Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Cash flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 42,009	$ 57,806	$ 51,556
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	5,761	3,736	3,372
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(1,723)	(1,807)	(1,228)
Fair value adjustment to acquired inventory and deferred revenue	564
Net periodic pension benefit cost	1,098	1,288	664
Depreciation and amortization	19,279	16,589	13,782
Deferred income taxes	(5,912)	(1,010)	29
Bad debt provision (recovery)	810	(160)	896
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and unbilled contracts receivable	(6,245)	(43,179)	(398)
Inventories	(4,623)	(9,616)	(2,104)
Prepaid expenses	805	(1,587)	(919)
Accounts payable	(2,777)	(3,973)	5,922
Accrued payroll and related costs	67	1,366	(2,257)
Advance payments from customers	6,171	(21,082)	2,251
Accrued warranty costs	(406)	632	(1,223)
Contributions to pension benefit plan	(638)	(4,575)	(524)
Other assets and liabilities	10,429	3,513	(4,794)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	64,669	(2,059)	65,025
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(20,038)	(29,690)	(15,625)
Purchases of business, net of acquired cash	(14,192)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(34,230)	(29,690)	(15,625)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net (repayments) receipts under short-term borrowings	24,102	34,708	(40,458)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1,723	1,807	1,228
Cash dividends	(18,330)	(19,113)	(15,874)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock	7,590	8,645	17,886
Payments to purchase and retire common stock	(31,013)	(24,767)	(35,323)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(15,928)	1,280	(72,541)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(2,447)	(1,050)	(1,102)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
(Decrease) increase during the year	12,064	(31,519)	(24,243)
Balance, beginning of year	48,333	79,852	104,095
Balance, end of year	60,397	48,333	79,852
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	594	146	947
Income taxes	15,628	22,565	33,789
Non-cash financing activities:
Accrued contingent consideration	650
Dividends declared not yet paid	$ 4,476	$ 4,545	$ 4,858