Sevcon 10-K 23 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 10, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SEVCON, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	825411
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$29,290,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,588,958
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$11,238	$2,062
Trade receivables net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $40 in 2014 and $61 in 2013	6,694	6,746
Other receivables	183	357
Inventories	6,258	5,723
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,747	1,862
Total current assets	26,120	16,750
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	23	23
Buildings and improvements	741	737
Equipment	10,918	10,992
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	11,682	11,752
Less: accumulated depreciation	-9,577	-9,783
Net property, plant and equipment	2,105	1,969
Long-term deferred tax assets	3,910	3,152
Goodwill	1,435	1,435
Other long-term assets	397	54
Total assets	33,967	23,360
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	28	46
Accounts payable	4,405	3,880
Accrued expenses	1,836	2,087
Accrued and deferred taxes on income	7	47
Total current liabilities	6,276	6,060
Liability for pension benefits	9,529	8,354
Long-term debt	1,700	1,728
Total liabilities	17,505	16,142
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 1,000,000 shares; Outstanding - 460,769 shares at September 30, 2014 and 0 shares at September 30, 2013	46	0
Common stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 8,000,000 shares; Outstanding 3,588,958 shares at September 30, 2014 and 3,474,388 shares at September 30, 2013	359	347
Premium paid in on common stock	6,040	5,699
Premium paid in on preferred stock	9,231	0
Retained earnings	9,495	8,591
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-8,829	-7,419
Total Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders' equity	16,342	7,218
Non-controlling interest	120	0
Total stockholders' equity	16,462	7,218
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$33,967	$23,360

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Trade receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts	$40	$61
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	460,769	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	8,000,000	8,000,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	3,588,958	3,474,388

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net sales	$37,923	$32,203
Cost of sales	-23,133	-20,404
Gross profit	14,790	11,799
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-9,801	-8,226
Research and development expenses	-3,964	-3,916
Restructuring charge	0	-605
Operating income (loss)	1,025	-948
Interest expense	-136	-101
Interest income	10	16
Foreign currency loss	-83	-430
Income (loss) before income tax	816	-1,463
Income tax (provision) benefit	-85	392
Net income (loss)	731	-1,071
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	201	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	932	-1,071
Preference share dividends	-23	0
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$909	($1,071)
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.27	($0.32)
Fully diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.19	($0.32)
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	3,398	3,357
Diluted (in shares)	4,856	3,369

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	$932	($1,071)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-99	344
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss net of $351 tax benefit (2013:Actuarial gain net of $410 tax charge)	-1,311	1,260
Comprehensive (loss) income	($478)	$533

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial (loss) gain tax benefit (charge)	$351	($410)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Premium Paid In On Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Other comprehensive loss [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012		$348	$5,492	$9,662		($9,023)	$6,479
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012		3,475,306
Net income (loss)				-1,071			-1,071
Currency translation adjustment						344	344
Issuance of restricted stock		2	-2				0
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)		16,800
Repurchase of shares		-3	-68				-71
Repurchase of shares (in shares)		-17,718
Stock-based compensation			277				277
Non-Controlling interest							0
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (charge) benefit						1,260	1,260
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013		347	5,699	8,591		-7,419	7,218
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013		3,474,388					3,474,388
Net income (loss)				932			932
Currency translation adjustment						-99	-99
Issuance of restricted stock		11	-11				0
Issuance of restricted stock (in shares)		108,600
Repurchase of shares		-1	-62				-63
Repurchase of shares (in shares)		-8,223
Stock-based compensation			320				320
Issuance of preferred stock	47		9,326	-28			9,345
Issuance of preferred stock (in shares)	465,500
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	-1	2	-1				0
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in shares)	-4,731	14,193
Non-Controlling interest					120		120
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (charge) benefit						-1,311	-1,311
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$46	$359	$15,271	$9,615	$120	($8,829)	$16,462
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	460,769	3,588,958					3,588,958

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Pension liability adjustment, tax benefit (charge)	$351	($410)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$731	($1,071)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash generated from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation	608	601
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	0	-3
Stock-based compensation	320	262
Pension contributions greater than pension expense	-477	-216
Deferred tax charge (benefit)	260	-514
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	-84	-1,332
Other receivables	197	212
Inventories	-544	637
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-906	-114
Accounts payable	506	642
Accrued expenses	-218	253
Accrued and deferred taxes on income	-53	234
Net cash generated from (used by) operating activities	340	-409
Cash flow used by generated from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-744	-435
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	0	4
Investment in joint venture, net of cash required	321	0
Net cash used by investing activities	-423	-431
Cash flow generated from (used by) financing activities:
Repayment of long term debt	-47	-41
Repurchase of common stock	-63	-71
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of costs	9,345	0
Net cash generated from (used by) financing activities	9,235	-112
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	24	191
Net increase (decrease) in cash	9,176	-761
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents	2,062	2,823
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents	11,238	2,062
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	3	41
Cash paid for interest	$136	$101

