CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries	$ (5,813)	$ 1,575
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(996)	(318)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Actuarial loss net of $354 tax benefit (2015:Actuarial loss net of $644 tax benefit)	(1,420)	(1,857)
Comprehensive loss	$ (8,229)	$ (600)