateral on its accounts receivable.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share ("EPS") [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share ("EPS")	3 Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Net income or loss per share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock is computed using the two-class method. Grants of restricted stock which receive non-forfeitable dividends are classified as participating securities and are required to be included as part of the basic weighted average share calculation under the two-class method. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to cash dividends equal to 110% of all dividends declared and paid on each share of Class B common stock. The Company grants shares of unvested restricted stock in the form of Class A shares, which carry the same distribution rights as the Class A common stock described above. As such, the undistributed earnings for each period are allocated to each class of common stock based on the proportionate share of the amount of cash dividends that each such class is entitled to receive. Basic EPS Basic net income or loss per share is computed by dividing net income or loss allocated to Class A common stock and Class B common stock by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding, respectively. In periods with cumulative year to date net income and undistributed income, the undistributed income for each period is allocated to each class of common stock based on the proportionate share of the amount of cash dividends that each such class is entitled to receive. In periods where there is a cumulative year to date net loss or no undistributed income because distributions through dividends exceed net income, Class B shares are treated as anti-dilutive and, therefore, net losses are allocated equally on a per share basis among all participating securities. For the three and six month period s ended March 31 , 201 7 and April 1, 2016 , basic income per share for the Class A and Class B shares has been presented using the two class method and reflects the allocation of undistributed income described above . Diluted EPS Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing allocated net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of dilutive restricted stock units (“stock units” or “units”) and non-vested restricted stock. Anti-dilutive stock, units and non-vested stock are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. The computation of diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes that Class B common stock is converted into Class A common stock. Therefore, diluted net income per share is the same for both Class A and Class B common shares. In periods where the Company reports a net loss, the effect of anti-dilutive stock units is excluded and diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share for both classes. For the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, diluted net income per share reflects the effect of dilutive restricted stock units and assumes the conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock. Non-vested stock that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future which were not included in the fully diluted computation because they would have been anti-dilutive totaled 95,068 and 170,357 for the three months ended March 31 , 201 7 and April 1 , 201 6 , respectively , and 119,059 and 178,435 for the six months ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, respectively . Restricted stock units that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future which were not included in the fully diluted computation because they would have been anti-dilutive were 41,349 and 48,456 for the three month periods ended March 31 , 201 7 and April 1 , 201 6, respectively, and 39,910 and 48,456 for the six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, respectively .

Stock-Based Compensation And St

Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans	4 Stock-Based Compensation and Stock Ownership Plans The Company’s current stock ownership plans allow for issuance of stock options to acquire shares of Class A common stock by key executives and non-employee directors. Current plans also allow for issuance of shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights in lieu of stock options. Under the Company’s 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and the 2012 Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Plan (the only two plans where shares remain available for future equity incentive awards) there were a total of 612,570 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock available for future grant to key executives and non-employee directors at March 31, 2017 . Non-vested Stock All shares of non-vested stock awarded by the Company have been granted in the form of shares of Class A common stock at their fair market value on the date of grant and vest within two to five years after the grant date. The fair value at date of grant is based on the number of shares granted and the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock price on the date of grant or, if the Company’s Class A shares did not trade on the date of grant, the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock price on the last preceding date on which the Company’s Class A shares traded. A summary of non-vested stock activity for the six months ended March 31, 2017 related to the Company’s stock ownership plans is as follows:    Weighted Average  Shares Grant Price  Non-vested stock at September 30, 2016 162,472 $ 24.49  Non-vested stock grants 8,846 43.12  Restricted stock vested (76,250) 20.54  Non-vested stock at March 31, 2017 95,068 27.68 Non-vested stock grantees may elect to reimburse the Company for withholding taxes due as a result of the vesting of shares by tendering a portion of the vested shares back to the Company. Shares tendered back to the Company were 17,832 and 19,973 during the six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, respectively. Stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, related to non-vested stock was $220 and $332 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, respectively, and $503 and $680 for the six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock as of March 31, 2017 was $1,171 , which amount will be amortized to expense through November 2020 or adjusted for changes in future estimated or actual forfeitures. The fair value of restricted stock vested during the six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016 was $3,219 and $ 2,349 , respectively. Restricted Stock Units All restricted stock units (RSUs) awarded by the Company have been granted in the form of shares of Class A common stock at their fair market value on the date of grant and vest within one or three years after the grant date. The fair value at date of grant is based on the number of units granted and the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock trading price on the date of grant or, if the Company’s Class A shares did not trade on the date of grant, the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock trading price on the last preceding date on which the Company’s Class A shares traded. A summary of RSU activity for the six months ended March 31, 2017 follows:    Weighted Average  Number of RSUs Grant Price  RSUs at September 30, 2016 46,411 $ 23.62  RSUs granted 28,301 40.64  RSUs vested (14,070) 22.39  RSUs at March 31, 2017 60,642 31.85 Stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, related to restricted stock units was $206 and $427 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017, respectively, and $137 and $267 for the three and six months ended April 1, 2016, respectively . Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units as of March 31, 2017 was $1,375 , which amount will be amortized to expense through September 2019 or adjusted for changes in future estimated or actual forfeiture . Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan The Company’s shareholders ha v e adopted the Johnson Outdoors Inc. 2009 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, which provides for the issuance of shares of Class A common stock at a purchase price of not less than 85% of the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant or at the end of the offering period, whichever is lower. During the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016, the Company issued no shares of Class A common stock in connection with the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan. Stock compensation expense related to the plan was $25 for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and $0 for the three and six month periods ended April 1, 2016.