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	A. Basis of presentation
	Sevcon, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized on December 22, 1987 to carry on the electronic controls business previously performed by Tech/Ops. Through wholly-owned subsidiaries located in the United States, England, France, South Korea, Japan and a 50% owned joint venture company located in China, the Company designs and sells, under the Sevcon name, controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The controls are used to vary the speed and movement of vehicles, to integrate specialized functions and to prolong the shift life of vehicles' power source. The Company's customers are manufacturers of on-road, off-road and industrial vehicles including automobiles, motorcycles, buses, fork lift trucks, aerial lifts, mining vehicles, airport ground support vehicles, utility vehicles, sweepers and other battery powered vehicles.  Through another wholly-owned subsidiary located in Wales, Sevcon manufactures special metalized film capacitors that are used as components in the power electronics, signaling and audio equipment markets.
	Accounting for wholly-owned subsidiaries
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries; Sevcon USA, Inc., Sevcon Limited and subsidiary, Sevcon SAS, Sevcon Asia Limited and Sevcon Japan KK, in accordance with the provisions required by the Consolidation Topic 810 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC").  All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	Accounting for joint-venture subsidiary
	For the Company's less than wholly owned subsidiary, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited, the Company first analyzes whether this joint venture subsidiary is a variable interest entity (a "VIE") in accordance with ASC 810 and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation. A VIE is an entity that has (i) insufficient equity to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) equity holders that lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. VIEs are consolidated by the primary beneficiary, which is the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that potentially could be significant to the entity. Variable interests in a VIE are contractual, ownership, or other financial interests in a VIE that change with changes in the fair value of the VIE's net assets. The Company continuously re-assesses at each level of the joint venture whether the entity is (i) a VIE, and (ii) if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If it is determined that the entity in which the Company holds its interest qualifies as a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary, it is consolidated.
	Based on the Company's analysis for its 50% owned joint venture, the Company has determined that it is a VIE and that the Company is the primary beneficiary. While the Company owns 50% of the equity interest in this subsidiary, the other 50% is owned by a local unrelated third party, and the joint venture agreement with that third party provides the Company with greater voting rights. Accordingly, the Company consolidates its joint venture under the VIE rules and reflects the third party's 50% interest in the consolidated financial statements as a non-controlling interest. The Company records this non-controlling interest at its initial fair value, adjusting the basis prospectively for their share of the respective consolidated investments' net income or loss or equity contributions and distributions. This non-controlling interest is not redeemable by the equity holders and is presented as part of permanent equity. Income and losses are allocated to the non-controlling interest holder based on its economic ownership percentage.
	B. Revenue recognition
	Revenue from the sales of products is recognized at the time title and risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer (either when the products reach the free-on-board shipping point or destination depending on the contractual terms), there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Shipping, handling, purchasing, receiving, inspecting, warehousing, and other costs of distribution are presented in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company classifies amounts charged to its customers for shipping and handling in net sales in its consolidated statement of operations. The Company’s only post-shipment obligation relates to warranty in the normal course of business for which ongoing reserves, which management believes to be adequate, are maintained. The movement in warranty reserves was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Warranty reserves at beginning of year		138			89
	Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the year		-			(70	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4	)		2
	Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the year		19			117
	Warranty reserves at end of year	$	153		$	138
	Infrequently the Company enters into fixed-price non-recurring engineering contracts.  Revenue from these contracts is recognized in accordance with the proportional performance method of accounting.
	C. Research and development
	The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and amounted to approximately $3,964,000 in 2014 and $3,916,000 in 2013, net of U.K. government grants received. This expense is included in selling, research and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Research and development expense, net of grants received, was 10% of sales in 2014 and 12% of sales in 2013.
	In recent years the Company has received several awards of research and development grants by the Technology Strategy Board, a public body established by the U.K. government to stimulate technology-enabled innovation.
	In 2011, the Company was awarded a research and development grant by the Technology Strategy Board to lead a collaborative project with Cummins Generator Technologies and Newcastle University in the U.K. to develop an innovative electric drive system for electric vehicles using advanced switched reluctance motor technology. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $84,000 in 2014 associated with research and development expense of $251,000. The Company recorded grant income of $133,000 associated with research and development expense of $395,000 in respect of this Technology Strategy Board grant in 2013.
	In 2013, the Company was awarded a research and development grant by the Technology Strategy Board as one of a consortium of organizations in the U.K to research and design ultra-efficient systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $6,000 in 2014 associated with research and development expense of $25,000. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $2,000 in 2013 associated with research and development expense of $9,000.
	In July 2013, the Company was awarded a grant of approximately $480,000 by the Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund, a U.K. government body. The grant is to develop next-generation controls for high-voltage, low-power applications. This grant will defray part of the research and development expense associated with this project over the period ending March 2015. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $410,000 in 2014 associated with research and development expense of $1,683,000. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $14,000 in 2013 associated with research and development expense of $58,000.
	In 2014, the Company participated in a U.K. government research and development arrangement which allows U.K. companies to record an additional available tax credit to the income statement above operating income as an "above the line credit" subject to meeting certain qualifying conditions. The credit is a percentage, which currently ranges from 10% to 14.5% depending on circumstances, of qualifying research and development expenditure in the period. The credit discharges income tax the Company would have to pay or allows companies without an income tax liability to receive a refund payment from the U.K. government. In 2014, the Company recorded an income statement credit of $261,000 and had an income tax receivable balance of $227,000 at September 30, 2014 from this initiative. The company did not record a credit to the income statement or have an income tax receivable balance in respect of this arrangement in 2013.
	D. Depreciation and maintenance
	Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are primarily fifty years for buildings, seven years for equipment and four years for computer equipment and software. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense and renewals and betterments are capitalized.
	E. Stock based compensation plans
	The Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock and other equity-based awards to officers, key employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company.
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company has not granted stock options since 2003.
	Since 2004, the Company has granted restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors in exchange for services provided to the Company over the vesting period of the stock. The vesting period of the restricted stock (i.e. when the restrictions lapse) is normally five years in respect of officers and key employees and one year in respect of non-employee directors. For officers and key employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense in respect of restricted stock grants on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the restricted stock based on the closing stock price on the grant date and an expected forfeiture rate of awards of 4%. For non-employee directors, the Company recognizes compensation expense in respect of restricted stock grants on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the restricted stock based on the closing stock price on the grant date.
	F. Income taxes
	The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured under enacted tax laws.  A valuation allowance is required to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	Sevcon, Inc. files tax returns in the respective countries in which it operates. The financial statements reflect the current and deferred tax consequences of all events recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. We account for income tax uncertainties according to guidance on the recognition, de-recognition and measurement of potential tax benefits associated with tax positions.  We recognize interest and penalties relating to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. See Note 4.
	G. Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs include materials, direct labor and overhead, and are relieved from inventory on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company's reported financial condition includes a provision for estimated slow-moving and obsolete inventory that is based on a comparison of inventory levels with forecasted future demand. Such demand is estimated based on many factors, including management judgments, relating to each customer's business and to economic conditions. The Company reviews in detail all significant inventory items with holdings in excess of estimated normal requirements. It also considers the likely impact of changing technology. It makes an estimate of the provision for slow moving and obsolete stock on an item-by-item basis based on a combination of likely usage based on forecasted customer demand, potential sale or scrap value and possible alternative use. This provision represents the difference between original cost and market value at the end of the financial period. In cases where there is no estimated future use for the inventory item and there is no estimated scrap or resale value, a 100% provision is recorded. Where the Company estimates that only part of the total holding of an inventory item will not be used, or there is an estimated scrap, resale or alternate use value, then a proportionate provision is recorded. Once an item has been written down, it is not subsequently revalued upwards. The reserve for slow moving and obsolete inventories at September 30, 2014 was $485,000 and at September 30, 2013, the reserve was $658,000.
	Inventories were comprised of:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	2,095		$	2,201
	Work-in-process		102			11
	Finished goods		4,061			3,511
		$	6,258		$	5,723
	H. Accounts receivable
	In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to customers, performs credit evaluations of these customers, monitors payment performance, and maintains reserves for potential credit losses in the allowance for doubtful accounts which, when realized, have historically been within the range of the Company's reserves. An account receivable is considered past due if any portion has been outstanding for greater than 60 days.
	I. Translation of foreign currencies
	Sevcon, Inc. translates the assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries at the current rate of exchange, and statement of operations accounts at the average exchange rates in effect during the period. Gains or losses from foreign currency translation are credited or charged to the cumulative translation adjustment included in the statement of comprehensive (loss) income and as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are shown in the consolidated statement of operations.
	J. Derivative instruments and hedging
	The Company sells to customers throughout the industrialized world. In the controls segment the majority of the Company’s product is produced in three separate plants in Poland, Mexico and China. Approximately 49% of the Company’s sales are made in U.S. Dollars, 25% are made in British Pounds and 26% are made in Euros. Approximately 18% of the Company’s cost of sales is incurred in British Pounds and 73% is incurred in Euros. This results in the Company’s sales and margins being exposed to fluctuations due to the change in the exchange rates of U.S. Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro.
	The Company had no foreign currency derivative financial instruments during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	K. Cash equivalents and short-term investments
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Highly liquid investments with maturities greater than 90 days and less than one year are classified as short-term investments.
	Such investments are generally money market funds, bank certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury bills and short-term bank deposits in Europe.
	L. Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities, including convertible preferred stock, using the treasury stock method unless the effect is anti-dilutive.
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the two years ended September 30, 2014 is calculated as follows:
		(in thousands except per share data)
		2014			2013
	Net income (loss)	$	909		$	(1,071	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding		3,398			3,357
	Basic income  (loss) per share	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Common stock equivalents		1,458			-
	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		4,856			3,357
	Diluted income (loss)  per share	$	0.19		$	(0.32	)
In 2013 common stock equivalents of 12,000 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect on the calculation would have been anti-dilutive.
M. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates and assumptions made by management include bad debt, inventory and warranty reserves, goodwill impairment assessment, pension plan assumptions and income tax assumptions. Operating results in the future could vary from the amounts derived from management's estimates and assumptions.
N. Fair value measurements
The FASB has issued authoritative guidance, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. In accordance with this guidance, financial assets and liabilities have been categorized, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in non-active markets, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. The Company currently does not have any Level 2 financial assets or liabilities.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the input used in pricing the asset or liability. The Company currently does not have any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities.
At September 30, 2014, the fair value measurements affect only the Company’s consideration of pension plan assets as disclosed in Note 7, Employee Benefit Plans and debt as disclosed in Note 9.
O. Fair value of financial instruments
The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2014 approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long term debt at September 30, 2014 approximated $1,700,000 (the carrying value on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014) based on recent financial market pricing. The long term debt represented a level 2 liability in accordance with the fair value hierarchy outlined above.
P. Goodwill
The amount by which the cost of purchased businesses included in the accompanying financial statements exceeded the fair value of net assets at the date of acquisition has been recorded as goodwill.
In accordance with FASB accounting guidance regarding goodwill and other intangible assets, the Company performs an assessment of goodwill impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value has been impaired. The Company has designated September 30 as the date it performs the annual review of goodwill impairment. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the segment (or “reporting unit”) level.
In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the reporting unit’s fair value was first compared to its carrying value. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by considering (1) market capitalization, (2) market multiple and recent transaction values of similar companies and (3) projected discounted future cash flows, if reasonably estimable. Key assumptions in the estimation of projected discounted future cash flows include the use of an appropriate discount rate, estimated future cash flows and estimated run rates of sales, gross profit and operating expenses. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates expected growth rates, as well as other factors into its revenue and expense forecasts. If the reporting unit’s fair value exceeds its carrying value, no further testing is required. If, however, the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, the amount of the impairment charge is determined, if any. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. At each of September 30, 2014 and 2013, there was $1,435,000 of goodwill on the balance sheet of the Company which related wholly to one business segment, the controls segment, and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value under each method of calculation performed.
Q. New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The updated standard becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU No. 2013-11 clarifies that companies should present, in certain cases, an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward when such items exist in the same jurisdiction. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated statement of financial position; however we do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2013-11 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." ASU No. 2013-05 clarifies when companies should release the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. Additionally, ASU No. 2013-05 states that CTA should be released into net income upon an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (step acquisition). This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated statement of financial position; however we do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2013-05 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles of current U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term "substantial doubt", (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is still present, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
R. Employee Benefit Plans
Sevcon, Inc. recognizes its pension plans’ over-funded or under-funded status in its balance sheets and recognizes the change in a plan’s funded status in comprehensive income in the year which the changes occur.

