Sevcon 10-Q 16 May 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	May 04, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SEVCON, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	825,411
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
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		5,676,296
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 1, 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,664	$ 14,127
Trade receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $404 at April 1, 2017 and $243 at September 30, 2016	12,571	11,499
Other receivables	1,088	694
Inventories	16,356	13,666
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,373	3,602
Total current assets	40,052	43,588
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,891	3,843
Long-term deferred tax assets	5,132	4,289
Intangible assets, net	8,658	9,185
Goodwill	7,733	7,794
Other long-term assets	314	274
Total assets	65,780	68,973
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	11,775	10,604
Accrued expenses	5,734	4,931
Accrued income taxes	90	66
Dividends payable	207	216
Debt to related parties	0	300
Total current liabilities	17,806	16,117
Long-term bank debt, net	14,835	15,512
Long-term related party debt	1,514	1,558
Long-term pension benefit liabilities	10,624	11,511
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	1,466	1,517
Other long-term liabilities	991	987
Total liabilities	47,236	47,202
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - 1,000,000 shares authorized; 431,288 and 448,705 shares issued and outstanding at April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively	43	45
Common stock, par value $.10 per share - 20,000,000 shares authorized; 5,662,796 and 5,341,513 shares issued and outstanding at April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively	566	534
Common stock warrants	2,085	2,095
Additional paid in capital, common stock	19,986	19,151
Additional paid in capital, preferred stock	8,642	8,990
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(474)	4,344
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,203)	(13,420)
Total parent stockholders' equity	18,645	21,739
Non-controlling interest	(101)	32
Total stockholders' equity	18,544	21,771
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 65,780	$ 68,973

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
ASSETS
Trade receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 404	$ 243
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	431,288	448,705
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	431,288	448,705
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,662,796	5,341,513
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	5,662,796	5,341,513

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 15,672	$ 13,181	$ 28,215	$ 22,296
Cost of sales	(11,904)	(9,059)	(21,694)	(14,058)
Gross profit	3,768	4,122	6,521	8,238
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(4,262)	(3,345)	(7,993)	(6,105)
Research and development expenses	(1,827)	(1,347)	(3,268)	(2,207)
Acquisition expenses	0	(1,101)	0	(1,417)
Operating loss	(2,321)	(1,671)	(4,740)	(1,491)
Interest expense	(142)	(109)	(280)	(131)
Interest and other income	18	4	36	12
Foreign currency gain (loss)	(176)	106	(618)	35
Loss before income tax	(2,621)	(1,670)	(5,602)	(1,575)
Income tax benefit	368	90	857	79
Net loss	(2,253)	(1,580)	(4,745)	(1,496)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	68	9	133	47
Net loss attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	(2,185)	(1,571)	(4,612)	(1,449)
Preferred share dividends	(106)	(123)	(197)	(234)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$ (2,291)	$ (1,694)	$ (4,809)	$ (1,683)
Net loss per ordinary share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.92)	$ (0.45)
Net loss per ordinary share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.92)	$ (0.45)
Weighted average shares used in computation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	5,294	3,911	5,254	3,709
Diluted (in shares)	5,294	3,911	5,254	3,709

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	$ (2,185)	$ (1,571)	$ (4,612)	$ (1,449)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	450	(11)	1,085	(89)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss net of $22 and $44 tax benefit for three and six months ended, respectively (2016: Actuarial loss net of $17 and $35 tax benefit for three and six months ended, respectively)	65	55	132	114
Comprehensive loss	$ (1,670)	$ (1,527)	$ (3,395)	$ (1,424)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss, tax benefit	$ 22	$ 17	$ 44	$ 35

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (4,745)	$ (1,496)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	946	650
Stock-based compensation	482	358
Pension contributions greater than pension expense	(280)	(120)
Deferred tax benefit	(961)	(79)
Increase in bad debt provision	(174)	0
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(1,459)	1,699
Other receivables	(210)	86
Inventories	(3,150)	(2,330)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,329)	(248)
Accounts payable	1,557	(1,789)
Accrued expenses	957	(1,719)
Accrued income taxes	307	(202)
Net cash used by operating activities	(8,059)	(5,190)
Cash flow used by investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(653)	(784)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	(9,255)
Net cash used by investing activities	(653)	(10,039)
Cash flow (used by) generated from financing activities:
Net debt borrowings	(300)	15,198
Dividends paid	(215)	(217)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	0	(222)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	27	0
Net cash (used by) generated from financing activities	(488)	14,759
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	737	(852)
Net decrease in cash	(8,463)	(1,322)
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents	14,127	8,048
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents	5,664	6,726
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	174	204
Cash paid for interest	253	131
Change in accrual of dividend payable	(9)	17
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	350	9
Cashless stock option exercise	133	0
Investment in subsidiary, net of cash acquired:
Cash consideration	0	10,832
Cash acquired	0	(1,577)
Net cash investment in subsidiary	0	9,255
Issuance of common stock in acquisition of subsidiary	$ 0	$ 4,760

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	(1) Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Sevcon, Inc. ( the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of April 1, 2017 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2016 annual consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the 2016 Sevcon, Inc. Annual Report filed on Form 10-K (“2016 10-K”). The results of operations for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. During the six-month period ended April 1, 2017 the Company experienced an operating loss of $4,740,000 and a decrease in cash of $8,463,000 from $14,127,000 at September 30, 2016 to $5,664,000 at April 1, 2017. This negative performance largely reflected difficult conditions in the Company’s traditional controls markets and continuing investment in research and development expense associated with the delivery of the engineering phase of the Company’s new project pipeline. At April 1, 2017 the Company had net current assets of $22,246,000 including cash of $5,664,000. Against this background management has conducted a review of the Company’s cash requirements for the next twelve months taking into account existing cash resources, forecasted cash from future operations and existing borrowing facilities. In addition, the Company has explored its options to secure further financing. Based on this assessment of the Company’s cash requirements and the financing it believes is available, management believes that the group has sufficient funds available for the next twelve months for its activities under execution. Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to a “year” means the Company’s fiscal year, which ends on September 30. Accounting for wholly-owned subsidiaries The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries; Sevcon USA, Inc., Sevcon Ltd, Industrial Capacitors (Wrexham) Ltd., Sevcon Asia Limited, Sevcon Japan KK, Sevcon Security Corp., Sevcon S.A.S., Sevcon S.r.l., Bassi S.r.l., Sevcon Canada Inc. and Sevcon GmbH 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 in China, 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 of 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.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
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 2016 to the significant accounting policies followed by Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries.