Pension Plans

Pension Plans	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Pension Plans	5 Pension Plans  The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its U.S. employees. Retirement benefits are generally provided based on the employees’ years of service and average earnings. Normal retirement age is 65, with provisions for earlier retirement. The components of net periodic benefit cost related to Company sponsored defined benefit plans for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 were as follows:    Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  March 31 April 1 March 31 April 1  2017 2016 2017 2016   Components of net periodic benefit cost:  Service cost $ - $ - $ - $ -  Interest on projected benefit obligation 284 277 568 554  Less estimated return on plan assets 274 299 548 598  Amortization of unrecognized losses 141 155 283 310  Net periodic benefit cost $ 151 $ 133 $ 303 $ 266

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	6 Income Taxes For the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 , the Company’s earnings before income taxes, income tax expense and effective income tax rate were as follows:     Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  March 31 April 1 March 31 April 1  (thousands, except tax rate data) 2017 2016 2017 2016  Profit before income taxes $ 21,837 $ 14,669 $ 21,792 $ 14,150  Income tax expense 7,878 5,348 3,777 5,363  Effective income tax rate 36.1% 36.5% 17.3% 37.9%  The change in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 versus the prior year period was primarily due to the impact of variances in income for entities with a valuation allowance. Also, the Company recorded tax benefit of $54 realized from the exercise of the Company’s share-based payment arrangements during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. See “Note 14 – New Accounting Pronouncements” in the notes to the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion. The change in the Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 20 17 versus the prior year period continues to be primarily due to the impact in the first quarter of a foreign tax credit net tax benefit of about $4,200 generated by the repatriation of approximately $22,000 from foreign jurisdiction s into the U.S.  Adverse changes in profitability and financial outlook in both the U.S. and/or foreign jurisdictions or changes in the Company’s geographic footprint may require changes in valuation allowances in order to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets. Such changes may drive fluctuations in the effective tax rate. The impact of the Company’s operations in jurisdictions where a valuation allowance is assessed, primarily in the foreign locations, is removed from the overall effective tax rate methodology and recorded directly based on year to date results for the year for which no tax expense or benefit can be recognized. The tax jurisdictions that have a valuation allowance for the periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016 were:     March 31 April 1  2017 2016  Australia Australia  Austria France  France Italy  Indonesia Japan  Italy Netherlands  Japan New Zealand  Netherlands Spain  New Zealand Switzerland  Spain  Switzerland  The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its provisions for income tax contingencies in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for income taxes. As a result, the Company may adjust the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits due to the impact of changes in its assumptions or as a result of new facts and developments, such as changes to interpretations of relevant tax law, assessments from taxing authorities, settlements with taxing authorities and lapses of statutes of limitation. The Company’s 2017 fiscal year tax expense is anticipated to include approximately $500 related to uncertain income tax positions.  In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company is projecting accrued interest of $250 related to uncertain income tax positions for the fiscal year ending September 29, 2017.  The Company files income tax returns, including returns for its subsidiaries, with federal, state, local and foreign taxing jurisdictions. The Company is currently undergoing income tax examinations in Italy, France, Germany and Indonesia. As of the date of this report, the following tax years remain open to examination by the respective tax jurisdictions:   Jurisdiction Fiscal Years  United States 2013 - 2016  Canada 2012 - 2016  France 2012 - 2016  Germany 2009 - 2016  Italy 2011 - 2016  Japan 2016  Switzerland 2006 - 2016

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	7 Inventories Inventories at the end of the respective periods consisted of the following:    March 31 September 30 April 1  2017 2016 2016  Raw materials $ 32,183 $ 26,379 $ 33,028  Work in process 161 34 155  Finished goods 42,514 41,984 56,586  $ 74,858 $ 68,397 $ 89,769

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	8 Goodwill  The changes in goodwill during the six months ended March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 were as follows:    March 31 April 1  2017 2016  Balance at beginning of period $ 11,196 $ 14,292  Acquisitions - 2,338  Amount attributable to movements in foreign currency rates (14) 42  Balance at end of period $ 11,182 $ 16,672  The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis or more frequently when events and circumstances warrant such an evaluation. See Note 17 below for a discussion of Company acquisitions and their impact on increasing the Company’s goodwill balance during the periods presented herein.

Warranties

Warranties	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Warranties [Abstract]
Warranties	9 Warranties  The Company provides warranties on certain of its products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the Company's warranty activity for the six months ended March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 .    March 31 April 1  2017 2016  Balance at beginning of period $ 4,326 $ 4,301  Expense accruals for warranties issued during the period 3,173 2,337  Less current period warranty claims paid 1,956 1,903  Balance at end of period $ 5,543 $ 4,735