CAPITAL_STOCK

CAPITAL STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CAPITAL STOCK [Abstract]
CAPITAL STOCK	(2) CAPITAL STOCK
	Sevcon, Inc. has two classes of authorized capital stock, preferred and common. There are authorized 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.10 par value and 8,000,000 shares of common stock, $.10 par value.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	(3) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	Under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan there were 219,557shares reserved and available for grant at September 30, 2014. There were 137,000 shares reserved and available for grant at September 30, 2013.  There were no options exercised in 2014 or in 2013.  In the second quarter of 2014 stockholders approved an increase of 150,000 in the number of the shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan.
	Recipients of grants of options must execute a standard form of non-competition agreement. The plan provides for the grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Options, and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”s). SARs may be awarded either separately, or in relation to options granted, and for the grant of bonus shares. Options granted are exercisable at a price not less than fair market value on the date of grant.
	Option transactions under the plans for the two years ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
		Shares under			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
		option			average			average		Intrinsic
					exercise			remaining		value
					price			contractual life
								(years)
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012		36,000		$	4.51		0.6 years		$	11,800
	Exercised in 2013		-		$	-			-		-
	Cancelled in 2013		(31,000	)	$	4.37			-		-
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		5,000		$	5.4		0.1 years		$	-
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013		5,000		$	5.4		0.1 years		$	-
	Exercised in 2014		-		$	-			-		-
	Cancelled in 2014		5,000		$	5.4			-		-
	Outstanding at September  30, 2014		N/A		$	N/A		N/A		$	N/A
	Exercisable at September  30, 2014		N/A		$	N/A		N/A		$	N/A
	There were no options outstanding at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2013 there were 5,000 options outstanding at $5.40 with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.1 years
	In December 2013, the Company granted 80,000 shares of restricted stock to seven employees, which will vest in five equal annual installments so long as the employee is then employed by the Company, or as determined by the Compensation Committee. The estimated fair value of the stock measured on the date of grant was $354,000, based on the fair market value of the stock on the date of issue. The unvested compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over five years. The charge to income for this employee restricted stock in 2014 was $53,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $18,000 on a quarterly basis.
	In February 2014, the Company granted 28,600 shares of restricted stock to eleven non-employee directors, which will vest on the day before the 2015 annual meeting providing that the grantee remains a director of the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of grant was $213,000, based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the twelve month requisite service period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for these restricted stock grants in 2014 was $124,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $53,000 on a quarterly basis.
	For the purposes of calculating average issued shares for basic earnings per share these shares are only considered to be outstanding when the forfeiture conditions lapse and the shares vest.
	Restricted stock transactions under the plans for the two years ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
		(in thousands of shares)
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance – Non-vested		103.8			144.2
	Granted to employees – 5 year vesting		80			-
	Granted to non-employee directors – 1 year vesting		28.6			16.8
	Vested		(43.8	)		(57.2	)
	Forfeited		-			-
	Ending Balance – Non-vested		168.6			103.8
	Weighted-average fair value for shares granted during the year	$	5.23		$	4.26
	Weighted-average fair value for shares vested during the year	$	4.63		$	5.24
	Weighted-average fair value for ending balance - non-vested	$	5.27		$	5.05
	As of September 30, 2014, there was $619,000 of compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.0 years.
	Stock-based compensation expense was $320,000 and $262,000 for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	(4) INCOME TAXES
	The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Domestic	$	430		$	(1	)
	Foreign		386			(1,462	)
		$	816		$	(1,463	)
	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes and deferred taxes for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014
		Current			Deferred
	Federal	$	-		$	134
	State		44			87
	Foreign		(97	)		(83	)
		$	(53	)	$	138
		2013
		Current			Deferred
	Federal	$	30		$	(4	)
	State		7			9
	Foreign		85			(519	)
		$	122		$	(514	)
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes in each period differs from that which would be computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate to the income before income taxes. The following is a summary of the major items affecting the provision:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Statutory Federal income tax rate		34	%		34	%
	Computed tax provision  at statutory rate	$	275		$	(491	)
	Increases (decreases) resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differentials		(122	)		167
	State taxes net of federal tax benefit		71			10
	Foreign research incentives		(213	)		(567	)
	U.K. rate change		27			444
	Other		47			45
	Income tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations	$	85		$	(392	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	A reduction in the U.K. corporate tax rate from 23% to 21% and then to 20% was substantively enacted in 2013 with effect in 2014 and 2015; this rate reduction resulted in the write down in the value of the Company’s U.K. deferred tax assets of $444,000 in 2013 referred to in the table above.
	The significant items comprising the domestic and foreign deferred tax accounts at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
					2014
		Domestic			Domestic			Foreign		Foreign
		current			long-term			current		long-term			Total
	Assets:
	Pension accruals	$	-		$	186		$	37	$	1,805		$	2,028
	Inventory basis differences		69			-			-		-			69
	Warranty reserves		21			-			-		-			21
	Foreign tax credit carry forwards		-			266			-		-			266
	Accrued compensation expense		-			-			-		58			58
	Net operating losses		103			108			289		1,568			2,068
	Other (net)		-			308			3		-			311
			193			868			329		3,431			4,821
	Liabilities:
	Property basis asset (liability)		-			12			-		(130	)		(118	)
	Net asset		193			880			329		3,301			4,703
	Valuation allowance		-			(159	)		-		(112	)		(271	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	193		$	721		$	329	$	3,189		$	4,432
					2013
		Domestic			Domestic			Foreign		Foreign
		current			long-term			current		long-term			Total
	Assets:
	Pension accruals	$	-		$	229		$	30	$	1,561		$	1,820
	Inventory basis differences		61			-			-		-			61
	Warranty reserves		21			-			-		-			21
	Foreign tax credit carry forwards		-			277			-		-			277
	Accrued compensation expense		7			-			-		51			58
	Net operating losses		286			75			652		895			1,908
	Other (net)		-			263			4		-			267
		375			844			686		2,507			4,412
Liabilities:
Property basis asset (liability)		-			35			-		(75	)		(40	)
Net asset		375			879			686		2,432			4,372
Valuation allowance		-			(159	)		-		-			(159	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	375		$	720		$	686	$	2,432		$	4,213
The domestic valuation allowance at September 30, 2014 relates to the realizability of foreign tax credit carryforwards in the U.S; the foreign valuation allowance relates to net operating losses in the Company's Asian subsidiaries.  In assessing the continuing need for a valuation allowance the Company has assessed the available means of recovering its deferred tax assets, including the ability to carryback net operating losses, the existence of reversing temporary differences, the availability of tax planning strategies, and available sources of future taxable income, including a revised estimate of future sources of pre-tax income. The Company has historically had profitable operations.  The Company's current projections reflect future profitable operations.  Since the majority of the Company's deferred tax assets relate to operations in countries where net operating losses have unlimited carryforwards, the Company has concluded that no valuation allowance is required on its deferred tax assets.
The Company has generated domestic federal and state net operating losses of $608,200 which will expire in 2028 and 2015, respectively. The Company has generated foreign net operating losses of approximately $9,201,000 which have an indefinite carry forward period.
During the year, the Company elected to receive a refundable tax credit of $261,000 related to certain research and development incentives in the U.K.  These amounts have been recorded in operating income, as they are refunded without regard to actual tax liability.
At September 30, 2014, the Company has not provided United States income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on unremitted foreign earnings of approximately $10.9 million, as those amounts are considered indefinitely invested in light of the Company’s substantial non-U.S. operations. Due to the complexities of the U.S. tax law, including the effect of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that might be payable on these earnings in the event they no longer are indefinitely reinvested.
Uncertain tax positions
Effective October 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB authoritative guidance regarding the recognition and measurement of all tax positions taken or to be taken by the Company and its subsidiaries. The adoption of this guidance followed a review by the Company of all potential uncertain tax positions. As a consequence of that review, it was concluded that no provision was required in respect of the adoption of this guidance and consequently the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions and the Company has recorded no cumulative effect to retained earnings pursuant to the adoption of this guidance. The Company’s tax returns are open to audit from 2011 and forward.

ACCRUED_EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
ACCRUED EXPENSES	(5) ACCRUED EXPENSES
	The analysis of accrued expenses at September 30, 2014 and 2013 showing separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014		2013
	Accrued compensation and related costs	$	1,062	$	1,015
	Other accrued expenses		774		1,072
		$	1,836	$	2,087

