Document_and_Entity_Informatio
| Document and Entity Information (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Dec. 13, 2013 | Mar. 30, 2013 | |
| Document And Entity Information [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Document Type | '10-K | ' | ' |
| Amendment Flag | 'false | ' | ' |
| Document Period End Date | 28-Sep-13 | ' | ' |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | '2013 | ' | ' |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | 'FY | ' | ' |
| Entity Registrant Name | 'TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORP | ' | ' |
| Entity Central Index Key | '0000096699 | ' | ' |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | '--09-28 | ' | ' |
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | 'No | ' | ' |
| Entity Current Reporting Status | 'Yes | ' | ' |
| Entity Voluntary Filers | 'No | ' | ' |
| Entity Filer Category | 'Smaller Reporting Company | ' | ' |
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | ' | 1,838,716 | ' |
| Entity Public Float | ' | ' | $6,134,340 |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets
| Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Current assets: | ' | ' |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $2,810,923 | $2,056,311 |
| Marketable securities: | ' | ' |
| Available for sale securities | 1,247,384 | 4,668,864 |
| Held to maturity securities | 522,856 | ' |
| Accounts receivable - trade, less allowance of $25,000 at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 | 1,375,764 | 1,380,472 |
| Inventories | 2,618,604 | 2,633,408 |
| Income taxes receivable | 723,988 | 859,336 |
| Deferred income taxes | 894,459 | 618,078 |
| Other current assets | 225,583 | 170,729 |
| Total current assets | 10,419,561 | 12,387,198 |
| Marketable securities: | ' | ' |
| Held to maturity securities | 1,462,622 | ' |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements | 4,300,304 | 4,084,886 |
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | -3,831,402 | -3,632,288 |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, net | 468,902 | 452,598 |
| Total assets | 12,351,085 | 12,839,796 |
| Current liabilities: | ' | ' |
| Accounts payable | 261,588 | 167,313 |
| Accrued liabilities: | ' | ' |
| Compensation and related expenses | 241,003 | 316,751 |
| Customer deposits | 259,602 | 52,372 |
| Other current liabilities | 166,848 | 176,281 |
| Total current liabilities | 929,041 | 712,717 |
| Commitments and contingencies | ' | ' |
| Stockholders' equity | ' | ' |
| Common stock - par value $0.10 per share; 7,000,000 shares authorized, 1,838,716 issued and outstanding at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 | 183,872 | 183,872 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 3,774,759 | 3,569,731 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | -2,020 | 10,042 |
| Retained earnings | 7,465,433 | 8,363,434 |
| Total stockholders' equity | 11,422,044 | 12,127,079 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $12,351,085 | $12,839,796 |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa
| Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Common stock, par value | $0.10 | $0.10 |
| Common stock, shares authorized | 7,000,000 | 7,000,000 |
| Common stock, shares issued | 1,838,716 | 1,838,716 |
| Common stock, shares outstanding | 1,838,716 | 1,838,716 |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope
| Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Income Statement [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Net sales | $6,249,649 | $8,117,292 |
| Cost of sales | 2,109,394 | 1,839,784 |
| Gross profit | 4,140,255 | 6,277,508 |
| Operating expenses: | ' | ' |
| Selling, general and administrative | 2,956,465 | 3,310,044 |
| Product development | 2,729,473 | 4,420,703 |
| Total operating expenses | 5,685,938 | 7,730,747 |
| Operating loss | -1,545,683 | -1,453,239 |
| Other income | ' | ' |
| Investment income | 32,752 | 15,363 |
| Loss before provision for income taxes | -1,512,931 | -1,437,876 |
| Benefit for income taxes | -798,802 | -596,991 |
| Net loss | ($714,129) | ($840,885) |
| Net loss per common share | ' | ' |
| Basic | ($0.39) | ($0.46) |
| Diluted | ($0.39) | ($0.46) |
| Weighted average shares | ' | ' |
| Basic | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 |
| Diluted | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 |
| Dividends paid per common share | $0.10 | $0.40 |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Com
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Net loss | ($714,129) | ($840,885) |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | -12,062 | 10,042 |
| Comprehensive loss | ($726,191) | ($830,843) |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Operating activities: | ' | ' |
| Net loss | ($714,129) | ($840,885) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash (used in) provided by operating activities: | ' | ' |
| Depreciation and amortization | 199,114 | 216,538 |
| Stock-based compensation | 205,028 | 238,860 |
| Deferred income taxes | -276,381 | -119,307 |
| Amortization of premium on held to maturity securities | 83,716 | ' |
| Unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale securities | -12,062 | 10,042 |
| Changes in current assets and current liabilities: | ' | ' |
| Accounts receivable | 4,708 | -512,755 |
| Inventories | 14,804 | 645,506 |
| Income taxes receivable | 135,348 | -509,262 |
| Other current assets | -54,854 | -31,841 |
| Customer deposits | 207,230 | -81,123 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 9,094 | -615,758 |
| Cash used in operating activities | -198,924 | -1,599,985 |
| Investing activities: | ' | ' |
| Additions to equipment and leasehold improvements | -215,418 | -192,715 |
| Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities | 2,957,501 | 626,000 |
| Purchases of marketable securities | -1,604,675 | -5,294,865 |
| Cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 1,137,408 | -4,861,580 |
| Financing activities: | ' | ' |
| Proceeds from stock issuance | ' | 19,500 |
| Dividends paid | -183,872 | -733,341 |
| Cash used in financing activities | -183,872 | -713,841 |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 754,612 | -7,175,406 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 2,056,311 | 9,231,717 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 2,810,923 | 2,056,311 |
| Supplemental disclosures: | ' | ' |
| Income taxes paid | $576 | $31,849 |
Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $) | Total | Common Stock [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member] | Other Comprehensive Income [Member] |
| Beginning balance at Sep. 24, 2011 | ' | $182,732 | $3,312,512 | $9,937,660 | ' |
| Beginning balance at Sep. 24, 2011 | ' | 1,827,319 | ' | ' | ' |
| Total stockholders' equity | 12,127,079 | 183,872 | 3,569,731 | 8,363,434 | 10,042 |
| Retire treasury shares | ' | -232 | ' | ' | ' |
| Exercise of stock options | 11,629 | 5,200 | ' | ' | ' |
| Cashless exercise of stock options | ' | 6,429 | ' | ' | ' |
| Retire treasury shares | ' | -23 | 23 | ' | ' |
| Dividends paid | ' | ' | ' | -733,341 | ' |
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | -10,042 | ' | ' | ' | 10,042 |
| Exercise of stock options | ' | 1,163 | 18,336 | ' | ' |
| Net loss | -840,885 | ' | ' | -840,885 | ' |
| Stock-based compensation | ' | ' | 238,860 | ' | ' |
| Ending balance at Sep. 29, 2012 | 12,127,079 | 183,872 | 3,569,731 | 8,363,434 | 10,042 |
| Ending balance at Sep. 29, 2012 | ' | 1,838,716 | ' | ' | ' |
| Total stockholders' equity | 11,422,044 | 183,872 | 3,774,759 | 7,465,433 | -2,020 |
| Exercise of stock options | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
| Dividends paid | ' | ' | ' | -183,872 | ' |
| Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | 12,062 | ' | ' | ' | -12,062 |
| Net loss | -714,129 | ' | ' | -714,129 | ' |
| Stock-based compensation | ' | ' | 205,028 | ' | ' |
| Ending balance at Sep. 28, 2013 | $11,422,044 | $183,872 | $3,774,759 | $7,465,433 | ($2,020) |
| Ending balance at Sep. 28, 2013 | ' | 1,838,716 | ' | ' | ' |
Company_Operations
| Company Operations | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | ||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | |
| Company Operations | ' | |
| -1 | Company Operations | |
| Technical Communications Corporation was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1961; its wholly-owned subsidiary, TCC Investment Corp., was organized in that jurisdiction in 1982. The Company’s business consists of only one industry segment, which is the design, development, manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of communications security devices, systems and services. The secure communications solutions provided by TCC protect vital information transmitted over a wide range of data, fax and voice networks. TCC’s products have been sold into over 115 countries and are in service with governments, military agencies, telecommunications carriers, financial institutions and multinational corporations. | ||
| The Company’s revenues have historically included significant transactions with foreign governments, U.S. government agencies and other organizations. The Company expects this to continue. The timing of these transactions has in the past and will in the future have a significant impact on the cash flow and the earnings of the Company. Delays in the timing of significant expected sales transactions would have a significant negative effect on the Company’s operations. The Company has some ability to mitigate this effect through cost-cutting measures. | ||
Summary_of_Significant_Account
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| -2 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | ||||||||||||||||||||
| We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, commonly referred to as the FASB. The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that we follow to ensure we consistently report our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Principles of Consolidation | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, TCC Investment Corp., a Massachusetts corporation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Use of Estimates | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant judgments and estimates include those related to revenue recognition, receivable reserves, inventory reserves, income taxes and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits at banks and other investments (including mutual funds) readily convertible into cash. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts is based primarily on a specific analysis of accounts in the receivable portfolio and historical write-off experience. While management believes the allowance to be adequate, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required, which would reduce net income. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company values its inventory at the lower of actual cost (based on first-in, first-out (FIFO) method) to purchase and/or manufacture or the current estimated market value (based on estimated selling prices, less the cost to sell) of the inventory. The Company periodically reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and/or obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand, as well as historical usage. The Company evaluates the carrying value of inventory on a quarterly basis to determine if the carrying value is recoverable at estimated selling prices. To the extent that estimated selling prices are less than the associated carrying values, inventory carrying values are written down. In addition, the Company makes judgments as to future demand requirements and compares those with the current or committed inventory levels. Reserves are established for inventory levels that exceed future demand. It is possible that additional reserves above those already established may be required in the future if market conditions for our products should deteriorate. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in operations for the period. The costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s only long-lived assets are equipment and leasehold improvements. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by such asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Recognition | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company recognizes product revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable, delivery of the product and passage of title to the customer has occurred and the Company has determined that collection of the fee is probable. Title to the product generally passes upon shipment of the product, as the products are shipped FOB shipping point, except for certain foreign shipments where title passes upon entry of the product into the first port in the buyer’s country. If the product requires installation to be performed by TCC, all revenue related to the product is deferred and recognized upon completion of the installation. The Company provides for a warranty reserve at the time the product revenue is recognized. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company performs funded research and development and technology development for commercial companies and government agencies under both cost reimbursement and fixed-price contracts. Cost reimbursement contracts provide for the reimbursement of allowable costs and, in some situations, the payment of a fee. These contracts may contain incentive clauses providing for increases or decreases in the fee depending on how actual costs compare with a budget. Revenue from reimbursement contracts is recognized as services are performed. On fixed-price contracts that are expected to exceed one year in duration, revenue is recognized pursuant to the proportional performance method based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to the total estimated costs for the contract. In each type of contract, the Company receives periodic progress payments or payments upon reaching interim milestones. All payments to the Company for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. government are subject to audit and adjustment by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Adjustments are recognized in the period made. If the current estimates of total contract revenue and contract costs for a product development contract indicate a loss, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recorded. Any losses incurred in performing funded research and development projects are recognized as funded research and development expenses. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product revenue includes material, labor and overhead. Costs incurred in connection with funded research and development are included in cost of sales. Product development costs are charged to billable engineering services, bid and proposal efforts or support of business development activities, as appropriate. Product development costs charged to billable projects are recorded as cost of sales; engineering costs charged to bid and proposal efforts are recorded as selling expenses; and product development costs charged to business development activities are recorded as marketing expenses. Product development costs consist primarily of personnel costs, outside contractor and engineering services, supplies and materials. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-Based Compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employee’s requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. The related excess tax benefit received upon the exercise of stock options, if any, is reflected in the Company’s statement of cash flows as a financing activity rather than an operating activity. There were no excess tax benefits for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company selected the Black-Scholes option pricing model as the method for determining the estimated fair value of its stock awards. The Black-Scholes method of valuation requires several assumptions: (1) the expected term of the stock award, (2) the expected future stock price volatility over the expected term, (3) a risk-free interest rate and (4) the expected dividend rate. The expected term represents the expected period of time the Company believes the options will be outstanding based on historical information. Estimates of expected future stock price volatility are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock and the risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Note rate. The Company utilizes a forfeiture rate based on an analysis of its actual experience. The forfeiture rate is not material to the calculation of stock-based compensation. The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated with the following assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Option life | 5 to 6.5 years | 5 to 6.5 years | |||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 0.71% to 0.79 | % | 0.63% to 0.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock volatility | 66 | % | 68 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Dividend yield | 0 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| There were 16,500 options granted during the year ended September 28, 2013 and 17,000 options granted during the year ended September 29, 2012. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation costs included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 16,295 | $ | 16,582 | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 87,613 | 102,429 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Product development | 101,120 | 119,849 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | $ | 205,028 | $ | 238,860 | |||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, there was $289,838 of unrecognized compensation cost related to options granted. The unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized as the options vest. The weighted average period over which the stock-based compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 2.12 years. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company had the following stock option plans outstanding as of September 28, 2013: the Technical Communications Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan, the 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan and the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. There were an aggregate of 750,000 options to acquire shares authorized under these plans, of which 257,582 options were outstanding at September 28, 2013. Vesting periods are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and typically range between zero and five years. Options under these plans are granted with an exercise price equal to fair market value at time of grant and have a term of ten years from the date of grant. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, there were no shares available for new option grants under the 2001 Stock Option Plan; there were 33,028 shares available for grant under the 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan and 54,406 available for grant under the 2010 Equity Plan. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The following tables summarize stock option activity during fiscal years 2012 and 2013: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Options Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested | Vested | Total | Exercise Price | Contractual Life | |||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 24, 2011 | 130,820 | 132,232 | 263,052 | $ | 8.81 | 7.77 years | |||||||||||||||
| Grants | 6,500 | 10,500 | 17,000 | 9.66 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (35,292 | ) | 35,292 | — | 10.34 | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercises | — | (11,629 | ) | (11,629 | ) | 4.49 | |||||||||||||||
| Cancellations/forfeitures | (8,610 | ) | (14,611 | ) | (23,221 | ) | 8.36 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 29, 2012 | 93,418 | 151,784 | 245,202 | $ | 9.12 | 6.99 years | |||||||||||||||
| Grants | 2,500 | 14,000 | 16,500 | 4.73 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (33,319 | ) | 33,319 | — | 10.46 | ||||||||||||||||
| Cancellations/forfeitures | (2,111 | ) | (2,009 | ) | (4,120 | ) | 9.98 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 28, 2013 | 60,488 | 197,094 | 257,582 | $ | 8.83 | 6.21 years | |||||||||||||||
| Information related to the stock options vested or expected to vest as of September 28, 2013 is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Range of Exercise Prices | Number of | Weighted- | Weighted- | Exercisable | Exercisable | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Average | Average | Number of | Weighted- | |||||||||||||||||
| Remaining | Exercise Price | Shares | Average | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual | Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Life (years) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ 2.01 - $ 3.00 | 15,288 | 1.94 | $ | 3 | 15,288 | $ | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| $ 3.01 - $ 4.00 | 16,600 | 2.83 | 3.66 | 16,600 | 3.66 | ||||||||||||||||
| $ 4.01 - $ 5.00 | 28,900 | 7.43 | 4.79 | 26,300 | 4.78 | ||||||||||||||||
| $ 5.01 - $10.00 | 54,400 | 5.74 | 7.43 | 50,580 | 7.39 | ||||||||||||||||
| $10.01 - $15.00 | 142,394 | 6.99 | 11.41 | 88,326 | 11.36 | ||||||||||||||||
| 257,582 | 6.21 | $ | 8.83 | 197,094 | $ | 8.16 | |||||||||||||||
| The aggregate intrinsic value of the Company’s “in-the-money” outstanding and exercisable options as of September 28, 2013 was $159,521. There were no options exercised during the year ended September 28, 2013. Nonvested common stock options are subject to the risk of forfeiture until the fulfillment of specified conditions. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset/liability method. Under the asset/liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized at current income tax rates to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the consolidated financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company provides a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company follows the appropriate guidance relative to uncertain tax positions. This standard provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in the financial statements. Uncertain tax positions must meet a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company had no uncertain tax positions or unrecognized tax benefits. The Company expects no material changes to unrecognized tax positions within the next twelve months. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s policy is to record estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of its income tax provision. As of and for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company had no interest or tax penalties. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Warranty Costs | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company provides for estimated warranty costs at the time product revenue is recognized based in part upon historical experience. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The topic provides a consistent definition of fair value which focuses on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The topic also prioritizes, within the measurement of fair value, the use of market-based information over entity specific information and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three level hierarchy is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 - | Pricing inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 - | Pricing inputs are quoted prices for similar investments, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term through corroboration with observable market data. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 3 - | Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment, that is, inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s held to maturity securities are comprised of investments in municipal bonds. These securities represent ownership in individual bonds in municipalities within the United States, certificates of deposit in U.S. banks and money market funds held in a brokerage account. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The fair value of these investments is based on quoted prices from recognized pricing services (e.g. Standard & Poor’s, Bloomberg, etc.), or in the case of mutual funds, at their closing net asset value. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company assesses the levels of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy regarding the recognition of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. During the fiscal years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, there were no transfers between levels. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the financial instruments carried at fair value as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined above. As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company did not hold any assets classified as Level 3. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Quoted Prices in | Significant Other | |||||||||||||||||||
| Active Markets for | Observable Inputs | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Identical Assets | (Level 2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Level 1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 29, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and certificates of deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | $ | 1,925,371 | $ | — | $ | 1,925,371 | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 2,743,493 | — | 2,743,493 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt instruments | 4,668,864 | — | 4,668,864 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | 1,340,440 | 1,340,440 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total mutual funds | 1,340,440 | 1,340,440 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 6,009,304 | $ | 1,340,440 | $ | 4,668,864 | |||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and certificates of deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 1,247,384 | — | 1,247,384 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt instruments | 1,247,384 | — | 1,247,384 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | 880,230 | 880,230 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total mutual funds | 880,230 | 880,230 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 2,127,614 | $ | 880,230 | $ | 1,247,384 | |||||||||||||||
| Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are recognized at fair value subsequent to initial recognition when they are deemed to be impaired. As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company’s assets and liabilities subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are equipment and leasehold improvements. Neither was deemed to be impaired or measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per Share (EPS) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company presents both a “basic” and a “diluted” EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. In computing diluted EPS, stock options that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) are included in the calculation of EPS using the treasury stock method. The exercise of outstanding stock options is not assumed if the result would be antidilutive, such as when a net loss is reported for the period or the option exercise price is greater than the average market price for the period presented. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal Year-End Policy | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s by-laws call for its fiscal year to end on the Saturday closest to the last day of September, unless otherwise decided by its Board of Directors. The 2013 fiscal year ended on September 28, 2013 and included 52 weeks. The 2012 fiscal year ended on September 29, 2012 and included 53 weeks. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income is as follows, for the years ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | $ | (12,062 | ) | $ | 10,042 | ||||||||||||||||
| The component of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows for the years ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | $ | (2,020 | ) | $ | 10,042 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Segments | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company reports on operating segments in accordance with standards for public companies to report information about operating segments and geographic distribution of sales in financial statements. The Company currently has only one operating segment, which is the design, development, manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of communications security devices, systems and services. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| New Accounting Pronouncements | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This guidance will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2015 fiscal year and is consistent with our present practice. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. These amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. This guidance is effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income_Per_Share
| Income Per Share | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Income Per Share | ' | ||||||||
| -3 | Income Per Share | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted EPS were calculated as follows: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (714,129 | ) | $ | (840,885 | ) | |||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 | |||||||
| Dilutive effect of stock options | — | — | |||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 | |||||||
| Basic Net Loss Per Share | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||
| Diluted Net Loss Per Share | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||
| Outstanding potentially dilutive stock options, which were not included in the above calculations for the respective fiscal years because their effect would have been anti-dilutive, were as follows: 257,582 in fiscal year 2013 and 245,202 in fiscal year 2012. | |||||||||
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -4 | Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Substantially all cash equivalents are invested in money market mutual funds. Money market mutual funds held in a brokerage account are considered available-for-sale. The Company accounts for marketable securities in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. All marketable securities must be classified as one of the following: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. The Company classifies its marketable securities as either available-for-sale or held to maturity. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Held to maturity securities are carried at amortized cost. The cost of securities sold is determined based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, are included in investment income. During fiscal year 2013, the company determined it would hold its investment in municipal bonds until maturity and subsequently reclassified these securities. These securities are now carried at amortized cost. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, available-for-sale securities consisted of the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Interest | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | $ | 801,337 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 801,337 | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 1,248,043 | 1,186 | — | 1,845 | 1,247,384 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,049,380 | $ | 1,186 | $ | — | $ | 1,845 | $ | 2,048,721 | ||||||||||||||||
| As of September 29, 2012, available-for-sale securities consisted of the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Interest | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | $ | 361,584 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 361,584 | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 2,754,127 | 1,963 | — | 12,597 | 2,743,493 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 1,879,731 | 23,001 | 22,639 | — | 1,925,371 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 4,995,442 | $ | 24,964 | $ | 22,639 | $ | 12,597 | $ | 5,030,448 | ||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, held to maturity securities consisted of the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued | Amortization | Amortized | Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Interest | Bond Premium | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | $ | 2,056,276 | $ | 24,087 | $ | 94,885 | $ | 1,985,478 | 10,425 | $ | 1,995,903 | ||||||||||||||
| The contractual maturities of available for sale investments as of September 28, 2013 were all due within one year. The contractual maturities of held to maturity investments as of September 28, 2013 were as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Amortized Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Within 1 year | $ | 549,623 | $ | 522,856 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| After 1 year through 5 years | 1,506,653 | 1,462 622 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,056,276 | $ | 1,985,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s available-for-sale securities were included in the following captions in the consolidated balance sheets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 880,230 | $ | 361,584 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable securities | 1,247,384 | 4,668,864 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,127,614 | $ | 5,030,448 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventories
| Inventories | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Inventories | ' | ||||||||
| -5 | Inventories | ||||||||
| Inventories consist of the following: | |||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||
| Finished goods | $ | 10,295 | $ | 38,406 | |||||
| Work in process | 1,110,169 | 642,159 | |||||||
| Raw materials and supplies | 1,498,140 | 1,952,843 | |||||||
| Total inventories | $ | 2,618,604 | $ | 2,633,408 | |||||
Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | ' | ||||||||||||
| -6 | Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | ||||||||||||
| Equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following: | |||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | Estimated | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | Useful Life | |||||||||||
| Engineering and manufacturing equipment | $ | 2,011,821 | $ | 1,829,672 | 3-8 years | ||||||||
| Demonstration equipment | 781,790 | 778,240 | 3 years | ||||||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | 962,743 | 933,024 | 3-8 years | ||||||||||
| Automobile | 49,441 | 49,441 | 5 years | ||||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | 494,509 | 494,509 | Lesser of useful life | ||||||||||
| or term of lease | |||||||||||||
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | 4,300,304 | 4,084,886 | |||||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (3,831,402 | ) | (3,632,288 | ) | |||||||||
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, net | $ | 468,902 | $ | 452,598 | |||||||||
| Depreciation expense was $199,114 and $216,538 for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, respectively. | |||||||||||||
Other_Accrued_Liabilities
| Other Accrued Liabilities | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Other Accrued Liabilities | ' | ||||||||
| -7 | Other Accrued Liabilities | ||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Product warranty costs | $ | 28,639 | $ | 61,702 | |||||
| Professional service fees | 107,236 | 68,812 | |||||||
| Annual report and investor relations fees | 11,853 | 33,967 | |||||||
| Customer support agreements and commissions | 19,120 | 11,800 | |||||||
| Total other accrued liabilities | $ | 166,848 | $ | 176,281 | |||||
Leases
| Leases | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | ||
| Leases [Abstract] | ' | |
| Leases | ' | |
| -8 | Leases | |
| In April 2007, the Company entered into a lease for its current facilities. This lease is for 22,800 square feet located at 100 Domino Drive, Concord, MA. The Company has been a tenant in this space since 1983. This is the Company’s only facility and houses all manufacturing, research and development, and corporate operations. The initial term of the lease was for five years through March 31, 2012 at an annual rate of $159,000. In addition the lease contains options to extend the lease for two and one half years through September 30, 2014 and another two and one half years through March 31, 2017, at an annual rate of $171,000 for each renewal period. Rent expense for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 was $170,604 and $164,916, respectively. On September 30, 2011, the Company exercised its option to extend the lease for the period April 1, 2012 through September 30, 2014. | ||
Guarantees
| Guarantees | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Guarantees [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Guarantees | ' | ||||||||
| -9 | Guarantees | ||||||||
| The Company’s products generally carry a standard 15 month warranty. The Company sets aside a reserve based on anticipated warranty claims at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s product warranty liability include the number of installed units, the anticipated cost of warranty repairs and historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims. | |||||||||
| The following table reflects changes in the Company’s accrued warranty account: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 61,702 | $ | 185,832 | |||||
| Plus: accruals related to new sales | 22,207 | 39,938 | |||||||
| Less: payments and adjustments to prior period accruals | (55,270 | ) | (164,068 | ) | |||||
| Ending balance | $ | 28,639 | $ | 61,702 | |||||
Income_Taxes
| Income Taxes | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | ' | ||||||||||||||||
| -10 | Income Taxes | ||||||||||||||||
| The benefit for income taxes consists of the following: | |||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | (304,308 | ) | $ | (458,732 | ) | |||||||||||
| State | (218,114 | ) | (18,952 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total current taxes | (522,422 | ) | (477,684 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | (260,677 | ) | 66,923 | ||||||||||||||
| State | (15,703 | ) | (186,230 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total deferred taxes | (276,380 | ) | (119,307 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total benefit for income taxes | $ | (798,802 | ) | $ | (596,991 | ) | |||||||||||
| The benefits for income taxes are different from those that would be obtained by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes due to the following: | |||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate | $ | (514,397 | ) | (34.0 | %) | $ | (488,877 | ) | (34.0 | %) | |||||||
| State income tax provision, net of federal benefit | (81,859 | ) | (5.4 | %) | (133,495 | ) | (9.2 | %) | |||||||||
| Federal tax credits | (71,799 | ) | (4.8 | %) | (46,061 | ) | (3.2 | %) | |||||||||
| State refund from prior years | (141,034 | ) | (9.3 | %) | — | — | |||||||||||
| Change in state effective rate | 99,428 | 6.6 | % | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Other | (11,508 | ) | (0.8 | %) | 39,754 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (77,633 | ) | (5.1 | %) | 31,688 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total benefit for income taxes | $ | (798,802 | ) | (52.8 | %) | $ | (596,991 | ) | (41.5 | %) | |||||||
| Deferred income taxes consist of the following: | |||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Inventory differences | $ | 1,073,398 | $ | 1,151,031 | |||||||||||||
| Payroll related accruals | 54,777 | 80,823 | |||||||||||||||
| Warranty accruals | 10,682 | 24,236 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 829,000 | 512,919 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,967,857 | 1,769,109 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: valuation allowance | (1,073,398 | ) | (1,151,031 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 894,459 | $ | 618,078 | |||||||||||||
| In fiscal 2013 the Company received a refund of $213,618 in connection with an abatement claim from a prior year. There was uncertainty regarding the outcome of the claim, therefore a benefit was not previously recorded. The valuation allowance relates to uncertainty with respect to the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets. The change in the valuation allowance was $77,633 and ($31,688) in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