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	10 CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to various legal actions and proceedings in the normal course of business, including those related to commercial disputes, product liability, intellectual property and regulatory matters. The Company is insured against loss for certain of these matters. Although litigation is subject to many uncertainties and the ultimate exposure with respect to these matters cannot be ascertained, management does not believe the final outcome of any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows of the Company.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Indebtedness [Abstract]
Indebtedness	11 Indebtedness Debt was comprised of the following at March 31, 2017 , September 30, 2016 , and April 1 , 201 6 :    March 31 2017 September 30 2016 April 1 2016  Term loans $ - $ 7,098 $ 7,251  Revolvers 5,000 - 30,000  Other - 291 294  Total debt 5,000 7,389 37,545  Less current portion of long term debt - 381 373  Less short term debt - - -  Total long-term debt $ 5,000 $ 7,008 $ 37,172  Term Loans On October 24, 2016 the Company repaid its outstanding term loans with Ridgestone Bank totaling $7,068 . The early repayment of these loans resulted in payment of a 3% pre-payment penalty. The Company’s term loans had a maturity date of September 29, 2029 . The interest rate in effect on the term loans was 5.50% at the date of repayment .  Revolvers On September 16, 2013 , the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit facility with PNC Bank National Association and certain other lenders. This credit facility consists of a Revolving Credit Agreement dated September 16, 2013 among the Company, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, PNC Bank National Association, as lender and as administrative agent, and the other lenders named therein (the “Revolving Credit Agreement” or “Revolver”). The Revolver has an expiration date of September 16, 2018 and provides for borrowing of up to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $90,000 with an accordion feature that gives the Company the option to increase the maximum seasonal financing availability subject to the conditions of the Revolving Credit Agreement and subject to the approval of the lenders. The Revolver imposes a seasonal borrowing limit such that borrowings may not exceed $60,000 from the period June 30 th through October 31 st of each year under the agreement .  The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin which margin resets each quarter. The applicable margin ranges from 1.25 % to 2.00 % and is dependent on the Company’s leverage ratio for the trailing twelve month period . The interest rate on the Revolver at March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 was approximately 2.2% and 1.7% , respectively.  The Revolver is secured with a first priority lien on working capital assets and certain patents and trademarks of the Company and its subsidiaries and on land, buildings, machinery and equipment of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries. Under the terms of the Revolver, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Agreement limits asset or stock acquisitions to no more than $20,000 in the event that the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.5 times. No limits are imposed if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is less than 2.5 times and the remaining borrowing availability under the Revolver is greater than $10,000 at the time of the acquisition . The Revolving Credit Agreement limits the amount of restricted payments (primarily dividends and repurchases of common stock) made during each fiscal year. The Company may declare and pay dividends in accordance with historical practices, but in no event may the aggregate amount of all dividends or repurchases of common stock exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year . The Revolving Credit Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional debt and includes maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio covenants .  Other Borrowings The Company had no unsecured revolving credit facilities as of March 31, 2017 or April 1 , 201 6 . The Company utilizes letters of credit primarily as security for the payment of future claims under its workers’ compensation insurance, which totaled approximately $392 and $680 at March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 , respectively.  Aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2017 , for the remainder of fiscal 201 7 and subsequent fiscal years, were as follows:    Fiscal Year  2017 $ -  2018 5,000  2019 -  2020 -  2021 -  Thereafter -  Total $ 5,000  Balances carried on the Revolver not in excess of the seasonal borrowing limit may be repaid at the Company’s discretion at any time through the maturity date.  Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 approximated its carrying value.

Derivative Instruments And Hedg

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	12 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The following disclosures describe the Company’s objectives in using derivative instruments, the business purpose or context for using derivative instruments, and how the Company believes the use of derivative instruments helps achieve the stated objectives. In addition, the following disclosures describe the effects of the Company’s use of derivative instruments and hedging activities on its financial statements. Foreign Exchange Risk The Company has significant foreign operations, for which the functional currencies are denominated primarily in euros, Swiss francs, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars and Canadian dollars. As the values of the currencies of the foreign countries in which the Company has operations increase or decrease relative to the U.S. dollar, the sales, expenses, profits, losses, assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations, as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, increase or decrease, accordingly. Approximately 1 5 % of the Company’s revenues for the six month period ended March 31, 2017 were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 6 % were denominated in euros, approximately 6 % were denominated in Canadian dollars and approximately 2% were denominated in Hong Kong dollars, with the remaining revenues denominated in various other foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can cause the Company to experience unexpected financial losses or cash flow needs. The Company may mitigate a portion of the fluctuations in certain foreign currencies through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. Foreign currency forward contracts enable the Company to lock in the foreign currency exchange rate to be paid or received for a fixed amount of currency at a specified date in the future. The Company may use such foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates on financial instruments and known commitments, including commitments for inventory purchases, denominated in foreign currencies. As of March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 , the Company held no foreign currency forward contracts.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	13 Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. A fair value hierarchy has been established based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable. · Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These are typically obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets or liabilities.  · Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These are typically obtained from readily-available pricing sources for comparable instruments.  · Level 3 - Unobservable inputs, where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability. These inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, based on the best information available in the circumstances.  The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated their fair values at March 31, 2017 , September 30, 2016 and April 1 , 201 6 due to the short term maturities of these instruments. When indicators of impairment are present, the Company may be required to value certain long-lived assets such as property, plant, and equipment, and other intangibles at their fair value.  Valuation Techniques  Rabbi Trust Assets Rabbi trust assets are classified as trading securities and are comprised of marketable debt and equity securities that are marked to fair value based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets. The rabbi trust assets are used to fund amounts the Company owes to certain officers and other employees under the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The mark to market adjustments are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company estimates the future discounted cash flows of the businesses to which such goodwill and intangibles relate. When estimated future discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the net assets and related goodwill, an impairment test is performed to measure and recognize the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In determining estimated future cash flows, the Company makes assumptions regarding anticipated financial position, future earnings, and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. This calculation is highly sensitive to changes in key assumptions and could result in a future impairment charge. The Company will continue to evaluate whether circumstances and events have changed to the extent that they require the Company to conduct an interim test of goodwill. In particular, if the Company’s business units do not achieve short term revenue and gross margin goals, an interim impairment test may be triggered which could result in a goodwill impairment charge in future periods.     The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as of March 31, 2017:   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Assets:  Rabbi trust assets $ 14,158 $ - $ - $ 14,158   The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as of September 30, 2016:   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Assets:  Rabbi trust assets $ 12,637 $ - $ - $ 12,637   The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as of April 1, 2016:   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Assets:  Rabbi trust assets $ 11,536 $ - $ - $ 11,536        The effect of changes in the fair value of financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements  of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016 was:   Location of (income) loss Three Months Ended  recognized in Statement of March 31 April 1  Operations 2017 2016  Rabbi trust assets Other (income) expense, net $ (753) $ (9)   The effect of changes in the fair value of financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements  of Operations for the six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016 was:   Location of (income) loss Six Months Ended  recognized in Statement of March 31 April 1  Operations 2017 2016  Rabbi trust assets Other (income) expense, net $ (551) $ 54    There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition for either of the three or six month periods ended March 31, 2017 or April 1 , 201 6 .  

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	14 New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and provides a new comprehensive revenue recognition model. The underlying principle of the new standard requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company intends to adopt t his ASU during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The amendments in this update will increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The ASU includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. Excess tax benefits for share-based payments will be recorded as a reduction of income taxes and reflected in operating cash flows upon the adoption of this ASU. Excess tax benefits are recorded in equity and as financing activity under the current rules. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to adopt this accounting standard on a prospective basis at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2017 . See “Note 6 – Income Taxes ” in the notes to the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further details concerning the adoption of this standard .  In March 201 7 , the FASB issued ASU 201 7 -0 7 , Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost . The ASU includes , among other provisions , one that will require presentation of the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of a subtotal of income from operations. This amendment is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and the interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is evaluating the effect of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. 

Segments Of Business

Segments Of Business	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segments Of Business [Abstract]
Segments Of Business	15 Segments of Business Effective with the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company has renamed its business segments to better reflect the outdoor lifestyle focus of the Company’s brands. The Company’s segments are now referred to as Fishing (formerly Marine Electronics), Camping (formerly Outdoor Equipment), Watercraft Recreation (formerly Watercraft) and Diving (unchanged). There is no change in the composition of the Company’s segments. The Company conducts its worldwide operations through separate business segments , each of which represents major product lines. Operations are conducted in the United States and various foreign countries, primarily in Europe, Canada and the Pacific Basin. During the six month period ended March 31, 2017 there was no single customer that represented more than 10% of the Company’s total net sales. The Company had net sales to one customer of its Fishing , Camping and Watercraft Recreation segments during the six months ended April 1, 2016 that represented approximately $22,500 of its consolidated revenues. Net sales and operating profit include both sales to customers, as reported in the Company ’ s accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and interunit transfers, which are priced to recover cost plus an appropriate profit margin. Total assets represent assets that are used in the Company's operations in each business segment at the end of the periods presented. A summary of the Company’s operations by business segment is presented below:     Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  March 31 April 1 March 31 April 1 September 30  2017 2016 2017 2016 2016  Net sales:  Fishing (f.k.a Marine Electronics):  Unaffiliated customers $ 105,329 $ 90,865 $ 172,379 $ 149,423  Interunit transfers 95 128 116 170  Camping (f.k.a. Outdoor Equipment):  Unaffiliated customers 11,370 11,609 17,098 17,915  Interunit transfers 5 7 12 15  Watercraft Recreation (f.k.a Watercraft):  Unaffiliated customers 15,070 14,730 21,278 21,103  Interunit transfers 17 21 26 26  Diving  Unaffiliated customers 17,894 16,836 32,597 30,845  Interunit transfers 132 224 322 507  Other / Corporate 144 152 184 204  Eliminations (249) (380) (476) (718)  Total $ 149,807 $ 134,192 $ 243,536 $ 219,490  Operating profit (loss):  Fishing $ 22,838 $ 17,283 $ 30,031 $ 22,978  Camping 1,011 999 239 797  Watercraft Recreation 847 831 49 296  Diving 311 (704) (750) (2,578)  Other / Corporate (4,549) (3,271) (8,639) (7,255)  $ 20,458 $ 15,138 $ 20,930 $ 14,238  Total assets (end of period):  Fishing $ 186,108 $ 168,007 $ 118,357  Camping 25,508 34,261 28,249  Watercraft Recreation 31,946 33,329 19,693  Diving 51,920 67,267 77,195  Other / Corporate 46,820 51,925 66,785  $ 342,302 $ 354,789 $ 310,279

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	16 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)    The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at December 30, 2016 $ 6,778 $ (8,083) $ (1,305)  Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 874 - 874  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 141 141  Tax effects - (54) (54)  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 7,652 $ (7,996) $ (344)   The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component, net of tax, for the six  months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 10,525 $ (8,171) $ 2,354  Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (2,873) - (2,873)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 283 283  Tax effects - (108) (108)  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 7,652 $ (7,996) $ (344)   The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 8,476 $ (6,520) $ 1,956  Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 3,048 - 3,048  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 156 156  Tax effects - (59) (59)  Balance at April 1, 2016 $ 11,524 $ (6,423) $ 5,101   The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at October 2, 2015 $ 10,253 $ (6,616) $ 3,637  Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 1,271 - 1,271  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 311 311  Tax effects - (118) (118)  Balance at April 1, 2016 $ 11,524 $ (6,423) $ 5,101       The reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans  Amortization of loss $ 141 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (54) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 87   The reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:  Amortization of loss $ 156 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (59) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 97   The reclassifications out of AOCI for the six months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:  Amortization of loss $ 283 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (108) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 175   The reclassifications out of AOCI for the six months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:  Amortization of loss $ 311 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (118) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 193 