Acquisition

Acquisition	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisition	(3) Acquisition Bassi Unipersonale S.r.l (“Bassi”) On January 26, 2016, the Company acquired Bassi which designs, manufactures and sells battery chargers for electric vehicles, power management and uninterrupted power source systems for industrial, medical and telecom applications, as well as electronic instrumentation for battery laboratories. This acquisition enables the Company to expand its addressable share of the high-growth electrification market and enhance earnings by adding an immediately accretive business. The total consideration for the transaction was approximately $19.1 million which consisted of approximately $10.8 million cash, $4.8 million value of the Company’s common stock and $3.5 million at fair value of assumed dividends payable to Bassi Holding, the former owner of Bassi. The Company acquired approximately $10.2 million of intangible assets, which primarily consisted of customer relationships, $6.4 million of goodwill and $2.5 million of other assets, net of liabilities. The Company is required to distribute approximately $3.5 million of assumed dividends in increments over a three-year period, post-closing. The Company accounted for this acquisition as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. During the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 the Company recognized no expense for acquisition-related items. During the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016 the Company recognized expense for acquisition-related items, of $1,101,000 and $1,417,000, respectively. For more information on this acquisition, refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2016 10-K. Pro Forma Summary The unaudited consolidated pro forma results for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 are shown below. The pro forma consolidated results combine the results of operations of the Company and Bassi as though Bassi had been acquired on October 1, 2015 and include amortization charges for the acquired intangibles and interest expense related to the Company’s borrowings to finance the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma results for the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016 were adjusted to include $266,000 and $535,000, respectively, of intangible assets amortization expense associated with the business combination and $127,000 and $253,000, respectively, of interest expense relating to the credit facility entered into in order to partially fund the Bassi acquisition, and to exclude $1,101,000 and $1,417,000, respectively, of acquisition-related expense. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place on October 1, 2015. (in thousands of dollars) (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Revenue $ 15,672 $ 14,832 $ 28,215 $ 27,533 Net (loss) income (2,253 ) (486 ) (4,745 ) (322 )

Stock-based compensation plans

Stock-based compensation plans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
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 69,641 shares reserved and available for grant at April 1, 2017. There were 12,165 options exercised in 2017. The Plan, which is shareholder-approved, permits the grant of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock 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. Stock options The Company estimated the fair values of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair values of stock options. Option valuation models, including the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, require the input of assumptions, including stock price volatility. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates and ultimately how much the Company recognizes as stock-based compensation expense. The fair values of the Company’s stock options were estimated at the grant dates. The weighted average input assumptions used and resulting fair values of stock options at April 1, 2017, were as follows: April 1, 2017 Performance based stock options: Expected life (in years) 4.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.64 % Volatility 62.16 % Dividend yield 0.00 % Weighted-average fair value per share $ 8.38 Expected Life The expected term represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding. As the Company does not have sufficient historical evidence for determining the expected term of the stock option awards granted, the expected life assumption has been determined using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term of the option and its ordinary vesting period. Risk-free Interest Rate The Company bases the risk-free interest rate assumption on zero-coupon U.S. treasury instruments appropriate for the expected term of the stock option grants. Expected Volatility The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s common stock is estimated based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock for a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock option grants. Expected Dividend Yield The Company bases the expected dividend yield assumption on the fact that there is no present intention to pay cash dividends. Therefore an expected dividend yield of zero has been used. Performance-based awards Stock options: In December 2015, the Compensation Committee awarded performance-based equity compensation to nine executives and managers, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, consisting of 38,460 shares in the form of stock options. The performance options have an exercise price of $9.94 per share, representing the average of the highest intraday bid and ask quotes for the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, December 16, 2015, and the preceding four trading days. The performance options will vest subject to the Company meeting an earnings per share target applicable to fiscal year 2018 set by the Compensation Committee so long as the employee is then employed by the Company. The Company estimated the fair values of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant was $185,000 and is being recognized over the requisite service period of the award. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. The expense for these employee stock option grants was $14,394 and $28,818 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017, respectively. The expense for these employee stock option grants was $13,602 and $16,260 for the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016, respectively. In February 2017, the Compensation Committee awarded performance-based equity compensation to five executives and managers, consisting of 2,800 shares in the form of stock options. The performance options have an exercise price of $11.86 per share, representing the average of the highest intraday bid and ask quotes for the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, February 7, 2017, and the preceding four trading days. The performance options will vest on the later of the third anniversary of the grant date or the date the Compensation Committee determines that the Company has met the earnings per share target for fiscal year 2018. The Company estimated the fair values of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant was $7,000 and is being recognized over the requisite service period of the award. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. The expense for these employee stock option grants was $1,010 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017, respectively. A summary of performance-based option activity under the Plan as of April 1, 2017, and changes during the six months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 38,460 $ 9.94 4.21 $ - Granted 2,800 11.86 2.86 - Exercised - - - - Forfeited or Expired - - - - Outstanding at April 1, 2017 41,260 $ 10.07 3.79 $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested and expected to vest 38,301 $ 10.07 3.79 $ - Restricted stock: In December 2015, the Company granted 11,540 shares of restricted stock to four employees which will vest subject to the Company achieving the same earnings per share target applicable to fiscal year 2018 as for the stock options disclosed above, so long as the employee is then employed by the Company. The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of the grant was $116,000 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. Management has assessed the performance criteria relating to these grants and concluded they are likely to be met. Accordingly, the relevant portion of the expense has been recorded through April 1, 2017. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $9,019 and $18,057 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017, respectively. The expense for these grants was $8,131 and $9,796 for the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016, respectively. In March 2017, the Company granted 80,000 shares of restricted stock to two executives, which will vest subject to the Company achieving one or both financial targets for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 fiscal years. The shares of restricted stock shall be divided into six equal tranches (two per year). The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of the grant was $1,106,534 based on the fair market value of stock on the date of issue. The unrecognized compensation is being expensed over three years. Management has assessed the performance criteria relating to these grants and concluded they are likely to be met. Accordingly, the relevant portion of the expense has been recorded through April 1, 2017. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $57,059 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017. Time-based awards Stock options: In August 2016, the Board of Directors awarded the Executive Chairman equity compensation consisting of stock options to purchase 56,700 shares. The options were granted in two tranches. The first tranche, consisting of 36,496 options with an exercise price of $10.93 per share, would vest in twelve substantially equal monthly installments beginning September 2016, and the second tranche, consisting of 20,204 options with an exercise price of $12.35 per share, would vest in twelve substantially equal monthly installments beginning September 2017, in each case so long as the director is in the position of Executive Chairman. The Company estimated the fair values of its stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant was $211,000. The Executive Chairman position was terminated on December 6, 2016, as a result of which 12,165 vested options were exercisable for three months, and all un-vested options expired. On February 7, 2017 the director exercised 12,165 options via a cashless exercise in which 8,474 shares were surrendered to pay the exercise price. In the three months ended April 1, 2017 there was a reversal of expense of $9,694 and in the six months ended April 1, 2017 there was an expense of $20,890, in respect of these stock options grants. A summary of time-based option activity under the Plan as of April 1, 2017, and changes during the six months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at September 30, 2016 12,165 $ 10.93 4.08 $ - Granted - - - - Exercised (12,165 ) (10.93 ) - - Outstanding at April 1, 2017 - $ - - $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested - $ - - $ - Restricted stock: In February 2016, the Company granted 29,700 shares of restricted stock, representing 3,300 shares to each of the non-employee directors and the then emeritus directors of the Company, 26,400 of which vested on the day before the 2017 annual general meeting. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $292,000 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense was recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month period to February 2017. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $43,208 and $108,020 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017, respectively. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $21,604 for the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016. In February 2017, the Company granted 145,000 shares of restricted stock to eleven employees, which will vest one-third each year on the third business day after the announcement of the Company’s results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $2,039,020 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $56,639 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017. In February 2017, the Company granted 24,800 shares of restricted stock, representing 3,100 shares to each of the non-employee directors and the emeritus director of the Company, which will vest on the day before the 2018 annual general meeting providing that the grantee remains a director or an emeritus director of the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $344,244 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $28,865 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017. In March 2017, the Company granted 12,800 shares of restricted stock representing 1,600 shares to each of the non-employee directors and the emeritus director of the Company, which will vest on the day before the 2018 annual general meeting providing that the grantee remains a director or an emeritus director of the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The aggregate fair value of the stock measured on the date of the grant was $192,000 based on the closing sale price of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The expense for these restricted stock grants was $16,000 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017. 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. A summary of restricted stock and stock option activity, including both performance-based awards and time-based awards, for the six-month period ended April 1, 2017, is as follows: Number of shares of Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 138,940 $ 6.50 Granted 262,600 $ 15.03 Vested (86,400 ) $ 7.44 Non-vested balance as of April 1, 2017 315,140 $ 13.35 Number of shares subject to Stock Options Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 50,625 $ 4.67 Granted 2,800 $ 2.65 Exercised (12,165 ) $ 4.39 Non-vested balance as of April 1, 2017 41,260 $ 4.62 Stock-based compensation expense was $239,000 and $481,000 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense was $206,000 and $358,000 for the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016, respectively. At April 1, 2017, there was approximately $3,776,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock options granted under the Plan. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

