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		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 643,023	$ 624,970	$ 1,263,826	$ 1,225,588
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	63,674	66,926	132,472	136,949
Operating profit margins	9.90%	10.70%	10.50%	11.20%
Deductions from operating profit [Abstract]
Interest expense	6,442	8,636	15,038	17,182
Equity-based compensation expense	833	685	4,724	4,790
Corporate expenses and other	6,439	7,816	13,679	12,239
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	49,960	49,789	99,031	102,738
Aircraft Controls [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	258,860	236,388	511,141	467,468
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	31,518	22,783	62,593	47,610
Operating profit margins	12.20%	9.60%	12.20%	10.20%
Space And Defense Controls [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	105,688	89,811	192,153	178,205
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	7,671	9,903	15,899	22,646
Operating profit margins	7.30%	11.00%	8.30%	12.70%
Industrial Systems [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	144,201	168,015	292,177	326,100
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	7,837	19,272	16,884	35,098
Operating profit margins	5.40%	11.50%	5.80%	10.80%
Components [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	98,804	95,643	198,079	183,790
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	15,342	13,479	34,188	28,508
Operating profit margins	15.50%	14.10%	17.30%	15.50%
Medical Devices [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	35,470	35,113	70,276	70,025
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	$ 1,306	$ 1,489	$ 2,908	$ 3,087
Operating profit margins	3.70%	4.20%	4.10%	4.40%