CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	$ (2,427)	$ 122
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	635	(78)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss, net of tax benefit of $22 and $18, respectively	67	59
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (1,725)	$ 103