Common Stock Warrants

Common Stock Warrants	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Common Stock Warrants [Abstract]
Common Stock Warrants	(5) Common Stock Warrants Sevcon entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors on July 6, 2016 in which the Company sold and issued 1,124,000 units at $9.12 per unit. Each unit consists of 1 share of common stock and 0.5 warrant to purchase 1 share of common stock for $10.00 exercise price per warrant share. The closing date of this transaction was July 8, 2016, which resulted in the Company receiving $10,250,880 of gross proceeds. The investors received 1,124,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 562,000 shares of common stock. The Company has analyzed the warrants under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity In February 2017, a warrant holder exercised the right to purchase 2,741 shares of common stock of the Company at the exercise price of $10.00 per share. Accordingly, the Company issued 2,741 shares of common stock for cash proceeds of $27,410.

Cash dividends

Cash dividends	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Cash dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividends	(6) Cash dividends Common stock dividends – Preferred Stock dividends -

Calculation of earnings per sha

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding	(7) 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 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. For the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the six-month period ended April 1, 2017, approximately 1,320,000 shares of common stock issuable on conversion of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, approximately 156,000 shares of un-vested restricted stock and approximately 48,000 outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because that would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented. For the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three-month period ended April 1, 2016, approximately 1,294,000 shares of common stock issuable on conversion of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, approximately 186,000 shares of un-vested restricted stock and approximately 45,000 outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because that would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented. Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, is calculated as follows: (in thousands of dollars except per share data) Three months ended Six months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Numerator: Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (2,291 ) $ (1,694 ) $ (4,809 ) $ (1,683 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - basic 5,294 3,911 5,254 3,709 Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - diluted 5,294 3,911 5,254 3,709 Net loss per ordinary share - basic $ (0.43 ) $ (0.43 ) $ (0.92 ) $ (0.45 ) Net loss per ordinary share - diluted $ (0.43 ) $ (0.43 ) $ (0.92 ) $ (0.45 )

Segment information

Segment information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Segment information [Abstract]
Segment information	(8) Segment information The Company has three reportable segments: controls, capacitors and chargers. The controls segment produces microprocessor based control systems for zero-emission and hybrid electric vehicles. The capacitors segment produces special-metalized film capacitors for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. The chargers segment designs and manufactures battery chargers for electric vehicles. Each segment has its own management team and sales force and the capacitors and battery chargers segments have their own manufacturing facilities. The significant accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2 and in 2016 10-K Note 1. 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 corporate expense, acquisition expenses, interest expense, foreign currency translation gain/losses, interest income or income taxes to segments. Information concerning operations of the reportable segments is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Three months ended April 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 8,085 446 7,141 - 15,672 Operating income (loss) (2,094 ) 84 203 (514 ) (2,321 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 30,291 988 22,192 4,576 58,047 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,298 - 7,733 Three months ended April 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 8,799 402 3,980 - 13,181 Operating income (loss) (612 ) (13 ) 266 (1,312 ) (1,671 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 39,407 891 9,264 4,065 53,627 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,400 - 8,835 (in thousands of dollars) Six months ended April 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 15,221 693 12,301 - 28,215 Operating income (loss) (4,145 ) 23 188 (806 ) (4,740 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 30,291 988 22,192 4,576 58,047 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,298 - 7,733 Six months ended April 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 17,506 810 3,980 - 22,296 Operating income (loss) 63 (56 ) 266 (1,764 ) (1,491 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 39,407 891 9,264 4,065 53,627 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,400 - 8,835 Revenues by region below are based on the location of the business selling the products rather than the destination of the products. (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 U.S. sales $ 4,254 $ 3,594 $ 8,198 $ 7,697 Foreign sales: U.K. 2,465 3,254 3,829 6,708 Italy 7,025 3,980 12,186 3,980 France 1,867 2,249 3,400 3,533 China 61 104 602 378 Total foreign sales 11,418 9,587 20,017 14,599 Total sales $ 15,672 $ 13,181 $ 28,215 $ 22,296 Long-term assets by region below are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Six Months ended April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 U.S. long-term assets: $ 2,495 $ 2,224 Foreign long-term assets: U.K. 6,477 5,891 Italy 15,950 16,580 France 367 302 Korea, Japan, China 439 388 Total foreign long-term assets 23,233 23,161 Total long-term assets $ 25,728 $ 25,385

Research and development

Research and development	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Research and development [Abstract]
Research and development	(9) Research and development The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and amounted to $1,827,000 and $3,268,000 for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017, respectively, net of U.K. government grants received, “above the line” tax credits arising from U.K. government research and development incentives as well as research and development expense associated with engineering services revenue recorded in cost of sales. The cost of research and development programs amounted to $1,347,000 and $2,207,000 for the three and six-month periods ended April 2, 2016, respectively, net of U.K. government grants received, “above the line” tax credits arising from U.K. government research and development incentives as well as research and development expense associated with engineering services revenue recorded in cost of sales. In 2015 the Company was awarded a grant of approximately $625,000 by the U.K. Regional Growth Fund, a U.K. government body. The grant is to develop an innovative range of low voltage motor controls which are designed to serve the emerging needs for on-road, automotive electrification. The grant includes a commitment to create or safeguard a total of twenty jobs at the Company’s U.K. facility over the period of the project. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $193,000, which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $844,000 for the three months ended April 1, 2017. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $281,000 which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $1,206,000, for the six months ended April 1, 2017. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $64,000 which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $137,000, for the three months ended April 2, 2016. The Company recorded grant income from this project of $94,000 which was offset against the Company’s research and development expense on this project of $302,000, for the six months ended April 2, 2016 During 2015 through 2017, the Company participated in a U.K. government research and development arrangement which allows U.K. companies to receive an additional available tax credit subject to meeting certain qualifying conditions. The credit is a percentage, which currently ranges from 11% 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. For the three and six months ended April 1, 2017 the Company recorded $217,000 (three months ended April 2, 2016 - $0) and $351,000 (six months ended April 2, 2016 - $0), respectively, as a reduction in research and development expense in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations. The Company had an income tax receivable balance of $885,000 at April 1, 2017 from this initiative (September 30, 2016 - $985,000), which is included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the unaudited consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(10) Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate of 15.3% is significantly lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 34% primarily due to the fact that certain current year operating losses in the U.K. have been foregone in exchange for a cash refund, and in addition the local statutory rate in certain countries in which the Company operates, notably the U.K. (19%) and Italy, (24%) is lower than the U.S. statutory rate. During the six-month period ended April 1, 2017, the Company’s deferred tax assets increased by $961,000. The Company continues to assess the need for a valuation allowance against these assets. 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 carry forwards, the Company has concluded that no valuation allowance is required on these deferred tax assets. During the second quarter of 2017, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service initiated an audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for the period ended September 30, 2015.