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	(6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company maintains a directors' retirement plan which provides for certain retirement benefits to non-employee directors. Effective January 1997 the plan was frozen and no further benefits are being accrued. While the cost of the plan has been fully charged to expense, the plan is not separately funded. The estimated maximum liability which has been recorded based on the cost of buying deferred annuities at September 30, 2014 was $162,000.
	Minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases are as follows for the years ended September 30: 2015 - $213,000; 2016 - $205,000; 2017 - $205,000; 2018 - $208,000; 2019 - $194,000and $3,405,000 thereafter. Net rentals of certain land, buildings and equipment charged to expense were $242,000 in 2014 and $212,000 in 2013.
	The U.K. subsidiaries of the Company have given to a bank a security interest in certain leasehold and freehold property assets as security for overdraft facilities of $1,460,000. There were no amounts outstanding on the overdraft facilities at September 30, 2014 or 2013. The obligations under a secured revolving credit facility entered into in 2011 by the U.S. subsidiary of the Company, are guaranteed by the Company and are secured by all of the assets and a pledge of all of the capital stock, of Sevcon USA, Inc. As at September 30, 2014 and 2013 there was $1,700,000 outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	(7) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Sevcon, Inc. has defined contribution plans covering the majority of its U.S. and U.K. employees in the controls business. There is also a small defined contribution plan covering senior managers in the capacitor business.  The Company has frozen U.K. and U.S. defined benefit plans for which no future benefits are being earned by employees. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for its defined benefit pension plans.
	The Company’s French subsidiary, Sevcon S.A.S., has a liability to pay its employees a service and salary based award when they reach retirement age and leave the Company’s employment. This liability, which is unfunded, is recognized in accrued expenses and was $173,000 and was $152,000 at September, 30, 2014 and 2013 respectively. The obligation to pay this award is a French legal requirement and is only payable if the employee is employed by the Company when they retire; if they leave the Company prior to that time the award is no longer payable.
	The following table sets forth the estimated funded status of these frozen defined benefit plans and the amounts recognized by Sevcon, Inc.:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	27,908		$	28,145
	Interest cost			1,303			1,256
	Actuarial loss (gain)			1,911			(1,164	)
	Benefits paid			(482	)		(395	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			6			66
	Benefit obligation at end of year			30,646			27,908
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year			19,554			17,881
	Return on plan assets			1,334			1,393
	Employer contributions			698			584
	Benefits paid			(482	)		(395	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			13			91
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year			21,117			19,554
	Funded status			(9,529	)		(8,354	)
	Liability for pension benefits recorded in the balance sheet		$	(9,529	)	$	(8,354	)
	The funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans declined from a deficit of $8,354,000 at September 30, 2013 to a deficit of $9,529,000 at September 30, 2014.  The increase in the deficit of $1,175,000 was due to several factors.  The most significant factor was an actuarial loss of $1,911,000 of which $1,706,000 related to the Company’s U.K. defined benefit plan and $205,000 related to the Company’s U.S. defined benefit plan. The actuarial loss in the Company’s U.K. defined benefit plan was largely the result of deterioration in the financial assumptions underlying the calculation of the liabilities during the year and in particular the yield on high quality corporate bonds. This led to a higher value being placed on the liabilities at the end of the fiscal year.
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Non current liabilities		$	9,529		$	8,354
	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Actuarial (loss) gain net of $351,000 tax benefit (2013:actuarial gain net of $410,000 tax charge)		$	(1,311	)	$	1,260
	The Sevcon, Inc. net pension cost included the following components:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Interest cost		$	1,303		$	1,256
	Expected return on plan assets			(1,309	)		(1,166	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			227			278
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	221		$	368
	Net cost of defined contribution plans		$	500		$	455
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine plan obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as set out below:
			2014			2013
	Plan obligations:
	Discount rate			4.24	%		4.61	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate			4.24	%		4.61	%
	Expected long term return on plan assets			6.15	%		6.53	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%
	The changes in these assumptions reflect actuarial advice and changing market conditions and experience. There is no compensation increase assumed in 2014 and in future years as both the U.K. and the U.S. defined benefit pension plans have been frozen and therefore there will be no future benefits earned by employees under these benefit arrangements.
	The Company’s investment strategy is to build an efficient, well-diversified portfolio based on a long-term strategic outlook of the investment markets. The investment markets outlook utilizes both historical-based and forward-looking return forecasts to establish future return expectations for various asset classes. These return expectations are used to develop a core asset allocation based on the specific needs of the plan. The core asset allocation utilizes multiple investment managers to maximize the plan’s return while minimizing risk.
	The assumed rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term returns on an investment portfolio consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative investments. In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers long-term rates of return on the asset classes (historically and forecasted) in which the Company expects the pension funds to be invested.
	At September 30, 2014, the assets of the U.S. plan were invested 81% in mutual funds and 19% in cash and cash equivalents. The U.S. plan had a deficit of $313,000, or 10% of the total U.S. benefit obligation, as at September 30, 2014. The Company has committed to future annual contributions to the defined benefit plan to pay down this deficit within the next seven years. The Company established a 401(k) defined contribution plan for current and future U.S. employees effective October 1, 2010.
	At September 30, 2014, the assets of the U.K. plan were invested 79% in equity like securities, 10% in U.K. government bonds, 10% in U.K. corporate bonds and 1% in cash and cash equivalents. The U.K. plan was frozen effective September 30, 2012 and in consequence there will be no future accrual earned by U.K. employees under this defined benefit arrangement. The U.K. plan had a deficit of $9,216,000, or 34% of the total U.K. benefit obligation, as at September 30, 2014. The Company has committed to future annual contributions to the defined benefit plan to pay down this deficit within the next twelve years. The Company has established a defined contribution pension plan for current and future U.K. employees effective October 1, 2012.
	The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets has been based on the expected returns on equities, bonds and real estate based broadly on the current and proposed future asset allocation.
	The table below presents information about our plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of September 30, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values (see Fair value measurements in Note 1).
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Level 1*			Level 2**			Level 3***
			(Quoted			(Significant			(Unobservable
			prices in			observable			inputs)
			active			inputs)
			markets)
	Mutual Funds
	Standard Life Pension Global Absolute Returns Strategies Fund			7,187			-			-
Standard Life UK Indexed Linked Fund			1,856			-			-
Standard Life Long Corporate Bond Fund			1,785			-			-
CF Ruffer Absolute Return Fund			7,177			-			-
U.S. Mutual Funds			2,431			-			-
U.S. Exchange Traded Funds			348			-			-
Other Types of Investments
Cash			333			-			-
Total			21,117			-			-
*	Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds.
**	The Company currently does not have any Level 2 pension plan financial assets.
***	The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.
The following estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
		(in thousands of dollars)
2015		$	668
2016			707
2017			697
2018			695
2019			671
2020 – 2024			3,658
In 2015 it is estimated that the Company will make contributions to the U.K. and U.S. defined benefit pension plans of $687,000.  Actual payment obligations with respect to the pension plan liability come due over an extended period of time and will depend on changes in the assumptions described above.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	(8) SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company has two reportable segments: electronic controls and capacitors. The electronic controls segment produces microprocessor based control systems for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The capacitor segment produces special metalized film capacitors for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. Each segment has its own management team, manufacturing facilities and sales force.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Intersegment sales are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment principally based on operating income. The Company does not allocate income taxes, interest income and expense or foreign currency translation gains and losses to segments. Information concerning operations of these businesses is as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014
		Controls			Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	35,708		$	2,215	$	-		$	37,923
	Inter-segment revenues		-			5		-			5
	Operating income (loss)		977			283		(235	)		1,025
	Depreciation		517			90		1			608
	Identifiable assets		22,507			1,199		10,261			33,967
	Capital expenditures		709			33		2			744
			2013
		Controls			Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	30,320		$	1,883	$	-		$	32,203
	Inter-segment revenues		-			8		-			8
	Operating income (loss)		(739	)		75		(284	)		(948	)
	Depreciation		514			85		2			601
	Identifiable assets		21,545			1,325		490			23,360
	Capital expenditures		410			25		-			435
	The Company has businesses located in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Korea, Japan and China. The analysis of revenues set out below is by the location of the business selling the products rather than by destination of the products.
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Sales:-
	U.S. sales	$	16,389		$	13,657
	Foreign sales:
	United Kingdom		13,486			10,627
	France		8,026			7,919
	China		22			-
	Total Foreign		21,534			18,546
	Total sales	$	37,923		$	32,203
	Long-lived assets:
	U.S.A.	$	2,245		$	2,235
	Foreign:
	United Kingdom		5,239			4,305
	France		74			69
	Korea, Japan and China		289			1
	Total Foreign		5,602			4,375
	Total	$	7,847		$	6,610
	In the controls business segment the revenues were derived from the following products and services:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles	$	26,014		$	19,884
	Accessory and aftermarket products and services		9,694			10,436
	Total controls segment revenues	$	35,708		$	30,320
	The business located in the United States services customers in North and South America. The business located in France services customers in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands and North Africa. The businesses located in Korea and Japan support customers in Asia, however, sales to these customers are made from the United Kingdom. The businesses located in the United Kingdom service customers in the rest of the world, principally Europe and the Far East. The business in China services customers in the on-road sector in the People’s Republic of China.
	In 2014 Sevcon, Inc.'s largest customer, Toyota Group, accounted for 14% of sales and, at September 30, 2014 17% of receivables. A second customer, Haulotte Group, accounted for 11% of receivables at September 30, 2014. In 2013 the largest customer, Toyota Group, accounted for 10% of sales and, at September 30, 2013 8% of receivables.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]
Debt	(9) DEBT
	At September 30, 2014 the Company had $28,000 outstanding under a U.K. bank loan entered into in April 2010, with a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. The loan, which was entered into by the U.K. metalized film capacitor subsidiary to purchase an item of capital equipment, is denominated in British Pounds. The loan agreement provides for equal monthly installments comprising interest and principal for a five year period commencing in May 2010. The amount outstanding at September 30, 2014, $28,000, is shown in the current liabilities section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under current debt, representing the principal element of the loan installments in the year ending September 30, 2015. The fair market value of the debt at September 30, 2014 was $28,000.
	The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sevcon USA, Inc., has a $3,500,000 secured revolving credit facility with Citizens Bank, National Association for working capital and general corporate purposes. The loan and security agreement was extended as of September 30, 2013 and will expire on June 14, 2017 when all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due and payable in full.  The facility may be paid before maturity in whole or in part at the option of Sevcon USA, Inc., without penalty or premium. Under the facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. must maintain, on a quarterly basis, a debt to tangible net worth ratio of no more than 2.40:1 and a debt service coverage ratio of no less than 1.25:1 for each rolling twelve-month period. Interest on the loan is payable monthly, and in 2014, was calculated at a margin of 3.125% over LIBOR.  Upon entering into the revolving credit facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. drew down $1,700,000, which was the total amount outstanding at September 30, 2014.  This $1,700,000 is shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under long-term debt. The carrying value of the debt approximated fair value based on current interest rates.
	In July 2014, the Company’s U.K. bank renewed the overdraft facilities of the Company’s U.K. controls and capacitor subsidiaries. The Company’s U.K. controls and capacitor subsidiaries each have multi-currency overdraft facilities which together total $1,460,000 and which are secured against real estate owned by those companies. The renewal of the facilities is for a twelve month period although they can be withdrawn on demand by the bank. The facilities were unused at September 30, 2014 and at September 30, 2013.
	Annual principal payments on long term debt at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
	2015	$	-
	2016		-
	2017		1,700
	Total	$	1,700

ESTABLISHMENT_OF_JOINT_VENTURE

ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURE IN CHINA	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Establishment of Joint Venture in China [Abstract]
Establishment of Joint Venture in China	(10) ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURE IN CHINA
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company received the required government approvals in China to formally establish a joint-venture company which will source from Sevcon and supply, market and sell in China, current and future Sevcon products for on-road electric and hybrid vehicle applications. The joint-venture company, in which Sevcon and Xuchang Fuhua Glass Company Limited each own a 50% stake, will operate as Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited. Xuchang Fuhua Glass Company Limited is a Chinese Tier 1 automotive supplier based in Hubei Province.
	The activities of the joint-venture company in the third and fourth quarters have been limited to the investment of initial capital of $320,000 by each party to the joint-venture, the sourcing of business premises, the hiring of engineering and sales and marketing staff and initial shipments to customers which were largely product prototypes designed specifically for the unique requirements of the Chinese market. In the fourth quarter, the Company recognized the initial establishment costs of the joint-venture company which amounted to $481,000; this represented the legal costs associated with the joint-venture agreement, the cost of sourcing and establishing business premises and the hiring cost of initial staff.
	The financial statements of the joint-venture company have been consolidated with the Company’s as at September 30, 2014.

CAPITAL_RAISE

CAPITAL RAISE	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CAPITAL RAISE [Abstract]
Capital rise	(11) CAPITAL RAISE
	On August 1, 2014 the Company filed a registration statement for a rights offering of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred") intended to raise $10 million before expenses. On September 12, 2014 the rights offering closed and the Company issued 465,500 shares of Series A Preferred at $21.50 per share. The issue raised $9.3 million after costs. The preferred stock, which has a stated value of $24 per share, will pay a 4% cumulative annual dividend paid semi-annually on October 15 and April 15, each year; the first dividend was paid on October 15, 2014. The main terms of the convertible preferred stock are as follows:
	Ranking.  With respect to the payment of dividends and distribution of amounts of net assets upon a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the Series A Preferred will rank senior to common stock and any other class or series of stock over which the Series A Preferred has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on liquidation.
	Dividends.  The holders of the Series A Preferred are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for such purpose, dividends at the rate equal to 4% of the stated value per share of $24.00, and no more.  Such dividends are cumulative and accrue without interest on a daily basis from the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred, and are payable semiannually in cash or in shares of common stock at the Company's sole discretion.
	Classification. We evaluated the Series A Preferred and determined that it should be considered an "equity host" and not a "debt host." This evaluation was necessary to determine if any embedded features required bifurcation and, therefore, would be required to be accounted for separately as a derivative liability. Our analysis followed the "whole instrument approach," which compares an individual feature against the entire preferred stock instrument that includes that feature. Our analysis was based on a consideration of the economic characteristics and risks of the preferred stock and, more specifically, evaluated all of the stated and implied substantive terms and features of the stock, including (1) whether the preferred stock included redemption features; (2) how and when any redemption features could be exercised; (3) whether the holders of preferred stock were entitled to dividends; (4) the voting rights of the preferred stock; and (5) the existence and nature of any conversion rights. As a result of our determination that the Series A Preferred was an "equity host," we determined that the embedded conversion options did not require bifurcation as derivative liabilities.
	Liquidation Preference.  In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up (a "liquidation"), after the satisfaction in full of the debts of the corporation and the payment of any priority liquidation preference owed to the holders of shares of stock which rank senior to the Series A Preferred, the holders of Series A Preferred shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the corporation an amount equal to the dividends accrued and unpaid thereon, without interest, plus a sum in cash or property at its fair market value as determined by the Board of Directors equal to the greater of (a) the stated value per share of Series A Preferred and (b) such amount per share as would have been payable had all shares of Series A Preferred been converted into common stock immediately before the liquidation, before any payment may be made or assets distributed to the holders of Junior Stock. For this purpose, "liquidation" does not include any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other entity, any merger of another entity into the Company, any sale or transfer of assets of the Company or any exchange of securities of the Company.
	Conversion.
	Optional Conversion by Holder.  Each share of Series A Preferred is convertible at the election of the holder, at any time, into shares of common stock by dividing the stated value ($24.00) per share by a conversion price, which will initially be $8.00, resulting in a conversion ratio of 3:1.
	Optional Conversion by Sevcon.  If at any time after the fifth anniversary of the initial issue date of the Series A Preferred, the closing sale price of common stock exceeds $15.50 for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days the Company may, at its discretion, elect all (but not less than all) outstanding shares of Series A Preferred to be automatically converted into shares of common stock.
	Conversion Price Adjustment.  The conversion price and, therefore, the conversion rate, will be adjusted to reflect any dividend or distribution in shares of common stock made on any class or series of its capital stock other than on shares of Series A Preferred or any subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding shares of common stock (including through a merger of the Company with another entity) so that each holder of shares of Series A Preferred thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares or other of common stock that such Holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive immediately after such action had such shares of Series A Preferred been converted immediately before such action.
	Voting.  The holders of Series A Preferred do not have any voting rights except in the event the terms of Series A Preferred were to be altered or the Company were to issue any shares of any other class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series A Preferred as to dividends or upon liquidation.
	Redemption.  Series A Preferred are non-redeemable for cash or other assets.

