Note 8 Commitment and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases.  The Company leases certain of its facilities and equipment under non-cancellable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2040. The Company is responsible for utilities, maintenance, insurance and property taxes under these leases. Future minimum lease payments, net of sublease income, under operating leases are as follows:

	(In thousands)
2012	$	22,544
2013	19,063
2014	11,516
2015	8,696
2016	7,377
Thereafter	33,674
Total	$	102,870

Rent expense, net of sublease income, under operating leases was $29.8 million, $24.7 million and $22.4 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

Litigation and other contingencies.  From time to time, the Company is a party to litigation, claims and other contingencies, including environmental and employee matters and examinations and investigations by governmental agencies, which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company cannot predict what effect these matters may have on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Refer to “Item 3-Legal Proceedings”.

The Company records a contingent liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable in accordance with ASC Topic 450, Contingencies or other applicable accounting standards. As of October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, the Company had accrued liabilities of $18.9 million and $22.3 million, respectively for environmental matters, litigation and other contingencies, not including reserves for uncertain tax positions, which the Company believes is adequate. Such reserves are included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company is subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations concerning environmental protection, including those addressing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, the materials used in products, and the recycling, treatment and disposal of materials. As of October 1, 2011, the Company had been named in a lawsuit alleging its current and former sites contributed to groundwater contamination and was also a party to a regulatory agency order with respect to a former site. No reserves have been provided for these matters either because a loss is not considered probable or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated.