Hutchinson Technology (HTCH) 10-K 10 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 05, 2014	Mar. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Hutchinson Technology Incorporated	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-28	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	32,212,819	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$74,574,000
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000772897	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$261,087,000	$249,596,000	$248,589,000
Cost of sales	237,186,000	233,171,000	245,068,000
Gross profit	23,901,000	16,425,000	3,521,000
Research and development expenses	17,316,000	14,621,000	16,474,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	22,990,000	23,676,000	28,398,000
Severance and site consolidation expenses (Note 1)	2,726,000	2,873,000	-711,000
Asset Impairment (Note 1)	4,470,000	'	'
Debt refinancing costs (Note 2)	'	'	4,127,000
Insurance recoveries, net of flood related costs (Note 1)	'	'	-4,640,000
Loss from operations	-23,601,000	-24,745,000	-40,127,000
Other (expense) income, net	-1,738,000	-550,000	1,646,000
Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt (Note 2)	'	4,986,000	5,897,000
Interest income	73,000	98,000	131,000
Interest expense, including non-cash accretion of $3,343, $3,335 and $5,467	-15,909,000	-15,121,000	-16,551,000
Gain on short- and long-term investments	'	272,000	567,000
Loss before income taxes	-41,175,000	-35,060,000	-48,437,000
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-761,000	16,000	205,000
Net loss	($40,414,000)	($35,076,000)	($48,642,000)
Basic loss per share (in Dollars per share)	($1.44)	($1.35)	($2.06)
Diluted loss per share (in Dollars per share)	($1.44)	($1.35)	($2.06)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in Shares)	27,993	25,981	23,565
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in Shares)	27,993	25,981	23,565

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest expense, non-cash accretion	$3,343	$3,335	$5,467

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net loss	($40,414,000)	($35,076,000)	($48,642,000)
Other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0	-395,000	-19,000	-319,000
Other comprehensive loss	-395,000	-19,000	-319,000
Comprehensive loss	($40,809,000)	($35,095,000)	($48,961,000)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes	$0	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)	$37,939,000	$39,403,000
Short-term investments restricted (Note 1)	965,000	1,200,000
Trade receivables, net	23,971,000	21,680,000
Other receivables	2,894,000	3,214,000
Inventories	48,978,000	44,285,000
Other current assets	4,323,000	6,383,000
Total current assets	119,070,000	116,165,000
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'
Land, buildings and improvements	205,765,000	220,910,000
Equipment	639,251,000	660,980,000
Property under capital lease	9,770,000	5,509,000
Construction in progress	6,106,000	13,773,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-707,723,000	-714,258,000
Net property, plant and equipment	153,169,000	186,914,000
Other assets	2,926,000	3,596,000
Total assets	275,165,000	306,675,000
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current debt, net of discount (Note 2)	48,731,000	3,980,000
Current portion of capital lease obligation	2,109,000	1,122,000
Accounts payable	19,055,000	23,535,000
Accrued compensation	9,312,000	9,251,000
Accrued expenses and other	6,406,000	6,066,000
Total current liabilities	85,613,000	43,954,000
Long-term debt, net of discount (Note 2)	87,168,000	123,023,000
Capital lease obligation	4,464,000	2,968,000
Other long-term liabilities	3,092,000	2,497,000
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 5 and 6)	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 28,102,000 and 27,581,000 issued and outstanding	281,000	276,000
Additional paid-in capital	433,308,000	431,909,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-543,000	-148,000
Accumulated loss	-338,218,000	-297,804,000
Total shareholders’ equity	94,828,000	134,233,000
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$275,165,000	$306,675,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,102,000	27,581,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	28,102,000	27,581,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net loss	($40,414,000)	($35,076,000)	($48,642,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash (used for) provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	37,204,000	38,891,000	41,459,000
Stock-based compensation	1,345,000	1,140,000	1,979,000
Gain on short- and long-term investments	'	-272,000	-567,000
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	-57,000	98,000	418,000
Asset impairment charge (Note 1)	4,470,000	'	8,537,000
Non-cash interest expense	3,343,000	3,335,000	5,467,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt (Note 2)	'	-4,986,000	-5,897,000
Severance and site consolidation expenses (Note 1)	27,000	'	-1,741,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (Note 7)	-7,392,000	2,955,000	37,079,000
Cash (used for) provided by operating activities	-1,474,000	6,085,000	38,092,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-17,283,000	-18,880,000	-27,880,000
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of equipment	6,395,000	5,025,000	'
Proceeds from the sale of building and other assets	4,563,000	'	'
Change in restricted cash	1,662,000	1,698,000	-2,799,000
Purchases of marketable securities	-2,395,000	-1,200,000	-2,813,000
Sales/maturities of marketable securities	2,630,000	1,472,000	3,789,000
Cash used for investing activities	-4,428,000	-11,885,000	-29,703,000
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	59,000	358,000	'
Repayments of capital lease	-1,739,000	-783,000	'
Repayments of revolving credit line	-189,389,000	-237,525,000	-311,771,000
Proceeds from revolving credit line and loan	194,942,000	241,505,000	301,362,000
Repayments of debt (Note 2)	'	-23,470,000	-37,154,000
Proceeds from private placement of debt (Note 2)	'	11,590,000	39,400,000
Debt refinancing costs (Note 2)	'	-359,000	-4,127,000
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities	3,873,000	-8,684,000	-12,290,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	565,000	234,000	'
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-1,464,000	-14,250,000	-3,901,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	39,403,000	53,653,000	57,554,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$37,939,000	$39,403,000	$53,653,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Sep. 25, 2011	$234	$419,984	$190	($214,086)	$206,322
Balance (in Shares) at Sep. 25, 2011	23,387,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants (in Shares)	447,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	5	119	'	'	124
Issuance of common stock (in Shares)	66,000	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 5)	'	1,856	'	'	1,856
Equity component of debt repurchase	'	8,489	'	'	8,489
Components of comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0	'	'	-319	'	-319
Net loss	'	'	'	-48,642	-48,642
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	239	430,448	-129	-262,728	167,830
Balance (in Shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	23,900,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1	321	'	'	322
Exercise of stock options (in Shares)	107,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of warrants (in Shares)	3,409,000	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	36	26	'	'	62
Issuance of common stock (in Shares)	165,000	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 5)	'	1,114	'	'	1,114
Components of comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0	'	'	-19	'	-19
Net loss	'	'	'	-35,076	-35,076
Balance at Sep. 29, 2013	276	431,909	-148	-297,804	134,233
Balance (in Shares) at Sep. 29, 2013	27,581,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	54	'	'	54
Exercise of stock options (in Shares)	45,000	'	'	'	45,297
Issuance of common stock	5	108	'	'	113
Issuance of common stock (in Shares)	476,000	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 5)	'	1,237	'	'	1,237
Components of comprehensive loss:	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0	'	'	-395	'	-395
Net loss	'	'	'	-40,414	-40,414
Balance at Sep. 28, 2014	$281	$433,308	($543)	($338,218)	$94,828
Balance (in Shares) at Sep. 28, 2014	28,102,000	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, income taxes	$0	$0	$0

