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. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 649,878	$ 643,023	$ 1,293,263	$ 1,263,826
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	64,695	63,674	136,422	132,472
Operating profit margins	10.00%	9.90%	10.50%	10.50%
Deductions from operating profit [Abstract]
Interest expense	2,444	6,442	7,573	15,038
Equity-based compensation expense	1,218	833	4,992	4,724
Corporate expenses and other	7,422	6,439	23,389	13,679
Earnings before income taxes	53,611	49,960	100,468	99,031
Aircraft Controls [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	274,810	258,860	540,226	511,141
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	25,867	31,518	57,638	62,593
Operating profit margins	9.40%	12.20%	10.70%	12.20%
Space And Defense Controls [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	95,305	105,688	194,755	192,153
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	9,006	7,671	16,859	15,899
Operating profit margins	9.40%	7.30%	8.70%	8.30%
Industrial Systems [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	151,198	144,201	295,277	292,177
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	14,899	7,837	27,185	16,884
Operating profit margins	9.90%	5.40%	9.20%	5.80%
Components [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	101,160	98,804	203,845	198,079
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	13,546	15,342	29,735	34,188
Operating profit margins	13.40%	15.50%	14.60%	17.30%
Medical Devices [Member]
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Net sales	27,405	35,470	59,160	70,276
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Total operating profit	$ 1,377	$ 1,306	$ 5,005	$ 2,908
Operating profit margins	5.00%	3.70%	8.50%	4.10%