Sevcon 10-Q 19 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	19-May-15
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,668,937
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	4-Apr-15

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,645	$11,238
Trade receivables net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $35 at April 4, 2015 and $40 at September 30, 2014	7,042	6,694
Other receivables	193	183
Inventories	6,438	6,258
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,471	1,747
Total current assets	24,789	26,120
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and improvements	21	23
Buildings and improvements	679	741
Equipment	10,597	10,918
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	11,297	11,682
Less: accumulated depreciation	-9,096	-9,577
Net property, plant and equipment	2,201	2,105
Long-term deferred tax assets	2,912	3,910
Goodwill	1,435	1,435
Other long-term assets	401	397
Total assets	31,738	33,967
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long term debt	4	28
Accounts payable	4,361	4,405
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	1,816	1,836
Accrued and deferred taxes on income	0	7
Total current liabilities	6,181	6,276
Liability for pension benefits	8,406	9,529
Long term debt	0	1,700
Total liabilities	14,587	17,505
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 1,000,000 shares; Outstanding - 460,769 shares at April 4, 2015 and September 30, 2014	46	46
Common stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 20,000,000 shares at April 4, 2015 and 8,000,000 at September 30, 2014; Outstanding 3,668,937 shares at April 4, 2015 and 3,588,958 shares at September 30, 2014	367	359
Premium paid in on common stock	6,193	6,040
Premium paid in on preferred stock	9,231	9,231
Retained earnings	10,547	9,495
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-9,323	-8,829
Total Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries stockholders' equity	17,061	16,342
Noncontrolling interests	90	120
Total stockholders' equity	17,151	16,462
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$31,738	$33,967

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Trade receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts	$35	$40
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	460,769
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	8,000,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	3,668,937	3,588,958

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$10,340	$9,170	$20,273	$18,219
Cost of sales	-5,779	-5,568	-11,703	-10,785
Gross profit	4,561	3,602	8,570	7,434
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-2,586	-2,323	-5,079	-4,515
Research and development expenses	-1,301	-1,083	-2,535	-2,013
Operating income	674	196	956	906
Interest expense	-14	-19	-40	-35
Interest income	11	1	16	1
Foreign currency gain (loss)	235	-39	279	-124
Change in fair value of foreign exchange contracts	-200	0	-200	0
Income before income tax	706	139	1,011	748
Income tax (provision) benefit	-65	23	-105	-98
Net income	641	162	906	650
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	12	0	29	0
Net income attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	653	162	935	650
Preference share dividends	-114	0	-225	0
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$539	$162	$710	$650
Net income per ordinary share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.05	$0.21	$0.19
Net income per ordinary share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.05	$0.19	$0.19
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	3,466	3,401	3,446	3,388
Diluted (in shares)	4,912	3,491	4,903	3,452

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	$653	$162	$935	$650
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-292	30	-436	96
Defined benefit pension plans:
Pension benefit plans adjustments during the period	68	57	132	113
Tax expense	-17	-13	-31	-26
Defined benefit pension plans total	51	44	101	87
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-241	74	-335	183
Comprehensive income	$412	$236	$600	$833

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$906	$650
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash generated from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation	311	304
Unrealized loss on change in value of foreign exchange contracts	200	0
Stock-based compensation	259	127
Pension contributions greater than pension expense	-206	-195
Deferred tax provision	105	98
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	-815	18
Other receivables	-42	-526
Inventories	-553	-136
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-180	-530
Accounts payable	250	99
Accrued expenses	-75	-167
Accrued and deferred taxes on income	-86	-83
Net cash generated from (used by) operating activities	74	-341
Cash flow used by investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	-592	-249
Net cash used by investing activities	-592	-249
Cash flow used by financing activities:
Repayments of long term debt	-1,723	-23
Preferred stock dividends paid	-42	0
Purchase and retirement of common stock	-98	-63
Net cash used by financing activities	-1,863	-86
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-212	64
Net decrease in cash	-2,593	-612
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents	11,238	2,062
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents	8,645	1,450
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	86	83
Cash paid for interest	$40	$35

