Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Asset And Liability Components (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Deferred Tax Asset And Liability Components [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	$ 3,245,000	$ 3,556,000
Accrued expenses, asset reserves and state tax credits	2,467,000	1,841,000
Stock-based compensation	1,560,000	1,878,000
State net operating loss carryforwards	1,180,000	1,372,000
Goodwill, amortizable for tax purposes	986,000	1,392,000
Federal net operating loss carryforward		1,870,000
Valuation allowance	(730,000)	(679,000)
Deferred tax assets	8,708,000	11,230,000
Plant and equipment	(12,607,000)	(10,637,000)
Prepaid insurance and other reserves	(650,000)	(722,000)
Deferred tax liabilities	(13,257,000)	(11,359,000)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (4,549,000)	$ (129,000)