| The Company has determined that the tax benefit related to its obsolete inventory will not likely be realized, and therefore has provided a full valuation allowance against the related deferred tax asset. It is the Company’s intention to maintain the related inventory items for the foreseeable future to support equipment in the field, and therefore cannot determine when the tax benefit, if any, will be realized. | |||||||||||||||||
| Due to the nature of the Company’s current operations in foreign countries (selling products into these countries with the assistance of local representatives), the Company has not been subject to any foreign taxes in recent years. Also, it is not anticipated that the Company will be subject to foreign taxes in the near future. | |||||||||||||||||
| The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. For U.S. federal and state tax purposes, the tax years 2009 through 2012 remain open to examination. In addition, the amount of the Company’s federal and state net operating loss carryforwards utilized in prior periods may be subject to examination and adjustment. The Company has federal research credits of $71,800 available through fiscal year 2033. In addition the Company has Massachusetts research credits of $141,979 available through fiscal year 2028 and net operating loss carryforwards of $1,343,563 available through fiscal year 2033. | |||||||||||||||||
Employee_Benefit_Plans
| Employee Benefit Plans | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | ||
| Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] | ' | |
| Employee Benefit Plans | ' | |
| -11 | Employee Benefit Plans | |
| The Company has a qualified, contributory, profit sharing plan covering substantially all employees. The Company’s policy is to fund contributions as they are accrued. The contributions are allocated based on the employee’s proportionate share of total compensation. The Company’s contributions to the plan are determined by the Board of Directors and are subject to other specified limitations. There were no Company profit sharing contributions during fiscal years 2013 or 2012. The Company’s matching contributions were $85,630 and $78,288 in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. | ||
| The Company has an Executive Incentive Bonus Plan for the benefit of key management employees. The bonus pool is determined based on the Company’s performance as defined by the plan. Under the plan, there was $10,000 of bonuses accrued for executives at September 28, 2013 and there were no bonuses accrued at September 29, 2012. Bonus expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense. | ||
Commitments_and_contingencies
| Commitments and contingencies | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | ||
| Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | |
| Commitments and contingencies | ' | |
| -12 | Commitments and contingencies | |
| The Company has a line of credit agreement with Bank of America (the “Bank”) for a line of credit not to exceed the principal amount of $600,000. The line is supported by a financing promissory note. The loan is a demand loan with interest payable at the Bank’s prime rate plus 2.75% on all outstanding balances. The loan is secured by all assets of the Company (excluding consumer goods) and requires the Company to maintain its deposit accounts with the Bank, as well as comply with certain other covenants. As a result of the Company’s failure to comply with its tangible net worth covenant with respect to the line of credit, the parties amended the agreement on February 8, 2013 to lower the tangible net worth requirement. In addition, the line is now only available to support new letters of credit issued by the Company. Future standby letters of credit will be required to be secured with cash. There were no cash borrowings against the line during the fiscal years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012. | ||
| At September 28, 2013 the Company had two outstanding letters of credit amounting to $32,786, one of which is secured by a cash certificate of deposit amounting to $17,883. The second in the amount of $14,903 is secured by the Company’s line of credit. At September 29, 2012, the Company had one outstanding letter of credit amounting to $17,883. | ||
| The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts and money market accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company holds marketable securities consisting of certificates of deposit and municipal bonds. The certificates of deposit are maintained in accounts that are within the federal insurance limits. The municipal bonds are considered investment grade but may be subject to the issuing entities’ default on interest or principal repayments. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash, cash equivalents or marketable securities. | ||
Major_Customers_and_Export_Sal
| Major Customers and Export Sales | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Major Customers and Export Sales | ' | ||||||||
| -13 | Major Customers and Export Sales | ||||||||
| In fiscal year 2013, the Company had three customers representing 71% (29%, 27% and 15%) of total net sales and at September 28, 2013 had three customers representing 89% (32%, 29% and 28%) of accounts receivable. In fiscal year 2012, the Company had two customers representing 85% (70% and 15%) of total net sales and at September 29, 2012 had two customers representing 96% (83% and 13%) of accounts receivable. | |||||||||
| A breakdown of net sales is as follows: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 5,719,765 | $ | 7,160,372 | |||||
| Foreign | 529,884 | 956,920 | |||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 6,249,649 | $ | 8,117,292 | |||||
| A summary of foreign sales, as a percentage of total foreign revenue, by geographic area, is as follows: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| North America (excluding the U.S.) | 0.6 | % | — | ||||||
| Central and South America | — | 0.3 | % | ||||||
| Mid-East and Africa | 99.4 | % | 94.4 | % | |||||
| Far East | — | 5.3 | % | ||||||
| The Company sold products to five different countries during the year ended September 28, 2013 and seven different countries during the year ended September 29, 2012. A sale is attributed to a foreign country based on the location of the contracting party. Domestic revenue may include the sale of products shipped through domestic resellers or manufacturers to international destinations. The table below summarizes our foreign revenues by country as a percentage of total foreign revenue. | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Saudi Arabia | 69.8 | % | 42.4 | % | |||||
| Jordan | 1.3 | % | 33 | % | |||||
| Egypt | 28.1 | % | 18.7 | % | |||||
| Thailand | — | 5.3 | % | ||||||
| Other | 0.8 | % | 0.6 | % | |||||
Shareholder_Rights_Plan
| Shareholder Rights Plan | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | ||
| Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | ' | |
| Shareholder Rights Plan | ' | |
| -14 | Shareholder Rights Plan | |
| The Company has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend distribution of one common stock purchase right for each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company, payable to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 13, 2004, and for each share of Common Stock issued thereafter. Until the rights become exercisable, they will trade automatically with the Company’s Common Stock and separate rights certificates will not be issued. The rights will become exercisable only in the event, with certain exceptions, that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons acquires 15% or more of the Company’s voting stock, or a person or group of affiliated or associated persons commences a tender or exchange offer which, if successfully consummated, would result in such person or group owning 15% or more of the Company’s voting stock. | ||
| Each right, once exercisable, will entitle the holder (other than an acquiring person or group) to buy one share of the Company’s Common Stock at a price of $25 per share, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the rights (other than rights owned by an acquiring person or group) would be entitled to purchase either the Company’s Common Stock or shares in an “acquiring entity” at approximately half of market value. Further, at any time after a person or group acquires 15% or more (but less than 50%) of the Company’s outstanding voting stock, subject to certain exceptions, the Board of Directors may, at its option, exchange part or all of the rights (other than rights held by an acquiring person or group) for shares of the Company’s Common Stock having a fair market value on the date of such acquisition equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the rights over (ii) the exercise price of the rights. | ||
| The Company generally will be entitled to redeem the rights at $.001 per right at any time prior to the close of business on the tenth business day after there has been a public announcement of the beneficial ownership by any person or group of 15% or more of the Company’s voting stock, subject to certain exceptions. The rights will expire on August 5, 2014 unless earlier redeemed. | ||
Subsequent_Events
| Subsequent Events | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | ||
| Subsequent Events [Abstract] | ' | |
| Subsequent Events | ' | |
| -15 | Subsequent Events | |
| We have evaluated all events or transactions that occurred through the date on which we issued these financial statements. During this period, we did not have any material subsequent events that impacted our consolidated financial statements. | ||
Summary_of_Significant_Account1
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Principles of Consolidation | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Principles of Consolidation | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, TCC Investment Corp., a Massachusetts corporation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Use of Estimates | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Use of Estimates | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant judgments and estimates include those related to revenue recognition, receivable reserves, inventory reserves, income taxes and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits at banks and other investments (including mutual funds) readily convertible into cash. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts is based primarily on a specific analysis of accounts in the receivable portfolio and historical write-off experience. While management believes the allowance to be adequate, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required, which would reduce net income. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company values its inventory at the lower of actual cost (based on first-in, first-out (FIFO) method) to purchase and/or manufacture or the current estimated market value (based on estimated selling prices, less the cost to sell) of the inventory. The Company periodically reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and/or obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand, as well as historical usage. The Company evaluates the carrying value of inventory on a quarterly basis to determine if the carrying value is recoverable at estimated selling prices. To the extent that estimated selling prices are less than the associated carrying values, inventory carrying values are written down. In addition, the Company makes judgments as to future demand requirements and compares those with the current or committed inventory levels. Reserves are established for inventory levels that exceed future demand. It is possible that additional reserves above those already established may be required in the future if market conditions for our products should deteriorate. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the applicable lease term. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in operations for the period. The costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived Assets | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s only long-lived assets are equipment and leasehold improvements. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by such asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Recognition | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Recognition | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company recognizes product revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable, delivery of the product and passage of title to the customer has occurred and the Company has determined that collection of the fee is probable. Title to the product generally passes upon shipment of the product, as the products are shipped FOB shipping point, except for certain foreign shipments where title passes upon entry of the product into the first port in the buyer’s country. If the product requires installation to be performed by TCC, all revenue related to the product is deferred and recognized upon completion of the installation. The Company provides for a warranty reserve at the time the product revenue is recognized. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company performs funded research and development and technology development for commercial companies and government agencies under both cost reimbursement and fixed-price contracts. Cost reimbursement contracts provide for the reimbursement of allowable costs and, in some situations, the payment of a fee. These contracts may contain incentive clauses providing for increases or decreases in the fee depending on how actual costs compare with a budget. Revenue from reimbursement contracts is recognized as services are performed. On fixed-price contracts that are expected to exceed one year in duration, revenue is recognized pursuant to the proportional performance method based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to the total estimated costs for the contract. In each type of contract, the Company receives periodic progress payments or payments upon reaching interim milestones. All payments to the Company for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. government are subject to audit and adjustment by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Adjustments are recognized in the period made. If the current estimates of total contract revenue and contract costs for a product development contract indicate a loss, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recorded. Any losses incurred in performing funded research and development projects are recognized as funded research and development expenses. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product revenue includes material, labor and overhead. Costs incurred in connection with funded research and development are included in cost of sales. Product development costs are charged to billable engineering services, bid and proposal efforts or support of business development activities, as appropriate. Product development costs charged to billable projects are recorded as cost of sales; engineering costs charged to bid and proposal efforts are recorded as selling expenses; and product development costs charged to business development activities are recorded as marketing expenses. Product development costs consist primarily of personnel costs, outside contractor and engineering services, supplies and materials. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-Based Compensation | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-Based Compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the employee’s requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. The related excess tax benefit received upon the exercise of stock options, if any, is reflected in the Company’s statement of cash flows as a financing activity rather than an operating activity. There were no excess tax benefits for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company selected the Black-Scholes option pricing model as the method for determining the estimated fair value of its stock awards. The Black-Scholes method of valuation requires several assumptions: (1) the expected term of the stock award, (2) the expected future stock price volatility over the expected term, (3) a risk-free interest rate and (4) the expected dividend rate. The expected term represents the expected period of time the Company believes the options will be outstanding based on historical information. Estimates of expected future stock price volatility are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock and the risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Note rate. The Company utilizes a forfeiture rate based on an analysis of its actual experience. The forfeiture rate is not material to the calculation of stock-based compensation. The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated with the following assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Option life | 5 to 6.5 years | 5 to 6.5 years | |||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 0.71% to 0.79 | % | 0.63% to 0.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock volatility | 66 | % | 68 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Dividend yield | 0 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| There were 16,500 options granted during the year ended September 28, 2013 and 17,000 options granted during the year ended September 29, 2012. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation costs included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 16,295 | $ | 16,582 | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 87,613 | 102,429 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Product development | 101,120 | 119,849 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | $ | 205,028 | $ | 238,860 | |||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, there was $289,838 of unrecognized compensation cost related to options granted. The unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized as the options vest. The weighted average period over which the stock-based compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 2.12 years. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company had the following stock option plans outstanding as of September 28, 2013: the Technical Communications Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan, the 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan and the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. There were an aggregate of 750,000 options to acquire shares authorized under these plans, of which 257,582 options were outstanding at September 28, 2013. Vesting periods are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and typically range between zero and five years. Options under these plans are granted with an exercise price equal to fair market value at time of grant and have a term of ten years from the date of grant. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, there were no shares available for new option grants under the 2001 Stock Option Plan; there were 33,028 shares available for grant under the 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan and 54,406 available for grant under the 2010 Equity Plan. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The following tables summarize stock option activity during fiscal years 2012 and 2013: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Options Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested | Vested | Total | Exercise Price | Contractual Life | |||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 24, 2011 | 130,820 | 132,232 | 263,052 | $ | 8.81 | 7.77 years | |||||||||||||||
| Grants | 6,500 | 10,500 | 17,000 | 9.66 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (35,292 | ) | 35,292 | — | 10.34 | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercises | — | (11,629 | ) | (11,629 | ) | 4.49 | |||||||||||||||
| Cancellations/forfeitures | (8,610 | ) | (14,611 | ) | (23,221 | ) | 8.36 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 29, 2012 | 93,418 | 151,784 | 245,202 | $ | 9.12 | 6.99 years | |||||||||||||||
| Grants | 2,500 | 14,000 | 16,500 | 4.73 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (33,319 | ) | 33,319 | — | 10.46 | ||||||||||||||||
| Cancellations/forfeitures | (2,111 | ) | (2,009 | ) | (4,120 | ) | 9.98 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 28, 2013 | 60,488 | 197,094 | 257,582 | $ | 8.83 | 6.21 years | |||||||||||||||
| Information related to the stock options vested or expected to vest as of September 28, 2013 is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Range of Exercise Prices | Number of | Weighted- | Weighted- | Exercisable | Exercisable | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Average | Average | Number of | Weighted- | |||||||||||||||||
| Remaining | Exercise Price | Shares | Average | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual | Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Life (years) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ 2.01 - $ 3.00 | 15,288 | 1.94 | $ | 3 | 15,288 | $ | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| $ 3.01 - $ 4.00 | 16,600 | 2.83 | 3.66 | 16,600 | 3.66 | ||||||||||||||||
| $ 4.01 - $ 5.00 | 28,900 | 7.43 | 4.79 | 26,300 | 4.78 | ||||||||||||||||
| $ 5.01 - $10.00 | 54,400 | 5.74 | 7.43 | 50,580 | 7.39 | ||||||||||||||||
| $10.01 - $15.00 | 142,394 | 6.99 | 11.41 | 88,326 | 11.36 | ||||||||||||||||
| 257,582 | 6.21 | $ | 8.83 | 197,094 | $ | 8.16 | |||||||||||||||
| The aggregate intrinsic value of the Company’s “in-the-money” outstanding and exercisable options as of September 28, 2013 was $159,521. There were no options exercised during the year ended September 28, 2013. Nonvested common stock options are subject to the risk of forfeiture until the fulfillment of specified conditions. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset/liability method. Under the asset/liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized at current income tax rates to reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the consolidated financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company provides a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company follows the appropriate guidance relative to uncertain tax positions. This standard provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in the financial statements. Uncertain tax positions must meet a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. For fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company had no uncertain tax positions or unrecognized tax benefits. The Company expects no material changes to unrecognized tax positions within the next twelve months. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s policy is to record estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of its income tax provision. As of and for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company had no interest or tax penalties. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Warranty Costs | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Warranty Costs | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company provides for estimated warranty costs at the time product revenue is recognized based in part upon historical experience. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The topic provides a consistent definition of fair value which focuses on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The topic also prioritizes, within the measurement of fair value, the use of market-based information over entity specific information and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three level hierarchy is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 - | Pricing inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 - | Pricing inputs are quoted prices for similar investments, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term through corroboration with observable market data. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 3 - | Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment, that is, inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s held to maturity securities are comprised of investments in municipal bonds. These securities represent ownership in individual bonds in municipalities within the United States, certificates of deposit in U.S. banks and money market funds held in a brokerage account. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The fair value of these investments is based on quoted prices from recognized pricing services (e.g. Standard & Poor’s, Bloomberg, etc.), or in the case of mutual funds, at their closing net asset value. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company assesses the levels of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy regarding the recognition of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. During the fiscal years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, there were no transfers between levels. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per Share (EPS) | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per Share (EPS) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company presents both a “basic” and a “diluted” EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. In computing diluted EPS, stock options that are dilutive (those that reduce earnings per share) are included in the calculation of EPS using the treasury stock method. The exercise of outstanding stock options is not assumed if the result would be antidilutive, such as when a net loss is reported for the period or the option exercise price is greater than the average market price for the period presented. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal Year-End Policy | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiscal Year-End Policy | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s by-laws call for its fiscal year to end on the Saturday closest to the last day of September, unless otherwise decided by its Board of Directors. The 2013 fiscal year ended on September 28, 2013 and included 52 weeks. The 2012 fiscal year ended on September 29, 2012 and included 53 weeks. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income (loss) | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income is as follows, for the years ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | $ | (12,062 | ) | $ | 10,042 | ||||||||||||||||
| The component of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows for the years ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | $ | (2,020 | ) | $ | 10,042 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Segments | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Segments | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company reports on operating segments in accordance with standards for public companies to report information about operating segments and geographic distribution of sales in financial statements. The Company currently has only one operating segment, which is the design, development, manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of communications security devices, systems and services. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| New Accounting Pronouncements | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| New Accounting Pronouncements | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This guidance will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2015 fiscal year and is consistent with our present practice. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. These amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. This guidance is effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Summary_of_Significant_Account2