Basis_of_presentation

Basis of presentation	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	-1	Basis of presentation
	Sevcon, Inc. (“Sevcon” or “the Company”) is a Delaware corporation organized on December 22, 1987 to carry on the electronic controls business previously performed by Tech/Ops, Inc. Through wholly-owned subsidiaries located in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea and Japan, and a joint venture 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, buses, trucks, fork lift trucks, aerial lifts, mining vehicles, agricultural tractors and implements and other electrically powered vehicles and systems. Through another subsidiary located in the United Kingdom, Sevcon, Inc. manufactures special metalized film capacitors that are used as components in the power electronics, signaling and audio equipment markets.
	Certain prior period balances in the consolidated statement of income have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
	Accounting for wholly-owned subsidiaries
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries; Sevcon USA, Inc., Sevcon Ltd., Industrial Capacitors (Wrexham) Ltd., Sevcon SAS, Sevcon Asia Limited and Sevcon Japan KK, in accordance with the provisions required by the Consolidation Topic 810 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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 (i) whether the entity is 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.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normally recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Sevcon, Inc. as of April 4, 2015 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2014 annual consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the 2014 Sevcon, Inc. Annual Report filed on Form 10-K (the "2014 10-K"). Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to a year means the Company's fiscal year, which ends on September 30.
	The results of operations for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Summary_of_significant_account

Summary of significant accounting policies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	(2)            Summary of significant accounting policies
	There have been no changes since the end of 2014 to the significant accounting policies followed by Sevcon, Inc.

New_accounting_pronouncement

New accounting pronouncement	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
New accounting pronouncement [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncement	(3)           New accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB amended its guidance regarding revenue recognition and created a new Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The objectives for creating Topic 606 were to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue recognition, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, provide more useful information to users of the financial statements through improved disclosure requirements, simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer, and improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve the core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: 1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the  transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. For public entities, the amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the amendment recognized at the date of initial application. We are currently assessing the impact of adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Stockbased_compensation_plans

Stock-based compensation plans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation plans	(4)            Stock-based compensation plans
	Under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) there were 139,578 shares reserved and available for grant at April 4, 2015. There were 183,400 shares reserved and available for grant at March 29, 2014.
	Recipients of grants 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 (“SARs”). 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.
	There were no options outstanding or exercisable at April 4, 2015 or March 29, 2014, and there were no options granted or exercised in the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014.
	In December 2014, the Company granted 42,000 shares of restricted stock to eight employees, which will vest in two 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 on the date of grant was $330,000 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. This unvested compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over two years. The charge to income for this employee restricted stock in the first six months of 2015 was $41,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $41,000 on a quarterly basis.
	In December 2014, the Company granted 20,000 shares of restricted stock to three 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 on the date of grant was $139,000 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. This 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 the first six months of 2015 was $7,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $7,000 on a quarterly basis.
	In February 2015, the Company granted 30,600 shares of restricted stock to nine non-employee directors, which will vest on the day before the 2016 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 $225,000, 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 period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for these restricted stock grants in the first six months of fiscal 2015 was $19,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $56,000 on a quarterly basis.
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the six months ended April 4, 2015 is as follows:
		Number of shares of Restricted Stock			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2014		168,600		$	5.27
	Granted		92,600		$	7.68
	Vested		(64,600	)	$	6.32
	Non-vested balance as of April 4, 2015		196,600		$	6.07
	Stock-based compensation expense was $146,000 and $259,000 for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and $68,000 and $127,000 for the three and six month periods ended March 29, 2014, respectively. At April 4, 2015, there was $1,071,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock granted under the Plan. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

Cash_dividends

Cash dividends	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Cash dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividends	(5)            Cash dividends
	Common stock dividends
	The Board of Directors suspended common stock dividends to conserve cash during the global recession that began in 2009 and will consider whether to resume paying common stock dividends as conditions and the Company’s operating results improve.
	Preferred Stock dividends
	At April 4, 2015 there were 460,769 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The preferred stock, which has a stated value of $24 per share, pays a 4% cumulative annual dividend semi-annually on October 15 and April 15 each year. A semi-annual dividend of $221,169 was paid on April 15, 2015.  The next semi-annual dividend will be paid on October 15, 2015.

Calculation_of_earnings_per_sh

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding	(6)            Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss for the period attributable to common stockholders 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 numerator of net income attributable to common stockholders is adjusted by the effect of dilutive securities, including convertible preferred stock using the treasury stock method.  The denominator is increased for the assumed exercise of dilutive options and other potentially dilutive securities, including convertible preferred stock and unvested restricted stock, using the treasury stock method, unless the effect is anti-dilutive.
	Basic and diluted net income per common share for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were calculated as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		April4,		March29,		April4,		March29,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to common stockholders for computing net income per ordinary share - basic	$	539	$	162	$	710	$	650
	Dividend eliminated upon assumed conversion of convertible preference shares		114		-		225		-
	Net income attributable to common stockholders for computing net income per ordinary share - diluted	$	653	$	162	$	935	$	650
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - basic		3,466		3,401		3,446		3,388
	Adjustment for assumed conversion of convertible preference shares		1,382		-		1,382		-
	Adjustment for shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock		64		90		75		64
	Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - diluted		4,912		3,491		4,903		3,452
	Net income per ordinary share - basic	$	0.16	$	0.05	$	0.21	$	0.19
	Net income per ordinary share - diluted	$	0.14	$	0.05	$	0.19	$	0.19
	No. of shares of convertible preference stock that are anti-dilutive excluded from calculation of common stock equivalents		-		-		-		-