Employee benefit plans

Employee benefit plans	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Employee benefit plans [Abstract]
Employee benefit plans	(11) 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 capacitors 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 leave the Company’s employment at retirement age. This unfunded liability, recorded in accrued expenses, was $205,000 and $198,000 at April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The obligation to pay this award is a French legal requirement. The Company’s Italian subsidiary, Bassi S.r.l., has a liability to pay its employees a severance indemnity, ‘Trattamento di fine Rapporto’ (“TFR”) when they leave the Company’s employment. TFR, which is mandatory for Italian companies, is deferred compensation and is based on the employees’ years of service and the compensation earned by the employee during the service period. This unfunded liability, recorded in other long-term liabilities, was $991,000 and $987,000 at April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Interest cost $ 210 $ 285 $ 420 $ 581 Service cost - 33 - 33 Expected return on plan assets (249 ) (276 ) (498 ) (565 ) Amortization of net loss 89 73 178 150 Net periodic benefit cost 50 115 100 199 Net cost of defined contribution plans $ 128 $ 128 $ 238 $ 283 Net cost of all employee benefit plans $ 178 $ 243 $ 338 $ 482 The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits, all of which is non-current, in the six- month period ended April 1, 2017: (in thousands of dollars) Six Months ended April 1, 2017 Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period $ 11,511 Interest cost 420 Expected return on plan assets (498 ) Plan contributions (379 ) Effect of exchange rate changes (430 ) Liability for pension benefits at end of period 10,624 Sevcon, Inc. contributed $100,000 to its frozen U.S. defined benefit plan in the six months ended April 1, 2017; it presently anticipates contributing an additional $100,000 to fund its U.S. plan during the remainder of fiscal 2017. In addition, employer contributions to the frozen U.K. defined benefit plan were $279,000 in the first six months and are estimated to total $654,000 in 2017. The tables below present information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values. (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 12,326 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 4,837 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 2,838 - - U.S. Equity Funds 436 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 421 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,695 $ 17,163 $ - (in thousands of dollars) September 30, 2016 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 13,268 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 5,335 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 2,837 - - U.S. Equity Funds 400 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 439 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,676 $ 18,603 $ - * 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. ** 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. The Company uses the Net Asset Value to determine the fair value of underlying investments which (a) do not have readily determinable fair value; and (b) prepare their financial statements consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company. The Funds are not exchange traded. The Funds are not subject to any redemption notice periods or restrictions and can be redeemed on a daily basis. No gates or holdbacks or dealing suspensions are being applied to the Funds. The Funds are of perpetual duration. *** The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets. The estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, for the years ended September 30 are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2017 $ 470 2018 488 2019 494 2020 502 2021 499 2022 – 2026 $ 2,722

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	(12) Inventories Inventory, net of reserve, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Raw materials $ 6,857 $ 6,532 Work-in-process 414 266 Finished goods 9,085 6,868 Total inventory, net of reserve $ 16,356 $ 13,666

Property, Plant and Equipment,

Property, Plant and Equipment, net	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	(13) Property, Plant and Equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net of depreciation, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Property, plant and equipment, gross: Land and improvements $ 18 $ 18 Buildings and improvements 1,036 1,069 Equipment 12,344 12,166 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 13,398 13,253 Less: accumulated depreciation (9,507 ) (9,410 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 3,891 $ 3,843

Fair value of financial instrum

Fair value of financial instruments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]
Fair value of financial instruments	(14) Fair value of financial instruments The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade receivables, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amount of these financial instruments, other than the debt, approximates their fair value as of April 1, 2017 due to their short-term nature. The fair value of the Company’s long-term bank debt at April 1, 2017 approximated $15,018,000 (the gross carrying value as of April 1, 2017 before the offset of debt issuance costs) based on recent financial market pricing. The bank debt represents a Level 2 liability in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described in Note 11.

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	(15) Accrued expenses Accrued expenses, in excess of 5% of total current liabilities, are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Accrued compensation and related costs $ 1,803 $ 1,945 Deferred revenue 1,605 548 Other accrued expenses 2,326 2,438 Total accrued expenses $ 5,734 $ 4,931

Warranty reserves

Warranty reserves	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Warranty reserves [Abstract]
Warranty reserves	(16) Warranty reserves The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Warranty reserves at beginning of period $ 346 $ 213 $ 332 $ 278 Warranty expense 30 - 101 5 Acquisition assumed liability - 34 - 34 Warranty usage (19 ) (5 ) (64 ) (72 ) Currency translation 3 7 (9 ) 4 Warranty reserves at end of period $ 360 $ 249 $ 360 $ 249

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	(17) Debt The Company’s U.K. controls and capacitors subsidiaries each have multi-currency overdraft facilities which together total $1,100,000 and are secured by real estate owned by those companies. In July 2016, the Company’s U.K. bank renewed these facilities for a twelve-month period, although they can be withdrawn on demand by the bank. The facilities were unused at April 1, 2017 and at September 30, 2016. The Company entered into a €14,000,000 ($15,018,000 at April 1, 2017) credit facility with Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. (“MPS Bank”) on January 27, 2016. The loan and security agreement will expire on January 27, 2021 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 the Company, on or after the six-month anniversary of the funding date, without penalty or premium. Interest on the loan is payable quarterly at a margin of 3% over EuroLIBOR, with a minimum EuroLIBOR rate of 0.0%. The loan interest rate at April 1, 2017 was 3%. Under the facility, the Company must maintain, on an annual basis, a net debt to EBITDA ratio defined as the ratio of consolidation indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, minus cash and marketable securities, to EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries, measured on a fiscal year basis, plus (under a December 2016 amendment) the net cash proceeds received by the Company from the issuance and sale of equity securities during such twelve-month period, of no more than 3.5:1 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 and a net debt to EBITDA ratio of no more than 3.0:1 thereafter. Upon entering into the credit facility, the Company drew down €14,000,000 ($15,018,000), which was the total amount outstanding at April 1, 2017. This amount is shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt. Annual principal payments on long-term bank debt, net of debt issuance costs, and converted to U.S. dollars at the April 1, 2017 exchange rate of $1.0727 Euros per U.S. dollar, are as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2018 $ 1,126 2019 1,502 2020 1,502 2021 10,888 15,018 Less: debt issuance costs (183 ) Total $ 14,835

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(18) Commitments and Contingencies Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business but the Company 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 expensed, the plan is not separately funded. The estimated liability which has been recorded based on the cost of buying deferred annuities at April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $135,000 and $144,000, respectively. On March 24, 2017 the company entered into a 15-year operating lease for land and buildings at a total commitment of £4,185,000 (approximately $5,227,000). The company is entitled to a rent-free period of 6 months and a further 24 months at half-rent. Minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases for the years ended September 30 are as follows: 2017 - $529,000; 2018 - $999,000; 2019 - $957,000; 2020 - $859,000; 2021 - $829,000 and $5,776,000 thereafter. The U.K. subsidiaries of the Company have given to RBS NatWest Bank a security interest in certain leasehold and freehold property assets as security for overdraft facilities of $1,100,000 as mentioned in Note 17.