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	17. ACQUISITIONS Acquisition of SeaBear On October 27, 2015 , the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of SeaBear GmbH (“SeaBear”) and related assets in a purchase transaction with SeaBear’s sole shareholder (the “Seller”). SeaBear, founded and based in Graz , Austria, specializes in the development of underwater instrumentation through unique application of existing, new and emerging technologies. The Company believe d that sales of SeaBear’s innovative diving technology could be expanded through the Company’s global marketing and distribution networks. The SeaBear acquisition is included in the Company’s Diving segment. Goodwill of $2,219 , which represents the excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, is not deductible for tax purposes. During the quarter ended July 1, 2016, the Company re-evaluated its projections for its Diving reporting unit as a result of deteriorating business condi tions. As a result, the Company performed an impairment test on the goodwill of the Diving reporting unit, including the goodwill acquired in the SeaBear acquisition, and de termined an impairment charge of $6,197 was required thereby reducing the carrying value of goodwill reported in the Diving segment (including the portion attributable to the SeaBear acquisition) to $0 . Acquisition of Northport On April 4, 2016 , the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Northport Systems, Inc. (“Northport”) in a purchase transaction with Northport and its owners (collectively, the “Seller”). Northport, based in Toronto, Canada, specializes in the development and application of unique digital cartography technologies and web, e-commerce and data solutions for fishing and marine markets. The acquisition cost for the Northport assets was funded with existing cash and credit facilities. Approximately $500 of the purchase price was paid into a segregated escrow account which was set aside to fund potential indemnity claims that may be made by the Company against the Seller in connection with the inaccuracy of certain representations and warranties made by the Seller or related to the breach or nonperformance of certain other actions, agreements or conditions related to the acquisition, for a period of 24 months from the acquisition date. The Company cannot estimate the probability or likelihood of bringing such an indemnity claim against the Seller or any related costs at this time. The remaining escrow balance, if any, net of any indemnity claim then pending, will be released to the Seller once the 24 month period has lapsed. Approximately $250 of the purchase price was in the form of contingent consideration which requires the Seller to meet certain conditions prior to the release of such funds. The Company believes that Northport will bring new cartography capabilities, which can broaden the Company’s innovation horizon and accelerate speed-to-market of new products in this segment. The Northport acquisition is included in the Company’s Fishing segment. Goodwill of $827 , which represents the excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, is deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition reflects the strong cash flow expected from the acquisition due primarily to expected expanded distribution and growth of Humminbird marine electronics and cartography. Purchase Price Allocation Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they are not material to the Company's combined and consolidated results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate. The following table presents the aggregate purchase price allocation for the Company's acquisitions described above :     Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed  Accounts receivable $ 66  Inventories 197  Other current assets 40  Property, plant and equipment 27  Identifiable intangible assets 6,706  Less, accounts payable and accruals 350  Less, long term liabilities 580  Total identifiable net assets 6,106  Goodwill 3,046  Net assets acquired $ 9,152  The values assigned in the acquisitions described above to finite lived intangible assets w ere as follows:     Useful  Description Amount Life (yrs)  Developed technologies $ 6,131 7.6  Non-compete agreements 575 5    Developed technologies were valued using the discounted cash flow method. Under this method, the after-tax direct cash flows expected to be generated by the technologies were discounted over their remaining useful lives, net of contributions of other assets to those cash flows. The discount rates used were commensurate with the inherent risks associated with each type of asset and the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflect market participant assumptions. We valued base product technology that generates cash flows from sales of the existing products using the income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings method which calculates the value based on the risk-adjusted present value of the cash flows specific to the products, allowing for a reasonable return. Non-compete agreements were valued using the comparative income differential method based on the estimated negative impact that could occur in the absence of the restrictions enforced by the agreements. The weighted average useful life at the dates of acquisition of total amortizable intangible assets acquired was approximately 7.5 years. Transaction costs of $301 were recognized during the three months ended January 1 , 2016.

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of March 31, 2017 and April 1 , 201 6 , and their results of operations for the three and six month periods then ended and cash flows for the six month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company ’ s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13 , 201 6 . Effective with the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company has renamed its business segments to better reflect the outdoor lifestyle focus of the Company’s brands. The Company’s segments are now referred to as Fishing (formerly Marine Electronics), Camping (formerly Outdoor Equipment), Watercraft Recreation (formerly Watercraft) and Diving (unchanged). There is no change in the composition of the Company’s segments. Due to seasonal variations and other factors, the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the Company's full 201 7 fiscal year. See “Seasonality” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein for additional information. All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thousands.

Stock-Based Compensation And 26

Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity	   Weighted Average  Shares Grant Price  Non-vested stock at September 30, 2016 162,472 $ 24.49  Non-vested stock grants 8,846 43.12  Restricted stock vested (76,250) 20.54  Non-vested stock at March 31, 2017 95,068 27.68 
Schedule of RSU Activity	  Weighted Average  Number of RSUs Grant Price  RSUs at September 30, 2016 46,411 $ 23.62  RSUs granted 28,301 40.64  RSUs vested (14,070) 22.39  RSUs at March 31, 2017 60,642 31.85 

Pension Plans (Tables)

Pension Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  March 31 April 1 March 31 April 1  2017 2016 2017 2016   Components of net periodic benefit cost:  Service cost $ - $ - $ - $ -  Interest on projected benefit obligation 284 277 568 554  Less estimated return on plan assets 274 299 548 598  Amortization of unrecognized losses 141 155 283 310  Net periodic benefit cost $ 151 $ 133 $ 303 $ 266 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Summary of Earnings Before Income Taxes, Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rate	   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  March 31 April 1 March 31 April 1  (thousands, except tax rate data) 2017 2016 2017 2016  Profit before income taxes $ 21,837 $ 14,669 $ 21,792 $ 14,150  Income tax expense 7,878 5,348 3,777 5,363  Effective income tax rate 36.1% 36.5% 17.3% 37.9%  
Summary of Tax Jurisdictions of Entities with Valuation Allowances	   March 31 April 1  2017 2016  Australia Australia  Austria France  France Italy  Indonesia Japan  Italy Netherlands  Japan New Zealand  Netherlands Spain  New Zealand Switzerland  Spain  Switzerland 
Summary of Income Tax Examinations	 Jurisdiction Fiscal Years  United States 2013 - 2016  Canada 2012 - 2016  France 2012 - 2016  Germany 2009 - 2016  Italy 2011 - 2016  Japan 2016  Switzerland 2006 - 2016 

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	  March 31 September 30 April 1  2017 2016 2016  Raw materials $ 32,183 $ 26,379 $ 33,028  Work in process 161 34 155  Finished goods 42,514 41,984 56,586  $ 74,858 $ 68,397 $ 89,769 

