Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2026	Dec. 28, 2024
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$ 78,851	$ 57,526
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation	24,885	22,429
Amortization	2,713	2,323
Deferred income taxes	15,602	(4,261)
Equity-based compensation expense	4,955	4,325
Other	217	1,401
Changes in assets and liabilities providing (using) cash:
Receivables	(46,404)	(63,037)
Unbilled receivables	(60,291)	(36,140)
Inventories	7,095	(48,612)
Accounts payable	(26,583)	(22,973)
Contract advances and progress billings	28,114	(4,043)
Accrued expenses	(54,463)	(27,301)
Accrued income taxes	(12,866)	(6,652)
Net pension and post retirement liabilities	871	636
Other assets and liabilities	(7,464)	(8,531)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(44,768)	(132,910)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(34,380)	(32,778)
Net proceeds from businesses sold	0	13,487
Net proceeds from buildings sold	3,065	0
Other investing transactions	(156)	169
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(31,471)	(19,122)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit	372,900	426,500
Payments on revolving lines of credit	(261,900)	(197,000)
Payments on finance lease obligations	(4,308)	(2,119)
Payment of dividends	(9,193)	(8,961)
Proceeds from sale of treasury stock	8,090	0
Purchase of outstanding shares for treasury	(37,847)	(55,692)
Proceeds from sale of stock held by SECT	27,233	9,665
Purchase of stock held by SECT	(6,914)	(8,087)
Other financing transactions	(339)	(439)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	87,722	163,867
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	98	(2,564)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	11,581	9,271
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	62,213	64,537
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	73,794	73,808
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Treasury shares issued as compensation	3,861	3,186
Assets acquired through lease financing	$ 21,007	$ 17,172