Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 segments	Jan. 01, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable operating segments	2
Net sales	$ 190,767	$ 183,111
Income (loss) from continuing operations	25,313	25,691
Commercial Lasers and Components
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	55,150	61,358
Income (loss) from continuing operations	4,020	8,325
Specialty Laser Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	135,617	121,753
Income (loss) from continuing operations	31,030	28,861
Corporate and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (9,737)	$ (11,495)