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumptions for Estimated Fair Value of Options at Date of Grant | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated with the following assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumptions: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Option life | 5 to 6.5 years | 5 to 6.5 years | |||||||||||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 0.71% to 0.79 | % | 0.63% to 0.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock volatility | 66 | % | 68 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Dividend yield | 0 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Share-Based Compensation Costs | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The following table summarizes stock-based compensation costs included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 16,295 | $ | 16,582 | |||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 87,613 | 102,429 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Product development | 101,120 | 119,849 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | $ | 205,028 | $ | 238,860 | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock Option Activity | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The following tables summarize stock option activity during fiscal years 2012 and 2013: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Options Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unvested | Vested | Total | Exercise Price | Contractual Life | |||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 24, 2011 | 130,820 | 132,232 | 263,052 | $ | 8.81 | 7.77 years | |||||||||||||||
| Grants | 6,500 | 10,500 | 17,000 | 9.66 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (35,292 | ) | 35,292 | — | 10.34 | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercises | — | (11,629 | ) | (11,629 | ) | 4.49 | |||||||||||||||
| Cancellations/forfeitures | (8,610 | ) | (14,611 | ) | (23,221 | ) | 8.36 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 29, 2012 | 93,418 | 151,784 | 245,202 | $ | 9.12 | 6.99 years | |||||||||||||||
| Grants | 2,500 | 14,000 | 16,500 | 4.73 | |||||||||||||||||
| Vested | (33,319 | ) | 33,319 | — | 10.46 | ||||||||||||||||
| Cancellations/forfeitures | (2,111 | ) | (2,009 | ) | (4,120 | ) | 9.98 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 28, 2013 | 60,488 | 197,094 | 257,582 | $ | 8.83 | 6.21 years | |||||||||||||||
| Stock Options Vested or Expected to Vest | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Information related to the stock options vested or expected to vest as of September 28, 2013 is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Range of Exercise Prices | Number of | Weighted- | Weighted- | Exercisable | Exercisable | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Average | Average | Number of | Weighted- | |||||||||||||||||
| Remaining | Exercise Price | Shares | Average | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual | Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Life (years) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ 2.01 - $ 3.00 | 15,288 | 1.94 | $ | 3 | 15,288 | $ | 3 | ||||||||||||||
| $ 3.01 - $ 4.00 | 16,600 | 2.83 | 3.66 | 16,600 | 3.66 | ||||||||||||||||
| $ 4.01 - $ 5.00 | 28,900 | 7.43 | 4.79 | 26,300 | 4.78 | ||||||||||||||||
| $ 5.01 - $10.00 | 54,400 | 5.74 | 7.43 | 50,580 | 7.39 | ||||||||||||||||
| $10.01 - $15.00 | 142,394 | 6.99 | 11.41 | 88,326 | 11.36 | ||||||||||||||||
| 257,582 | 6.21 | $ | 8.83 | 197,094 | $ | 8.16 | |||||||||||||||
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the financial instruments carried at fair value as of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined above. As of September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company did not hold any assets classified as Level 3. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Quoted Prices in | Significant Other | |||||||||||||||||||
| Active Markets for | Observable Inputs | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Identical Assets | (Level 2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Level 1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 29, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and certificates of deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | $ | 1,925,371 | $ | — | $ | 1,925,371 | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 2,743,493 | — | 2,743,493 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt instruments | 4,668,864 | — | 4,668,864 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | 1,340,440 | 1,340,440 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total mutual funds | 1,340,440 | 1,340,440 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 6,009,304 | $ | 1,340,440 | $ | 4,668,864 | |||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt and certificates of deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 1,247,384 | — | 1,247,384 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt instruments | 1,247,384 | — | 1,247,384 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual funds: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | 880,230 | 880,230 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total mutual funds | 880,230 | 880,230 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments | $ | 2,127,614 | $ | 880,230 | $ | 1,247,384 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income is as follows, for the years ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | $ | (12,062 | ) | $ | 10,042 | ||||||||||||||||
| Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The component of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows for the years ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | $ | (2,020 | ) | $ | 10,042 | ||||||||||||||||
Income_Per_Share_Tables
| Income Per Share (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share | ' | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted EPS were calculated as follows: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (714,129 | ) | $ | (840,885 | ) | |||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 | |||||||
| Dilutive effect of stock options | — | — | |||||||
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 | |||||||
| Basic Net Loss Per Share | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||
| Diluted Net Loss Per Share | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.46 | ) | |||
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl1
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-Sale Securities | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, available-for-sale securities consisted of the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Interest | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | $ | 801,337 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 801,337 | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 1,248,043 | 1,186 | — | 1,845 | 1,247,384 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,049,380 | $ | 1,186 | $ | — | $ | 1,845 | $ | 2,048,721 | ||||||||||||||||
| As of September 29, 2012, available-for-sale securities consisted of the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued | Gross Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Interest | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | $ | 361,584 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 361,584 | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 2,754,127 | 1,963 | — | 12,597 | 2,743,493 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 1,879,731 | 23,001 | 22,639 | — | 1,925,371 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 4,995,442 | $ | 24,964 | $ | 22,639 | $ | 12,597 | $ | 5,030,448 | ||||||||||||||||
| Held to Maturity Securities | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of September 28, 2013, held to maturity securities consisted of the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued | Amortization | Amortized | Unrealized | Estimated | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Interest | Bond Premium | Cost | Gains | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | $ | 2,056,276 | $ | 24,087 | $ | 94,885 | $ | 1,985,478 | 10,425 | $ | 1,995,903 | ||||||||||||||
| Contractual Maturities of Held to Maturity Investments | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The contractual maturities of held to maturity investments as of September 28, 2013 were as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Amortized Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Within 1 year | $ | 549,623 | $ | 522,856 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| After 1 year through 5 years | 1,506,653 | 1,462 622 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,056,276 | $ | 1,985,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-Sale Securities Included in Balance Sheets | ' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company’s available-for-sale securities were included in the following captions in the consolidated balance sheets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 880,230 | $ | 361,584 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable securities | 1,247,384 | 4,668,864 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 2,127,614 | $ | 5,030,448 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventories_Tables
| Inventories (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Schedule of Inventories | ' | ||||||||
| Inventories consist of the following: | |||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||
| Finished goods | $ | 10,295 | $ | 38,406 | |||||
| Work in process | 1,110,169 | 642,159 | |||||||
| Raw materials and supplies | 1,498,140 | 1,952,843 | |||||||
| Total inventories | $ | 2,618,604 | $ | 2,633,408 | |||||
Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv1
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
| Schedule of Equipment and Leasehold Improvements | ' | ||||||||||||
| Equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following: | |||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | Estimated | |||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | Useful Life | |||||||||||
| Engineering and manufacturing equipment | $ | 2,011,821 | $ | 1,829,672 | 3-8 years | ||||||||
| Demonstration equipment | 781,790 | 778,240 | 3 years | ||||||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | 962,743 | 933,024 | 3-8 years | ||||||||||
| Automobile | 49,441 | 49,441 | 5 years | ||||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | 494,509 | 494,509 | Lesser of useful life | ||||||||||
| or term of lease | |||||||||||||
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | 4,300,304 | 4,084,886 | |||||||||||
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (3,831,402 | ) | (3,632,288 | ) | |||||||||
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, net | $ | 468,902 | $ | 452,598 | |||||||||
Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Tabl
| Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Summary of Other Accrued Liabilities | ' | ||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Product warranty costs | $ | 28,639 | $ | 61,702 | |||||
| Professional service fees | 107,236 | 68,812 | |||||||
| Annual report and investor relations fees | 11,853 | 33,967 | |||||||
| Customer support agreements and commissions | 19,120 | 11,800 | |||||||
| Total other accrued liabilities | $ | 166,848 | $ | 176,281 | |||||
Guarantees_Tables
| Guarantees (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Guarantees [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Schedule of Product Warranty Liability | ' | ||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 61,702 | $ | 185,832 | |||||
| Plus: accruals related to new sales | 22,207 | 39,938 | |||||||
| Less: payments and adjustments to prior period accruals | (55,270 | ) | (164,068 | ) | |||||
| Ending balance | $ | 28,639 | $ | 61,702 | |||||
Income_Taxes_Tables
| Income Taxes (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit | ' | ||||||||||||||||
| The benefit for income taxes consists of the following: | |||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | (304,308 | ) | $ | (458,732 | ) | |||||||||||
| State | (218,114 | ) | (18,952 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total current taxes | (522,422 | ) | (477,684 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal | (260,677 | ) | 66,923 | ||||||||||||||
| State | (15,703 | ) | (186,230 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total deferred taxes | (276,380 | ) | (119,307 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total benefit for income taxes | $ | (798,802 | ) | $ | (596,991 | ) | |||||||||||
| Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation | ' | ||||||||||||||||
| September 28, 2013 | September 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate | $ | (514,397 | ) | (34.0 | %) | $ | (488,877 | ) | (34.0 | %) | |||||||
| State income tax provision, net of federal benefit | (81,859 | ) | (5.4 | %) | (133,495 | ) | (9.2 | %) | |||||||||
| Federal tax credits | (71,799 | ) | (4.8 | %) | (46,061 | ) | (3.2 | %) | |||||||||
