Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SEVCON, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000825411
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 29, 2013