BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Jun. 28, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of June 26, 2020 and June 28, 2019, and their results of operations for the three and nine month periods then ended and cash flows for the nine month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2019 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2019. Due to seasonal variations and other factors, some of which are described herein, including related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and resulting pandemic, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 26, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the Company’s full 2020 fiscal year. See “Seasonality” and "Coronavirus (COVID-19)" in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein for additional information. The Company considers all short-term investments in interest-bearing accounts and all securities and other instruments with an original maturity of three months or less, to be equivalent to cash. Cash equivalents are stated at cost which approximates market value. Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities greater than three months but less than one year. All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thousands.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)	Coronavirus (COVID-19) In March 2020, the World Health Organization recognized the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a global pandemic. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on social and commercial activity, including travel, to promote social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. These measures have had a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and retail commerce. In response to these measures and for the protection of our employees, we temporarily closed our manufacturing locations and warehouses at the beginning of the Company's third fiscal quarter which falls during our primary selling season. While as of June 26, 2020, we had resumed nearly all production and shipping activities under appropriate safety protocols, the period of suspended operations had an adverse impact on sales volumes and operating profits for the three and nine months then ended. Over the course of the fiscal third quarter, government mandates allowed us to re-open our manufacturing and distribution centers. While those mandates continued to emphasize social distancing measures to the general public, the Company began to see growing demand and improved sales volumes in the latter part of the quarter for certain of its outdoor recreation businesses. Nonetheless, the full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are beyond our control and which remain highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. This includes, but is not limited to, the duration, spread, severity and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or future waves, increasing outbreaks or hot spots of the pandemic in our areas of operations or in key markets, the effects of the pandemic on our customers, consumers, suppliers and vendors and the remedial actions and stimulus measures adopted by federal, state and local governments in reaction to the pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact various key regions of the world, even after it subsides, we may continue to experience adverse impacts to our business as a result of any economic recession that has occurred or may occur in the future. As a result, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Company operations and profitability at this time as the situation is dynamic and constantly changing. We continue to monitor evolving economic and general business conditions and the actual and potential impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Recently adapted and issued accounting pronouncements	Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In July 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-10 Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases and ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements. In February 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2019-01 Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. This ASU and the updates to this ASU require organizations to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance was effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, and may be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements with certain practical expedients available. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASU's using the modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, coinciding with the standard's effective date. The additional disclosures required by the ASU and its updates are included in Note 18 "Leases" of these Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which allows for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. ASU No. 2018-02 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU allowed for early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the update. The Company early adopted the ASU in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, and elected not to make this optional reclassification. Recently issued accounting pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)” and also issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05 (collectively Topic 326). Topic 326 requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. This replaces the existing incurred loss model with an expected loss model and requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for certain amendments. Topic 326 must be adopted by applying a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company does not expect adoption of the new guidance to have a significant impact on its financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (Topic 715), which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined pension or postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its disclosures. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify accounting for income taxes. It removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of the new guidance to have a significant impact on its financial statements.
Revenues	REVENUES Adoption of Topic 606 In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and all subsequent ASUs that modified accounting standards Topic 606 using the modified retrospective adoption method. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a right to returns asset of $763 and a corresponding increase in the accrued return liability, resulting in an accrued returns liability of $2,725. The adoption of this new revenue standard did not otherwise have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, and the timing and amount of its revenue recognition remained substantially unchanged under this new guidance. Revenue recognition Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of our goods at a point in time based on shipping terms and transfer of title. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. The amount of consideration received can vary, primarily because of customer incentive or rebate arrangements. The Company estimates variable consideration based on the expected value of total consideration to which customers are likely to be entitled based on historical experience and projected market expectations. Included in the estimate is an assessment as to whether any variable consideration is constrained. Revenue estimates are adjusted at the earlier of a change in the expected value of consideration or when the consideration becomes fixed. For all contracts with customers, the Company has not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less. Sales are made on normal and customary short-term credit terms, generally ranging from 30 to 90 days, or upon delivery of point of sale transactions. Sales, value add, and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company enters into contractual arrangements with customers in the form of individual customer orders which specify the goods, quantity, pricing, and associated order terms. The Company does not have contracts which are satisfied over time. Due to the nature of these contracts, no significant judgment exists in relation to the identification of the customer contract, satisfaction of the performance obligation, or transaction price. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract due to the short-term nature of the contracts. Estimated costs of returns, allowances and discounts, based on historic experience, are accrued as a reduction to sales when revenue is recognized. The Company provides customers the right to return eligible products under certain circumstances. At June 26, 2020, the right to returns asset was $1,082 and the accrued returns liability was $3,207. At June 28, 2019, the right to returns asset was $1,170 and the accrued returns liability was $3,729. The Company also offers assurance-type warranties relating to its products sold to end customers that continue to be accounted for under ASC 460 Guarantees. The Company generally accounts for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, consistent with the timing of revenue recognition; that is, when a customer takes control of the transferred goods. In the event that a customer were to take control of a product upon or after shipment, the Company has made an accounting policy election to treat such shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in "Net Sales," and shipping and handling costs are recognized within "Marketing and selling expenses" in the same period the related revenue is recognized. The Company has a wide variety of seasonal, outdoor recreation products used primarily for fishing from a boat, diving, paddling, hiking and camping, that are sold to a variety of customers in multiple end markets. Nonetheless, the revenue recognition policies are similar among all the various products sold by the Company. See Note 16 for required disclosures of disaggregated revenue.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 28, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of June 26, 2020 and June 28, 2019, and their results of operations for the three and nine month periods then ended and cash flows for the nine month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2019 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2019.

