Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

All majority owned subsidiaries are included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and all intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

FISCAL YEAR

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 each consisted of 52 weeks and ended on September 30, 2011, October 1, 2010 and October 2, 2009, respectively.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Significant judgment is required in determining the reserves for and fair value of items such as reserves for inventory, income taxes, share-based compensation, loss contingencies, bad debt, contingent consideration associated with business combinations, and fair value assessments of assets and liabilities. In addition, significant judgment is required in determining whether a potential indicator of impairment of long-lived assets exists and in estimating future cash flows for any necessary impairment tests. Management’s estimates could differ significantly from actual results.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenues from product sales are recognized upon shipment and transfer of title, in accordance with the shipping terms specified in the arrangement with the customer. Revenue from license fees and intellectual property is recognized when due and payable, and all other criteria of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605-Revenue Recognition, have been met. The Company ships product on consignment to certain customers and only recognizes revenue when the customer notifies us that the inventory has been consumed. Revenue recognition is deferred in all instances where the earnings process is incomplete. Certain product sales are made to electronic component distributors under agreements allowing for price protection and/or a right of return (stock rotation) on unsold products. A reserve for sales returns and allowances for customers is recorded based on historical experience or specific identification of a contractual arrangement necessitating a revenue reserve.

Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy [Policy Text Block]

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

The Company maintains general allowances for doubtful accounts for losses that they estimate will arise from their customers’ inability to make required payments. These reserves require management to apply judgment in deriving estimates. As the Company becomes aware of any specific receivables which may be uncollectable, they perform additional analysis and reserves are recorded if deemed necessary. Determination of such additional specific reserves require management to make judgments and estimates pertaining to factors such as a customer’s credit worthiness, intent and ability to pay, and overall financial position. If the data the Company uses to calculate the allowance for doubtful accounts does not reflect the future ability to collect outstanding receivables, additional provisions for doubtful accounts may be needed and its results of operations could be materially affected.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash money market funds where the underlying securities primarily consist of United States treasury obligations, United States agency obligations, and repurchase agreements collateralized by United States Government and agency obligations with maturities of 90 days or less.

RESTRICTED CASH

Restricted cash is primarily used to collateralize the Company’s open letters of credit.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

INVESTMENTS

The Company’s investment is classified as available for sale and consists of an auction rate security (“ARS”).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, short-term debt and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. Fair values of long-term debt and investments are based on quoted market prices if available, and if not available a fair value is determined through a discounted cash flow analysis at the date of measurement.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

INVENTORY

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market. Each quarter, the Company estimates and establishes reserves for excess, obsolete or unmarketable inventory. These reserves are generally equal to the historical cost basis of the excess or obsolete inventory and once recorded are considered permanent adjustments. Calculation of the reserves requires management to use judgment and make assumptions about forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand, competitiveness of its product offerings, general market conditions and product life cycles upon which the reserves are based. When inventory on hand exceeds foreseeable demand (generally in excess of twelve months), reserves are established for the value of such inventory that is not expected to be sold.

If actual demand and market conditions are less favorable than those the Company projects, additional inventory reserves may be required and its results of operations could be materially affected. Some or all of the inventories that have been reserved may be retained and made available for sale; however, they are generally scrapped over time.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method. Significant renewals and betterments are capitalized and equipment taken out of service is written off. Maintenance and repairs, as well as renewals of a minor amount, are expensed as incurred.

Estimated useful lives used for depreciation purposes are five to 30 years for buildings and improvements and three to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the economic life or the life of the associated lease.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

VALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Definite lived intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Carrying values for long-lived assets and definite lived intangible assets, which exclude goodwill, are reviewed for possible impairment as circumstances warrant. Factors considered important that could result in an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of assets or the Company’s business strategy, or significant negative industry or economic trends. In addition, impairment reviews are conducted at the judgment of management whenever asset / asset group values are deemed to be unrecoverable relative to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that particular asset / asset group. The determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset / asset group and its eventual disposition. Such estimates require management to exercise judgment and make assumptions regarding factors such as future revenue streams, operating expenditures, cost allocation and asset utilization levels, all of which collectively impact future operating performance. The Company’s estimates of undiscounted cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, technological changes, economic conditions, changes to its business model or changes in its operating performance. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of an asset/asset group, the Company would recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives comprise an insignificant portion of the total book value of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets. The Company assesses the need to test its goodwill for impairment on a regular basis. Pursuant to the guidance provided under Segment Reporting (see Note 18 of Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion), the Company has determined that it has only one reporting unit for the purposes of allocating and testing goodwill under ASC 350.