Segment_information

Segment information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment information [Abstract]
Segment information	(7)            Segment information
	The Company has two reportable segments: electronic controls and capacitors. The electronic controls segment produces based control systems for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The capacitors segment produces metalized film capacitors for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. Each segment has its own management team and sales force and the capacitors segment has its own manufacturing facility.
	The significant accounting policies of the segments are those described in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 10-K. Inter-segment revenues 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)
		Three months ended April4, 2015
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	9,761		579		-		$	10,340
	Inter-segment revenues		-		1		-			1
	Operating income (loss)		374		80		220			674
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		21,977		1,148		7,178			30,303
		Three months ended March29, 2014
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	8,601		569		-		$	9,170
	Inter-segment revenues		-		2		-			2
	Operating income (loss)		190		104		(98	)		196
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		22,220		1,341		581			24,142
		Six months ended April4, 2015
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	19,180		1,093		-		$	20,273
	Inter-segment revenues		-		3		-			3
	Operating income (loss)		722		116		118			956
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		21,977		1,148		7,178			30,303
		Six months ended March29, 2014
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	17,136	$	1,083		-		$	18,219
	Inter-segment revenues		-		2		-			2
	Operating income (loss)		839		144		(77	)		906
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		22,220		1,341		581			24,142
	In the electronic controls segment, revenues derive from the following products and services:
	(in thousands of dollars)
		Three Months ended				Six Months ended
		April4,		March29,		April4,			March29,
		2015		2014		2015			2014
	Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles	$	6,237	$	6,555	$	12,301		$	13,139
	Accessory and aftermarket products and services and engineering contracts		3,524		2,046		6,879			3,997
	Total electronic controls segment revenues	$	9,761	$	8,601	$	19,180		$	17,136

Research_and_development

Research and development	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Research and development [Abstract]
Research and development	(8)            Research and development
	The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and was as follows:
	In recent years the Company has received several awards of research and development grants by public bodies 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 $49,000 in the six month period ended April 4, 2015, associated with research and development expense of $144,000, in the same period. The Company recorded grant income of $33,000 in the six month period ended March 29, 2014, associated with research and development expense of $97,000, in the same period.
	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 defrayed part of the research and development expense associated with this project over the period from July 2013 to March 31, 2015 and included a commitment to increase employment by twenty five heads at the Company’s U.K. facility. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $53,000 in the six month period ended April 4, 2015, associated with research and development expense of $450,000, in the same period.  The Company recorded grant income of $236,000 in the six month period ended March 29, 2014, associated with research and development expense of $969,000, in the same period. The Company has received payment for the full amount of the awarded grant although there is an on-going obligation under the terms of the grant award to complete the job creation target by adding a further ten permanent positions at the Company’s U.K. facility by the end of the second quarter of 2017.
	The grant income in the first six months of 2015 and 2014 was recorded as a reduction of research and development expense.

