Research, development and engineering expenses	12 Months Ended
Research, development and engineering expenses	Dec. 30, 2011
Research, development and engineering expense [Abstract]
Research, development and engineering expense	(13) Research, development and engineering expenses Our research, development and engineering expenses (“RD&E”), which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were approximately $26.7 million, $29.7 million and $28.2 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. RD&E includes the costs associated with new product development, product and process improvement, engineering follow-through during early stages of production, design of tools and dies, the adaptation of existing technology to specific situations and customer requirements and, also, legal fees associated with certain technology matters, if material. The research and development components of our RD&E, which generally include those costs associated with new technology, new products or significant changes to current products or processes, were approximately $19.9 million $26.3 million and $27.7 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The entire disclosure for research, development, and computer software activities, including contracts and arrangements to be performed for others and with federal government. Includes costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility and in-process research and development acquired in a business combination consummated during the period.

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