Segment Information (Sales And Operating Profit By Segment And Reconciliation Of Segment Operating Profit To Earnings Before Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 620,803	$ 600,618
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	68,798	70,023
Operating profit margins	11.10%	11.70%
Deductions from operating profit [Abstract]
Interest expense	8,596	8,546
Equity-based compensation expense	3,891	4,105
Corporate expenses and other	7,240	4,423
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	49,071	52,949
Aircraft Controls [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	252,281	231,080
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	31,075	24,827
Operating profit margins	12.30%	10.70%
Space And Defense Controls [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	86,465	88,394
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	8,228	12,743
Operating profit margins	9.50%	14.40%
Industrial Systems [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	147,976	158,085
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	9,047	15,826
Operating profit margins	6.10%	10.00%
Components [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	99,275	88,147
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	18,846	15,029
Operating profit margins	19.00%	17.00%
Medical Devices [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	34,806	34,912
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	$ 1,602	$ 1,598
Operating profit margins	4.60%	4.60%