Due to seasonal variations and other factors, some of which are described herein, including related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and resulting pandemic, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 26, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the Company’s full 2020 fiscal year. See “Seasonality” and "Coronavirus (COVID-19)" in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein for additional information.

The Company considers all short-term investments in interest-bearing accounts and all securities and other instruments with an original maturity of three months or less, to be equivalent to cash. Cash equivalents are stated at cost which approximates market value. Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities greater than three months but less than one year.

All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thousands.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In March 2020, the World Health Organization recognized the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a global pandemic. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on social and commercial activity, including travel, to promote social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the illness. These measures have had a significant adverse impact upon many sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and retail commerce. In response to these measures and for the protection of our employees, we temporarily closed our manufacturing locations and warehouses at the beginning of the Company's third fiscal quarter which falls during our primary selling season. While as of June 26, 2020, we had resumed nearly all production and shipping activities under appropriate safety protocols, the period of suspended operations had an adverse impact on sales volumes and operating profits for the three and nine months then ended.

Over the course of the fiscal third quarter, government mandates allowed us to re-open our manufacturing and distribution centers. While those mandates continued to emphasize social distancing measures to the general public, the Company began to see growing demand and improved sales volumes in the latter part of the quarter for certain of its outdoor recreation businesses. Nonetheless, the full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are beyond our control and which remain highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. This includes, but is not limited to, the duration, spread, severity and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or future waves, increasing outbreaks or hot spots of the pandemic in our areas of operations or in key markets, the effects of the pandemic on our customers, consumers, suppliers and vendors and the remedial actions and stimulus measures adopted by federal, state and local governments in reaction to the pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact various key regions of the world, even after it subsides, we may continue to experience adverse impacts to our business as a result of any economic recession that has occurred or may occur in the future. As a result, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Company operations and profitability at this time as the situation is dynamic and constantly changing. We continue to monitor evolving economic and general business conditions and the actual and potential impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Recently adapted and issued accounting pronouncements

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In July 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-10 Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases and ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements. In February 2019, the FASB also issued ASU 2019-01 Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. This ASU and the updates to this ASU require organizations to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance was effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, and may be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements with certain practical expedients available. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASU's using the modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, coinciding with the standard's effective date. The additional disclosures required by the ASU and its updates are included in Note 18 "Leases" of these Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which allows for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. ASU No. 2018-02 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU allowed for early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the update. The Company early adopted the ASU in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, and elected not to make this optional reclassification.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)” and also issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05 (collectively Topic 326). Topic 326 requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. This replaces the existing incurred loss model with an expected loss model and requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for certain amendments. Topic 326 must be adopted by applying a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company does not expect adoption of the new guidance to have a significant impact on its financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (Topic 715), which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined pension or postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance on its disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify accounting for income taxes. It removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of the new guidance to have a significant impact on its financial statements.

Revenues

REVENUES

Adoption of Topic 606

In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and all subsequent ASUs that modified accounting standards Topic 606 using the modified retrospective adoption method. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a right to returns asset of $763 and a corresponding increase in the accrued return liability, resulting in an accrued returns liability of $2,725. The adoption of this new revenue standard did not otherwise have an impact on the

Company's consolidated financial statements, and the timing and amount of its revenue recognition remained substantially unchanged under this new guidance.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of our goods at a point in time based on shipping terms and transfer of title. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. The amount of consideration received can vary, primarily because of customer incentive or rebate arrangements. The Company estimates variable consideration based on the expected value of total consideration to which customers are likely to be entitled based on historical experience and projected market expectations. Included in the estimate is an assessment as to whether any variable consideration is constrained. Revenue estimates are adjusted at the earlier of a change in the expected value of consideration or when the consideration becomes fixed. For all contracts with customers, the Company has not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less. Sales are made on normal and customary short-term credit terms, generally ranging from 30 to 90 days, or upon delivery of point of sale transactions. Sales, value add, and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

The Company enters into contractual arrangements with customers in the form of individual customer orders which specify the goods, quantity, pricing, and associated order terms. The Company does not have contracts which are satisfied over time. Due to the nature of these contracts, no significant judgment exists in relation to the identification of the customer contract, satisfaction of the performance obligation, or transaction price. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract due to the short-term nature of the contracts.

Estimated costs of returns, allowances and discounts, based on historic experience, are accrued as a reduction to sales when revenue is recognized. The Company provides customers the right to return eligible products under certain circumstances. At June 26, 2020, the right to returns asset was $1,082 and the accrued returns liability was $3,207. At June 28, 2019, the right to returns asset was $1,170 and the accrued returns liability was $3,729. The Company also offers assurance-type warranties relating to its products sold to end customers that continue to be accounted for under ASC 460 Guarantees.

The Company generally accounts for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, consistent with the timing of revenue recognition; that is, when a customer takes control of the transferred goods. In the event that a customer were to take control of a product upon or after shipment, the Company has made an accounting policy election to treat such shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in "Net Sales," and shipping and handling costs are recognized within "Marketing and selling expenses" in the same period the related revenue is recognized.

The Company has a wide variety of seasonal, outdoor recreation products used primarily for fishing from a boat, diving, paddling, hiking and camping, that are sold to a variety of customers in multiple end markets. Nonetheless, the revenue recognition policies are similar among all the various products sold by the Company.

See Note 16 for required disclosures of disaggregated revenue.