Changes in Other Comprehensive

Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss	(19) Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss The following table illustrates changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in fiscal 2017 and 2016: (in thousands of dollars) Foreign Currency Items Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance September 30, 2015 (1,274 ) (9,730 ) (11,004 ) Other comprehensive loss (996 ) (1,420 ) (2,416 ) Balance September 30, 2016 (2,270 ) (11,150 ) (13,420 ) Other comprehensive income 1,085 132 1,217 Balance April 1, 2017 (1,185 ) (11,018 ) (12,203 )

Related Parties

Related Parties	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Related Parties [Abstract]
Related Parties	(20) Related Parties Bassi Holding (see Note 3) is considered a related party as a stockholder of the Company. As of April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016 there was a net payable balance of $1,514,000 and $1,858,000, respectively, due to Bassi Holding. This debt mainly relates to the dividends payable to Bassi Holding as a result of the acquisition on January 29, 2016 and it excludes rent payable, which is shown below. During the three and six months ended April 1, 2017 the Company paid rent to Bassi Holding in the amount of $101,000 and $181,000 respectively. During the three and six months ended April 2, 2016 the Company paid rent to Bassi Holding in the amount of $54,000. As of April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016 the Company owed $53,000 and $84,000, respectively, to Bassi Holding for rent. During the quarter ended April 1, 2017, the Company’s U.K. subsidiary made short-term loans in amounts ranging from £2,820 to £39,274 to nine employees of that subsidiary to cover the employees’ income tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock. The amounts due the Company are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at April 1, 2017. The loans were not approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. They included loans of £39,274 and £28,829 ($49,632 and $36,019 at the contemporary exchange rate), respectively, to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. The loans to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer were repaid in full, with interest at the Inland Revenue-prescribed market rate of 3% per annum, promptly after they were disclosed to the Board of Directors in connection with the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the quarter.

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Subsequent events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	(21) 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(22) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09: “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance which will supersede almost all existing revenue recognition guidance. It affects any entity that enters into contracts with customers for the transfer of goods or services. 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. In addition, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14: “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update was issued to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. Therefore, the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for public business entities is the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Preparation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11: “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” which requires inventory within the scope of this standard to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16: “Business Combinations (Topic 805)” which amends existing guidance related to measurement period adjustments associated with a business combination. The new standard requires the Company to recognize measurement period adjustments in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The amendment removes the requirement to adjust prior period financial statements for these measurement period adjustments. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU, 2015-16 in fiscal year 2017, the implementation of which did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued FASB ASU No. 2016-02: “Leases (Topic 842)” in which the core principle is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. For operating leases, a lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the balance sheet. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under current U.S. GAAP. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2020. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09: “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment award transactions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” which addresses eight specific statement of cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16: “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory” which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset (excluding inventory) when the transfer occurs instead of when the asset is sold to an outside party. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04: “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 740)” which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company in fiscal year 2021.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Acquisition [Abstract]
Pro forma financial information	The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place on October 1, 2015. (in thousands of dollars) (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Revenue $ 15,672 $ 14,832 $ 28,215 $ 27,533 Net (loss) income (2,253 ) (486 ) (4,745 ) (322 )

Stock-based compensation plans

Stock-based compensation plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Schedule of weighted average fair value assumptions of stock options	The weighted average input assumptions used and resulting fair values of stock options at April 1, 2017, were as follows: April 1, 2017 Performance based stock options: Expected life (in years) 4.0 Risk-free interest rate 1.64 % Volatility 62.16 % Dividend yield 0.00 % Weighted-average fair value per share $ 8.38
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of restricted stock activity	A summary of restricted stock and stock option activity, including both performance-based awards and time-based awards, for the six-month period ended April 1, 2017, is as follows: Number of shares of Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 138,940 $ 6.50 Granted 262,600 $ 15.03 Vested (86,400 ) $ 7.44 Non-vested balance as of April 1, 2017 315,140 $ 13.35 Number of shares subject to Stock Options Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016 50,625 $ 4.67 Granted 2,800 $ 2.65 Exercised (12,165 ) $ 4.39 Non-vested balance as of April 1, 2017 41,260 $ 4.62
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of option activity under employee share option plan	A summary of performance-based option activity under the Plan as of April 1, 2017, and changes during the six months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 38,460 $ 9.94 4.21 $ - Granted 2,800 11.86 2.86 - Exercised - - - - Forfeited or Expired - - - - Outstanding at April 1, 2017 41,260 $ 10.07 3.79 $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested and expected to vest 38,301 $ 10.07 3.79 $ -
Time Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of option activity under employee share option plan	A summary of time-based option activity under the Plan as of April 1, 2017, and changes during the six months then ended, is presented below: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at September 30, 2016 12,165 $ 10.93 4.08 $ - Granted - - - - Exercised (12,165 ) (10.93 ) - - Outstanding at April 1, 2017 - $ - - $ - Exercisable - - - - Vested - $ - - $ -

Calculation of earnings per s32

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding [Abstract]
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share	Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, is calculated as follows: (in thousands of dollars except per share data) Three months ended Six months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Numerator: Net loss attributable to common stockholders $ (2,291 ) $ (1,694 ) $ (4,809 ) $ (1,683 ) Denominator: Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - basic 5,294 3,911 5,254 3,709 Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - diluted 5,294 3,911 5,254 3,709 Net loss per ordinary share - basic $ (0.43 ) $ (0.43 ) $ (0.92 ) $ (0.45 ) Net loss per ordinary share - diluted $ (0.43 ) $ (0.43 ) $ (0.92 ) $ (0.45 )

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Segment information [Abstract]
Information concerning operations of business segments	Information concerning operations of the reportable segments is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Three months ended April 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 8,085 446 7,141 - 15,672 Operating income (loss) (2,094 ) 84 203 (514 ) (2,321 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 30,291 988 22,192 4,576 58,047 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,298 - 7,733 Three months ended April 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 8,799 402 3,980 - 13,181 Operating income (loss) (612 ) (13 ) 266 (1,312 ) (1,671 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 39,407 891 9,264 4,065 53,627 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,400 - 8,835 (in thousands of dollars) Six months ended April 1, 2017 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 15,221 693 12,301 - 28,215 Operating income (loss) (4,145 ) 23 188 (806 ) (4,740 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 30,291 988 22,192 4,576 58,047 Goodwill 1,435 - 6,298 - 7,733 Six months ended April 2, 2016 Controls Capacitors Chargers Corporate Total Sales 17,506 810 3,980 - 22,296 Operating income (loss) 63 (56 ) 266 (1,764 ) (1,491 ) Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill 39,407 891 9,264 4,065 53,627 Goodwill 1,435 - 7,400 - 8,835
Analysis of revenues set out by location of business selling products	Revenues by region below are based on the location of the business selling the products rather than the destination of the products. (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 U.S. sales $ 4,254 $ 3,594 $ 8,198 $ 7,697 Foreign sales: U.K. 2,465 3,254 3,829 6,708 Italy 7,025 3,980 12,186 3,980 France 1,867 2,249 3,400 3,533 China 61 104 602 378 Total foreign sales 11,418 9,587 20,017 14,599 Total sales $ 15,672 $ 13,181 $ 28,215 $ 22,296
Long-term assets by region	Long-term assets by region below are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) Six Months ended April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 U.S. long-term assets: $ 2,495 $ 2,224 Foreign long-term assets: U.K. 6,477 5,891 Italy 15,950 16,580 France 367 302 Korea, Japan, China 439 388 Total foreign long-term assets 23,233 23,161 Total long-term assets $ 25,728 $ 25,385

Employee benefit plans (Tables)