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGE

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring charge [Abstract]
Restructuring charge	(12)             RESTRUCTURING CHARGE 2013
	In February 2013, the Company announced a limited restructuring program in the controls business segment to reduce operating expense in response to the uncertain economic environment and the resultant lower demand for the Company's products experienced in the first quarter of 2013. The program, which was completed in March 2013, resulted in the termination of 8 employees across the Company's operations in the U.S. and the U.K. There was a restructuring charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 of $605,000 before taxes, which comprised one-time employee severance costs, associated professional fees, consultant costs and other costs relating to this program.
	The following table summarizes the components of the restructuring charge for the period ended September 30, 2013:
		(in thousands of dollars)
	Severance and other related costs	$	343
	Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs		262
	Total restructuring charge	$	605
	The following table summarizes the liabilities related to the 2013 restructuring program:
						(in thousands of dollars)
		Balance at October 1, 2012		Charges		Payments			Balance at September 30, 2013
	Severance and other related costs		-		343		(343	)		-
	Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs		-		262		(262	)		-
	Total		-		605		(605	)		-

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated, for the potential recognition or disclosure, events or transactions subsequent to the end of the fiscal year and through the date these financial statements were available to be issued.
	On December 1, 2014 the Company repaid the $1,700,000 loan that was outstanding at September 30, 2014 with Citizens Bank, National Association. The Company has retained the $3,500,000 secured revolving credit facility with Citizens Bank, National Association and may draw down on that facility until June 14, 2017, subject to the covenant requirements under the facility.
	No further material subsequent events were identified that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

SCHEDULE_II

SCHEDULE II	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SCHEDULE II [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II	SCHEDULE II
	SEVCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Reserves for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
		(in thousands of dollars)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year		61			32
	Additions charged to costs and expenses		2			31
	Deductions from reserves:
	Reduction in reserve		(6	)		-
	Write off of uncollectible accounts		(14	)		(4	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(3	)		2
	Balance at end of year		40			61

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Revenue recognition	B. Revenue recognition
	Revenue from the sales of products is recognized at the time title and risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer (either when the products reach the free-on-board shipping point or destination depending on the contractual terms), there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed and determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Shipping, handling, purchasing, receiving, inspecting, warehousing, and other costs of distribution are presented in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company classifies amounts charged to its customers for shipping and handling in net sales in its consolidated statement of operations. The Company’s only post-shipment obligation relates to warranty in the normal course of business for which ongoing reserves, which management believes to be adequate, are maintained. The movement in warranty reserves was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Warranty reserves at beginning of year		138			89
	Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the year		-			(70	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4	)		2
	Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the year		19			117
	Warranty reserves at end of year	$	153		$	138
	Infrequently the Company enters into fixed-price non-recurring engineering contracts.  Revenue from these contracts is recognized in accordance with the proportional performance method of accounting.
Research and development	C. Research and development
	The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and amounted to approximately $3,964,000 in 2014 and $3,916,000 in 2013, net of U.K. government grants received. This expense is included in selling, research and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Research and development expense, net of grants received, was 10% of sales in 2014 and 12% of sales in 2013.
	In recent years the Company has received several awards of research and development grants by the Technology Strategy Board, a public body established by the U.K. government to stimulate technology-enabled innovation.
	In 2011, the Company was awarded a research and development grant by the Technology Strategy Board to lead a collaborative project with Cummins Generator Technologies and Newcastle University in the U.K. to develop an innovative electric drive system for electric vehicles using advanced switched reluctance motor technology. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $84,000 in 2014 associated with research and development expense of $251,000. The Company recorded grant income of $133,000 associated with research and development expense of $395,000 in respect of this Technology Strategy Board grant in 2013.
	In 2013, the Company was awarded a research and development grant by the Technology Strategy Board as one of a consortium of organizations in the U.K to research and design ultra-efficient systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $6,000 in 2014 associated with research and development expense of $25,000. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $2,000 in 2013 associated with research and development expense of $9,000.
	In July 2013, the Company was awarded a grant of approximately $480,000 by the Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund, a U.K. government body. The grant is to develop next-generation controls for high-voltage, low-power applications. This grant will defray part of the research and development expense associated with this project over the period ending March 2015. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $410,000 in 2014 associated with research and development expense of $1,683,000. The Company recorded grant income from this Technology Strategy Board project of $14,000 in 2013 associated with research and development expense of $58,000.
	In 2014, the Company participated in a U.K. government research and development arrangement which allows U.K. companies to record an additional available tax credit to the income statement above operating income as an "above the line credit" subject to meeting certain qualifying conditions. The credit is a percentage, which currently ranges from 10% to 14.5% depending on circumstances, of qualifying research and development expenditure in the period. The credit discharges income tax the Company would have to pay or allows companies without an income tax liability to receive a refund payment from the U.K. government. In 2014, the Company recorded an income statement credit of $261,000 and had an income tax receivable balance of $227,000 at September 30, 2014 from this initiative. The company did not record a credit to the income statement or have an income tax receivable balance in respect of this arrangement in 2013.
Depreciation and maintenance	D. Depreciation and maintenance
	Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are primarily fifty years for buildings, seven years for equipment and four years for computer equipment and software. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense and renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Stock based compensation plans	E. Stock based compensation plans
	The Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock and other equity-based awards to officers, key employees, consultants and non-employee directors of the Company.
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company has not granted stock options since 2003.
	Since 2004, the Company has granted restricted stock to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors in exchange for services provided to the Company over the vesting period of the stock. The vesting period of the restricted stock (i.e. when the restrictions lapse) is normally five years in respect of officers and key employees and one year in respect of non-employee directors. For officers and key employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense in respect of restricted stock grants on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the restricted stock based on the closing stock price on the grant date and an expected forfeiture rate of awards of 4%. For non-employee directors, the Company recognizes compensation expense in respect of restricted stock grants on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the restricted stock based on the closing stock price on the grant date.
Income taxes	F. Income taxes
	The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured under enacted tax laws.  A valuation allowance is required to offset any net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	Sevcon, Inc. files tax returns in the respective countries in which it operates. The financial statements reflect the current and deferred tax consequences of all events recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. We account for income tax uncertainties according to guidance on the recognition, de-recognition and measurement of potential tax benefits associated with tax positions.  We recognize interest and penalties relating to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. See Note 4.
Inventories	G. Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs include materials, direct labor and overhead, and are relieved from inventory on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company's reported financial condition includes a provision for estimated slow-moving and obsolete inventory that is based on a comparison of inventory levels with forecasted future demand. Such demand is estimated based on many factors, including management judgments, relating to each customer's business and to economic conditions. The Company reviews in detail all significant inventory items with holdings in excess of estimated normal requirements. It also considers the likely impact of changing technology. It makes an estimate of the provision for slow moving and obsolete stock on an item-by-item basis based on a combination of likely usage based on forecasted customer demand, potential sale or scrap value and possible alternative use. This provision represents the difference between original cost and market value at the end of the financial period. In cases where there is no estimated future use for the inventory item and there is no estimated scrap or resale value, a 100% provision is recorded. Where the Company estimates that only part of the total holding of an inventory item will not be used, or there is an estimated scrap, resale or alternate use value, then a proportionate provision is recorded. Once an item has been written down, it is not subsequently revalued upwards. The reserve for slow moving and obsolete inventories at September 30, 2014 was $485,000 and at September 30, 2013, the reserve was $658,000.
	Inventories were comprised of:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	2,095		$	2,201
	Work-in-process		102			11
	Finished goods		4,061			3,511
		$	6,258		$	5,723
Accounts receivable	H. Accounts receivable
	In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to customers, performs credit evaluations of these customers, monitors payment performance, and maintains reserves for potential credit losses in the allowance for doubtful accounts which, when realized, have historically been within the range of the Company's reserves. An account receivable is considered past due if any portion has been outstanding for greater than 60 days.
Translation of foreign currencies	I. Translation of foreign currencies
	Sevcon, Inc. translates the assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries at the current rate of exchange, and statement of operations accounts at the average exchange rates in effect during the period. Gains or losses from foreign currency translation are credited or charged to the cumulative translation adjustment included in the statement of comprehensive (loss) income and as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are shown in the consolidated statement of operations.
Derivative instruments and hedging	J. Derivative instruments and hedging
Cash equivalents and short-term investments	K. Cash equivalents and short-term investments
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Highly liquid investments with maturities greater than 90 days and less than one year are classified as short-term investments.
	Such investments are generally money market funds, bank certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury bills and short-term bank deposits in Europe.
Earnings per share	L. Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities, including convertible preferred stock, using the treasury stock method unless the effect is anti-dilutive.
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the two years ended September 30, 2014 is calculated as follows:
		(in thousands except per share data)
		2014			2013
	Net income (loss)	$	909		$	(1,071	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding		3,398			3,357
	Basic income  (loss) per share	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Common stock equivalents		1,458			-
	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		4,856			3,357
	Diluted income (loss)  per share	$	0.19		$	(0.32	)
	In 2013 common stock equivalents of 12,000 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their effect on the calculation would have been anti-dilutive.
Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements	M. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
	The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates and assumptions made by management include bad debt, inventory and warranty reserves, goodwill impairment assessment, pension plan assumptions and income tax assumptions. Operating results in the future could vary from the amounts derived from management's estimates and assumptions.
Fair value measurements	N. Fair value measurements
	The FASB has issued authoritative guidance, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. In accordance with this guidance, financial assets and liabilities have been categorized, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
	The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in non-active markets, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. The Company currently does not have any Level 2 financial assets or liabilities.
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the input used in pricing the asset or liability. The Company currently does not have any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities.
	At September 30, 2014, the fair value measurements affect only the Company’s consideration of pension plan assets as disclosed in Note 7, Employee Benefit Plans and debt as disclosed in Note 9.
Fair value of financial instruments	O. Fair value of financial instruments
	The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2014 approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long term debt at September 30, 2014 approximated $1,700,000 (the carrying value on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014) based on recent financial market pricing. The long term debt represented a level 2 liability in accordance with the fair value hierarchy outlined above.
Goodwill	P. Goodwill
	The amount by which the cost of purchased businesses included in the accompanying financial statements exceeded the fair value of net assets at the date of acquisition has been recorded as goodwill.
	In accordance with FASB accounting guidance regarding goodwill and other intangible assets, the Company performs an assessment of goodwill impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the value has been impaired. The Company has designated September 30 as the date it performs the annual review of goodwill impairment. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the segment (or “reporting unit”) level.
	In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the reporting unit’s fair value was first compared to its carrying value. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by considering (1) market capitalization, (2) market multiple and recent transaction values of similar companies and (3) projected discounted future cash flows, if reasonably estimable. Key assumptions in the estimation of projected discounted future cash flows include the use of an appropriate discount rate, estimated future cash flows and estimated run rates of sales, gross profit and operating expenses. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates expected growth rates, as well as other factors into its revenue and expense forecasts. If the reporting unit’s fair value exceeds its carrying value, no further testing is required. If, however, the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, the amount of the impairment charge is determined, if any. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. At each of September 30, 2014 and 2013, there was $1,435,000 of goodwill on the balance sheet of the Company which related wholly to one business segment, the controls segment, and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value under each method of calculation performed.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Q. New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. The updated standard becomes effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU No. 2013-11 clarifies that companies should present, in certain cases, an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward when such items exist in the same jurisdiction. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated statement of financial position; however we do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2013-11 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." ASU No. 2013-05 clarifies when companies should release the cumulative translation adjustment (CTA) into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. Additionally, ASU No. 2013-05 states that CTA should be released into net income upon an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (step acquisition). This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, our fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated statement of financial position; however we do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2013-05 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles of current U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term "substantial doubt", (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is still present, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Employee Benefit Plans	R. Employee Benefit Plans
	Sevcon, Inc. recognizes its pension plans’ over-funded or under-funded status in its balance sheets and recognizes the change in a plan’s funded status in comprehensive income in the year which the changes occur.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]
Warranty reserves	The movement in warranty reserves was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Warranty reserves at beginning of year		138			89
	Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the year		-			(70	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(4	)		2
	Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the year		19			117
	Warranty reserves at end of year	$	153		$	138
Inventories	Inventories were comprised of:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	2,095		$	2,201
	Work-in-process		102			11
	Finished goods		4,061			3,511
		$	6,258		$	5,723
Basic and diluted net incomes per common share	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the two years ended September 30, 2014 is calculated as follows:
		(in thousands except per share data)
		2014			2013
	Net income (loss)	$	909		$	(1,071	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding		3,398			3,357
	Basic income  (loss) per share	$	0.27		$	(0.32	)
	Common stock equivalents		1,458			-
	Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding		4,856			3,357
	Diluted income (loss)  per share	$	0.19		$	(0.32	)

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS [Abstract]
Summary of option activity for all plans	Option transactions under the plans for the two years ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
		Shares under			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
		option			average			average		Intrinsic
					exercise			remaining		value
					price			contractual life
								(years)
	Outstanding at September 30, 2012		36,000		$	4.51		0.6 years		$	11,800
	Exercised in 2013		-		$	-			-		-
	Cancelled in 2013		(31,000	)	$	4.37			-		-
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		5,000		$	5.4		0.1 years		$	-
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013		5,000		$	5.4		0.1 years		$	-
	Exercised in 2014		-		$	-			-		-
	Cancelled in 2014		5,000		$	5.4			-		-
	Outstanding at September  30, 2014		N/A		$	N/A		N/A		$	N/A
	Exercisable at September  30, 2014		N/A		$	N/A		N/A		$	N/A
Summary of restricted stock activity	Restricted stock transactions under the plans for the two years ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
		(in thousands of shares)
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance – Non-vested		103.8			144.2
	Granted to employees – 5 year vesting		80			-
	Granted to non-employee directors – 1 year vesting		28.6			16.8
	Vested		(43.8	)		(57.2	)
	Forfeited		-			-
	Ending Balance – Non-vested		168.6			103.8
	Weighted-average fair value for shares granted during the year	$	5.23		$	4.26
	Weighted-average fair value for shares vested during the year	$	4.63		$	5.24
	Weighted-average fair value for ending balance - non-vested	$	5.27		$	5.05

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes	The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Domestic	$	430		$	(1	)
	Foreign		386			(1,462	)
		$	816		$	(1,463	)
Provision for income taxes and deferred taxes components	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes and deferred taxes for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014
		Current			Deferred
	Federal	$	-		$	134
	State		44			87
	Foreign		(97	)		(83	)
		$	(53	)	$	138
		2013
		Current			Deferred
	Federal	$	30		$	(4	)
	State		7			9
	Foreign		85			(519	)
		$	122		$	(514	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes in each period differs	The following is a summary of the major items affecting the provision:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Statutory Federal income tax rate		34	%		34	%
	Computed tax provision  at statutory rate	$	275		$	(491	)
	Increases (decreases) resulting from:
	Foreign tax rate differentials		(122	)		167
	State taxes net of federal tax benefit		71			10
	Foreign research incentives		(213	)		(567	)
	U.K. rate change		27			444
	Other		47			45
	Income tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations	$	85		$	(392	)
Domestic and foreign deferred tax accounts items	The significant items comprising the domestic and foreign deferred tax accounts at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
					2014
		Domestic			Domestic			Foreign		Foreign
		current			long-term			current		long-term			Total
	Assets:
	Pension accruals	$	-		$	186		$	37	$	1,805		$	2,028
	Inventory basis differences		69			-			-		-			69
	Warranty reserves		21			-			-		-			21
	Foreign tax credit carry forwards		-			266			-		-			266
	Accrued compensation expense		-			-			-		58			58
	Net operating losses		103			108			289		1,568			2,068
	Other (net)		-			308			3		-			311
			193			868			329		3,431			4,821
	Liabilities:
	Property basis asset (liability)		-			12			-		(130	)		(118	)
	Net asset		193			880			329		3,301			4,703
	Valuation allowance		-			(159	)		-		(112	)		(271	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	193		$	721		$	329	$	3,189		$	4,432
					2013
		Domestic			Domestic			Foreign		Foreign
		current			long-term			current		long-term			Total
	Assets:
	Pension accruals	$	-		$	229		$	30	$	1,561		$	1,820
	Inventory basis differences		61			-			-		-			61
	Warranty reserves		21			-			-		-			21
	Foreign tax credit carry forwards		-			277			-		-			277
	Accrued compensation expense		7			-			-		51			58
	Net operating losses		286			75			652		895			1,908
	Other (net)		-			263			4		-			267
			375			844			686		2,507			4,412
	Liabilities:
	Property basis asset (liability)		-			35			-		(75	)		(40	)
	Net asset		375			879			686		2,432			4,372
	Valuation allowance		-			(159	)		-		-			(159	)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	375		$	720		$	686	$	2,432		$	4,213

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Tables

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
Analysis of other accrued expenses	The analysis of accrued expenses at September 30, 2014 and 2013 showing separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014		2013
	Accrued compensation and related costs	$	1,062	$	1,015
	Other accrued expenses		774		1,072
		$	1,836	$	2,087

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]
Estimated funded status of these frozen defined benefit plans	The following table sets forth the estimated funded status of these frozen defined benefit plans and the amounts recognized by Sevcon, Inc.:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	27,908		$	28,145
	Interest cost			1,303			1,256
	Actuarial loss (gain)			1,911			(1,164	)
	Benefits paid			(482	)		(395	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			6			66
	Benefit obligation at end of year			30,646			27,908
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year			19,554			17,881
	Return on plan assets			1,334			1,393
	Employer contributions			698			584
	Benefits paid			(482	)		(395	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			13			91
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year			21,117			19,554
	Funded status			(9,529	)		(8,354	)
	Liability for pension benefits recorded in the balance sheet		$	(9,529	)	$	(8,354	)
Amounts recognized in balance sheet	Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Non current liabilities		$	9,529		$	8,354
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income	Amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Actuarial (loss) gain net of $351,000 tax benefit (2013:actuarial gain net of $410,000 tax charge)		$	(1,311	)	$	1,260
Components of the net pension cost	The Sevcon, Inc. net pension cost included the following components:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Interest cost		$	1,303		$	1,256
	Expected return on plan assets			(1,309	)		(1,166	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			227			278
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	221		$	368
	Net cost of defined contribution plans		$	500		$	455
Weighted average assumptions used to determine plan obligations and net periodic benefit cost	The weighted average assumptions used to determine plan obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as set out below:
			2014			2013
	Plan obligations:
	Discount rate			4.24	%		4.61	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Discount rate			4.24	%		4.61	%
	Expected long term return on plan assets			6.15	%		6.53	%
	Rate of compensation increase			0	%		0	%
Pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value	The table below presents information about our plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of September 30, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values (see Fair value measurements in Note 1).
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Level 1*			Level 2**			Level 3***
			(Quoted			(Significant			(Unobservable
			prices in			observable			inputs)
			active			inputs)
			markets)
	Mutual Funds
	Standard Life Pension Global Absolute Returns Strategies Fund			7,187			-			-
	Standard Life UK Indexed Linked Fund			1,856			-			-
	Standard Life Long Corporate Bond Fund			1,785			-			-
	CF Ruffer Absolute Return Fund			7,177			-			-
	U.S. Mutual Funds			2,431			-			-
	U.S. Exchange Traded Funds			348			-			-
	Other Types of Investments
	Cash			333			-			-
	Total			21,117			-			-
	*	Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds.
	**	The Company currently does not have any Level 2 pension plan financial assets.
	***	The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.
Estimated future benefit payments	The following estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
			(in thousands of dollars)
	2015		$	668
	2016			707
	2017			697
	2018			695
	2019			671
	2020 – 2024			3,658