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	1		Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization
	We are a global supplier of critical precision component technologies. As a key supplier of suspension assemblies for disk drives, we help customers improve overall disk drive performance and meet the demands of an ever-expanding digital universe. Through our new business development initiatives, we focus on leveraging our unique precision manufacturing capabilities in new markets to improve product performance, reduce size, lower cost and reduce time to market.
	We manufacture suspension assemblies for all sizes and types of hard disk drives. Suspension assemblies are critical components of disk drives that hold the read/write heads in position above the spinning magnetic disks. We developed our position as a key supplier of suspension assemblies through an integrated manufacturing approach, research, development and design activities coupled with substantial investments in process capabilities, product features and manufacturing capacity. We manufacture our suspension assemblies with proprietary technology and processes with very low part-to-part variation. These processes require manufacturing to precise specifications that are critical to maintaining the necessary microscopic clearance between the head and disk and the electrical connectivity between the head and the drive circuitry.
	We design our suspension assemblies with a focus on the increasing performance requirements of new disk drives, principally more complex, increased data density, improved head-to-disk stability during a physical shock event and reduced data access time. Increased capacity, improved reliability and performance, as well as the miniaturization of disk drives, generally require suspension assemblies with lower variability, specialized design, expanded functionality and greater precision. Manufacturing of these smaller and more complex suspension assemblies requires that we develop new manufacturing process capabilities. We will continue to invest, as needed, to advance suspension assembly technology, enhance our process capabilities and expand our production capacity.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hutchinson Technology Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“we,” “our” and “us”), all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. The updated guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. It also requires entities to disclose both quantitative and qualitative information that enable financial statements users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The updated guidance will be effective for our first quarter of 2018. We are in the process of assessing the impact, if any, this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	Fiscal Year
	Our fiscal year is a fifty-two/fifty-three week period ending on the last Sunday in September. The fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, were both fifty-two week periods and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, was a fifty-three week period.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue from the sale of our products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the fee is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling costs associated with products sold are classified as revenue.
	For all sales, we use a binding purchase order as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery generally occurs when the product is delivered to a common carrier. Certain of our products are delivered on an FOB destination basis. We defer our revenue associated with these transactions until the product has been delivered and accepted at the customer’s premises.
	We also store inventory in “vendor managed inventory,” or VMI, facilities, which are warehouses located close to the customer’s manufacturing facilities. Revenue is recognized on sales from such facilities upon the transfer of title and risk of loss, following the customer’s acknowledgement of the receipt of the goods.
	We also enter into arrangements with customers that provide us with reimbursement for engineering services and specific program capacity to partially offset the costs of our investment. We recognize the associated revenue over the estimated life of the program to which the services and capacity relate. The deferred revenue related to these reimbursements, as recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, was $1,135,000 and $513,000, respectively, included in the line item “Accrued expenses and other” and $1,891,000 and $524,000, respectively, included in the line item “Other long-term liabilities.”
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	The cash and cash equivalents that were restricted in use, as recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, was $2,059,000 and $3,721,000, respectively included in the line item “Other current assets”. As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, these amounts covered outstanding letters of credit and cash received and temporarily held in our senior secured credit facility collections account. The revolving credit and security agreement between us and PNC Bank, as amended, requires that we maintain a $2,500,000 compensating balance to draw proceeds on the corresponding credit facility. The $2,500,000 balance is maintained under the credit agreement to assure future credit availability.
	Investments
	Our short-term investments are comprised of United States government debt securities. We account for securities available for sale in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance regarding accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities, which requires that available-for-sale and trading securities be carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses deemed to be temporary on available-for-sale securities are reported as other comprehensive income (“OCI”) within shareholders’ equity. Fair value of the securities is based upon quoted market prices in active markets or estimated fair value when quoted market prices are not available. The cost basis for realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities is determined on a specific identification basis. We classify our available-for-sale securities as short- or long-term based upon management’s intent and ability to hold these investments.
	A summary of our investments as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, is as follows:
			28-Sep-14
						Gross Realized						Gross Unrealized
			Cost Basis			Gains			Losses			Gains		Losses		Recorded Basis
	Available-for-sale securities
	Short-term investments restricted
	U.S. government debt securities		$	965		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	965
			29-Sep-13
						Gross Realized						Gross Unrealized
			Cost Basis			Gains			Losses			Gains		Losses		Recorded Basis
	Available-for-sale securities
	Short-term investments restricted
	U.S. government debt securities		$	1,200		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	1,200
	As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, our short-term investments mature within one year.
	As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, we had $965,000 and $1,200,000, respectively, of short-term investments that were restricted in use. The amounts are required by the State of Minnesota to be held as security for our self-insured workers compensation programs.
	Trade Receivables
	We grant credit to our customers, but generally do not require collateral or any other security to support amounts due. Trade receivables of $23,971,000 at September 28, 2014, and $21,680,000 at September 29, 2013, are net of allowances for sales returns of $497,000 and $656,000, respectively.
	During the third and fourth quarters of 2014, we entered into multiple independent bill of exchange discounting transactions under an uncommitted facility with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Bangkok Branch (“HSBC”), under which our Thai subsidiary, Hutchinson Technology Operations (Thailand) Co. Ltd., sold, without recourse, an aggregate of $43,849,000 of its accounts receivable to HSBC and was paid 95% of the face value of the accounts receivable, less interest expense of LIBOR plus 1.75%. Upon full payment of the receivable by its customer to HSBC, our Thai subsidiary receives from HSBC the 5% remainder due on the receivable. As of September 28, 2014, there remained $1,177,000 to be paid to our Thai subsidiary from HSBC from the sale of $23,472,000 of its accounts receivable to HSBC. The $1,177,000 was included within the line item “Other receivables” on our consolidated balance sheet.
	We generally warrant that the products sold by us will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year or less following delivery to our customer. Upon determination that the products sold are defective, we typically accept the return of such products and refund the purchase price to our customer. We record a provision against revenue for estimated returns on sales of our products in the same period that the related revenues are recognized. We base the allowance on historical product returns, as well as existing product return authorizations. The following table reconciles the changes in our allowance for sales returns under warranties:
	Fiscal Year		Beginning Balance			Increases in the Allowance Related to			Reductions in the Allowance for Returns Under Warranties			Ending Balance
						Warranties Issued
	2014		$	656		$	1,968		$	(2,127	)	$	497
	2013		$	44		$	2,094		$	(1,482	)	$	656
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market by analyzing market conditions, current sales prices, inventory costs and inventory balances. Inventories consisted of the following at September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013:
			2014			2013
	Raw materials		$	21,376		$	18,608
	Work in process			11,860			9,306
	Finished goods			15,742			16,371
			$	48,978		$	44,285
	Property and Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We also use straight-line depreciation methods for income tax reporting purposes.
	Costs of renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense as incurred.
	Property under capital lease is comprised of equipment used in our operations. The related depreciation for capital leases is included in depreciation expense. The carrying value of property under capital lease was $9,770,000 at September 28, 2014, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,520,000.
	Estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows:
	Buildings (in years)	25	to	35
	Leasehold improvements (in years)	5	to	10
	Equipment (in years)	1	to	15
	Capital leases (in years)	1	to	15
	Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated OCI, net of income taxes, were as follows:
		September 28,			September 29,
		2014			2013
Foreign currency translation		$	(543	)	$	(148	)
Our Thailand operation uses their local currency as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated OCI. Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0, was a $395,000 loss in 2014, a $19,000 loss in 2013 and a $319,000 loss in 2012.
Transaction gains and losses that arise from the exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local currency are included in “Other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. We recognized a foreign currency loss of $2,076,000 in 2014, a loss of $1,372,000 in 2013 and a loss of $233,000 in 2012 primarily related to purchases denominated in U.S. dollars made by our Thailand operation.
Engineering and Process Development
Our engineers and technicians are responsible for the implementation of new technologies, as well as process and product development and improvements. Expenditures related to these activities totaled $47,397,000 in 2014, $39,657,000 in 2013 and $39,764,000 in 2012. Of these amounts, $17,316,000 in 2014, $14,621,000 in 2013 and $16,474,000 in 2012 were classified as research and development expenses, with the remainder relating to quality, engineering and manufacturing support, classified as cost of sales.
Severance and Site Consolidation Expenses
A summary of our severance and site consolidation expenses as of September 28, 2014, is as follows:
		Severance and Benefits			Site Consolidation Expenses			Total
Accrual balances, September 25, 2011		$	1,741		$	-		$	1,741
Restructuring (reversals) charges			(895	)		184			(711	)
Cash payments			(846	)		(184	)		(1,030	)
Accrual balances, September 30, 2012			-			-			-
Restructuring charges			1,212			1,661			2,873
Cash payments			(1,212	)		(1,661	)		(2,873	)
Accrual balances, September 29, 2013			-			-			-
Restructuring charges			1,377			1,349			2,726
Cash payments			(1,350	)		(1,349	)		(2,699	)
Accrual balances, September 28, 2014		$	27		$	-		$	27
We have had an ongoing severance and manufacturing consolidation and restructuring plan in place to support efforts to improve operating results and liquidity through improved utilization of our facilities in both the U.S. and Thailand.
At the end of 2011, $1,741,000 of severance and other expenses remained to be paid related to the 2011 manufacturing consolidation and restructuring plan that included eliminating approximately 800 positions from our U.S. workforce. As a result of leveraging our U.S. assembly operations to offset the temporary loss of manufacturing capacity in Thailand due flooding, we retained approximately 120 employees in our Hutchinson, Minnesota manufacturing facility that we previously expected to terminate and whose anticipated severance and benefits were included in our 2011 severance and benefits expenses. This resulted in a reduction of $895,000 in our severance and benefits expenses during the first quarter of 2012. The remaining severance and benefits payments were completed in our second quarter of 2012.
As part of our consolidation and restructuring actions, a total of $184,000 of other expenses were recorded in 2012, primarily internal labor, contractors and freight, related to consolidation of the Hutchinson, Minnesota components operations into our operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
During the first quarter of 2013, we eliminated approximately 55 positions as part of our continued focus on overall cost reductions. As of September 29, 2013, we had incurred $2,873,000 of severance and site consolidation expenses, primarily internal labor, contractors and freight, related to the consolidation. All severance and benefits payments were completed in our second quarter of 2013.
During the second and third quarters of 2014, we identified a total of approximately 170 positions to be eliminated as part of our continued consolidation effort and our continued focus on overall cost reductions. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we retained approximately 40 of those positions for manufacturing of our shape memory alloy optical image stabilization product. This and our site consolidation activities resulted in $2,726,000 of severance and site consolidation expenses. We expect the total remaining 2014 severance and benefits payments of $27,000 will be complete by the end of our first quarter of 2015.
Asset Impairment
When indicators of impairment exist and assets are held for use, we estimate future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets. In the event such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the recorded value of the assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values based on the expected discounted future cash flows attributable to the assets or based on appraisals. Factors affecting impairment of assets held for use include the ability of the specific assets to generate positive cash flows. Changes in any of these factors could necessitate impairment recognition in future periods for other assets held for use.
In connection with this consolidation of our operations, two of our facilities were offered for sale or lease in 2013, including the Eau Claire, Wisconsin assembly building and the Development Center building on our Hutchinson, Minnesota campus. During the first quarter of 2014, we received third-party interest in purchasing the Eau Claire assembly building. Based on the discussions regarding the potential sale of this building, we modified our forecast model to increase the probability of a sale of our Eau Claire assembly building and decrease the probability of a lease. Using these new weightings for sale and lease, the carrying value of our assets exceeded the expected undiscounted cash flows indicating a trigger of potential impairment. As a result, we evaluated the recoverability of the Eau Claire assembly building based on these circumstances and recorded an impairment charge of $4,470,000 included in the line item “Asset impairment” in our consolidated statement of operations. The building and related assets had remaining useful lives ranging from 15 to 30 years. We determined the long-lived assets did not meet the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale. During the second quarter of 2014, we sold the Eau Claire, Wisconsin assembly building, and related real and personal property for net proceeds of $4,364,000. We will continue to own and operate the remaining portion of the Eau Claire facility, representing approximately 700,000 square feet of floor space. As of September 28, 2014, there were no indicators of additional impairment related to our Development Center building.
Thailand Flood
In October 2011, severe flooding in Thailand required us to suspend assembly operations at our Thailand manufacturing facility. During our fourth quarter of 2011, prior to the flooding, approximately one-third of our sales originated out of our Thailand assembly facility. By the end of that quarter, our Thailand operations had an assembly capacity of four to five million parts per week.
As a result of the flooding in Thailand, during 2012, we recorded insurance recoveries, net of flood-related costs, as follows:
		For the Year Ended
		30-Sep-12
Impairment of building and equipment and write-off of inventory		$	11,839
Continuing costs during site shutdown			5,908
Site restoration			2,613
			20,360
Insurance recoveries			(25,000	)
Insurance recoveries, net of flood-related costs		$	(4,640	)
The total carrying value of our Thailand building and equipment was approximately $18,700,000 at the time of the flood. Of the total, $8,541,000 was destroyed by the flooding and was impaired and written off. The flood-related inventory write-off was $3,298,000, which included the cost of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventories that were not able to be used or sold due to the flood damage. Repairs, maintenance, employee and other flood-related costs were expensed when incurred. These expenses totaled $8,521,000 for 2012. These amounts are reflected, net of insurance recoveries, in “Insurance recoveries, net of flood related costs”, on our consolidated statements of operations.
After review of the flood mitigation plans of the Thai government and those of the industrial park where our plant is located, we restored our Thailand manufacturing facility. The industrial park has completed construction of a flood wall and we resumed production at that facility and began shipping products for customer qualification during the third quarter of 2012. In total, we spent approximately $27,000,000 during 2012 and $7,000,000 during 2013 for incremental costs of manufacturing in our U.S. assembly operations instead of in Thailand, capital expenditures for site restoration and equipment replacement, recovery expenses, and inventory replenishment. These costs were partially offset by the $25,000,000 in insurance proceeds that we received in 2012. These costs do not include lost profits from lower demand due to constraints in the overall capacity in the disk drive supply chain as a result of the flooding.
Income Taxes
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income, and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change this allowance in a period, we must include an expense or a benefit within the tax provision in our consolidated statement of operations.
Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances arise due to the uncertainty of realizing deferred tax assets. At September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, we had valuation allowances of $227,219,000 and $213,948,000 respectively. The FASB guidance requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such assessments, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. A company’s current or previous losses are given more weight than its future outlook. Under the guidance, our three-year historical cumulative loss was a significant negative factor. This loss, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced our ability to rely on our projections of future taxable income in determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate. Accordingly, we concluded that a full valuation allowance was appropriate. We will continue to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realizable, and our valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
Loss per Share
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share identifies the dilutive effect of potential common shares using net income (loss) available to common shareholders and is computed (i) using the treasury stock method for outstanding stock options and the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, and (ii) in accordance with FASB guidance relating to the effect of contingently convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share for the 3.25% Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2012. A reconciliation of these amounts is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
Net loss		$	(40,414	)	$	(35,076	)	$	(48,642	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			27,993			25,981			23,565
Dilutive potential common shares			-			-			-
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			27,993			25,981			23,565
Basic loss per share		$	(1.44	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(2.06	)
Diluted loss per share		$	(1.44	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(2.06	)
Diluted loss per share for 2014 excludes potential common shares of 366,000 using the treasury stock method and potential common shares of 4,630,000 using the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, as they were anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share for 2013 excludes potential common shares of 533,000 using the treasury stock method and potential common shares of 5,305,000 using the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, as they were anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share for 2012 excludes potential common shares and warrants of 2,241,000 using the treasury stock method and potential common shares of 8,466,000 using the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, as they were anti-dilutive.