Employee benefit plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Employee benefit plans [Abstract]
Components of the net pension cost	The following table sets forth the components of the net pension cost for the three and six-month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Interest cost $ 210 $ 285 $ 420 $ 581 Service cost - 33 - 33 Expected return on plan assets (249 ) (276 ) (498 ) (565 ) Amortization of net loss 89 73 178 150 Net periodic benefit cost 50 115 100 199 Net cost of defined contribution plans $ 128 $ 128 $ 238 $ 283 Net cost of all employee benefit plans $ 178 $ 243 $ 338 $ 482
Movement in liability for pension benefits	The following table sets forth the movement in the liability for pension benefits, all of which is non-current, in the six- month period ended April 1, 2017: (in thousands of dollars) Six Months ended April 1, 2017 Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period $ 11,511 Interest cost 420 Expected return on plan assets (498 ) Plan contributions (379 ) Effect of exchange rate changes (430 ) Liability for pension benefits at end of period 10,624
Pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value	The tables below present information about the Company’s pension plan assets measured and recorded at fair value as of April 1, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the inputs utilized by the Company to determine the fair values. (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 12,326 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 4,837 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 2,838 - - U.S. Equity Funds 436 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 421 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,695 $ 17,163 $ - (in thousands of dollars) September 30, 2016 Level 1* (Quoted prices in active markets) Level 2** (Significant observable inputs) Level 3*** (Unobservable inputs) Adept Strategy 9 Fund (a sub-fund of Adept Investment Management plc) $ - $ 13,268 $ - Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds (funds managed by Schroder Investment Management Limited) - 5,335 - U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds 2,837 - - U.S. Equity Funds 400 - - Other Types of Investments - - - Cash 439 - - Total Pension Plan Assets – Fair Value $ 3,676 $ 18,603 $ - * 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. ** 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. The Company uses the Net Asset Value to determine the fair value of underlying investments which (a) do not have readily determinable fair value; and (b) prepare their financial statements consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company. The Funds are not exchange traded. The Funds are not subject to any redemption notice periods or restrictions and can be redeemed on a daily basis. No gates or holdbacks or dealing suspensions are being applied to the Funds. The Funds are of perpetual duration. *** The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.
Estimated future benefit payments	The estimated benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, for the years ended September 30 are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) 2017 $ 470 2018 488 2019 494 2020 502 2021 499 2022 – 2026 $ 2,722

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventory, net of reserve, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Raw materials $ 6,857 $ 6,532 Work-in-process 414 266 Finished goods 9,085 6,868 Total inventory, net of reserve $ 16,356 $ 13,666

Property, Plant and Equipment36

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment, net [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, net of depreciation	Property, plant and equipment, net of depreciation, is comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Property, plant and equipment, gross: Land and improvements $ 18 $ 18 Buildings and improvements 1,036 1,069 Equipment 12,344 12,166 Total property, plant and equipment, gross 13,398 13,253 Less: accumulated depreciation (9,507 ) (9,410 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 3,891 $ 3,843

Accrued expenses (Tables)

Accrued expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Analysis of other accrued expenses	Accrued expenses, in excess of 5% of total current liabilities, are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) April 1, 2017 September 30, 2016 Accrued compensation and related costs $ 1,803 $ 1,945 Deferred revenue 1,605 548 Other accrued expenses 2,326 2,438 Total accrued expenses $ 5,734 $ 4,931

Warranty reserves (Tables)

Warranty reserves (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Warranty reserves [Abstract]
Movement in warranty reserves	The following table summarizes the warranty reserve activity: (in thousands of dollars) Three Months ended Six Months ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Warranty reserves at beginning of period $ 346 $ 213 $ 332 $ 278 Warranty expense 30 - 101 5 Acquisition assumed liability - 34 - 34 Warranty usage (19 ) (5 ) (64 ) (72 ) Currency translation 3 7 (9 ) 4 Warranty reserves at end of period $ 360 $ 249 $ 360 $ 249

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Annual principal payments on long term debt	Annual principal payments on long-term bank debt, net of debt issuance costs, and converted to U.S. dollars at the April 1, 2017 exchange rate of $1.0727 Euros per U.S. dollar, are as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2018 $ 1,126 2019 1,502 2020 1,502 2021 10,888 15,018 Less: debt issuance costs (183 ) Total $ 14,835

Changes in Other Comprehensiv40

Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table illustrates changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in fiscal 2017 and 2016: (in thousands of dollars) Foreign Currency Items Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Balance September 30, 2015 (1,274 ) (9,730 ) (11,004 ) Other comprehensive loss (996 ) (1,420 ) (2,416 ) Balance September 30, 2016 (2,270 ) (11,150 ) (13,420 ) Other comprehensive income 1,085 132 1,217 Balance April 1, 2017 (1,185 ) (11,018 ) (12,203 )

Basis of presentation (Details)

Basis of presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Joint venture ownership	50.00%		50.00%
Equity interest ownership			50.00%
Third party's equity interest ownership	50.00%		50.00%
Operating loss	$ (2,321)	$ (1,671)	$ (4,740)	$ (1,491)
Decrease in cash			(8,463)	(1,322)
Cash and cash equivalents	5,664	$ 6,726	5,664	$ 6,726	$ 14,127	$ 8,048
Net current assets	$ 22,246		$ 22,246

Acquisition, Purchase Price (De

Acquisition, Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 26, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				$ 0	$ 10,832
Goodwill		$ 7,733	$ 8,835	7,733	8,835	$ 7,794
Expenses related to acquisition		0	1,101	0	1,417
Bassi S.r.l. Unipersonale [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 19,100
Cash	10,800
Value of stock issued for acquisition	4,800
Payment of assumed liability	3,500
Intangible assets	10,200
Goodwill	6,400
Other assets, net of liabilities	$ 2,500
Distribution term of assumed dividends, post closing	3 years
Expenses related to acquisition		$ 0	$ 1,101	$ 0	$ 1,417

Acquisition, Pro Forma Summary

Acquisition, Pro Forma Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 142	$ 109	$ 280	$ 131
Acquisition-related expense	0	1,101	0	1,417
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangible assets		266		535
Interest expense		127		253
Acquisition-related expense		1,101		1,417
Bassi S.r.l. Unipersonale [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Acquisition-related expense	0	1,101	0	1,417
Pro forma information [Abstract]
Revenue	15,672	14,832	28,215	27,533
Net loss	$ (2,253)	$ (486)	$ (4,745)	$ (322)

Stock-based Compensation Plans,

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Equity Incentive Plan (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved and available for grant (in shares)	69,641
Options exercised (in shares)	12,165

Stock-based Compensation Plan45

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Share Options (Details) - Stock Options [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017$ / shares
Fair Value of Stock Options using Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Model [Abstract]
Expected life	4 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%
Volatility	62.16%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Weighted-average fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.38

