Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Cash flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 57,806	$ 51,556	$ 50,942
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	3,736	3,372	2,701
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(1,807)	(1,228)	(432)
Net periodic pension benefit cost	1,288	664	724
Depreciation and amortization	16,589	13,782	12,894
Deferred income taxes	(1,010)	29	5,357
Bad debt (recovery) provision	(160)	896	729
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and unbilled contracts receivable	(43,179)	(398)	(44,714)
Inventories	(9,616)	(2,104)	(13,610)
Prepaid expenses	(1,587)	(919)	(268)
Accounts payable	(3,973)	5,922	5,492
Accrued payroll and related costs	1,366	(2,257)	740
Advance payments from customers	(21,082)	2,251	19,123
Accrued warranty costs	632	(1,223)	(2,191)
Contributions to pension benefit plan	(4,575)	(524)	(475)
Other assets and liabilities	3,513	(4,794)	5,946
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities	(2,059)	65,025	42,958
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(29,690)	(15,625)	(10,145)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net (repayments) receipts under short-term borrowings	34,708	(40,458)	37
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1,807	1,228	432
Cash dividends	(19,113)	(15,874)	(9,300)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock	8,645	17,886	12,878
Payments to purchase and retire common stock	(24,767)	(35,323)	(9,864)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	1,280	(72,541)	(5,817)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(1,050)	(1,102)	488
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
(Decrease) increase during the year	(31,519)	(24,243)	27,484
Balance, beginning of year	79,852	104,095	76,611
Balance, end of year	48,333	79,852	104,095
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	146	947	1,284
Income taxes	22,565	33,789	7,061
Non-cash financing activities:
Dividends declared not yet paid	$ 4,545	$ 4,858	$ 3,919