Note_2_Financing_Arrangements

Note 2 - Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	2	Financing Arrangements
	Debt
		2014			2013
	8.50% Convertible Notes	$	39,822		$	39,822
	8.50% Convertible Notes debt discount		(624	)		(2,535	)
	8.50% Secured Notes		78,931			78,931
	8.50% Secured Notes debt discount		(3,575	)		(4,870	)
	10.875% Notes		12,200			12,200
	10.875% Notes debt discount		(388	)		(525	)
	Credit Facility		9,533			3,980
	Total debt, net of discounts		135,899			127,003
	Less: Current maturities, net of discount		(48,731	)		(3,980	)
	Total long-term debt, net of discounts	$	87,168		$	123,023
	At September 28, 2014, the future maturities of short- and long-term debt consisted of the following:
	2015	$	49,355
	2016		-
	2017		91,131
	2018		-
	2019		-
	Thereafter		-
		$	140,486
	October 2014 Financing Transactions
	On October 23, 2014, subsequent to year-end, we issued $37,500,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (the “8.50% New Convertible Notes”). The 8.50% New Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 30 and October 31 of each year, beginning April 30, 2015. The 8.50% New Convertible Notes will mature on October 31, 2019. Each $1,000 principal amount of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes is convertible into 266.6667 shares of our common stock (which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $3.75 per share), subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The 8.50% New Convertible Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of our company. Certain beneficial holders of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes have the right to require us to repurchase for cash up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, during the 120-day period commencing on October 23, 2014. Accordingly, $7,500,000 of the proceeds to us from the sale of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes was escrowed until the put right expires. Additionally, we were required to escrow at least $35,000,000 of cash that will be restricted solely for the repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition for value of our 8.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “8.50% Convertible Notes”), plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. On December 1, 2014, we initiated a redemption of the existing $39,822,000 of 8.50% Convertible Notes that can be put to us in January 2015. To fund this, we expect to use the proceeds of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes and our existing cash.
	On October 23, 2014, we entered into an agreement providing for the private exchange of $15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2017 (the “8.50% Secured Notes”) held by a certain holder for 2,500,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 2,500,000 shares of our common stock on a cashless basis at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The holder of the warrants will be entitled to participate pro rata in any dividends or other distributions (whether in cash, securities or other assets) paid, or rights offered, to holders of our common stock on an as-exercised basis. Applying debt extinguishment accounting, we expect to record a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4,000,000 in our first quarter of 2015.
	To accommodate the October 2014 debt transactions described above, on October 20, 2014, we entered into supplemental indentures relating to our 8.50% Secured Notes and to our 10.875% Secured Notes.
	Additionally, on October 20, 2014, we entered into an amendment to our senior secured credit agreement, dated as of September 16, 2011, as previously amended, with PNC Bank. Under the amendment, PNC Bank consented to the transactions contemplated by the New Notes and the exchange transaction, referred to above.
	8.50% Convertible Notes
	We currently have outstanding $39,822,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.50% Convertible Notes, which as of September 28, 2014 was classified as current on our consolidated balance sheets. The 8.50% Convertible Notes were issued in February 2011 as part of a tender/exchange pursuant to an indenture dated as of February 11, 2011. The 8.50% Convertible Notes are senior in right of payment to any of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness. Interest at a rate of 8.50% per annum is payable on the 8.50% Convertible Notes on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The 8.50% Convertible Notes mature on January 15, 2026. Each $1,000 principal amount of the 8.50% Convertible Notes is convertible into 116.2790 shares of our common stock (which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $8.60 per share), subject to adjustment.
	We have the right to redeem the 8.50% Convertible Notes (i) on or after January 15, 2013, to, but excluding, January 15, 2015, if the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds 150% of the conversion price, and (ii) at any time on or after January 15, 2015, in either case in whole or in part, for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 8.50% Convertible Notes to be redeemed plus any accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Holders of the 8.50% Convertible Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 8.50% Convertible Notes at par on each of January 15, 2015, January 15, 2016, and January 15, 2021, for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 8.50% Convertible Notes to be repurchased plus any accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. On December 1, 2014, we initiated a redemption of the existing 8.50% Convertible Notes that can be put to us on January 15, 2015. To fund this, we will use the proceeds of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes and our existing cash. If a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture) occurs, each holder of 8.50% Convertible Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any portion of that holder’s 8.50% Convertible Notes for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 8.50% Convertible Notes to be repurchased plus any accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date.
	In July 2011, we completed an exchange for a portion of our outstanding 3.25% Notes. In connection with the July 2011 exchange, we issued $45,170,000 aggregate principal amount of the 8.50% Convertible Notes and made aggregate cash payments of $3,091,000 in exchange for $45,963,000 aggregate principal amount of the 3.25% Notes.
	In April 2012, after funding the purchase of 3.25% Notes through the 3.25% Tender/Exchange Offer (as described below), we completed an offer to purchase for cash $26,666,000 aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.50% Convertible Notes, whereby we applied $19,999,500 of residual proceeds from a private placement of 8.50% Secured Notes to fund the purchase of outstanding 8.50% Convertible Notes.
	In January 2013, we repurchased $18,682,000 aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.50% Convertible Notes by making cash payments totaling $11,583,000, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which payments were funded by the proceeds of the sale of our 10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2017 (the “10.875% Notes”). Applying debt extinguishment accounting, we recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of $4,986,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 30, 2013. These transactions reduced the portion of our outstanding debt subject to a holder-initiated repurchase as early as 2015 from $58,504,000 to $39,822,000.
	8.50% Secured Notes
	In March 2012, we issued $78,931,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.50% Secured Notes. Of that total amount, $38,931,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.50% Secured Notes were issued pursuant to an effective registration statement relating to an offer to purchase for cash or exchange for new securities any and all of our outstanding 3.25% Notes (the “3.25% Tender/Exchange Offer”). The remaining $40,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.50% Secured Notes was issued in a private placement that included the issuance of warrants to purchase 3,869,000 shares of our common stock. The warrants were exercisable on a cashless basis for $.01 per share for ten years after their issuance. The total purchase price for the 8.50% Secured Notes and warrants issued in the private placement was $39,400,000. The fair value of the warrants was recorded in additional paid-in capital in the amount of $8,489,000. As of May 2013, all 3,869,000 warrants had been exercised and there were no warrants outstanding.
	The 8.50% Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning July 15, 2012, and mature on January 15, 2017, unless redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms. The 8.50% Secured Notes are secured by liens on all assets securing our existing or future senior secured credit facilities (other than certain excluded assets), which liens rank junior in priority to any liens securing our senior secured credit facilities and other permitted priority liens.
	We may redeem all or part of the 8.50% Secured Notes at any time by paying 100% of the principal amount redeemed, plus a make-whole premium (and accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount redeemed to) as of the date of redemption (subject to the rights of holders of the 8.50% Secured Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date as and to the extent provided in the indenture). The indenture governing the 8.50% Secured Notes contains certain covenants that, among other things, will limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments, enter into agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, enter into transactions with affiliates, create or incur liens and enter into operating leases.
	On October 23, 2014, subsequent to year-end, we entered into an agreement providing for the private exchange of $15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 8.50% Secured Notes held by a certain holder for 2,500,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 2,500,000 shares of our common stock on a cashless basis at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The holder of the warrant will be entitled to participate pro rata in any dividends or other distributions (whether in cash, securities or other assets) paid, or rights offered, to holders of our common stock on an as-exercised basis.
	10.875% Notes
	In January 2013, we issued $12,200,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.875% Notes for a total purchase price of $11,590,000. The 10.875% Notes were issued in a private placement pursuant to an indenture dated as of January 22, 2013, and bear interest at a rate of 10.875% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning July 15, 2013. The 10.875% Notes are secured by liens on all assets securing our senior secured credit facilities (other than capital stock of subsidiaries of our company to the extent that inclusion of such capital stock would require the filing of separate financial statements for such subsidiaries with the SEC), which liens rank junior in priority to the liens securing our senior secured credit facilities and other permitted priority liens and on an equal and ratable basis with the liens securing our 8.50% Secured Notes. The 10.875% Notes are scheduled to mature on January 15, 2017 unless redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms. We may redeem all or a portion of the 10.875% Notes at any time by paying 100% of the principal amount redeemed, plus a make-whole premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the date of redemption.
	To accommodate the January 2013 debt transactions described above, on January 22, 2013, we entered into (i) a first supplemental indenture to the indenture dated as of March 30, 2012, which governs the 8.50% Secured Notes, and (ii) a consent and third amendment to our revolving credit and security agreement.
	Debt refinancing costs of $359,000 were capitalized and are being amortized until the maturity date. The amortization expense is included in interest expense.
	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	On September 22, 2014, we entered into an amendment to our existing senior secured credit facility dated as of September 16, 2011, as previously amended, with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”). The amendment reduces the maximum principal amount of the revolving credit facility provided by the credit agreement from $35,000,000 to $20,000,000, extends the maturity date of the senior secured credit facility from October 1, 2014 to December 1, 2016, reduces the cash balance we are required to maintain in an account at PNC Bank from $15,000,000 to $2,500,000, and modifies the fixed charge coverage covenant under the credit agreement by eliminating the requirement for the four fiscal quarters ending September 28, 2014 and changing the measurement periods thereafter for the fixed charge coverage covenant by excluding from such measurement periods all fiscal quarters ended on or prior to September 28, 2014.
	The amendment also requires us to maintain cash on our balance sheet, including restricted cash, during the period from December 1, 2014 through January 16, 2015 (which is the day after the 2015 put date for our 8.50% Convertible Notes) and during the period from December 1, 2015 through January 16, 2016 (which is the day after the 2016 put date for our 8.50% Convertible Notes) in an amount not less than the aggregate principal amount of our 8.50% Convertible Notes then outstanding, and establishes a reserve against our borrowing base during each such period in the same amount. The amendment permits us to redeem, repurchase or repay our 8.50% Convertible Notes in whole or in part at any time as long as, after giving effect to such redemption, repurchase or repayment, no default or event of default exists under the credit agreement and we have liquidity of not less than $20,000,000, and permits us to incur additional unsecured debt at any time prior to January 15, 2016 in an amount not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of our 8.50% Convertible Notes then outstanding as long as certain conditions are satisfied, including a requirement that, by the next put date for our 8.50% Convertible Notes, we reduce the aggregate principal balance of our 8.50% Convertible Notes by an amount equal to the principal amount of such additional unsecured debt then outstanding.
	Our credit agreement with PNC Bank and the indentures governing the 8.50% Secured Notes and the 10.875% Notes each contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; enter into agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; enter into transactions with affiliates; create or incur liens; enter into operating leases; merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of our assets; make capital expenditures; change the nature of our business; and expend the assets or free cash flow of certain subsidiaries. The indentures also limit the amount of our consolidated total assets and free cash flow that can be attributable to subsidiaries that have not guaranteed the 8.50% Secured Notes or, in certain cases, have not pledged their stock to secure the 8.50% Secured Notes.
	From time to time, we borrow funds under the senior secured credit facility. As of September 28, 2014, we had $9,533,000 outstanding which was repaid early in the following quarter. Our average outstanding balance in 2014 was $3,133,000. Amounts borrowed under the credit facility bear cash interest at a reduced rate equal to, at our election, either (i) PNC Bank’s alternate base rate plus 1.0% per annum, or (ii) LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum if no defaults or events of default exist under the credit agreement. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum liquidity. If we are unable to generate sufficient operating results in future quarters, we may not be able to comply with financial covenants in the credit agreement in future quarters. If necessary, we intend to negotiate a waiver of any noncompliance or an amendment of the financial covenant specific to the applicable period.

Note_3_Income_Taxes

Note 3 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	3	Income Taxes
	The (benefit) provision for income taxes consists of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(845	)	$	(195	)	$	3
	Foreign		77			205			195
	State		7			6			7
	Deferred		-			-			-
		$	(761	)	$	16		$	205
	In the fourth quarter of 2008, we established a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. The accounting guidance requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such assessments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. A company’s current or previous losses are given more weight than its future outlook. Under that standard, our three-year historical cumulative loss was a significant negative factor. This loss, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced our ability to rely on our projections of future taxable income in determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate. Accordingly, we concluded that a full valuation allowance is appropriate. We will continue to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realizable, and our valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
	The deferred provision is composed of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Asset bases, lives and depreciation methods	$	(2,512	)	$	(1,341	)	$	4,074
	Reserves and accruals not currently deductible		958			458			2,344
	Tax credits and NOL carryforwards		(10,167	)		(11,081	)		(19,702	)
	Deferred tax liability on 3.25% Notes		-			(69	)		(3,732	)
	Valuation allowance		11,721			12,033			17,016
		$	-		$	-		$	-
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate		(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%
	Effect of:
	Foreign and state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits		0.2			0.6			0.4
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and/or use of tax credits		32.6			34.1			35.5
	Other permanent differences		0.3			0.3			(0.5	)
			(1.9	)%		0	%		0.4	%
	The following table shows the significant components of our deferred tax assets:
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Receivable allowance	$	174		$	232
	Inventories		2,526			3,510
	Accruals and other reserves		2,587			2,209
	Tax credits expiring within 1 year		255			262
	Valuation allowance		(5,542	)		(6,213	)
	Total current deferred tax assets		-			-
	Long-term deferred tax assets:
	Property, plant and equipment		(2,842	)		(5,354	)
	Stock based compensation		3,998			4,307
	Long-term capital loss		888			893
	Deferred income		208			256
	Tax credits		30,265			29,918
	NOL carryforwards		185,493			174,115
	Other debt-related		3,667			3,600
	Valuation allowance		(221,677	)		(207,735	)
	Total long-term deferred tax assets		-			-
	Total deferred tax assets	$	-		$	-
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. At September 28, 2014, our deferred tax assets included $30,520,000 of unused tax credits. Of the total, $3,079,000 can be carried forward indefinitely, $22,323,000 of US federal tax credits expire at various dates beginning in 2018, and $5,118,000 of various state tax credits expire at various dates beginning in 2015, including $255,000 that will expire in 2015.
	In addition, at September 28, 2014, our deferred tax assets included $185,493,000 of NOL carryforwards that will begin to expire in 2021 if not otherwise used by us. As of September 28, 2014, we had an estimated NOL carryforward of $520,153,000 for United States federal tax return purposes.
	A valuation allowance of $227,219,000 has been recognized to offset the related deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing the deferred tax assets before they expire.
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, were $6,065,000 and $7,021,000, respectively. For 2014, $5,665,000 of our gross unrecognized tax benefits would decrease our effective tax rate if realized.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		2014
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 29, 2013	$	7,021
	Gross increases in tax positions for prior year		-
	Gross decreases in tax positions for prior year		(167	)
	Gross increases in tax positions for current year		70
	Fiscal 2014 settlements		-
	Lapse in statute of limitations		(859	)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 28, 2014	$	6,065
	Our policy is to record interest expense and penalties within the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations. No interest expense or penalties have been included in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits due to existing tax credits and NOL carryforwards.
	The major jurisdictions in which we file income tax returns are United States federal, various U.S. states and Thailand. In the United States federal jurisdiction we are no longer subject to examination for fiscal years prior to 2011. For state jurisdictions we are no longer subject to examination for fiscal years prior to 2010. Although certain years are no longer subject to examinations by the IRS and various state taxing authorities, NOL carryforwards generated in those years may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS or state taxing authorities if they either have been or will be used in a future period. In Thailand we operate under various tax holidays that currently are scheduled to fully expire as early as 2024. For 2014 and prior fiscal years, these holidays had no impact on our tax provision or our net loss.
	The timing of the resolution of uncertain tax positions is dependent on numerous factors and therefore is highly uncertain; however, we believe it is reasonably possible in the next 12 months that the gross unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced between $70,000 and $100,000 due to tax attributes expiring unused.
	On September 13, 2013, the IRS released final regulations relating to the capitalization of tangible personal property. We continue to analyze the impact of these new regulations. We do not believe they will have a material impact on our financial statements. These regulations become effective for us in 2015.

Note_4_Fair_Value_of_Financial

Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	4		Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We follow fair value measurement accounting with respect to (i) nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in our financial statements on a recurring basis, and (ii) all financial assets and liabilities.
	The fair value measurement guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Under the guidance, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy prescribed by the guidance is broken down into three levels as follows:
	Level 1 –	Unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	Level 2 –	Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including:
		·   Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
		·   Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in nonactive markets;
		·   Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
		·   Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.
	Level 3 –	Unobservable inputs that reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less. The carrying value of these cash equivalents approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Our available-for-sale securities are comprised of United States government debt securities. The fair value is based on quoted market prices in active markets.
	The following table provides information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
			Fair Value Measurements at
			28-Sep-14
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	37,939	$	-	$	-
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government debt securities		$	965	$	-	$	-
	Total assets		$	38,904	$	-	$	-
			Fair Value Measurements at
			29-Sep-13
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	39,403	$	-	$	-
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government debt securities		$	1,200	$	-	$	-
	Total assets		$	40,603	$	-	$	-
	Debt
	The fair values of our 8.50% Convertible Notes and our 8.50% Secured Notes were determined based on the closing market price of the respective Notes as of the most recent trading date before the end of the fiscal year. The fair value of our 8.50% Convertible Notes and our 8.50% Secured Notes were classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Our 10.875% Notes have not experienced trading activity; therefore the fair value estimate was based on the closing market prices of comparable debt as of the end of the fiscal quarter. The fair value of the 10.875% Notes was classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the PNC Bank credit facility’s carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value measurement for the credit facility was classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The estimated fair values of our short- and long-term debt are as follows:
			2014				2013
			Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
			Amount				Amount
	8.50% Convertible Notes		$	39,822	$	39,125	$	39,822	$	38,357
	8.50% Secured Notes			78,931		79,720		78,931		72,222
	10.875% Notes			12,200		13,025		12,200		12,909
	Credit Facility			9,533		9,533		3,980		3,980
	Other
	Our financial instruments other than those presented in the disclosures above, include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other payables. The carrying value of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other payables approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair values of these items were classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
	Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. These include certain long-lived assets that are written down to fair value when they are determined to be impaired. In the first quarter of 2014, we recognized an impairment of $4,470,000 related to our Eau Claire assembly building using a valuation methodology based on Level 3 inputs. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding this impairment.

Note_5_Employee_Benefits

Note 5 - Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	'
	5		Employee Benefits
	In March 2009, our board of directors approved the suspension of our employee stock purchase plan, effective April 1, 2009. Prior to this date, our employee stock purchase plan provided for the sale of our common stock at discounted purchase prices. The cost per share under this plan was 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of our common stock on the first or last day of the purchase period, as defined.
	Stock Options
	Under our equity incentive plans, stock options have been granted to employees and directors, including our officers, at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of our common stock at the date the options are granted. The options granted generally expire ten years from the date of grant or at an earlier date as determined by the committee of our board of directors that administers the plans. Options granted prior to November 2005 generally were exercisable one year from the date of grant. Options granted from November 2005 to October 2011 are exercisable two to three years from the date of grant. Options granted under the plans since November 2011 are exercisable one to three years from the date of grant.
	Under our equity incentive plan, we also issued restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees, including our officers. RSUs generally vest over three years in annual installments commencing one year after the date of grant. We recognize compensation expense for the RSUs over the service period equal to the fair market value of the stock units on the date of issuance. Upon vesting, RSUs convert to shares in accordance with the terms of our equity incentive plan.
	On January 20, 2011, our shareholders approved (i) our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, which authorizes the issuance of 1,200,000 shares of our common stock (plus any shares that remained available on that date for future grants under our 1996 Incentive Plan) for equity-based awards (no further awards will be made under our 1996 Incentive Plan), and (ii) the amendment and restatement of our employee stock purchase plan, to increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under that plan by 1,000,000 shares, to a total of 2,500,000, and provide means by which eligible employees of our foreign subsidiaries may participate in that plan.
	We recorded stock-based compensation expense related to our stock options, RSUs and common stock, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, of $1,345,000, $1,140,000 and $1,979,000 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of September 28, 2014, $1,593,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 17 months.
	We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted-average fair value of options. The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $2.34, $1.27, and $1.27, respectively. The fair value of options at the date of grant and the weighted-average assumptions utilized to determine such values are indicated in the following table:
			2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate			2.3	%			1.3	%			1.7	%
	Expected volatility			80	%			80	%			80	%
	Expected life (in years)			8				8				8
	Dividend yield			-				-				-
	The risk-free interest rate is based on a treasury instrument whose term is consistent with the expected life of our stock options. We considered historical data in projecting expected stock price volatility. We estimated the expected life of stock options and stock option forfeitures based on historical experience.
	Option transactions during 2014 are summarized in the following table:
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)
							Exercise Price ($)
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013			3,168,924				12.15				5.5
	Granted			340,000				3.06
	Exercised			(45,297	)			2.9
	Expired/Canceled			(329,585	)			26.42
	Outstanding at September 28, 2014			3,134,042				9.8				5.3
	Options exercisable at September 28, 2014			2,508,477				11.63				4.5
	The aggregate intrinsic value at year-end of our stock options (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price of the option) outstanding for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,813,000, $1,573,000 and $39,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value at year-end of our stock options exercisable for 2014 was $1,079,000, for 2013 was $421,000 and for 2012 was $0.
	The following table summarizes the status of options that remain subject to vesting:
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average
							Grant Date Fair Value ($)				Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)
	Unvested at September 29, 2013			819,685				1.59				8.3
	Granted			340,000				2.34
	Vested			(523,286	)			1.75
	Canceled			(10,834	)			1.84
	Unvested at September 28, 2014			625,565				1.86				8.6
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at September 28, 2014:
						Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices ($)					Number Outstanding				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs)				Weighted-Average Price ($)	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)
	1.45	–	3			912,387				8.3				2.12	316,822	1.65
	3.01	–	5			849,222				5.6				3.07	819,222	3.04
	5.01	–	10			523,433				5.2				7.33	523,433	7.33
	10.01	–	37.95			849,000				2				26.31	849,000	26.31
		Total				3,134,042				5.3				9.8	2,508,477	11.63
	RSU transactions for 2014 are summarized as follows:
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average
							Grant Date Fair Value ($)
	Unvested at September 29, 2013			983,058				1.59
	Granted			346,750				2.98
	Vested			(459,226	)			1.53
	Canceled			(88,491	)			2.14
	Unvested at September 28, 2014			782,091				2.17
	Employee Benefit Plans
	We have a defined contribution plan covering our employees in the U.S. Our contributions to the plan were $1,221,000 in 2014, $1,154,000 in 2013 and $905,000 in 2012. We also have a provident fund covering our employees in Thailand. Our contributions to the plan were $120,000 in 2014, $79,000 in 2013 and $62,000 in 2012.
	We sponsor a self-insured comprehensive medical and dental plan for qualified U.S. employees that is funded by contributions from plan participants and from us. Contributions are made through a Voluntary Employee’s Benefit Association Trust. We recognized expense related to these plans of $6,935,000 in 2014, $7,387,000 in 2013 and $10,159,000 in 2012. We also recognized $361,000 and $78,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to a post–employment benefit upon retirement obligation related to our Thailand facility employees under the Thai Labor Protection Act.

Note_6_Commitments_and_Conting

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	6	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease Commitments
	We are committed under various operating lease agreements. Total lease expense under these operating leases was $1,717,000 in 2014, $2,381,000 in 2013 and $3,291,000 in 2012.
	We also have leased manufacturing equipment that has been treated as capital leases for accounting purposes. Assets acquired under capital leases are depreciated over the useful life of the asset.
	The future minimum lease payments under our capital and operating leases by fiscal year at September 28, 2014, are as follows:
		Capital			Operating Leases
		Leases
	2015	$	2,401		$	1,205
	2016		2,114			657
	2017		1,901			54
	2018		728			-
	Thereafter		-			-
	Total  future minimum lease payments		7,144			1,916
	Less: Interest		(571	)		-
	Total future minimum lease payments excluding interest	$	6,573		$	1,916
	Legal Proceedings
	We and certain users of our products have from time to time received, and may in the future receive, communications from third parties asserting patents against us or our customers that may relate to certain of our manufacturing equipment or products or to products that include our products as a component. In addition, we and certain of our customers have been sued on patents having claims closely related to products sold by us. If any third party makes a valid infringement claim and a license was not available on terms acceptable to us, our operating results could be adversely affected. We expect that, as the number of patents issued continues to increase, and as we grow, the volume of intellectual property claims could increase. We may need to engage in litigation to enforce patents issued or licensed to us, protect trade secrets or know-how owned by us or determine the enforceability, scope and validity of the intellectual property rights of others. We could incur substantial costs in such litigation or other similar legal actions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
	We are a party from time to time to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. The outcome of such claims, if, any, is not expected to materially affect our current or future financial position or results of operations.