Stock-based Compensation Plan46

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Performance Based Awards (Details)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)EmployeeTrancheshares	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)Employee$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Employee$ / sharesshares	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense period						2 years 2 months 12 days
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares) | shares						12,165
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares						2,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 2.65
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares						262,600
Restricted Stock [Member] | Four Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares			11,540
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee			4
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant			$ 116,000
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				$ 9,019	$ 8,131	$ 18,057	$ 9,796
Restricted Stock [Member] | Two Non-Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares	80,000
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee	2
Number of tranches | Tranche	6
Number of tranches issued each year | Tranche	2
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant	$ 1,106,534
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				$ 57,059		$ 57,059
Performance Shares [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, beginning balance (in shares) | shares						38,460
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares						2,800
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares) | shares						0
Outstanding shares, forfeited or expired (in shares) | shares						0
Outstanding shares, ending balance (in shares) | shares				41,260		41,260		38,460
Outstanding shares, exercisable (in shares) | shares				0		0
Outstanding shares, vested and expected to vest (in shares) | shares				38,301		38,301
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 9.94
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						11.86
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0
Weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 10.07		10.07		$ 9.94
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				0		0
Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 10.07		$ 10.07
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term						3 years 9 months 14 days		4 years 2 months 16 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, granted						2 years 10 months 10 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercised						0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, forfeited or expired						0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable						0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest						3 years 9 months 14 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value, beginning balance						$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, granted						0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercised						0
Aggregate intrinsic value, forfeited or expired						0
Aggregate intrinsic value, ending balance				$ 0		0		$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable				0		0
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest				0		$ 0
Performance Shares [Member] | Nine Non-Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee			9
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant			$ 185,000
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				14,394	$ 13,602	$ 28,818	$ 16,260
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares			38,460
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 9.94
Performance Shares [Member] | Five Non-Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Employee		5
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant		$ 7,000
Unrecognized compensation expense period						3 years
Share based compensation expense				$ 1,010		$ 1,010
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares) | shares		2,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 11.86

Stock-based Compensation Plan47

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Time Based Awards (Details)	Feb. 07, 2017shares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)Directorshares	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)shares	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)Tranche$ / sharesshares	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares)								(12,165)
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)								2,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 2.65
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in shares)								50,625
Granted (in shares)								2,800
Exercised (in shares)								(12,165)
Non-vested balance, end of period (in shares)						41,260		41,260		50,625
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 4.67
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								2.65
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								4.39
Non-vested balance, ending of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 4.62		$ 4.62		$ 4.67
Stock Options [Member] | Executive Chairman [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of tranches | Tranche								2
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $				$ 211,000
Share based compensation expense | $								$ 20,890
Share based compensation expense write-back | $						$ 9,694
Vested options exercisable (in shares)						12,165		12,165
Options surrendered (in shares)	(8,474)
Period for vested options exercisable								3 months
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)				56,700
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)				56,700
Stock Options [Member] | Executive Chairman [Member] | First Tranche [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)				36,496
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 10.93
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)				36,496
Stock Options [Member] | Executive Chairman [Member] | Second Tranche [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)				20,204
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 12.35
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)				20,204
Time Based Awards [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding shares, beginning balance (in shares)								12,165
Outstanding shares, granted (in shares)								0
Outstanding shares, exercised (in shares)								(12,165)
Outstanding shares, ending balance (in shares)						0		0		12,165
Outstanding shares, exercisable (in shares)						0		0
Outstanding shares, vested (in shares)						0		0
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 10.93
Weighted average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								0
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								10.93
Weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0		0		$ 10.93
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						0		0
Weighted average exercise price, vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0		$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term								0 years		4 years 29 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, granted								0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercised								0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable								0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested								0 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value, beginning balance | $								$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, granted | $								0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercised | $								0
Aggregate intrinsic value, ending balance | $						$ 0		0		$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable | $						0		0
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested | $						$ 0		$ 0
Number of shares Subject to Stock Options [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)								0
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in shares)								138,940
Granted (in shares)								262,600
Vested (in shares)								(86,400)
Non-vested balance, end of period (in shares)						315,140		315,140		138,940
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								$ 6.50
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								15.03
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares								7.44
Non-vested balance, ending of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 13.35		$ 13.35		$ 6.50
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employees and Emeritus Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $					$ 292,000
Period for recognition of unearned compensation								12 months
Share based compensation expense | $						$ 43,208	$ 21,604	$ 108,020	$ 21,604
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)					29,700
Granted to each director (in shares)					3,300
Vested (in shares)								(26,400)
Restricted Stock [Member] | Eleven Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees directors with restricted stock grant | Director			11
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $			$ 2,039,020
Share based compensation expense | $						56,639		$ 56,639
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			145,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employees and Emeritus Director 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $			$ 344,244
Period for recognition of unearned compensation								12 months
Share based compensation expense | $						28,865		$ 28,865
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			24,800
Granted to each director (in shares)			3,100
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employees and Emeritus Director 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of stock at date of grant | $		$ 192,000
Period for recognition of unearned compensation								12 months
Share based compensation expense | $						$ 16,000		$ 16,000
Number of shares of Restricted Stock [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		12,800
Granted to each director (in shares)		1,600

Stock-based Compensation Plan48

Stock-based Compensation Plans, Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Stock-based compensation plans [Abstract]
Stock based compensation expense	$ 239	$ 206	$ 481	$ 358
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 3,776		$ 3,776
Weighted average period for unrecognized compensation expense to be recognized			2 years 2 months 12 days

Common Stock Warrants (Details)

Common Stock Warrants (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 08, 2016	Jul. 06, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017
Common Stock Warrants [Abstract]
Number of units sold (in shares)		1,124,000	2,741
Stock price (in dollars per share)		$ 9.12
Number of common stock in each offering unit (in shares)		1
Number of warrant in each offering unit (in shares)		0.5
Warrants exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 10	$ 10
Proceeds from sale of units gross	$ 10,250,880
Number of warrants issued to purchase common stock (in shares)	562,000
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)			(2,741)
Proceeds from warrants exercised			$ 27,410

Cash dividends (Details)

Cash dividends (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	431,288		448,705
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	431,288		448,705
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10		$ 0.10
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Preference share dividends [Abstract]
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	431,288
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	431,288
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 24
Percentage of cumulative annual dividend	4.00%
Semi annual dividend		$ 207,018
Dividend payable	Apr. 17, 2017
Next semi-annual dividend payable	Oct. 16, 2017

Calculation of earnings per s51

Calculation of earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Numerator [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$ (2,291)	$ (1,694)	$ (4,809)	$ (1,683)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - basic (in shares)	5,294	3,911	5,254	3,709
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per ordinary share - diluted (in shares)	5,294	3,911	5,254	3,709
Net loss per ordinary share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.92)	$ (0.45)
Net loss per ordinary share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.43)	$ (0.92)	$ (0.45)
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,294		1,320
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	186		156
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earnings per share (in shares)	45		48

Segment information (Details)

Segment information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)Segment	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			3
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	$ 15,672	$ 13,181	$ 28,215	$ 22,296
Operating income (loss)	(2,321)	(1,671)	(4,740)	(1,491)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	58,047	53,627	58,047	53,627
Goodwill	7,733	8,835	7,733	8,835	$ 7,794
Reportable Segments [Member] | Controls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	8,085	8,799	15,221	17,506
Operating income (loss)	(2,094)	(612)	(4,145)	63
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	30,291	39,407	30,291	39,407
Goodwill	1,435	1,435	1,435	1,435
Reportable Segments [Member] | Capacitors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	446	402	693	810
Operating income (loss)	84	(13)	23	(56)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	988	891	988	891
Goodwill	0	0	0	0
Reportable Segments [Member] | Chargers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	7,141	3,980	12,301	3,980
Operating income (loss)	203	266	188	266
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	22,192	9,264	22,192	9,264
Goodwill	6,298	7,400	6,298	7,400
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Sales	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(514)	(1,312)	(806)	(1,764)
Identifiable assets, excluding goodwill	4,576	4,065	4,576	4,065
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment information, By Region

