Note 11 - Other Financial Data (Detail) - Balance Sheet Information (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012
Accounts receivable, net:
Accounts receivable	$ 36,256	$ 43,261
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,009)	(1,123)
Total	35,247	42,138
Inventories, net:
Raw materials	27,746	38,911
Work in process	3,346	3,634
Finished goods	25,147	23,229
Total	56,239	65,774
Other current assets:
Current deferred tax asset	2,865	3,958
Prepaid insurance	1,652	1,755
Other	826	1,433
Total	5,343	7,146
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies, net of loans of $187 and $486	5,413	5,146
Capitalized financing costs, net	248	274
Other	348	348
Total	6,009	5,768
Property, plant and equipment, net:
Land and land improvements	9,131	9,131
Buildings	41,753	41,585
Machinery and equipment	121,215	121,321
Construction in progress	7,307	5,270
	179,406	177,307
Less accumulated depreciation	(91,338)	(89,591)
Total	88,068	87,716
Accrued expenses:
Salaries, wages and related expenses	1,769	1,342
Pension plan	1,410	1,442
Property taxes	1,123	1,233
Customer rebates	866	716
Worker's compensation	326	327
Interest	29	29
Other	848	788
Total	6,371	5,877
Other liabilities:
Deferred compensation	7,650	7,487
Deferred income taxes	4,231	4,087
Total	$ 11,881	$ 11,574