Note 8 Commitment and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2013

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 2042. 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)
2014	$	26,020
2015	17,514
2016	11,745
2017	8,983
2018	6,228
Thereafter	20,597
Total	$	91,087

Rent expense, net of sublease income, under operating leases was $33.7 million, $32.9 million and $29.8 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Company had accrued liabilities of $22.2 million and $18.5 million, respectively, for environmental matters, litigation and other contingencies, excluding 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 September 28, 2013, the Company had been named in a lawsuit alleging certain of its current and former sites contributed to groundwater contamination. Although it is reasonably possible that the Company may incur a loss in connection with this matter, the amount of loss or range of loss cannot be reasonably estimated.