Consolidated Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$ 70,645	$ 71,794
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	36,460	32,026
Amortization	16,934	16,543
Provisions for non-cash losses on contracts, inventories and receivables	27,971	30,043
Equity-based compensation expense	4,724	4,790
Other	(4,483)	(1,243)
Changes in assets and liabilities providing (using) cash, excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Receivables	(24,700)	(47,983)
Inventories	(23,272)	(25,449)
Accounts payable	8,459	4,567
Customer advances	10,997	8,787
Accrued expenses	(39,327)	(30,903)
Accrued income taxes	9,744	3,690
Pension assets and liabilities	4,772	12,573
Other assets and liabilities	(8,430)	(3,845)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	90,494	75,390
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisitions of businesses, net of acquired cash	(69,807)	(25,673)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(45,322)	(53,720)
Other investing transactions	(12,774)	(5,103)
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(127,903)	(84,496)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net short term borrowings (repayments)	12,972	85,205
Net proceeds (repayments) from revolving lines of credit	225,680	(62,827)
Payments on long-term debt	(3,255)	(1,096)
Repayments of Subordinated Debt	(187,000)	0
Excess tax benefits from equity-based payment arrangements	308	368
Other financing transactions	(9,356)	(1,023)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	39,349	20,627
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(933)	615
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	1,007	12,136
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	148,841	113,679
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	149,848	125,815
CASH PAID FOR:
Interest	16,503	16,525
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 20,488	$ 29,156