Note_7_Supplementary_Cash_Flow

Note 7 - Supplementary Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	7	Supplementary Cash Flow Information
		2014			2013			2012
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Receivables, net	$	(2,386	)	$	386		$	26,744
	Inventories		(4,769	)		(2,968	)		13,586
	Other assets		(111	)		(621	)		(548	)
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(731	)		5,212			(2,963	)
	Other long-term liabilities		605			946			260
		$	(7,392	)	$	2,955		$	37,079
	Cash paid for:
	Interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	11,696		$	11,031		$	10,844
	Income taxes		169			46			9
	Assets acquired through capital lease		4,261			4,822			-
	Non-cash investing activities:
	Capital expenditures in accounts payable		1,813			4,264			1,464
	Capitalized interest was $650,000 in 2014, $1,278,000 in 2013 and $1,630,000 in 2012. Interest is capitalized using an overall borrowing rate for assets that are being constructed or otherwise produced for our own use. Interest capitalized during 2014 was primarily for additional manufacturing equipment for new process technology and capability improvements and tooling.

Note_8_Shareholders_Equity

Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8	Shareholders’ Equity
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On February 4, 2008, we announced that our board of directors had approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to spend up to $130,000,000 to repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The board of directors terminated the plan on October 9, 2013, at which point $72,368,000 remained available for repurchase and no repurchases had been made since 2008.

Note_9_Share_Rights_Plan

Note 9 - Share Rights Plan	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Share Rights Plan [Abstract]	'
Share Rights Plan [Text Block]	'
	9	Share Rights Plan
	In July 2010, our board of directors declared a dividend of one common share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 10, 2010. Under certain conditions, each right may be exercised to purchase one-tenth of a share of common stock at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment. The rights generally will become exercisable after any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common stock or announces a tender or exchange offer that would result in that person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of our common stock. If any person or group becomes a beneficial owner of 15% or more of our common stock, each right will entitle its holder (other than the 15% owner) to purchase, at an adjusted exercise price equal to ten times the previous purchase price, shares of our common stock having a market value of two times the right’s adjusted exercise price.
	In May 2011, we amended the rights agreement to accommodate the exchange of 3.25% Notes for 8.50% Convertible Notes in an exchange offer to avoid one or more participants inadvertently becoming “acquiring persons” with respect to the rights. In each of February and March 2012, we further amended the rights agreement to similarly accommodate the issuance of common stock warrants in connection with the private placement of 8.50% Secured Notes to avoid the warrant holders inadvertently becoming acquiring persons with respect to the rights. In October 2014, subsequent to year-end, we further amended the rights agreement to accommodate the issuance of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes to avoid one or more participants and the warrant holders inadvertently becoming acquiring persons with respect to the rights.
	The rights, which do not have voting rights, expire on August 10, 2020 and may be redeemed by us at a price of $0.001 per right, subject to adjustment, at any time prior to their expiration or a person’s or group’s acquisition of beneficial ownership of at least 15% of our common stock. In certain circumstances, at the option of our board of directors, we may exchange the rights for shares of our common stock, delay or temporarily suspend the exercisability of the rights or reduce the stock-ownership threshold of 15% to not less than 10%.
	In the event that we are acquired in certain merger or other business-combination transactions, or sell 50% or more of our assets or earnings power, each holder of a right shall have the right to receive, at the right’s adjusted exercise price, common shares of the acquiring company having a market value of twice the right’s adjusted exercise price.

Note_10_Business_Segment_Geogr

Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	10	Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers
	Segment Information
	We follow the provisions of FASB guidance, which establish annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s business segments and related disclosures about each segment’s products, services, geographic areas and major customers. The method for determining what information to report is based on the way management organizes the operating segments within a company for making operating decisions and assessing financial performance. Our Chief Executive Officer is considered to be our chief operating decision maker.
	Effective October 1, 2012, we realigned our business into a single operating and reportable segment. Our chief operating decision maker now assesses financial performance of our company as a whole. Due primarily to the restructuring actions that occurred during 2012 and the additional cost reductions that we have made since the end of 2012, the operating losses from our biomeasurement business have been significantly reduced. In connection with this realignment, we also eliminated divisional presidents.
	The October 1, 2012, realignment is reflected in the information contained in this report for all periods presented.
	Net Sales by Product
	The following table represents net sales by product:
		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Suspension assemblies	$	250,741		$	240,462		$	234,322
	Other products		10,346			9,134			12,795
	Total net sales	$	261,087		$	249,596		$	248,589
	Geographic Information
	Sales to foreign locations were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign-based enterprises	$	49,648		$	79,691		$	148,999
	Foreign subsidiaries of United States corporations		203,895			162,120			89,548
		$	253,543		$	241,811		$	238,547
	The majority of these foreign location sales were to the Pacific Rim region. In addition, we have sales to United States corporations that used our products in their offshore manufacturing sites.
	Revenue assigned based on product shipment location and long-lived assets by geographic area were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenue:
	Thailand	$	203,858		$	140,949		$	76,034
	Hong Kong		33,832			42,505			77,436
	Philippines		15,597			36,931			71,332
	Malaysia		62			21,171			13,513
	United States		7,544			7,784			10,042
	Other foreign countries		194			256			232
		$	261,087		$	249,596		$	248,589
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	129,051		$	162,231		$	184,030
	Thailand		24,092			24,659			18,438
	Other foreign countries		26			24			-
		$	153,169		$	186,914		$	202,468
	Major Customers
	Sales to customers in excess of 10% of net sales were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Western Digital Corporation		60	%		52	%		26	%
	Seagate Technology, LLC		18	%		14	%		10	%
	SAE Magnetics, Ltd./TDK Corporation		15	%		24	%		47	%
	HGST (a Western Digital company)		4	%		8	%		12	%

Note_11_Summary_of_Quarterly_I

Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	'
	11		Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited)
	The following table summarizes unaudited financial data for 2014 and 2013. The price range per share reflects the high and low sales prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market during each quarter.
			2014 by Quarter												2013 by Quarter
			First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Net sales		$	70,312		$	60,699		$	59,772		$	70,304		$	63,699		$	60,930		$	61,308		$	63,659
	Gross profit (loss)			5,530			5,863			3,557			8,951			7,421			7,977			1,399			(372	)
	Loss from operations			(9,337	)1		(5,388	)2		(7,412	)3		(1,465	)4		(3,102	)5		(2,056	)6		(8,926	)7		(10,661	)8
	(Loss) income before income taxes			(16,162	)9		(8,681	)		(11,192	)		(5,141	)		(6,476	)		1,830	10		(15,909	)		(14,505	)
	Net (loss) income			(15,346	)		(8,706	)		(11,207	)		(5,156	)		(6,522	)		1,867			(15,866	)		(14,555	)
	Net (loss) income per share:
	Basic			(0.55	)		(0.31	)		(0.40	)		(0.18	)		(0.27	)		0.07			(0.59	)		(0.53	)
	Diluted			(0.55	)		(0.31	)		(0.40	)		(0.18	)		(0.27	)		0.07			(0.59	)		(0.53	)
	Price range per share:
	High			4.25			4.35			2.99			4.85			2.18			3.15			6.69			5.85
	Low			2.75			2.7			1.96			2.05			1.35			1.82			2.67			3.17
		1	During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded $4,470,000 of impairment related to our Eau Claire assembly building and $300,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		2	During the second quarter of 2014, we recorded $400,000 for severance expenses and $600,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		3	During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded $1,300,000 for severance expenses and $200,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		4	During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded a $300,000 reversal of previously recorded severance expenses and $300,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		5	During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded $1,000,000 for severance expenses.
		6	During the second quarter of 2013, we recorded $300,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		7	During the third quarter of 2013, we recorded $600,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		8	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded $900,000 of site consolidation expenses.
		9	During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded $3,200,000 loss on foreign currency.
		10	During the second quarter of 2013, we recorded a $5,000,000 gain on extinguishment of debt related to our 3.25% Notes redemption and 8.50% Convertible Notes exchange.

