Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$ 12,138	$ 73	$ 17,804	$ 4,237
Denominator
Weighted average basic shares	11,812	11,740	11,782	11,730
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	49	72	52	76
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,861	11,812	11,834	11,806
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.03	$ 0.01	$ 1.51	$ 0.36
Diluted	$ 1.02	$ 0.01	$ 1.50	$ 0.36

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

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- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

+ Details