The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step of the Company’s impairment analysis compares its fair value to its net book value to determine if there is an indicator of impairment. To determine fair value, ASC 350 allows for the use of several valuation methodologies, although it states that quoted market prices are the best evidence of fair value and shall be used as the basis for measuring fair value where available. In the Company’s assessment of its fair value, the Company considers the closing price of its common stock on the selected testing date, the number of shares of its common stock outstanding during such period and other marketplace activity and related control premiums. If the calculated fair value is determined to be less than the book value of the Company, then the Company performs step two of the impairment analysis. Step two of the analysis compares the implied fair value of the Company’s goodwill to the book value of its goodwill. If the book value of the Company’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of its goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to that excess. In step two of the Company’s annual impairment analysis, the Company primarily uses the income approach methodology of valuation, which includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies, to determine the implied fair value of the Company’s goodwill. Significant management judgment is required in preparing the forecasts of future operating results that are used in the discounted cash flow method of valuation. Should step two of the impairment test be required, the estimates management would use would be consistent with the plans and estimates that the Company uses to manage its business. In addition to testing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, factors such as unexpected adverse business conditions, deterioration of the economic climate, unanticipated technological changes, adverse changes in the competitive environment, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts, are considered by management and may signal that the Company’s intangible assets have become impaired and result in additional interim impairment testing.

In fiscal year 2011, the Company performed an impairment test of its goodwill as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter in accordance with the Company’s regularly scheduled annual testing. The results of this test indicated that none of the Company’s goodwill was impaired based on step one of the test; accordingly step two of the test was not performed.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company applies ASC 718 Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options, employee stock purchases related to the Company’s 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, restricted stock and other special share-based awards based on estimated fair values. The Company adopted ASC 718 using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the applicable accounting standard as of October 1, 2005, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006.

The fair value of stock-based awards is amortized over the requisite service period, which is defined as the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award. The Company uses a straight-line attribution method for all grants that include only a service condition. Due to the existence of both performance and service conditions, certain restricted stock grants are expensed over the service period for each separately vesting tranche.

Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 only included share-based payment awards granted subsequent to September 30, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Upon adoption of ASC 718, the Company elected to retain its method of valuation for share-based awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) which was also previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under the previous authoritative literature governing stock compensation expense. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to; the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The determination of fair value of restricted share awards is based on the value of the Company's stock on the date of grant. For more complex awards with market-based performance conditions, the Company employs a Monte Carlo simulation method which calculates many potential outcomes for an award and establishes fair value based on the most likely outcome.

Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]

DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS

Financing costs are capitalized as an asset on the Company’s balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the financing. If debt is extinguished early, a proportionate amount of deferred financing costs is charged to earnings.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

INCOME TAXES

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. This method also requires the recognition of future tax benefits such as net operating loss carry forwards, to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The carrying value of the Company's net deferred tax assets assumes the Company will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions, based on estimates and assumptions. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense in its consolidated statement of operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and assesses the adequacy of the valuation allowance quarterly. Likewise, in the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would increase income or decrease the carrying value of goodwill in the period such determination was made.

The determination of recording or releasing tax valuation allowances is made, in part, pursuant to an assessment performed by management regarding the likelihood that the Company will generate future taxable income against which benefits of its deferred tax assets may or may not be realized. This assessment requires management to exercise significant judgment and make estimates with respect to its ability to generate revenues, gross profits, operating income and taxable income in future periods. Amongst other factors, management must make assumptions regarding overall business and semiconductor industry conditions, operating efficiencies, the Company's ability to develop products to its customers' specifications, technological change, the competitive environment and changes in regulatory requirements which may impact its ability to generate taxable income and, in turn, realize the value of its deferred tax assets.

The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities includes addressing uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. With the implementation effective September 29, 2007, ASC 740 - Income Taxes ("ASC 740") clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with GAAP. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

The Company recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on its recognition threshold and measurement attribute of whether it is more likely than not that the positions the Company has taken in tax filings will be sustained upon tax audit, and the extent to which, additional taxes would be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period in which it is determined the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

LOSS CONTINGENCIES

The Company records its best estimates of a loss contingency when it is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a range of loss can be reasonably estimated with no best estimate in the range, the Company records the minimum estimated liability related to the claim. As additional information becomes available, the Company assesses the potential liability related to the Company's pending loss contingency and revises its estimates. The Company's costs, including legal costs are recorded to expense as incurred.

Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The Company accounts for comprehensive loss in accordance with the provisions of ASC 220 - Comprehensive Income (“ASC 220”). ASC 220 is a financial statement presentation standard that requires the Company to disclose non-owner changes included in equity but not included in net income or loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss presented in the financial statements consists of adjustments to the Company’s auction rate securities and minimum pension liability as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Adjustments			Auction Rate Securities Adjustment			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of October 2, 2009	$	(468	)	$	(912	)	$	(1,380	)
Pension adjustment	83			—			83
Balance as of October 1, 2010	$	(385	)	$	(912	)	$	(1,297	)
Pension adjustment	(34		)	—			(34		)
Balance as of September 30, 2011	$	(419	)	$	(912	)	$	(1,331	)