Note_12_Subsequent_Events

Note 12 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	12	Subsequent Events
	In October 2014, subsequent to year-end, we completed a debt offering that will enable us to address the $39,822,000 of 8.50% Convertible Notes that can be put to us in January 2015. This included the sale of $37,500,000 of 8.50% New Convertible Notes and an exchange of $15,000,000 of 8.50% Secured Notes for 2.5 million shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 2.5 million shares. Certain beneficial holders of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes have the right to require us to repurchase for cash up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, during the 120-day period commencing on October 23, 2014. Accordingly, $7,500,000 of the proceeds to us from the sale of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes was escrowed until the put right expires. Additionally, we were required to escrow at least $35,000,000 of cash that will be restricted solely for the repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition for value of our 8.50% Convertible Notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. On December 1, 2014, we initiated a redemption of the existing $39,822,000 of 8.50% Convertible Notes that can be put to us in January 2015. To fund this, we expect to use the proceeds of the 8.50% New Convertible Notes and our existing cash. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding these financing transactions.
	On November 25, 2014, subsequent to year-end, there were 1,250,000 warrants exercised which resulted in the issuance of 1,246,493 shares of common stock.
	On December 1, 2014, subsequent to year-end, we initiated a redemption of all $39,822,000 aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.50% Convertible Notes. In accordance with the terms of the indenture and a notice of redemption thereunder, the 8.50% Convertible Notes will be redeemed on January 15, 2015 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
	Subsequent to year-end, we entered into an agreement under which we will receive a $15,000,000 advance payment from a customer in our first quarter of 2015 for suspension assemblies expected to ship to that customer in the second quarter of 2015.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifiying of Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	'
		Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions (Deductions) Charged to Costs and Expenses			Other Changes Add (Deduct)			Balance at End of Period
		(In thousands)
	2012:00:00
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	23	$	(23	)	$	-		$	-
	Reserve for sales returns and allowances		162		142			(260	)1		44
		$	185	$	119		$	(260	)	$	44
	2013:00:00
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-
	Reserve for sales returns and allowances		44		2,094			(1,482	)1		656
		$	44	$	2,094		$	(1,482	)	$	656
	2014:00:00
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-
	Reserve for sales returns and allowances		656		1,968			(2,127	)1		497
		$	656	$	1,968		$	(2,127	)	$	497
	1	Returns honored and credit memos issued.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hutchinson Technology Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“we,” “our” and “us”), all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. The updated guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. It also requires entities to disclose both quantitative and qualitative information that enable financial statements users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The updated guidance will be effective for our first quarter of 2018. We are in the process of assessing the impact, if any, this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fiscal Year
	Our fiscal year is a fifty-two/fifty-three week period ending on the last Sunday in September. The fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, were both fifty-two week periods and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, was a fifty-three week period.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue from the sale of our products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the fee is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling costs associated with products sold are classified as revenue.
	For all sales, we use a binding purchase order as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery generally occurs when the product is delivered to a common carrier. Certain of our products are delivered on an FOB destination basis. We defer our revenue associated with these transactions until the product has been delivered and accepted at the customer’s premises.
	We also store inventory in “vendor managed inventory,” or VMI, facilities, which are warehouses located close to the customer’s manufacturing facilities. Revenue is recognized on sales from such facilities upon the transfer of title and risk of loss, following the customer’s acknowledgement of the receipt of the goods.
	We also enter into arrangements with customers that provide us with reimbursement for engineering services and specific program capacity to partially offset the costs of our investment. We recognize the associated revenue over the estimated life of the program to which the services and capacity relate. The deferred revenue related to these reimbursements, as recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, was $1,135,000 and $513,000, respectively, included in the line item “Accrued expenses and other” and $1,891,000 and $524,000, respectively, included in the line item “Other long-term liabilities.”
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
	The cash and cash equivalents that were restricted in use, as recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, was $2,059,000 and $3,721,000, respectively included in the line item “Other current assets”. As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, these amounts covered outstanding letters of credit and cash received and temporarily held in our senior secured credit facility collections account. The revolving credit and security agreement between us and PNC Bank, as amended, requires that we maintain a $2,500,000 compensating balance to draw proceeds on the corresponding credit facility. The $2,500,000 balance is maintained under the credit agreement to assure future credit availability.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Investments
	Our short-term investments are comprised of United States government debt securities. We account for securities available for sale in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance regarding accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities, which requires that available-for-sale and trading securities be carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses deemed to be temporary on available-for-sale securities are reported as other comprehensive income (“OCI”) within shareholders’ equity. Fair value of the securities is based upon quoted market prices in active markets or estimated fair value when quoted market prices are not available. The cost basis for realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities is determined on a specific identification basis. We classify our available-for-sale securities as short- or long-term based upon management’s intent and ability to hold these investments.
	A summary of our investments as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, is as follows:
			28-Sep-14
						Gross Realized						Gross Unrealized
			Cost Basis			Gains			Losses			Gains		Losses		Recorded Basis
	Available-for-sale securities
	Short-term investments restricted
	U.S. government debt securities		$	965		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	965
			29-Sep-13
						Gross Realized						Gross Unrealized
			Cost Basis			Gains			Losses			Gains		Losses		Recorded Basis
	Available-for-sale securities
	Short-term investments restricted
	U.S. government debt securities		$	1,200		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	1,200
	As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, our short-term investments mature within one year.
	As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, we had $965,000 and $1,200,000, respectively, of short-term investments that were restricted in use. The amounts are required by the State of Minnesota to be held as security for our self-insured workers compensation programs.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Trade Receivables
	We grant credit to our customers, but generally do not require collateral or any other security to support amounts due. Trade receivables of $23,971,000 at September 28, 2014, and $21,680,000 at September 29, 2013, are net of allowances for sales returns of $497,000 and $656,000, respectively.
	During the third and fourth quarters of 2014, we entered into multiple independent bill of exchange discounting transactions under an uncommitted facility with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Bangkok Branch (“HSBC”), under which our Thai subsidiary, Hutchinson Technology Operations (Thailand) Co. Ltd., sold, without recourse, an aggregate of $43,849,000 of its accounts receivable to HSBC and was paid 95% of the face value of the accounts receivable, less interest expense of LIBOR plus 1.75%. Upon full payment of the receivable by its customer to HSBC, our Thai subsidiary receives from HSBC the 5% remainder due on the receivable. As of September 28, 2014, there remained $1,177,000 to be paid to our Thai subsidiary from HSBC from the sale of $23,472,000 of its accounts receivable to HSBC. The $1,177,000 was included within the line item “Other receivables” on our consolidated balance sheet.
	We generally warrant that the products sold by us will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year or less following delivery to our customer. Upon determination that the products sold are defective, we typically accept the return of such products and refund the purchase price to our customer. We record a provision against revenue for estimated returns on sales of our products in the same period that the related revenues are recognized. We base the allowance on historical product returns, as well as existing product return authorizations. The following table reconciles the changes in our allowance for sales returns under warranties:
	Fiscal Year		Beginning Balance			Increases in the Allowance Related to			Reductions in the Allowance for Returns Under Warranties			Ending Balance
						Warranties Issued
	2014		$	656		$	1,968		$	(2,127	)	$	497
	2013		$	44		$	2,094		$	(1,482	)	$	656
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market by analyzing market conditions, current sales prices, inventory costs and inventory balances. Inventories consisted of the following at September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013:
			2014			2013
	Raw materials		$	21,376		$	18,608
	Work in process			11,860			9,306
	Finished goods			15,742			16,371
			$	48,978		$	44,285
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Property and Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We also use straight-line depreciation methods for income tax reporting purposes.
	Costs of renewals and betterments that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated. Maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense as incurred.
	Property under capital lease is comprised of equipment used in our operations. The related depreciation for capital leases is included in depreciation expense. The carrying value of property under capital lease was $9,770,000 at September 28, 2014, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,520,000.
	Estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes are as follows:
	Buildings (in years)	25	to	35
	Leasehold improvements (in years)	5	to	10
	Equipment (in years)	1	to	15
	Capital leases (in years)	1	to	15
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Other Comprehensive Loss
	The components of accumulated OCI, net of income taxes, were as follows:
			September 28,			September 29,
			2014			2013
	Foreign currency translation		$	(543	)	$	(148	)