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
Information concerning operations of business segments	The Company does not allocate income taxes, interest income and expense or foreign currency translation gains and losses to segments. Information concerning operations of these businesses is as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014
		Controls			Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	35,708		$	2,215	$	-		$	37,923
	Inter-segment revenues		-			5		-			5
	Operating income (loss)		977			283		(235	)		1,025
	Depreciation		517			90		1			608
	Identifiable assets		22,507			1,199		10,261			33,967
	Capital expenditures		709			33		2			744
			2013
		Controls			Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	30,320		$	1,883	$	-		$	32,203
	Inter-segment revenues		-			8		-			8
	Operating income (loss)		(739	)		75		(284	)		(948	)
	Depreciation		514			85		2			601
	Identifiable assets		21,545			1,325		490			23,360
	Capital expenditures		410			25		-			435
Analysis of revenues set out by location of business selling products	The analysis of revenues set out below is by the location of the business selling the products rather than by destination of the products.
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Sales:-
	U.S. sales	$	16,389		$	13,657
	Foreign sales:
	United Kingdom		13,486			10,627
	France		8,026			7,919
	China		22			-
	Total Foreign		21,534			18,546
	Total sales	$	37,923		$	32,203
	Long-lived assets:
	U.S.A.	$	2,245		$	2,235
	Foreign:
	United Kingdom		5,239			4,305
	France		74			69
	Korea, Japan and China		289			1
	Total Foreign		5,602			4,375
	Total	$	7,847		$	6,610
Revenues of electronic controls segment by products and services	In the controls business segment the revenues were derived from the following products and services:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		2014			2013
	Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles	$	26,014		$	19,884
	Accessory and aftermarket products and services		9,694			10,436
	Total controls segment revenues	$	35,708		$	30,320

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DEBT [Abstract]
Annual principal payments on long term debt	Annual principal payments on long term debt at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
	2015	$	-
	2016		-
	2017		1,700
	Total	$	1,700

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGE_Tables

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring charge [Abstract]
Summarizes of components of restructuring charge	The following table summarizes the components of the restructuring charge for the period ended September 30, 2013:
		(in thousands of dollars)
	Severance and other related costs	$	343
	Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs		262
	Total restructuring charge	$	605
Summarizes the liabilities related to the 2013 restructuring program	The following table summarizes the liabilities related to the 2013 restructuring program:
						(in thousands of dollars)
		Balance at October 1, 2012		Charges		Payments			Balance at September 30, 2013
	Severance and other related costs		-		343		(343	)		-
	Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs		-		262		(262	)		-
	Total		-		605		(605	)		-

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Plant
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Warranty reserves at beginning of year	$138,000	$89,000
Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the year	0	-70,000
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-4,000	2,000
Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the year	19,000	117,000
Warranty reserves at end of year	153,000	138,000
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Cost of research and development program	3,964,000	3,916,000
Percentage of sales (in hundredths)	10.00%	12.00%
Income statement credit	261,000
Income tax receivable	227,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected forfeiture rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Reserve for obsolete and slow moving inventories	485,000	658,000
Raw materials	2,095,000	2,201,000
Work-in-process	102,000	11,000
Finished goods	4,061,000	3,511,000
Inventory, Net	6,258,000	5,723,000
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Number of production plants	3
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	909,000	-1,071,000
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	3,398,000	3,357,000
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.27	($0.32)
Common stock equivalents	1,458,000	0
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	4,856,000	3,357,000
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.19	($0.32)
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Long-term debt	1,700,000
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	1,435,000	1,435,000
Convertible preferred stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common share equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	12,000
U.S Dollars [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Sales in different currencies (in hundredths)	49.00%
British Pound [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Sales in different currencies (in hundredths)	25.00%
Cost of sales in different currencies (in hundredths)	18.00%
Euro [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Sales in different currencies (in hundredths)	26.00%
Cost of sales in different currencies (in hundredths)	73.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Officers and key employees [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
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Directors [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
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	50 years
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	7 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	4 years
Minimum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Credit percentage (in hundredths)	10.00%
Maximum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Credit percentage (in hundredths)	14.50%
Cummins Generator Technologies and Newcastle University [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenue from Grants	84,000	133,000
Research and Development Expense	251,000	395,000
Technology Strategy Board Project Grant in 2013 [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenue from Grants	6,000	2,000
Research and Development Expense	25,000	9,000
Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenue from Grants	410,000	14,000
Research and Development Expense	1,683,000	58,000
Total grants awarded	$0	$480,000
Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable interest entity ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%

CAPITAL_STOCK_Details

CAPITAL STOCK (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CAPITAL STOCK [Abstract]
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	8,000,000	8,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014
				Employee	Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in shares reserved and available for grant (in shares)						150,000
Details of options outstanding
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$5.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options, Ending Balance	5,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	0 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Stock based compensation expense	$320,000	$262,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	619,000
Weighted average period for unrecognized compensation expense to be recognized	3 years
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options exercised (in shares)	0	0
Shares under Option [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	5,000	36,000			5,000
Exercised (in shares)	0	0
Cancelled (in shares)	5,000	-31,000
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)		5,000	36,000
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)		5,000
Weighted average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$5.40	$4.51			$5.40
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$5.40	$4.37
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)		$5.40	$4.51
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)		$5.40
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding, beginning of period		0 years 1 month 6 days	0 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life, outstanding, end of period		0 years 1 month 6 days	0 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life, exercisable, end of period		0 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, beginning of period	0	11,800			0
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, end of period		0	11,800
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable, end of period		0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in shares)	103,800	144,200			103,800
Granted (in shares)	80,000	0		28,600	80,000
Granted to non-employee directors - 1 year vesting	28,600	16,800
Vested (in shares)	-43,800	-57,200
Forfeited	0	0
Non-vested balance, end of period (in shares)	168,600	103,800
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$5.05				$5.05
Granted (in dollars per share)	$5.23	$4.26
Vested (in dollars per share)	$4.63	$5.24
Non-vested balance, ending of period (in dollars per share)	$5.27	$5.05
Number of employees and non-employee directors with restricted stock grant				11	7
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant				213,000	354,000
Period for recognition of unearned compensation				12 months	5 months
Charge to income for restricted stock				124,000	53,000
Quarterly charge to income for restricted stock				$53,000	$18,000
1996 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved and available for grant (in shares)	219,557	137,000
Options grants (in shares)	0	0
Options exercised (in shares)	0	0
Shares under Option [Roll Forward]
Exercised (in shares)	0	0

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes [Abstract]
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes	$816,000	($1,463,000)
Components of the provision for income taxes and deferred taxes [Abstract]
Federal	0	30,000
State	44,000	7,000
Foreign	-97,000	85,000
Provision for income taxes and deferred taxes, Current, Total	-53,000	122,000
Federal	134,000	-4,000
State	87,000	9,000
Foreign	-83,000	-519,000
Provision for income taxes and deferred taxes, Deferred, Total	138,000	-514,000
Provision (benefit) for income taxes [Abstract]
Statutory Federal income tax rate (in hundredths)	34.00%	34.00%
Computed tax provision at statutory rate	275,000	-491,000
Increases (decreases) resulting from [Abstract]
Foreign tax rate differentials	-122,000	167,000
State taxes net of federal tax benefit	71,000	10,000
Foreign research incentives	-213,000	-567,000
U.K. rate change	27,000	444,000
Other	47,000	45,000
Income tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations	85,000	-392,000
Foreign corporate tax rate (in hundredths)	23.00%
Foreign corporate tax rate after first reduction (in hundredths)	21.00%
Foreign corporate tax rate after final reduction (in hundredths)	20.00%
Assets [Abstract]
Pension accruals	2,028,000	1,820,000
Inventory basis differences	69,000	61,000
Warranty reserves	21,000	21,000
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	266,000	277,000
Accrued compensation expense	58,000	58,000
Net operating losses	2,068,000	1,908,000
Other (net)	311,000	267,000
Total assets	4,821,000	4,412,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Property basis asset (liability)	-118,000	-40,000
Net asset	4,703,000	4,372,000
Valuation allowance	-271,000	-159,000
Net deferred tax asset	4,432,000	4,213,000
Unremitted foreign earnings	10,900,000
Domestic [Member]
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes [Abstract]
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes	430,000	-1,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Federal, state and foreign net operating losses	608,200
Foreign [Member]
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes [Abstract]
Domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes	386,000	-1,462,000
Increases (decreases) resulting from [Abstract]
Foreign tax rate reduction description	A reduction in the U.K. corporate tax rate from 23% to 21% and then to 20% was substantively enacted in 2013 with effect in 2014 and 2015
Liabilities [Abstract]
Federal, state and foreign net operating losses	9,201,000
State [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Domestic federal and state net operating losses, expiration dates	30-Sep-15
Federal [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Domestic federal and state net operating losses, expiration dates	30-Sep-28
Domestic current [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Pension accruals	0	0
Inventory basis differences	69,000	61,000
Warranty reserves	21,000	21,000
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	0	0
Accrued compensation expense	0	7,000
Net operating losses	103,000	286,000
Other (net)	0	0
Total assets	193,000	375,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Property basis asset (liability)	0	0
Net asset	193,000	375,000
Valuation allowance	0	0
Net deferred tax asset	193,000	375,000
Domestic Long-Term [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Pension accruals	186,000	229,000
Inventory basis differences	0	0
Warranty reserves	0	0
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	266,000	277,000
Accrued compensation expense	0	0
Net operating losses	108,000	75,000
Other (net)	308,000	263,000
Total assets	868,000	844,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Property basis asset (liability)	12,000	35,000
Net asset	880,000	879,000
Valuation allowance	-159,000	-159,000
Net deferred tax asset	721,000	720,000
Foreign current [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Pension accruals	37,000	30,000
Inventory basis differences	0	0
Warranty reserves	0	0
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	0	0
Accrued compensation expense	0	0
Net operating losses	289,000	652,000
Other (net)	3,000	4,000
Total assets	329,000	686,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Property basis asset (liability)	0	0
Net asset	329,000	686,000
Valuation allowance	0	0
Net deferred tax asset	329,000	686,000
Foreign Long-Term [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Pension accruals	1,805,000	1,561,000
Inventory basis differences	0	0
Warranty reserves	0	0
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	0	0
Accrued compensation expense	58,000	51,000
Net operating losses	1,568,000	895,000
Other (net)	0	0
Total assets	3,431,000	2,507,000
Liabilities [Abstract]
Property basis asset (liability)	-130,000	-75,000
Net asset	3,301,000	2,432,000
Valuation allowance	-112,000	0
Net deferred tax asset	3,189,000	2,432,000
U. K. [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Federal, state and foreign net operating losses	$261,000