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	  March 31 April 1  2017 2016  Balance at beginning of period $ 11,196 $ 14,292  Acquisitions - 2,338  Amount attributable to movements in foreign currency rates (14) 42  Balance at end of period $ 11,182 $ 16,672 

Warranties (Tables)

Warranties (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Warranties [Abstract]
Summary of Warranty Activity	   March 31 April 1  2017 2016  Balance at beginning of period $ 4,326 $ 4,301  Expense accruals for warranties issued during the period 3,173 2,337  Less current period warranty claims paid 1,956 1,903  Balance at end of period $ 5,543 $ 4,735 

Indebtedness (Tables)

Indebtedness (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Indebtedness [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	   March 31 2017 September 30 2016 April 1 2016  Term loans $ - $ 7,098 $ 7,251  Revolvers 5,000 - 30,000  Other - 291 294  Total debt 5,000 7,389 37,545  Less current portion of long term debt - 381 373  Less short term debt - - -  Total long-term debt $ 5,000 $ 7,008 $ 37,172 
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	  Fiscal Year  2017 $ -  2018 5,000  2019 -  2020 -  2021 -  Thereafter -  Total $ 5,000 

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value	  The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as of March 31, 2017:   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Assets:  Rabbi trust assets $ 14,158 $ - $ - $ 14,158   The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as of September 30, 2016:   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Assets:  Rabbi trust assets $ 12,637 $ - $ - $ 12,637   The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as of April 1, 2016:   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Assets:  Rabbi trust assets $ 11,536 $ - $ - $ 11,536  
Effect of Changes in the Fair Value of Financial Instruments	   The effect of changes in the fair value of financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements  of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016 was:   Location of (income) loss Three Months Ended  recognized in Statement of March 31 April 1  Operations 2017 2016  Rabbi trust assets Other (income) expense, net $ (753) $ (9)   The effect of changes in the fair value of financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements  of Operations for the six month periods ended March 31, 2017 and April 1, 2016 was:   Location of (income) loss Six Months Ended  recognized in Statement of March 31 April 1  Operations 2017 2016  Rabbi trust assets Other (income) expense, net $ (551) $ 54  

Segments Of Business (Tables)

Segments Of Business (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segments Of Business [Abstract]
Segments of Business	   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended  March 31 April 1 March 31 April 1 September 30  2017 2016 2017 2016 2016  Net sales:  Fishing (f.k.a Marine Electronics):  Unaffiliated customers $ 105,329 $ 90,865 $ 172,379 $ 149,423  Interunit transfers 95 128 116 170  Camping (f.k.a. Outdoor Equipment):  Unaffiliated customers 11,370 11,609 17,098 17,915  Interunit transfers 5 7 12 15  Watercraft Recreation (f.k.a Watercraft):  Unaffiliated customers 15,070 14,730 21,278 21,103  Interunit transfers 17 21 26 26  Diving  Unaffiliated customers 17,894 16,836 32,597 30,845  Interunit transfers 132 224 322 507  Other / Corporate 144 152 184 204  Eliminations (249) (380) (476) (718)  Total $ 149,807 $ 134,192 $ 243,536 $ 219,490  Operating profit (loss):  Fishing $ 22,838 $ 17,283 $ 30,031 $ 22,978  Camping 1,011 999 239 797  Watercraft Recreation 847 831 49 296  Diving 311 (704) (750) (2,578)  Other / Corporate (4,549) (3,271) (8,639) (7,255)  $ 20,458 $ 15,138 $ 20,930 $ 14,238  Total assets (end of period):  Fishing $ 186,108 $ 168,007 $ 118,357  Camping 25,508 34,261 28,249  Watercraft Recreation 31,946 33,329 19,693  Diving 51,920 67,267 77,195  Other / Corporate 46,820 51,925 66,785  $ 342,302 $ 354,789 $ 310,279 

Accumulated Other Comprehensi35

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	  The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at December 30, 2016 $ 6,778 $ (8,083) $ (1,305)  Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 874 - 874  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 141 141  Tax effects - (54) (54)  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 7,652 $ (7,996) $ (344)   The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component, net of tax, for the six  months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 10,525 $ (8,171) $ 2,354  Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (2,873) - (2,873)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 283 283  Tax effects - (108) (108)  Balance at March 31, 2017 $ 7,652 $ (7,996) $ (344)   The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 8,476 $ (6,520) $ 1,956  Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 3,048 - 3,048  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 156 156  Tax effects - (59) (59)  Balance at April 1, 2016 $ 11,524 $ (6,423) $ 5,101   The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the six months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unamortized Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at October 2, 2015 $ 10,253 $ (6,616) $ 3,637  Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 1,271 - 1,271  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income - 311 311  Tax effects - (118) (118)  Balance at April 1, 2016 $ 11,524 $ (6,423) $ 5,101   
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated OCI	  The reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans  Amortization of loss $ 141 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (54) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 87   The reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:  Amortization of loss $ 156 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (59) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 97   The reclassifications out of AOCI for the six months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:  Amortization of loss $ 283 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (108) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 175   The reclassifications out of AOCI for the six months ended April 1, 2016 were as follows:   Statement of Operations  Presentation  Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:  Amortization of loss $ 311 Cost of sales / Operating expense  Tax effects (118) Income tax expense  Total reclassifications for the period $ 193 

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	  Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed  Accounts receivable $ 66  Inventories 197  Other current assets 40  Property, plant and equipment 27  Identifiable intangible assets 6,706  Less, accounts payable and accruals 350  Less, long term liabilities 580  Total identifiable net assets 6,106  Goodwill 3,046  Net assets acquired $ 9,152 
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	   Useful  Description Amount Life (yrs)  Developed technologies $ 6,131 7.6  Non-compete agreements 575 5   

Accounts Receivable (Details)

Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 1,885	$ 2,182	$ 2,310
Accounts receivable, net	$ 122,386	$ 41,522	$ 102,786