Segment information, By Region and Product (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	$ 15,672	$ 13,181	$ 28,215	$ 22,296
Total long-term assets	25,728		25,728		$ 25,385
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | U. S. A. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	4,254	3,594	8,198	7,697
Total long-term assets	2,495		2,495		2,224
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Total Foreign [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	11,418	9,587	20,017	14,599
Total long-term assets	23,233		23,233		23,161
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | U.K. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	2,465	3,254	3,829	6,708
Total long-term assets	6,477		6,477		5,891
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Italy [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	7,025	3,980	12,186	3,980
Total long-term assets	15,950		15,950		16,580
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	1,867	2,249	3,400	3,533
Total long-term assets	367		367		302
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total sales	61	$ 104	602	$ 378
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Korea, Japan and China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total long-term assets	$ 439		$ 439		$ 388

Research and development (Detai

Research and development (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)Job	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Research and development [Abstract]
Cost of research and development program	$ 1,827	$ 1,347	$ 3,268	$ 2,207
Income statement credit	217	0	351	0
Income tax receivable	885		$ 885			$ 985
Minimum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Credit percentage			11.00%
Maximum [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Credit percentage			14.50%
U.K. Regional Growth Fund [Member]
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]
Revenue from grants	193	64	$ 281	94
Research and development expense	$ 844	$ 137	$ 1,206	$ 302
Total grants awarded					$ 625
Number of jobs created or safeguarded | Job			20

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	15.30%
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Increase in deferred tax assets	$ 961
U.S. [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	34.00%
U.K. [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	19.00%
Italy [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	24.00%

Employee Benefit Plans, Net Per

Employee Benefit Plans, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Liability Rollforward, Balance Sheet and Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded liability recognized in accrued expenses	$ 205		$ 205		$ 198
Components of net pension cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	210	$ 285	420	$ 581
Service cost	0	33	0	33
Expected return on plan assets	(249)	(276)	(498)	(565)
Amortization of net loss	89	73	178	150
Net periodic benefit cost	50	115	100	199
Net cost of defined contribution plans	128	128	238	283
Net cost of all employee benefit plans	178	243	338	482
Movement in liability for pension benefits [Roll forward]
Liability for pension benefits at beginning of period			11,511
Interest cost	210	285	420	581
Expected return on plan assets	(249)	$ (276)	(498)	$ (565)
Plan contributions			(379)
Effect of exchange rate changes			(430)
Liability for pension benefits at end of period	10,624		10,624
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			279
Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year			654
Bassi S.r.l. Unipersonale [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unfunded liability recognized in accrued expenses	$ 991		$ 991		$ 987

Employee Benefit Plans, Fair Va

Employee Benefit Plans, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	$ 3,695	$ 3,676
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	2,838	2,837
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	436	400
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Other Type of Investments [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Level 1 (Quoted Prices in Active Markets) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	421	439
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	17,163	18,603
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	12,326	13,268
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	4,837	5,335
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Other Type of Investments [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Adept Strategy 9 Fund [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Schroder Matching Plus Nominal and Index Linked Liability Driven Investment Swap Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Mutual Funds and Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | U.S. Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Other Type of Investments [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	$ 0	$ 0
[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]	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. The Company uses the Net Asset Value to determine the fair value of underlying investments which (a) do not have readily determinable fair value; and (b) prepare their financial statements consistent with the measurement principles of an investment company. The Funds are not exchange traded. The Funds are not subject to any redemption notice periods or restrictions and can be redeemed on a daily basis. No gates or holdbacks or dealing suspensions are being applied to the Funds. The Funds are of perpetual duration.
[3]	The Company currently does not have any Level 3 pension plan financial assets.

Employee Benefit Plans, Estimat

Employee Benefit Plans, Estimated Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,017	$ 470
2,018	488
2,019	494
2,020	502
2,021	499
2022 - 2026	$ 2,722

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 6,857	$ 6,532
Work-in-process	414	266
Finished goods	9,085	6,868
Total inventory, net of reserve	$ 16,356	$ 13,666

Property, Plant and Equipment60

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, plant and equipment, gross [Abstract]
Land and improvements	$ 18	$ 18
Buildings and improvements	1,036	1,069
Equipment	12,344	12,166
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	13,398	13,253
Less: accumulated depreciation	(9,507)	(9,410)
Net property, plant and equipment	$ 3,891	$ 3,843

Fair value of financial instr61

Fair value of financial instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)
Level 2 (Significant Observable Inputs) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of long term debt	$ 15,018

Accrued expenses (Details)

Accrued expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accrued expenses [Abstract]
Percentage of total current liabilities used to analyze accrued expenses	5.00%	5.00%
Accrued compensation and related costs	$ 1,803	$ 1,945
Deferred revenue	1,605	548
Other accrued expenses	2,326	2,438
Total accrued expenses	$ 5,734	$ 4,931

Warranty reserves (Details)

Warranty reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Movement in warranty reserves [Roll Forward]
Warranty reserves at beginning of period	$ 346	$ 213	$ 332	$ 278
Warranty expense	30	0	101	5
Acquisition assumed liability	0	34	0	34
Warranty usage	(19)	(5)	(64)	(72)
Currency translation	3	7	(9)	4
Warranty reserves at end of period	$ 360	$ 249	$ 360	$ 249

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
Total	$ 14,835		$ 15,512
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 15,018	€ 14,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Jan. 27, 2021
Line of credit facility, interest rate	3.00%	3.00%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 15,018	€ 14,000
Euros per dollar exchange rate	1.0727	1.0727
Annual principal payments on long term debt [Abstract]
2,018	$ 1,126
2,019	1,502
2,020	1,502
2,021	10,888
Total	15,018
Less: debt issuance costs	(183)
Total	$ 14,835
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA, Current fiscal year	3.5
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA, year two	3.5
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA, thereafter	3
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Controls and Capacitor [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,100
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EuroLIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin interest rate	3.00%
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. ("MPS") [Member] | Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | EuroLIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin interest rate	0.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 24, 2017GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Recorded liability of deferred annuities	$ 135			$ 144
Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases [Abstract]
2,017	529
2,018	999
2,019	957
2,020	859
2,021	829
Thereafter	5,776
Total overdraft facility	$ 1,100
Land and Building [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Term of operating lease	15 years
Operating lease commitment		$ 5,227	£ 4,185
Rent free period	6 months
Half rent period	24 months

Changes in Other Comprehensiv66

Changes in Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 21,739
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,217	$ (2,416)
Balance at the end of the period	18,645	21,739
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	(13,420)	(11,004)
Balance at the end of the period	(12,203)	(13,420)
Foreign Currency Items [Member]
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	(2,270)	(1,274)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,085	(996)
Balance at the end of the period	(1,185)	(2,270)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Component of accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	(11,150)	(9,730)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	132	(1,420)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (11,018)	$ (11,150)

Related Parties (Details)

Related Parties (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)Employee	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)Employee	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017GBP (£)Employee	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term related party debt	$ 1,514,000		$ 1,514,000			$ 1,558,000
Bassi Holding [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term related party debt	1,514,000		1,514,000			1,858,000
Related party transaction	101,000	$ 54,000	181,000	$ 54,000
Rent payable to related parties	$ 53,000		$ 53,000			$ 84,000
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of employees | Employee	9		9		9
Interest rate per annum			3.00%
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Nine Employees [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans | £					£ 2,820
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Nine Employees [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans | £					39,274
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans	$ 49,632		$ 49,632		39,274
Subsidiary [Member] | U.K. [Member] | Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term loans	$ 36,019		$ 36,019		£ 28,829