Employee_benefit_plans

Employee benefit plans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Employee benefit plans [Abstract]
Employee benefit plans	(9)            Employee benefit plans
	Sevcon 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 the U.K. and U.S. defined benefit plans for which no future benefits are being earned by employees.  The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Three Months ended						Six Months ended
			April4,			March29,			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Interest cost		$	304		$	325		$	620		$	643
	Expected return on plan assets			(313	)		(327	)		(626	)		(647	)
	Amortization of net loss			68			57			132			113
	Net periodic benefit cost			59			55			126			109
	Net cost of defined contribution plans		$	125		$	132		$	272		$	247
	Net cost of all employee benefit plans		$	184		$	187		$	398		$	356
	The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits in the six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Six Months ended
			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014
	Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period			9,529			8,354
	Net periodic benefit cost			126			109
	Plan contributions			(332	)		(304	)
	Recognition of net actuarial loss			(132	)		(113	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes			(785	)		209
	Balance at end of period			8,406			8,255
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014
	Non-current liabilities		$	8,406		$	8,255
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Three Months ended						Six Months ended
			April4,			March29,			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Actuarial loss, net of $17 and $31 tax benefit for the three and six month periods, respectively, (2014: net of $13 and $26 tax benefit for the three and six month periods, respectively)		$	51		$	44		$	101		$	87
	Sevcon, Inc. contributed $100,000 to its frozen U.S. defined benefit plan in the six months ended April 4, 2015; it presently anticipates contributing a further $100,000 to fund its U.S. plan in the remainder of fiscal 2015. In addition, employer contributions to the frozen U.K. defined benefit plan were $232,000 in the first six months and are estimated to total $455,000 in 2015.
	During the quarter ended April 4, 2015, the assets of the frozen U.K. defined benefit plan (the Sevcon Limited Pension Plan, “the Plan”) were reorganized by the trustees of the Plan. The trustees appointed Legal & General Investment Management to sell the Plan investments held in pooled funds previously managed by Standard Life Investments and a holding in the Absolute Return Fund managed by Ruffer LLP. The cash proceeds were subsequently invested as to 80% in an investment in Adept Strategy 9 Fund, a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc, a Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Fund authorized and supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland. The other 20% of the cash proceeds were invested in a range of Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds to match the profile of the Plan’s liability cash flows.
	The table below presents information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of April 4, 2015 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values.
	(in thousands of dollars)
			Level 1*			Level 2**			Level 3***
			(Quoted prices in active			(Significant observable inputs)			(Unobservable inputs)
			markets)
	Mutual Funds
	Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund			-			14,631			-
	of Adept Investment Management plc)			-			3,663			-
				364			-			-
	Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked
	Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds
	Managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited)
	U.S. Equity Funds
	U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income  Funds			2,502			-			-
	Other Types of Investments
	Cash			450			-			-
	Total			3,316			18,294			-
	*	Level 1 inputs are quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  The Company's pension plan financial assets in U.S. Equity Funds, Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds
	are Level 1 assets
	**	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  The Company's pension plan financial assets held in the Adept Strategy 9 Fund and the Schroder investments are Level 2 assets
	***	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for an asset or liability.  The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.
	The following estimated benefit payments have been, or are expected, to be paid:
			(in thousands
			of dollars)
	2015		$	668
	2016			707
	2017			697
	2018			695
2019			671
2020 – 2024		$	3,658

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(10)            Inventories
	Inventories, net of reserve, were comprised of:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		April4,		September30,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	1,914	$	2,095
	Work-in-process		86		102
	Finished goods		4,438		4,061
		$	6,438	$	6,258

Fair_value_of_financial_instru

Fair value of financial instruments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]
Fair value of financial instruments	(11)            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 April 4, 2015 approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company's current portion of long-term debt at April 4, 2015 approximated $4,000 (the carrying value on the consolidated balance sheet at April 4, 2015) based on recent financial market pricing. The current portion of long-term debt represented a Level 2 liability in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 9.

Derivative_financial_instrumen

Derivative financial instruments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Derivative financial instruments [Abstract]
Derivative financial instruments	(12)        Derivative financial instruments
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to partially offset its market exposure to fluctuations in certain foreign currencies, principally the British Pound and the Euro, and does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
	Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
	The Company documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions.  The Company also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an on-going basis, whether the derivative financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in equity in other comprehensive income.  The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of income within "Other income and expense".
	Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for example, when foreign currency denominated financial liabilities are translated into their functional currencies).  The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of cross currency swaps which hedge the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates are recognized in the consolidated statement of income within "foreign exchange differences".  When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
	The company did not have any financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges at April 4, 2015 or March 29, 2014.
	Derivative financial instruments not designated for hedging
	The fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not meet the FASB authoritative guidance for hedge accounting are immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of income under “Other income and expense”.  The fair value of these derivatives are recorded under “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” for asset derivatives or “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” for liability derivatives, in the consolidated balance sheet.
	In the quarter ended April 4, 2015 the company entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to future fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Euro.  These contracts were intended to partially hedge the U.S. Dollar equivalent cost of the company's planned purchases of inventory denominated in Euros.  The total gross amount of the outstanding forward contracts was $3,215,000 at April 4, 2015 ($0 at September 30, 2014).  These agreements were recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet, resulting in a net loss of $200,000 in the consolidated statement of income for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 ($0 net  gain or loss for the three and six month periods ended March 29, 2014).
	The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments for the following periods:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		April 4,				September 30,
		2015				2014
		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts		-		200		-		-
	The above liability derivative foreign currency contracts represent a Level 2 liability at April 4, 2015 in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 9.