| State refund from prior years | (141,034 | ) | (9.3 | %) | — | — | |||||||||||
| Change in state effective rate | 99,428 | 6.6 | % | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Other | (11,508 | ) | (0.8 | %) | 39,754 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Valuation allowance | (77,633 | ) | (5.1 | %) | 31,688 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total benefit for income taxes | $ | (798,802 | ) | (52.8 | %) | $ | (596,991 | ) | (41.5 | %) | |||||||
| Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities | ' | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes consist of the following: | |||||||||||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
| Inventory differences | $ | 1,073,398 | $ | 1,151,031 | |||||||||||||
| Payroll related accruals | 54,777 | 80,823 | |||||||||||||||
| Warranty accruals | 10,682 | 24,236 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 829,000 | 512,919 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,967,857 | 1,769,109 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: valuation allowance | (1,073,398 | ) | (1,151,031 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 894,459 | $ | 618,078 | |||||||||||||
Major_Customers_and_Export_Sal1
| Major Customers and Export Sales (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |||||||||
| Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
| Breakdown of Foreign and Domestic Net Sales | ' | ||||||||
| A breakdown of net sales is as follows: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 5,719,765 | $ | 7,160,372 | |||||
| Foreign | 529,884 | 956,920 | |||||||
| Total Sales | $ | 6,249,649 | $ | 8,117,292 | |||||
| Foreign Revenues by Country as Percentage of Total Foreign Revenue | ' | ||||||||
| A summary of foreign sales, as a percentage of total foreign revenue, by geographic area, is as follows: | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| North America (excluding the U.S.) | 0.6 | % | — | ||||||
| Central and South America | — | 0.3 | % | ||||||
| Mid-East and Africa | 99.4 | % | 94.4 | % | |||||
| Far East | — | 5.3 | % | ||||||
| Foreign Revenue, as Percentage of Total Foreign Revenue by Geographic Area | ' | ||||||||
| The table below summarizes our foreign revenues by country as a percentage of total foreign revenue. | |||||||||
| September 28, | September 29, | ||||||||
| 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
| Saudi Arabia | 69.8 | % | 42.4 | % | |||||
| Jordan | 1.3 | % | 33 | % | |||||
| Egypt | 28.1 | % | 18.7 | % | |||||
| Thailand | — | 5.3 | % | ||||||
| Other | 0.8 | % | 0.6 | % | |||||
Summary_of_Significant_Account3
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | Sep. 24, 2011 | |
| Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Expected period of revenue recognized pursuant to proportional performance | '1 year | ' | ' |
| Excess tax benefits | $0 | $0 | ' |
| Number of Shares, Granted | 16,500 | 17,000 | ' |
| Unrecognized compensation cost related to options granted | 289,838 | ' | ' |
| Weighted average period of compensation cost | '2 years 1 month 13 days | ' | ' |
| Shares authorized for issuance | 750,000 | ' | ' |
| Shares outstanding | 257,582 | 245,202 | 263,052 |
| Fair market value term period | '10 years | ' | ' |
| Intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options | $159,521 | ' | ' |
| Stock options exercised | 0 | 11,629 | ' |
| Fiscal end year range | '52 weeks | '53 weeks | ' |
| 2001 Stock Option Plan [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Share available for grants | 0 | ' | ' |
| 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Share available for grants | 33,028 | ' | ' |
| 2010 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Share available for grants | 54,406 | ' | ' |
| Minimum [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Vesting periods | '0 years | ' | ' |
| Maximum [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
| Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
| Vesting periods | '5 years | ' | ' |
Summary_of_Significant_Account4
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Assumptions for Estimated Fair Value of Options at Date of Grant (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Assumptions: | ' | ' |
| Stock volatility | 66.00% | 68.00% |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 4.00% |
| Minimum [Member] | ' | ' |
| Assumptions: | ' | ' |
| Option life | '5 years | '5 years |
| Risk-free interest rate | 0.71% | 0.63% |
| Maximum [Member] | ' | ' |
| Assumptions: | ' | ' |
| Option life | '6 years 6 months | '6 years 6 months |
| Risk-free interest rate | 0.79% | 0.94% |
Summary_of_Significant_Account5
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Share-Based Compensation Costs (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | $205,028 | $238,860 |
| Cost of Sales [Member] | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | 16,295 | 16,582 |
| Selling, General and Administrative [Member] | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | 87,613 | 102,429 |
| Product Development [Member] | ' | ' |
| Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total stock-based compensation expense before taxes | $101,120 | $119,849 |
Summary_of_Significant_Account6
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance, Outstanding, Unvested | ' | 130,820 |
| Grants, Unvested | 2,500 | 6,500 |
| Vested, Unvested | -33,319 | -35,292 |
| Exercises, Unvested | ' | ' |
| Cancellations/forfeitures, Unvested | -2,111 | -8,610 |
| Ending balance, Outstanding, Unvested | 60,488 | 93,418 |
| Beginning balance, Outstanding, Vested | ' | 132,232 |
| Grants, Vested | 14,000 | 10,500 |
| Vested, Vested | 33,319 | 35,292 |
| Exercises, Vested | ' | -11,629 |
| Cancellations/forfeitures, Vested | -2,009 | -14,611 |
| Ending balance, Outstanding, Vested | 197,094 | 151,784 |
| Number of Shares, Outstanding, Beginning balance | 245,202 | 263,052 |
| Number of Shares, Granted | 16,500 | 17,000 |
| Number of Shares, Vested | ' | ' |
| Number of Shares, Exercises | 0 | -11,629 |
| Number of Shares, Cancellations/ forfeitures | -4,120 | -23,221 |
| Number of Shares, Outstanding, Ending balance | 257,582 | 245,202 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning balance | $9.12 | $8.81 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted | $4.73 | $9.66 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested | $10.46 | $10.34 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | ' | $4.49 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancellations/ forfeitures | $9.98 | $8.36 |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Ending balance | $8.83 | $9.12 |
| Weighted Average Contractual Life, Outstanding, Beginning balance | '6 years 11 months 27 days | '7 years 9 months 7 days |
| Weighted Average Contractual Life, Outstanding, Ending balance | '6 years 2 months 16 days | '6 years 11 months 27 days |
Summary_of_Significant_Account7
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock Options Vested and Expected to Vest (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' |
| Number of Shares | 257,582 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | '6 years 2 months 16 days |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | $8.83 |
| Exercisable Number of Shares | 197,094 |
| Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $8.16 |
| $2.01 - $3.00 [Member] | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Lower limit | $2.01 |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Upper limit | $3 |
| Number of Shares | 15,288 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | '1 year 11 months 9 days |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | $3 |
| Exercisable Number of Shares | 15,288 |
| Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $3 |
| $3.01 - $4.00 [Member] | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Lower limit | $3.01 |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Upper limit | $4 |
| Number of Shares | 16,600 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | '2 years 9 months 29 days |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | $3.66 |
| Exercisable Number of Shares | 16,600 |
| Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $3.66 |
| $4.01 - $5.00 [Member] | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Lower limit | $4.01 |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Upper limit | $5 |
| Number of Shares | 28,900 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | '7 years 5 months 5 days |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | $4.79 |
| Exercisable Number of Shares | 26,300 |
| Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $4.78 |
| $5.01 - $10.00 [Member] | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Lower limit | $5.01 |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Upper limit | $10 |
| Number of Shares | 54,400 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | '5 years 8 months 27 days |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | $7.43 |
| Exercisable Number of Shares | 50,580 |
| Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $7.39 |
| $10.01 - $15.00 [Member] | ' |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Lower limit | $10.01 |
| Range of Exercise Prices, Upper limit | $15 |
| Number of Shares | 142,394 |
| Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) | '6 years 11 months 27 days |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price | $11.41 |
| Exercisable Number of Shares | 88,326 |
| Exercisable Weighted-Average Exercise Price | $11.36 |
Summary_of_Significant_Account8
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Financial Instruments Fair Value (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | $2,048,721 | $5,030,448 |
| Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 1,247,384 | 4,668,864 |
| Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | 1,925,371 |
| Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 1,247,384 | 2,743,493 |
| Mutual Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 880,230 | 1,340,440 |
| Mutual Funds [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 880,230 | 1,340,440 |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 880,230 | 1,340,440 |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | ' |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | ' |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | ' |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 880,230 | 1,340,440 |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 880,230 | 1,340,440 |
| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 1,247,384 | 4,668,864 |
| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 1,247,384 | 4,668,864 |
| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | 1,925,371 |
| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt and Certificates of Deposits [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 1,247,384 | 2,743,493 |
| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | ' |
| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | ' |
Summary_of_Significant_Account9
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | ($12,062) | $10,042 |
Recovered_Sheet1
| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | ($12,062) | $10,042 |
| Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | ' | ' |
| Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | ($2,020) | $10,042 |
Income_Per_Share_Summary_of_Ba
| Income Per Share - Summary of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Net loss | ($714,129) | ($840,885) |
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 |
| Dilutive effect of stock options | ' | ' |
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted | 1,838,716 | 1,832,937 |
| Basic Net Loss Per Share | ($0.39) | ($0.46) |
| Diluted Net Loss Per Share | ($0.39) | ($0.46) |
Income_Per_Share_Additional_In
| Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Outstanding potentially anti-dilutive stock options | 257,582 | 245,202 |
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl2
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Cost | $2,049,380 | $4,995,442 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Accrued Interest | 1,186 | 24,964 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains | ' | 22,639 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses | 1,845 | 12,597 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 2,048,721 | 5,030,448 |
| Money Market Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Cost | 801,337 | 361,584 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Accrued Interest | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 801,337 | 361,584 |
| Certificates of Deposit [Member] | ' | ' |
| Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Cost | 1,248,043 | 2,754,127 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Accrued Interest | 1,186 | 1,963 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses | 1,845 | 12,597 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | 1,247,384 | 2,743,493 |
| Municipal Bonds [Member] | ' | ' |
| Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Cost | ' | 1,879,731 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Accrued Interest | ' | 23,001 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Gains | ' | 22,639 |
| Available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Losses | ' | ' |
| Available-for-sale securities, Estimated Fair Value | ' | $1,925,371 |
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl3
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities - Held to Maturity Securities (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |
| Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] | ' |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Cost | $2,056,276 |
| Municipal Bonds [Member] | ' |
| Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] | ' |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Cost | 2,056,276 |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Accrued Interest | 24,087 |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Amortization Bond Premium | 94,885 |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost | 1,985,478 |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Unrealized Gains | 10,425 |
| Held to Maturity Securities, Estimated Fair Value | $1,995,903 |
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl4
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |
| Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | ' |
| Contractual maturity due | '1 year |
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl5
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities - Contractual Maturities of Held to Maturity Investments (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 |
| Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | ' |
| Contractual maturities, Within 1 year, Cost | $549,623 |
| Contractual maturities, After 1 year through 5 years, Cost | 1,506,653 |
| Total, Cost | 2,056,276 |
| Contractual maturities, Within 1 year, Amortized Cost | 522,856 |
| Contractual maturities, After 1 year through 5 years, Amortized Cost | 1,462,622 |
| Total, Amortized Cost | $1,985,478 |
Cash_Equivalents_and_Marketabl6
| Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities - Available-for-Sale Securities Included in Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Total | $1,247,384 | $4,668,864 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | ' | ' |
| Total | 880,230 | 361,584 |
| Marketable Securities [Member] | ' | ' |
| Total | $1,247,384 | $4,668,864 |
Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent
| Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Finished goods | $10,295 | $38,406 |
| Work in process | 1,110,169 | 642,159 |
| Raw materials and supplies | 1,498,140 | 1,952,843 |
| Total inventories | $2,618,604 | $2,633,408 |
Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv2
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Schedule of Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | $4,300,304 | $4,084,886 |
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | -3,831,402 | -3,632,288 |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, net | 468,902 | 452,598 |
| Engineering and Manufacturing Equipment [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | 2,011,821 | 1,829,672 |
| Demonstration Equipment [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | 781,790 | 778,240 |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | '3 years | ' |
| Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | 962,743 | 933,024 |
| Automobile [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | 49,441 | 49,441 |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | '5 years | ' |
| Leasehold Improvements [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total equipment and leasehold improvements | $494,509 | $494,509 |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | 'Lesser of useful life or term of lease | ' |
| Minimum [Member] | Engineering and Manufacturing Equipment [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | '3 years | ' |
| Minimum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | '3 years | ' |
| Maximum [Member] | Engineering and Manufacturing Equipment [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | '8 years | ' |
| Maximum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | ' | ' |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Equipment and leasehold improvements, Estimated Useful Life | '8 years | ' |
Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv3
| Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life And Values [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Depreciation expense | $199,114 | $216,538 |
Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Summ
| Other Accrued Liabilities - Summary of Other Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Product warranty costs | $28,639 | $61,702 |
| Professional service fees | 107,236 | 68,812 |
| Annual report and investor relations fees | 11,853 | 33,967 |
| Customer support agreements and commissions | 19,120 | 11,800 |
| Total other accrued liabilities | $166,848 | $176,281 |
Leases_Additional_Information_
| Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
| Apr. 07, 2007 | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Y | |||
| sqft | |||
| Leases [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
| Leased space | 22,800 | ' | ' |
| Initial term of lease | 5 | ' | ' |
| Lease annual rate | $159,000 | $171,000 | ' |
| Lease terms extended | ' | 'the lease contains options to extend the lease for two and one half years through SeptemberB 30, 2014 and another two and one half years through MarchB 31, 2017 | 'the Company exercised its option to extend the lease for the period April 1, 2012 through September 30, 2014 |
| Rent expense | ' | $170,604 | $164,916 |
Guarantees_Additional_Informat
| Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |
| Guarantees [Abstract] | ' |
| Standard products warranty | '15 months |
Guarantees_Schedule_of_Product
| Guarantees - Schedule of Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Guarantees [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Beginning balance | $61,702 | $185,832 |
| Plus: accruals related to new sales | 22,207 | 39,938 |
| Less: payments and adjustments to prior period accruals | -55,270 | -164,068 |
| Ending balance | $28,639 | $61,702 |
Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo
| Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense Benefit (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Current: | ' | ' |
| Federal | ($304,308) | ($458,732) |
| State | -218,114 | -18,952 |
| Total current taxes | -522,422 | -477,684 |
| Deferred: | ' | ' |
| Federal | -260,677 | 66,923 |
| State | -15,703 | -186,230 |
| Total deferred taxes | -276,381 | -119,307 |
| Total benefit for income taxes | ($798,802) | ($596,991) |
Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec
| Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate | ($514,397) | ($488,877) |
| State income tax provision, net of federal benefit | -81,859 | -133,495 |
| Federal tax credits | -71,799 | -46,061 |
| State refund from prior years | -141,034 | ' |
| Change in state effective rate | 99,428 | ' |
| Other | -11,508 | 39,754 |
| Valuation allowance | -77,633 | 31,688 |
| Total benefit for income taxes | ($798,802) | ($596,991) |
| Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate, Percent | -34.00% | -34.00% |
| federal benefit, Percent | -5.40% | -9.20% |
| Federal tax credits, Percent | -4.80% | -3.20% |
| State refund from prior years,Percent | -9.30% | ' |
| Change in state effective rate, Percent | 6.60% | ' |
| Other,Percent | -0.80% | 2.70% |
| Valuation allowance, Percent | -5.10% | 2.20% |
| Total benefit for income taxes, Percent | -52.80% | -41.50% |
Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer
| Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) | Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 |
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Inventory differences | $1,073,398 | $1,151,031 |
| Payroll related accruals | 54,777 | 80,823 |
| Warranty accruals | 10,682 | 24,236 |
| Other | 829,000 | 512,919 |
| Total | 1,967,857 | 1,769,109 |
| Less: valuation allowance | -1,073,398 | -1,151,031 |
| Total | $894,459 | $618,078 |
Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform
| Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Income Taxes [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Change in valuation allowance | $77,633 | ($31,688) |
| Fund received | 213,618 | ' |
| Federal Research And Development Credits [Member] | ' | ' |
| Income Taxes [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Credit Research | 71,800 | ' |
| Period of tax credit | '2033 | ' |
| Massachusetts Research Credits [Member] | ' | ' |
| Income Taxes [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Credit Research | 141,979 | ' |
| Period of tax credit | '2028 | ' |
| Net operating loss carry forwards | $1,343,563 | ' |
| Minimum [Member] | ' | ' |
| Income Taxes [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Tax examination | '2009 | ' |
| Maximum [Member] | ' | ' |
| Income Taxes [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Tax examination | '2012 | ' |
Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio
| Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Schedule Of Sale Of Subsidiary [Abstract] | ' | ' |
| Defined contribution plan employer matching contribution amount | $85,630 | $78,288 |
| Company profit sharing contributions | 0 | 0 |
| Accrued executives bonus | $10,000 | $0 |
Commitments_and_Contingencies_
| Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| CreditFacility | CreditFacility | |
| Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity | $600,000 | ' |
| Interest payable rate | 2.75% | ' |
| Cash borrowings | 0 | 0 |
| Letter of credit | 32,786 | 17,883 |
| Number of secured letter of credit facilities | 2 | 1 |
| Secured by Cash Certificate of Deposits [Member] | ' | ' |
| Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Letter of credit | 17,883 | ' |
| Secured by the Company's Lines of Credit [Member] | ' | ' |
| Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Letter of credit | $14,903 | ' |
Major_Customers_and_Export_Sal2
| Major Customers and Export Sales - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Customer | Customer | |
| Country | Country | |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Number of major customers | 3 | 2 |
| Number of countries in which products are sold | 5 | 7 |
| First Customer [Member] | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Sales represented in percentage | 29.00% | 70.00% |
| Account receivables major customer percentage | 32.00% | 83.00% |
| Second Customer [Member] | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Sales represented in percentage | 27.00% | 15.00% |
| Account receivables major customer percentage | 29.00% | 13.00% |
| Third Customer [Member] | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Sales represented in percentage | 15.00% | ' |
| Account receivables major customer percentage | 28.00% | ' |
| First, Second and Third Customer [Member] | ' | ' |
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Sales represented in percentage | 71.00% | 85.00% |
| Account receivables major customer percentage | 89.00% | 96.00% |
Major_Customers_and_Export_Sal3
| Major Customers and Export Sales - Breakdown of Foreign and Domestic Net Sale (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Schedule Of Net Sales By Geographical Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total Sales | $6,249,649 | $8,117,292 |
| Domestic [Member] | ' | ' |
| Schedule Of Net Sales By Geographical Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total Sales | 5,719,765 | 7,160,372 |
| Foreign [Member] | ' | ' |
| Schedule Of Net Sales By Geographical Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Total Sales | $529,884 | $956,920 |
Major_Customers_and_Export_Sal4
| Major Customers and Export Sales - Foreign Revenues by Country as Percentage of Total Foreign Revenue (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| North America (excluding the U.S.) [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from geographical area as a percentage of foreign revenue | 0.60% | ' |
| Central and South America [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from geographical area as a percentage of foreign revenue | ' | 0.30% |
| Mid-East and Africa [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from geographical area as a percentage of foreign revenue | 99.40% | 94.40% |
| Far East [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from geographical area as a percentage of foreign revenue | ' | 5.30% |
Major_Customers_and_Export_Sal5
| Major Customers and Export Sales - Foreign Revenue, as Percentage of Total Foreign Revenue by Geographic Area (Detail) | 12 Months Ended | |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | Sep. 29, 2012 | |
| Saudi Arabia [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from foreign countries as a percentage of foreign revenue | 69.80% | 42.40% |
| Jordan [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from foreign countries as a percentage of foreign revenue | 1.30% | 33.00% |
| Egypt [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from foreign countries as a percentage of foreign revenue | 28.10% | 18.70% |
| Thailand [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from foreign countries as a percentage of foreign revenue | ' | 5.30% |
| Other [Member] | ' | ' |
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
| Revenue from foreign countries as a percentage of foreign revenue | 0.80% | 0.60% |
Shareholder_Rights_Plan_Additi
| Shareholder Rights Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
| Sep. 28, 2013 | |
| Equity [Line Items] | ' |
| Common stock price per share | $25 |
| Redemption of rights | $0.00 |
| Voting stock ownership | 15.00% |
| Shareholder Rights, Expiration date | 5-Aug-14 |
| Minimum [Member] | ' |
| Equity [Line Items] | ' |
| Outstanding voting Stock | 15.00% |
| Maximum [Member] | ' |
| Equity [Line Items] | ' |
| Outstanding voting Stock | 50.00% |