	Our Thailand operation uses their local currency as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated OCI. Foreign currency translation, net of income taxes of $0, was a $395,000 loss in 2014, a $19,000 loss in 2013 and a $319,000 loss in 2012.
	Transaction gains and losses that arise from the exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local currency are included in “Other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. We recognized a foreign currency loss of $2,076,000 in 2014, a loss of $1,372,000 in 2013 and a loss of $233,000 in 2012 primarily related to purchases denominated in U.S. dollars made by our Thailand operation.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Engineering and Process Development
	Our engineers and technicians are responsible for the implementation of new technologies, as well as process and product development and improvements. Expenditures related to these activities totaled $47,397,000 in 2014, $39,657,000 in 2013 and $39,764,000 in 2012. Of these amounts, $17,316,000 in 2014, $14,621,000 in 2013 and $16,474,000 in 2012 were classified as research and development expenses, with the remainder relating to quality, engineering and manufacturing support, classified as cost of sales.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Severance and Site Consolidation Expenses
	A summary of our severance and site consolidation expenses as of September 28, 2014, is as follows:
			Severance and Benefits			Site Consolidation Expenses			Total
	Accrual balances, September 25, 2011		$	1,741		$	-		$	1,741
	Restructuring (reversals) charges			(895	)		184			(711	)
	Cash payments			(846	)		(184	)		(1,030	)
	Accrual balances, September 30, 2012			-			-			-
	Restructuring charges			1,212			1,661			2,873
	Cash payments			(1,212	)		(1,661	)		(2,873	)
	Accrual balances, September 29, 2013			-			-			-
	Restructuring charges			1,377			1,349			2,726
	Cash payments			(1,350	)		(1,349	)		(2,699	)
	Accrual balances, September 28, 2014		$	27		$	-		$	27
	We have had an ongoing severance and manufacturing consolidation and restructuring plan in place to support efforts to improve operating results and liquidity through improved utilization of our facilities in both the U.S. and Thailand.
	At the end of 2011, $1,741,000 of severance and other expenses remained to be paid related to the 2011 manufacturing consolidation and restructuring plan that included eliminating approximately 800 positions from our U.S. workforce. As a result of leveraging our U.S. assembly operations to offset the temporary loss of manufacturing capacity in Thailand due flooding, we retained approximately 120 employees in our Hutchinson, Minnesota manufacturing facility that we previously expected to terminate and whose anticipated severance and benefits were included in our 2011 severance and benefits expenses. This resulted in a reduction of $895,000 in our severance and benefits expenses during the first quarter of 2012. The remaining severance and benefits payments were completed in our second quarter of 2012.
	As part of our consolidation and restructuring actions, a total of $184,000 of other expenses were recorded in 2012, primarily internal labor, contractors and freight, related to consolidation of the Hutchinson, Minnesota components operations into our operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
	During the first quarter of 2013, we eliminated approximately 55 positions as part of our continued focus on overall cost reductions. As of September 29, 2013, we had incurred $2,873,000 of severance and site consolidation expenses, primarily internal labor, contractors and freight, related to the consolidation. All severance and benefits payments were completed in our second quarter of 2013.
	During the second and third quarters of 2014, we identified a total of approximately 170 positions to be eliminated as part of our continued consolidation effort and our continued focus on overall cost reductions. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we retained approximately 40 of those positions for manufacturing of our shape memory alloy optical image stabilization product. This and our site consolidation activities resulted in $2,726,000 of severance and site consolidation expenses. We expect the total remaining 2014 severance and benefits payments of $27,000 will be complete by the end of our first quarter of 2015.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Asset Impairment
	When indicators of impairment exist and assets are held for use, we estimate future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets. In the event such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the recorded value of the assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values based on the expected discounted future cash flows attributable to the assets or based on appraisals. Factors affecting impairment of assets held for use include the ability of the specific assets to generate positive cash flows. Changes in any of these factors could necessitate impairment recognition in future periods for other assets held for use.
	In connection with this consolidation of our operations, two of our facilities were offered for sale or lease in 2013, including the Eau Claire, Wisconsin assembly building and the Development Center building on our Hutchinson, Minnesota campus. During the first quarter of 2014, we received third-party interest in purchasing the Eau Claire assembly building. Based on the discussions regarding the potential sale of this building, we modified our forecast model to increase the probability of a sale of our Eau Claire assembly building and decrease the probability of a lease. Using these new weightings for sale and lease, the carrying value of our assets exceeded the expected undiscounted cash flows indicating a trigger of potential impairment. As a result, we evaluated the recoverability of the Eau Claire assembly building based on these circumstances and recorded an impairment charge of $4,470,000 included in the line item “Asset impairment” in our consolidated statement of operations. The building and related assets had remaining useful lives ranging from 15 to 30 years. We determined the long-lived assets did not meet the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale. During the second quarter of 2014, we sold the Eau Claire, Wisconsin assembly building, and related real and personal property for net proceeds of $4,364,000. We will continue to own and operate the remaining portion of the Eau Claire facility, representing approximately 700,000 square feet of floor space. As of September 28, 2014, there were no indicators of additional impairment related to our Development Center building.
	Thailand Flood
	In October 2011, severe flooding in Thailand required us to suspend assembly operations at our Thailand manufacturing facility. During our fourth quarter of 2011, prior to the flooding, approximately one-third of our sales originated out of our Thailand assembly facility. By the end of that quarter, our Thailand operations had an assembly capacity of four to five million parts per week.
	As a result of the flooding in Thailand, during 2012, we recorded insurance recoveries, net of flood-related costs, as follows:
			For the Year Ended
			30-Sep-12
	Impairment of building and equipment and write-off of inventory		$	11,839
	Continuing costs during site shutdown			5,908
	Site restoration			2,613
				20,360
	Insurance recoveries			(25,000	)
	Insurance recoveries, net of flood-related costs		$	(4,640	)
	The total carrying value of our Thailand building and equipment was approximately $18,700,000 at the time of the flood. Of the total, $8,541,000 was destroyed by the flooding and was impaired and written off. The flood-related inventory write-off was $3,298,000, which included the cost of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventories that were not able to be used or sold due to the flood damage. Repairs, maintenance, employee and other flood-related costs were expensed when incurred. These expenses totaled $8,521,000 for 2012. These amounts are reflected, net of insurance recoveries, in “Insurance recoveries, net of flood related costs”, on our consolidated statements of operations.
	After review of the flood mitigation plans of the Thai government and those of the industrial park where our plant is located, we restored our Thailand manufacturing facility. The industrial park has completed construction of a flood wall and we resumed production at that facility and began shipping products for customer qualification during the third quarter of 2012. In total, we spent approximately $27,000,000 during 2012 and $7,000,000 during 2013 for incremental costs of manufacturing in our U.S. assembly operations instead of in Thailand, capital expenditures for site restoration and equipment replacement, recovery expenses, and inventory replenishment. These costs were partially offset by the $25,000,000 in insurance proceeds that we received in 2012. These costs do not include lost profits from lower demand due to constraints in the overall capacity in the disk drive supply chain as a result of the flooding.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realized based on future taxable income, and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or change this allowance in a period, we must include an expense or a benefit within the tax provision in our consolidated statement of operations.
	Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances arise due to the uncertainty of realizing deferred tax assets. At September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, we had valuation allowances of $227,219,000 and $213,948,000 respectively. The FASB guidance requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such assessments, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. A company’s current or previous losses are given more weight than its future outlook. Under the guidance, our three-year historical cumulative loss was a significant negative factor. This loss, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced our ability to rely on our projections of future taxable income in determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate. Accordingly, we concluded that a full valuation allowance was appropriate. We will continue to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realizable, and our valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Loss per Share
	Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share identifies the dilutive effect of potential common shares using net income (loss) available to common shareholders and is computed (i) using the treasury stock method for outstanding stock options and the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, and (ii) in accordance with FASB guidance relating to the effect of contingently convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share for the 3.25% Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2012. A reconciliation of these amounts is as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Net loss		$	(40,414	)	$	(35,076	)	$	(48,642	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding			27,993			25,981			23,565
	Dilutive potential common shares			-			-			-
	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			27,993			25,981			23,565
	Basic loss per share		$	(1.44	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(2.06	)
	Diluted loss per share		$	(1.44	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(2.06	)
	Diluted loss per share for 2014 excludes potential common shares of 366,000 using the treasury stock method and potential common shares of 4,630,000 using the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, as they were anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share for 2013 excludes potential common shares of 533,000 using the treasury stock method and potential common shares of 5,305,000 using the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, as they were anti-dilutive. Diluted loss per share for 2012 excludes potential common shares and warrants of 2,241,000 using the treasury stock method and potential common shares of 8,466,000 using the if-converted method for the 8.50% Convertible Notes, as they were anti-dilutive.