Accrued_expenses

Accrued expenses	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	(13)            Accrued expenses
	Set out below is an analysis of other accrued expenses at April 4, 2015 and September 30, 2014, which shows separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		April4,		September30,
		2015		2014
	Accrued compensation and related costs	$	816	$	1,062
	Other accrued expenses		1,000		774
		$	1,816	$	1,836

Warranty_reserves

Warranty reserves	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Warranty reserves [Abstract]
Warranty reserves	(14)            Warranty reserves
	Warranty reserves are included on the balance sheet within accrued expenses; the movement in warranty reserves was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		Three Months ended						Six Months ended
		April4,			March29,			April4,			March29,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Warranty reserves at beginning of period	$	151		$	139		$	153		$	138
	Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the period					(1	)					(44	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(7	)		1			(12	)		2
	Net increase in warranty reserves for products   sold during the period		-			1			3			44
	Warranty reserves at end of period	$	144		$	140		$	144		$	140

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(15)            Debt
	At April 4, 2015 the Company had $4,000 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 April 4, $4,000, is shown in the current liabilities section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under current portion of long-term debt, representing the principal element of the loan installments in the year ending September 30, 2015. The fair market value of the debt at April 4, 2015 was $4,000.
	The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Sevcon USA, Inc., has a $3,500,000 secured revolving credit facility with Citizens Bank, for working capital and general corporate purposes. The loan and security agreement will expire on June 14, 2017 when any outstanding principal and unpaid interest at that time 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 is calculated at a margin of 3.125% over LIBOR.  The total amount outstanding under this credit facility at April 4, 2015 was $0 and at September 30, 2014 was $1,700,000.
	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 $1,300,000 and which are secured by 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 April 4, 2015 and at September 30, 2014.
	Annual principal payments on long term debt at April 4, 2015 are as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)
	2015	$	4
	Total	$	4

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(16)            Commitments and Contingencies
	Sevcon, Inc. is involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business but believes that it is remote that the outcome will be material to operations.
	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 April 4, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was $158,000 and $162,000, respectively.
	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 - $194,000 and $3,405,000 thereafter.
	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 $1,300,000. There were no amounts outstanding on the overdraft facilities at April 4, 2015 and at September 30, 2014. 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. The total amount outstanding under this revolving credit facility was $0 at April 4, 2015 and $1,700,000 at September 30, 2014.

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Subsequent events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	(17)            Subsequent events
	In preparing these interim consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated, for potential recognition or disclosure, events or transactions subsequent to the end of the most recent quarterly period, the issuance date of these financial statements.
	No material subsequent events were identified that require recognition or disclosure in these financial statements.

Stockbased_compensation_plans_

Stock-based compensation plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Summary of restricted stock activity	A summary of restricted stock activity for the six months ended April 4, 2015 is as follows:
		Number of shares of Restricted Stock			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2014		168,600		$	5.27
	Granted		92,600		$	7.68
	Vested		(64,600	)	$	6.32
	Non-vested balance as of April 4, 2015		196,600		$	6.07

Calculation_of_earnings_per_sh1

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share	Basic and diluted net income per common share for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were calculated as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		April4,		March29,		April4,		March29,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to common stockholders for computing net income per ordinary share - basic	$	539	$	162	$	710	$	650
	Dividend eliminated upon assumed conversion of convertible preference shares		114		-		225		-
	Net income attributable to common stockholders for computing net income per ordinary share - diluted	$	653	$	162	$	935	$	650
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - basic		3,466		3,401		3,446		3,388
	Adjustment for assumed conversion of convertible preference shares		1,382		-		1,382		-
	Adjustment for shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock		64		90		75		64
	Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - diluted		4,912		3,491		4,903		3,452
	Net income per ordinary share - basic	$	0.16	$	0.05	$	0.21	$	0.19
	Net income per ordinary share - diluted	$	0.14	$	0.05	$	0.19	$	0.19
	No. of shares of convertible preference stock that are anti-dilutive excluded from calculation of common stock equivalents		-		-		-		-