Earnings Per Share ("EPS") (Det

Earnings Per Share ("EPS") (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Percentage of cash dividends on Class A common stock relative to Class B common stock			110.00%
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Shares	95,068	170,357	119,059	178,435
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Shares	41,349	48,456	39,910	48,456

Stock-Based Compensation And 39

Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Available for Grant Under Stock-Based Compensation Plans	612,570		612,570
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Expense	$ 25	$ 0	$ 25	$ 0
Non-vested Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Tendered for Tax Withholding on Vesting of Restricted Shares			17,832	19,973
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested Stock, Net of Forfeitures	220	332	$ 503	$ 680
Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Non-vested Stock	1,171		1,171
Fair Value Of Vested Restricted Stock			3,219	2,349
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested Stock, Net of Forfeitures	206	$ 137	427	$ 267
Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Non-vested Stock	$ 1,375		$ 1,375
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Vesting Period 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period			1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Vesting Period 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period			3 years
Minimum [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member] | Employees [Member] | Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period			2 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-vested Stock [Member] | Employees [Member] | Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period			5 years
2009 Johnson Outdoors Inc Employees Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares Issued	0	0	0	0
2009 Johnson Outdoors Inc Employees Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan, purchase price, percent			85.00%

Stock-Based Compensation And 40

Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans (Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity) (Details) - Non-vested Stock [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-Vested Stock, Beginning Balance | shares	162,472
Non-Vested Stock Grants | shares	8,846
Restricted Stock Vested | shares	(76,250)
Non-Vested Stock, Ending Balance | shares	95,068
Non-Vested Stock, Weighted Average Grant Price Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 24.49
Non-Vested Stock Grants, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	43.12
Restricted Stock Vested, Weighted Average Grant Price Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	20.54
Non-Vested Stock, Weighted Average Grant Price Fair Value, Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 27.68

Stock-Based Compensation And 41

Stock-Based Compensation And Stock Ownership Plans (Schedule of RSU Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-Vested Stock, Beginning Balance | shares	46,411
Non-Vested Stock Grants | shares	28,301
Non-Vested Stock Vested | shares	(14,070)
Non-Vested Stock, Ending Balance | shares	60,642
Non-Vested Stock, Weighted Average Grant Price Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 23.62
Non-Vested Stock Grants, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	40.64
Restricted Stock Vested, Weighted Average Grant Price Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	22.39
Non-Vested Stock, Weighted Average Grant Price Fair Value, Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 31.85

Pension Plans (Components of Ne

Pension Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Pension Plans [Abstract]
Service cost
Interest on projected benefit obligation	284	277	568	554
Less estimated return on plan assets	274	299	548	598
Amortization of unrecognized losses	141	155	283	310
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 151	$ 133	$ 303	$ 266

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017
Income Tax [Line Items]
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (4,200)
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 54
Reptriation Of Foreign Earnings		$ 22,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Tax Expense Related To Uncertain Income Tax Positions			$ 500
Interest Included In Income Tax Expense			$ 250

Income Taxes (Summary of Earnin

Income Taxes (Summary of Earnings Before Income Taxes, Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Profit before income taxes	$ 21,837	$ 14,669	$ 21,792	$ 14,150
Income tax expense	$ 7,878	$ 5,348	$ 3,777	$ 5,363
Effective income tax rate	36.10%	36.50%	17.30%	37.90%

Income Taxes (Summary of Income

Income Taxes (Summary of Income Tax Examinations) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
United States [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,013
United States [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016
Canada [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,012
Canada [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016
France [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,012
France [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016
Germany [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,009
Germany [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016
Italy [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,011
Italy [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016
Japan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016
Switzerland [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,006
Switzerland [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years remaining subject to examination	2,016

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 32,183	$ 26,379	$ 33,028
Work in process	161	34	155
Finished goods	42,514	41,984	56,586
Total Inventories	$ 74,858	$ 68,397	$ 89,769

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill, balance at beginning of period	$ 11,196	$ 14,292
Acquisitions		2,338
Amount attributable to movements in foreign currency rates	(14)	42
Goodwill, Balance at end of period	$ 11,182	$ 16,672

Warranties (Details)

Warranties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Warranties [Abstract]
Product Warranty Accrual, Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,326	$ 4,301
Expense accruals for warranties issued during the period	3,173	2,337
Less current period warranty claims paid	1,956	1,903
Product Warranty Accrual, Balance at end of period	$ 5,543	$ 4,735

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Detai

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 24, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Paid			$ 386	$ 402
Foriegn Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 0	0
Revolvers [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual Seasonal Pay Down Duration			June 30th through October 31st of each year under the agreement
Initiation Date			Sep. 16, 2013
Expiration Date			Sep. 16, 2018
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity For Asset Or Stock Acquisitions			$ 20,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital			2.5
Maximum Amount of Dividends Paid or Repurchases of Common Stock			$ 10,000
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions			The Revolving Credit Agreement limits the amount of restricted payments (primarily dividends and repurchases of common stock) made during each fiscal year. The Company may declare and pay dividends in accordance with historical practices, but in no event may the aggregate amount of all dividends or repurchases of common stock exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions			Under the terms of the Revolver, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Agreement limits asset or stock acquisitions to no more than $20,000 in the event that the Company's consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.5 times. No limits are imposed if the Company's consolidated leverage ratio is less than 2.5 times and the remaining borrowing availability under the Revolver is greater than $10,000 at the time of the acquisition
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms			The Revolving Credit Agreement restricts the Company's ability to incur additional debt and includes maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio covenants
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral			The Revolver is secured with a first priority lien on working capital assets and certain patents and trademarks of the Company and its subsidiaries and on land, buildings, machinery and equipment of the Company's domestic subsidiaries.
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description			The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin which margin resets each quarter. The applicable margin ranges from 1.25% to 2.00% and is dependent on the Company's leverage ratio for the trailing twelve month period
Margin range		1.70%	2.20%
Revolvers [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin range			2.00%
Revolvers [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin range			1.25%
Revolvers Borrowing Capacity Seasonal [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 60,000
Revolvers Borrowing Capacity Standard [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 90,000
Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment Of Term Loans	$ 7,068
Pre-payment Penalty, Percentage	3.00%
Debt maturity date			Sep. 29, 2029
Interest Rate in Effect	5.50%
Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding			$ 392	$ 680

