Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share

	Year Ended September 30,
	2012	2011	2010
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Powell Industries, Inc.	$ 29,657	$ (2,715)	$ 25,008
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares	11,850	11,735	11,545
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (1)	75	—	148
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,925	11,735	11,693
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 2.50	$ (0.23)	$ 2.17
Diluted	$ 2.49	$ (0.23)	$ 2.14

(1)  In fiscal year 2011, these items were excluded from diluted income (loss) per share as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.