Segment_information_Tables

Segment information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment information [Abstract]
Information concerning operations of business segments	The significant accounting policies of the segments are those described in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 10-K. Inter-segment revenues 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)
		Three months ended April4, 2015
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	9,761		579		-		$	10,340
	Inter-segment revenues		-		1		-			1
	Operating income (loss)		374		80		220			674
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		21,977		1,148		7,178			30,303
		Three months ended March29, 2014
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	8,601		569		-		$	9,170
	Inter-segment revenues		-		2		-			2
	Operating income (loss)		190		104		(98	)		196
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		22,220		1,341		581			24,142
		Six months ended April4, 2015
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	19,180		1,093		-		$	20,273
	Inter-segment revenues		-		3		-			3
	Operating income (loss)		722		116		118			956
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		21,977		1,148		7,178			30,303
		Six months ended March29, 2014
		Controls		Capacitors		Corporate			Total
	Sales to external customers	$	17,136	$	1,083		-		$	18,219
	Inter-segment revenues		-		2		-			2
	Operating income (loss)		839		144		(77	)		906
	Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill		22,220		1,341		581			24,142
Revenues of electronic controls segment by products and services	In the electronic controls segment, revenues derive from the following products and services:
	(in thousands of dollars)
		Three Months ended				Six Months ended
		April4,		March29,		April4,			March29,
		2015		2014		2015			2014
	Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles	$	6,237	$	6,555	$	12,301		$	13,139
	Accessory and aftermarket products and services and engineering contracts		3,524		2,046		6,879			3,997
	Total electronic controls segment revenues	$	9,761	$	8,601	$	19,180		$	17,136

Employee_benefit_plans_Tables

Employee benefit plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Employee benefit plans [Abstract]
Components of the net pension cost	Sevcon 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 the U.K. and U.S. defined benefit plans for which no future benefits are being earned by employees.  The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Three Months ended						Six Months ended
			April4,			March29,			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Interest cost		$	304		$	325		$	620		$	643
	Expected return on plan assets			(313	)		(327	)		(626	)		(647	)
	Amortization of net loss			68			57			132			113
	Net periodic benefit cost			59			55			126			109
	Net cost of defined contribution plans		$	125		$	132		$	272		$	247
	Net cost of all employee benefit plans		$	184		$	187		$	398		$	356
Movement in liability for pension benefits	The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits in the six month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Six Months ended
			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014
	Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period			9,529			8,354
	Net periodic benefit cost			126			109
	Plan contributions			(332	)		(304	)
	Recognition of net actuarial loss			(132	)		(113	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes			(785	)		209
	Balance at end of period			8,406			8,255
Amounts recognized in balance sheet	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014
	Non-current liabilities		$	8,406		$	8,255
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
			(in thousands of dollars)
			Three Months ended						Six Months ended
			April4,			March29,			April4,			March29,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Actuarial loss, net of $17 and $31 tax benefit for the three and six month periods, respectively, (2014: net of $13 and $26 tax benefit for the three and six month periods, respectively)		$	51		$	44		$	101		$	87
Pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value	The table below presents information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of April 4, 2015 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values.
	(in thousands of dollars)
			Level 1*			Level 2**			Level 3***
			(Quoted prices in active			(Significant observable inputs)			(Unobservable inputs)
			markets)
	Mutual Funds
	Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund			-			14,631			-
	of Adept Investment Management plc)			-			3,663			-
				364			-			-
	Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked
	Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds
	Managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited)
	U.S. Equity Funds
	U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income  Funds			2,502			-			-
	Other Types of Investments
	Cash			450			-			-
	Total			3,316			18,294			-
	*	Level 1 inputs are quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  The Company's pension plan financial assets in U.S. Equity Funds, Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds
	are Level 1 assets
	**	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  The Company's pension plan financial assets held in the Adept Strategy 9 Fund and the Schroder investments are Level 2 assets
	***	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for an asset or liability.  The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.
Estimated future benefit payments	The following estimated benefit payments have been, or are expected, to be paid:
			(in thousands
			of dollars)
	2015		$	668
	2016			707
	2017			697
	2018			695
	2019			671
	2020 – 2024		$	3,658

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories, net of reserve, were comprised of:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		April4,		September30,
		2015		2014
	Raw materials	$	1,914	$	2,095
	Work-in-process		86		102
	Finished goods		4,438		4,061
		$	6,438	$	6,258

Derivative_financial_instrumen1

Derivative financial instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Derivative financial instruments [Abstract]
Summary of the Company's derivative financial instruments	The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments for the following periods:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		April 4,				September 30,
		2015				2014
		Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts		-		200		-		-

Accrued_expenses_Tables

Accrued expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Analysis of other accrued expenses	Set out below is an analysis of other accrued expenses at April 4, 2015 and September 30, 2014, which shows separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		April4,		September30,
		2015		2014
	Accrued compensation and related costs	$	816	$	1,062
	Other accrued expenses		1,000		774
		$	1,816	$	1,836

Warranty_reserves_Tables

Warranty reserves (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Warranty reserves [Abstract]
Movement in warranty reserves	Warranty reserves are included on the balance sheet within accrued expenses; the movement in warranty reserves was as follows:
		(in thousands of dollars)
		Three Months ended						Six Months ended
		April4,			March29,			April4,			March29,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Warranty reserves at beginning of period	$	151		$	139		$	153		$	138
	Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the period					(1	)					(44	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(7	)		1			(12	)		2
	Net increase in warranty reserves for products   sold during the period		-			1			3			44
	Warranty reserves at end of period	$	144		$	140		$	144		$	140