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Details

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and related costs	$1,062	$1,015
Other accrued expenses	774	1,072
Accrued expenses	$1,836	$2,087
Percentage of total current liabilities used to analyze accrued expenses (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]
Maximum recorded liability of deferred annuities	$162,000
Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases [Abstract]
2015	213,000
2016	205,000
2017	205,000
2018	208,000
2019	194,000
Thereafter	3,405,000
Net rentals expense	242,000	212,000
Total overdraft facility	1,460,000
Revolving credit facility	$1,700,000	$1,700,000

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Change in benefit obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$27,908,000		$28,145,000
Interest cost	1,303,000		1,256,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,911,000		-1,164,000
Benefits paid	-482,000		-395,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	6,000		66,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	30,646,000		27,908,000
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	19,554,000		17,881,000
Return on plan assets	1,334,000		1,393,000
Employer contributions	698,000		584,000
Benefits paid	-482,000		-395,000
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	13,000		91,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,117,000		19,554,000
Funded status	-9,529,000		-8,354,000
Liability for pension benefits recorded in the balance sheet	-9,529,000		-8,354,000
Unfunded liability recognized in accrued expenses	173,000		152,000
Increase in the pension liability deficit	1,175,000
Defined benefit plan, actuarial loss (gain)	1,911,000		-1,164,000
Amounts recognized in balance sheet [Abstract]
Non current liabilities	9,529,000		8,354,000
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss [Abstract]
Actuarial (loss) gain, net of $351,000 tax benefit (2013:actuarial gain net of $410,000 tax charge)	-1,311,000		1,260,000
Tax benefit (charge) on actuarial gain (loss)	351,000		-410,000
Components of net pension cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	1,303,000		1,256,000
Expected return on plan assets	-1,309,000		-1,166,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	227,000		278,000
Net periodic benefit cost	221,000		368,000
Net cost of defined contribution plans	500,000		455,000
Plan obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.24%		4.61%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%		0.00%
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.24%		4.61%
Expected long term return on plan assets (in hundredths)	6.15%		6.53%
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	0.00%		0.00%
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2015	668,000
2016	707,000
2017	697,000
2018	695,000
2019	671,000
2020 - 2024	3,658,000
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Estimated defined benefit pension plans contributions	687,000
Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	21,117,000	[1]
Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
Standard Life Pension Global Absolute Returns Strategies Fund [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,187,000	[1]
Standard Life Pension Global Absolute Returns Strategies Fund [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
Standard Life Pension Global Absolute Returns Strategies Fund [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
Standard Life UK Indexed Linked Fund [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,856,000	[1]
Standard Life UK Indexed Linked Fund [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
Standard Life UK Indexed Linked Fund [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
Standard Life Long Corporate Bond Fund [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,785,000	[1]
Standard Life Long Corporate Bond Fund [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
Standard Life Long Corporate Bond Fund [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
CF Ruffer Absolute Return Fund [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7,177,000	[1]
CF Ruffer Absolute Return Fund [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
CF Ruffer Absolute Return Fund [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
U.S. Exchange Traded Funds [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	348,000	[1]
U.S. Exchange Traded Funds [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
U.S. Exchange Traded Funds [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
U.S. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	19.00%
U.S. Mutual Funds [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	81.00%
U.S. Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,431,000	[1]
U.S. Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
U.S. Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
U.K. government bonds [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	10.00%
U.K. corporate bonds [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	10.00%
U.K. equity securities [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	79.00%
U.K. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	1.00%
Cash [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	333,000	[1]
Cash [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[2]
Cash [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	[3]
U.S. Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Abstract]
Actuarial loss (gain)	205,000
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actuarial loss (gain)	205,000
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation	313,000
Defined benefit plan, total benefit obligation	10.00%
Defined benefit plan	7 years
U.K. Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Change in benefit obligation [Abstract]
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,706,000
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actuarial loss (gain)	1,706,000
Net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation	$9,216,000
Defined benefit plan, total benefit obligation	34.00%
Defined benefit plan	12 years
[1]	Level 1 investments represent mutual funds for which a quoted market price is available on an active market. These investments primarily hold stocks or bonds, or a combination of stocks and bonds.
[2]	The Company currently does not have any Level 2 pension plan financial assets.
[3]	The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	$37,923	$32,203
Operating income (loss)	1,025	-948
Depreciation	608	601
Identifiable assets	33,967	23,360
Capital expenditures	744	435
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	35,708	30,320
Operating income (loss)	977	-739
Depreciation	517	514
Identifiable assets	22,507	21,545
Capital expenditures	709	410
Reportable Segments [Member] | Capacitors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	2,215	1,883
Operating income (loss)	283	75
Depreciation	90	85
Identifiable assets	1,199	1,325
Capital expenditures	33	25
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	5	8
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Capacitors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	5	8
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	0	0
Operating income (loss)	-235	-284
Depreciation	1	2
Identifiable assets	10,261	490
Capital expenditures	$2	$0

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_1_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (1) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	$37,923	$32,203
Long-Lived Assets	7,847	6,610
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Electronic controls segment revenues	37,923	32,203
Sales [Member] | Toyota Group [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	14.00%	10.00%
Receivables [Member] | Toyota Group [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	17.00%	8.00%
Receivables [Member] | Haulotte Group [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	11.00%
Total Foreign [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	21,534	18,546
Long-Lived Assets	5,602	4,375
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Electronic controls segment revenues	35,708	30,320
Reportable Segments [Member] | Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles [Member] | Controls [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Electronic controls segment revenues	26,014	19,884
Reportable Segments [Member] | Accessory and aftermarket products and services [Member] | Controls [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Electronic controls segment revenues	9,694	10,436
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | United States Of America [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	16,389	13,657
Long-Lived Assets	2,245	2,235
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	13,486	10,627
Long-Lived Assets	5,239	4,305
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	8,026	7,919
Long-Lived Assets	74	69
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	22	0
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Korea, Japan and China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$289	$1

DEBT_Details

DEBT (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,700,000
Current portion of long-term debt	28,000	46,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt covenant description	Under the facility, Sevcon USA, Inc. must maintain, on a quarterly basis, a debt to tangible net worth ratio of no more than 2.40:1 and a debt service coverage ratio of no less than 1.25:1 for each rolling twelve-month period
Total overdraft facility	1,460,000
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
2015	0
2016	0
2017	1,700,000
Total maturities	1,700,000
RBS Citizens, National Association [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin interest rate (in hundredths)	3.13%
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	3,500,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date	14-Jun-17
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	1,700,000
U.K. bank loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	28,000
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	6.80%
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Current portion of long-term debt	28,000
Fair market value of the debt	28,000
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
Total maturities	$28,000

ESTABLISHMENT_OF_JOINT_VENTURE1

ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURE IN CHINA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Establishment of Joint Venture in China [Abstract]
Limited partnership stake (in hundredths)	50.00%
Investment of initial capital	$320,000
Initial establishment costs	$481,000

CAPITAL_RAISE_Details

CAPITAL RAISE (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 12, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 01, 2014
Capital Raise [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock Stated value (in dollars per share)		$0.10	$0.10
Initial conversion ration (in dollars per share)		$8
Sale price of common stock (in dollars per share)		$15.50
Number of days of price of common stock exceeded		20 days
Consecutive trading days		30 days
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock	$9,345,000	$9,345,000	$0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Capital Raise [Line Items]
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock offering rights				$10,000,000
Issuance of preferred stock (in shares)	465,500
Convertible preferred stock price per share (in dollars per share)	$21.50
Convertible Preferred Stock Stated value (in dollars per share)		$24
Percentage of cumulative annual dividend, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (in hundredths)		4.00%
Initial dividend payable		15-Oct-14
Preferred stock conversion ratio		3

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGE_Details

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Employee
Restructuring charge [Abstract]
Number of employees terminated	8
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Severance and other related costs		$343
Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs		262
Total restructuring charge	0	605
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0
Charges	0	605
Payments		-605
Ending Balance		0
Severance and other related costs [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Total restructuring charge		343
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		0
Charges		343
Payments		-343
Ending Balance		0
Consultant costs, professional fees and other costs [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Total restructuring charge		262
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		0
Charges		262
Payments		-262
Ending Balance		$0

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (RBS Citizens, National Association [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$3,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	14-Jun-17
Subsequent Event [Member]
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Repayments of Lines of Credit		1,700,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$3,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date		14-Jun-17

SCHEDULE_II_Details

SCHEDULE II (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$61	$32
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2	31
Deductions from reserves: [Abstract]
Reduction in reserve	-6	0
Write off of uncollectible accounts	-14	-4
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-3	2
Balance at end of year	$40	$61