Indebtedness (Schedule of Debt)

Indebtedness (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Indebtedness [Abstract]
Term Loans		$ 7,098	$ 7,251
Revolvers	$ 5,000		30,000
Other		291	294
Total Debt	5,000	7,389	37,545
Less current portion of long term debt		381	373
Total long-term debt	$ 5,000	$ 7,008	$ 37,172

Indebtedness (Schedule of Matur

Indebtedness (Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Indebtedness [Abstract]
2,018	$ 5,000
Total	$ 5,000

Derivative Instruments And He52

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Details) - contract	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	0	0
Revenue Other Than U.S. Dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	15.00%
Revenue Other Than U.S. Dollar [Member] | Other Foreign Currencies [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	2.00%
Euro [Member] | Revenue Other Than U.S. Dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%
Canadian Dollars [Member] | Revenue Other Than U.S. Dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%
Hong Kong, Dollars | Revenue Other Than U.S. Dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	2.00%

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Rabbi trust assets	$ 14,158	$ 12,637	$ 11,536
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Rabbi trust assets	14,158	12,637	11,536
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Rabbi trust assets
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Rabbi trust assets

Fair Value Measurements (Sche55

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of the Location and Amount of Income or Loss Recognized for Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Rabbi trust assets (Assets) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Changes in fair value, (income) loss	$ (753)	$ (9)	$ (551)	$ 54

Segments of Business (Narrative

Segments of Business (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017customer	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)customer
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number Of Customers	0
Fishing, Camping, And Watercraft Recreation [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number Of Customers		1
Revenues | $		$ 22,500

Segments of Business (Summary o

Segments of Business (Summary of Operations by Business Unit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 149,807	$ 134,192	$ 243,536	$ 219,490
Operating profit (loss)	20,458	15,138	20,930	14,238
Total assets	342,302	354,789	342,302	354,789	$ 310,279
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	(249)	(380)	(476)	(718)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Fishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	95	128	116	170
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Camping [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5	7	12	15
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Watercraft Recreation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	17	21	26	26
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Diving [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	132	224	322	507
Operating Segments [Member] | Fishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	105,329	90,865	172,379	149,423
Operating profit (loss)	22,838	17,283	30,031	22,978
Total assets	186,108	168,007	186,108	168,007	118,357
Operating Segments [Member] | Camping [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	11,370	11,609	17,098	17,915
Operating profit (loss)	1,011	999	239	797
Total assets	25,508	34,261	25,508	34,261	28,249
Operating Segments [Member] | Watercraft Recreation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	15,070	14,730	21,278	21,103
Operating profit (loss)	847	831	49	296
Total assets	31,946	33,329	31,946	33,329	19,693
Operating Segments [Member] | Diving [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	17,894	16,836	32,597	30,845
Operating profit (loss)	311	(704)	(750)	(2,578)
Total assets	51,920	67,267	51,920	67,267	77,195
Operating Segments [Member] | Other / Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	144	152	184	204
Operating profit (loss)	(4,549)	(3,271)	(8,639)	(7,255)
Total assets	$ 46,820	$ 51,925	$ 46,820	$ 51,925	$ 66,785

Accumulated Other Comprehensi58

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Changes in AOCI by Component, Net of Tax) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (1,305)	$ 1,956	$ 2,354	$ 3,637
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	874	3,048	(2,873)	1,271
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	141	156	283	311
Tax effects	(54)	(59)	(108)	(118)
Ending balance	(344)	5,101	(344)	5,101
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,778	8,476	10,525	10,253
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	874	3,048	(2,873)	1,271
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Tax effects
Ending balance	7,652	11,524	7,652	11,524
Unamortized Loss On Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(8,083)	(6,520)	(8,171)	(6,616)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	141	156	283	311
Tax effects	(54)	(59)	(108)	(118)
Ending balance	$ (7,996)	$ (6,423)	$ (7,996)	$ (6,423)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi59

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassifications Out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 7,878	$ 5,348	$ 3,777	$ 5,363
Net income	13,959	9,321	18,015	8,787
Unamortized Loss On Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of Sales / Operating Expense	141	156	283	311
Income tax expense	(54)	(59)	(108)	(118)
Net income	$ 87	$ 97	$ 175	$ 193

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 04, 2016	Jul. 01, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 11,182	$ 11,196	$ 16,672		$ 14,292
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			7 years 6 months
Diving [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 6,197
SeaBear [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Oct. 27, 2015
Goodwill			$ 2,219
Period to Date Acquisition Transaction Costs						$ 301
Northport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Apr. 4, 2016
Indemnity Escrow Amount	$ 500
Goodwill			$ 827
Period of Time from Acquisition Date for Indemnity Claims			24 months
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			$ 250

Acquisitions (Schedule of Asset

Acquisitions (Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Oct. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 11,182	$ 11,196	$ 16,672	$ 14,292
SeaBear And Northport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	66
Inventories	197
Other current assets	40
Property, plant and equipment	27
Identifiable intangible assets	6,706
Less, accounts payable and accruals	350
Less, long term liabilities	580
Total identifiable net assets	6,106
Goodwill	3,046
Net assets acquired	$ 9,152

Acquisitions (Schedule of Finit

Acquisitions (Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years 6 months
Developed Technologies [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 6,131
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years 7 months 6 days
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 575
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years