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Annual principal payments on long term debt	Annual principal payments on long term debt at April 4, 2015 are as follows:
	(in thousands of dollars)
	2015	$	4
	Total	$	4

Basis_of_presentation_Details

Basis of presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Equity interest ownership (in hundredths)	50.00%
Joint venture ownership (in hundredths)	50.00%
Third party's equity interest ownership (in hundredths)	50.00%

Stockbased_compensation_plans_1

Stock-based compensation plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
					Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Options exercisable (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Stock based compensation expense	$146	$68	$259	$127
Unrecognized compensation expense	1,071		1,071
Weighted average period for unrecognized compensation expense to be recognized			2 years 6 months
Restricted Stock [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in shares)			168,600
Granted (in shares)			92,600
Vested (in shares)			-64,600
Non-vested balance, end of period (in shares)	196,600		196,600
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$5.27
Granted (in dollars per share)			$7.68
Vested (in dollars per share)			$6.32
Non-vested balance, ending of period (in dollars per share)	$6.07		$6.07
Restricted Stock [Member] | Eight Employees [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)					42,000
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant					8
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant					330
Period for recognition of unearned compensation					2 years
Charge to income for restricted stock					41
Quarterly charge to income for restricted stock					41
Restricted Stock [Member] | Three Employees [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)					20,000
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant					3
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant					139
Period for recognition of unearned compensation					5 years
Charge to income for restricted stock					7
Quarterly charge to income for restricted stock					7
Restricted Stock [Member] | Nine Non-Employees [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			30,600
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant			9
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant			225
Period for recognition of unearned compensation			12 months
Charge to income for restricted stock			19
Quarterly charge to income for restricted stock			$56
1996 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved and available for grant (in shares)	139,578	183,400	139,578	183,400
Options grants (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Options exercised (in shares)	0	0	0	0

Cash_dividends_Details

Cash dividends (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Maximum shares to be issued (in shares)	460,769
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$24
Percentage of cumulative annual dividend, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (in hundredths)	4.00%
Semi annual dividend	$221,169
Dividend payable	15-Apr-15
Next semi-annual dividend payable	15-Oct-15

Calculation_of_earnings_per_sh2

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common stockholders for computing net income per ordinary share - basic	$539	$162	$710	$650
Dividend eliminated upon assumed conversion of convertible preference shares	114	0	225	0
Net income attributable to common stockholders for computing net income per ordinary share - diluted	$653	$162	$935	$650
Denominator :
Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - basic (in shares)	3,466,000	3,401,000	3,446,000	3,388,000
Adjustment for assumed conversion of convertible preference shares (in shares)	1,382,000	0	1,382,000	0
Adjustment for shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock (in shares)	64,000	90,000	75,000	64,000
Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share - diluted (in shares)	4,912,000	3,491,000	4,903,000	3,452,000
Net income per ordinary share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.16	$0.05	$0.21	$0.19
Net income per ordinary share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.05	$0.19	$0.19
Number of shares of convertible preference stock that are anti-dilutive excluded from calculation of common stock equivalents (in shares)	0	0	0	0

Segment_information_Details

Segment information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
			Segment
Segment information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments			2
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	$10,340	$9,170	$20,273	$18,219
Operating income (loss)	674	196	956	906
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	30,303	24,142	30,303	24,142
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	9,761	8,601	19,180	17,136
Operating income (loss)	374	190	722	839
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	21,977	22,220	21,977	22,220
Reportable Segments [Member] | Capacitors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	579	569	1,093	1,083
Operating income (loss)	80	104	116	144
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	1,148	1,341	1,148	1,341
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	1	2	3	2
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Capacitors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	1	2	3	2
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales to external customers	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	220	-98	118	-77
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	$7,178	$581	$7,178	$581

Segment_information_Revenues_f

Segment information, Revenues from Electronic Controls Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from external customer	$10,340	$9,170	$20,273	$18,219
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from external customer	9,761	8,601	19,180	17,136
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member] | Electronic controls for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicles [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from external customer	6,237	6,555	12,301	13,139
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member] | Accessory and aftermarket products and services and engineering contracts [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from external customer	$3,524	$2,046	$6,879	$3,997

Research_and_development_Detai

Research and development (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Research and development expense, net of grants receivable	$1,301	$1,083	$2,535	$2,013
Cummins Generator Technologies and Newcastle University [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Grant income recorded			49	33
Research and development expense on projects			144	97
Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Grant income recorded			53	236
Research and development expense on projects			450	969
Commitment to increase employment by number of heads			25
Number of permanent positions to complete the job creation target			10
Total grants awarded					$480

Employee_benefit_plans_Details

Employee benefit plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015		Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015		Mar. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Components of net pension cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	$304		$325	$620		$643
Expected return on plan assets	-313		-327	-626		-647
Amortization of net loss	68		57	132		113
Net periodic benefit cost	59		55	126		109
Net cost of defined contribution plans	125		132	272		247
Net cost of all employee benefit plans	184		187	398		356
Movement in liability for pension benefits [Roll forward]
Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period				9,529		8,354
Net periodic benefit cost	59		55	126		109
Plan contributions				-332		-304
Amortization of net loss				-132		-113
Effect of exchange rate changes				-785		209
Balance at end of period	8,406		8,255	8,406		8,255
Amounts recognized in balance sheet [Abstract]
Non-current liabilities	8,406		8,255	8,406		8,255	9,529
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss [Abstract]
Actuarial loss, net of $17 and $31 tax benefit for the three and six month periods, respectively, (2014: net of $13 and $26 tax benefit for the three and six month periods, respectively)	51		44	101		87
Actuarial loss	17		13	31		26
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2015	668			668
2016	707			707
2017	697			697
2018	695			695
2019	671			671
2020 - 2024	3,658			3,658
Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	3,316	[1]		3,316	[1]
Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	18,294	[2]		18,294	[2]
Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]		0	[3]
Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]		0	[1]
Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	14,631	[2]		14,631	[2]
Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]		0	[3]
Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]		0	[1]
Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	3,663	[2]		3,663	[2]
Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]		0	[3]
U.S. Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	364	[1]		364	[1]
U.S. Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]		0	[2]
U.S. Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]		0	[3]
U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	2,502	[1]		2,502	[1]
U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]		0	[2]
U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]		0	[3]
Cash [Member] | Level 1 (Quoted prices in active markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	450	[1]		450	[1]
Cash [Member] | Level 2 (Significant observable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]		0	[2]
Cash [Member] | Level 3 (Unobservable inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]		0	[3]
U.S. Defined Benefit Plan [Member]
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Employer contributions				100
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year				100
U.K. Defined Benefit Plan [Member]
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Employer contributions				232
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year				$455
U.K. Defined Benefit Plan [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	80.00%			80.00%
U.K. Defined Benefit Plan [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Estimated future employer contributions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (in hundredths)	20.00%			20.00%
[1]	Level 1 inputs are quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The Company's pension plan financial assets in U.S. Equity Funds, Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds are Level 1 assets.
[2]	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The Company's pension plan financial assets held in the Adept Strategy 9 Fund and the Schroder investments are Level 2 assets.
[3]	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for an asset or liability. The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$1,914	$2,095
Work-in-process	86	102
Finished goods	4,438	4,061
Inventories	$6,438	$6,258

Fair_value_of_financial_instru1

Fair value of financial instruments (Details) (Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of long term debt	$4

Derivative_financial_instrumen2

Derivative financial instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net gain or loss	$200	$0	$200	$0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Outstanding forward contracts	3,215		3,215		0
Net gain or loss	200	0	200
Asset	0		0		0
Liability	$200		$200		$0

Accrued_expenses_Details

Accrued expenses (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and related costs	$816	$1,062
Other accrued expenses	1,000	774
Accrued expenses	$1,816	$1,836
Percentage of total current liabilities used to analyze accrued expenses (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%

Warranty_reserves_Details

Warranty reserves (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Movement in warranty reserves [Roll Forward]
Warranty reserves at beginning of period	$151	$139	$153	$138
Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the period		-1		-44
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-7	1	-12	2
Net increase (decrease) in warranty reserves for products sold during the period	0	1	3	44
Warranty reserves at end of period	$144	$140	$144	$140

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current portion of long term debt	$4	$28
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	1,300
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
2015	4
Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0	1,700
Citizens Bank [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	3,500
Margin interest rate (in hundredths)	3.13%
Line of credit facility, expiration date	14-Jun-17
U.K. bank loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	4
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate (in hundredths)	6.80%
Debt instrument, term	5 years
Current portion of long term debt	4
Fair market value of the debt	$4

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Maximum recorded liability of deferred annuities	$158	$162
Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases [Abstract]
2015	213
2016	205
2017	205
2018	208
2019	194
Thereafter	3,405
Total overdraft facility	1,300
Revolving credit facility	$0	$1,700