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
			28-Sep-14
						Gross Realized						Gross Unrealized
			Cost Basis			Gains			Losses			Gains		Losses		Recorded Basis
	Available-for-sale securities
	Short-term investments restricted
	U.S. government debt securities		$	965		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	965
			29-Sep-13
						Gross Realized						Gross Unrealized
			Cost Basis			Gains			Losses			Gains		Losses		Recorded Basis
	Available-for-sale securities
	Short-term investments restricted
	U.S. government debt securities		$	1,200		$	-		$	-		$	-	$	-	$	1,200
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	Fiscal Year		Beginning Balance			Increases in the Allowance Related to			Reductions in the Allowance for Returns Under Warranties			Ending Balance
						Warranties Issued
	2014		$	656		$	1,968		$	(2,127	)	$	497
	2013		$	44		$	2,094		$	(1,482	)	$	656
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
			2014			2013
	Raw materials		$	21,376		$	18,608
	Work in process			11,860			9,306
	Finished goods			15,742			16,371
			$	48,978		$	44,285
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Buildings (in years)	25	to	35
	Leasehold improvements (in years)	5	to	10
	Equipment (in years)	1	to	15
	Capital leases (in years)	1	to	15
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
			September 28,			September 29,
			2014			2013
	Foreign currency translation		$	(543	)	$	(148	)
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
			Severance and Benefits			Site Consolidation Expenses			Total
	Accrual balances, September 25, 2011		$	1,741		$	-		$	1,741
	Restructuring (reversals) charges			(895	)		184			(711	)
	Cash payments			(846	)		(184	)		(1,030	)
	Accrual balances, September 30, 2012			-			-			-
	Restructuring charges			1,212			1,661			2,873
	Cash payments			(1,212	)		(1,661	)		(2,873	)
	Accrual balances, September 29, 2013			-			-			-
	Restructuring charges			1,377			1,349			2,726
	Cash payments			(1,350	)		(1,349	)		(2,699	)
	Accrual balances, September 28, 2014		$	27		$	-		$	27
Schedule of Business Insurance Recoveries [Table Text Block]	'
			For the Year Ended
			30-Sep-12
	Impairment of building and equipment and write-off of inventory		$	11,839
	Continuing costs during site shutdown			5,908
	Site restoration			2,613
				20,360
	Insurance recoveries			(25,000	)
	Insurance recoveries, net of flood-related costs		$	(4,640	)
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
			2014			2013			2012
	Net loss		$	(40,414	)	$	(35,076	)	$	(48,642	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding			27,993			25,981			23,565
	Dilutive potential common shares			-			-			-
	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding			27,993			25,981			23,565
	Basic loss per share		$	(1.44	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(2.06	)
	Diluted loss per share		$	(1.44	)	$	(1.35	)	$	(2.06	)

Note_2_Financing_Arrangements_

Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	8.50% Convertible Notes	$	39,822		$	39,822
	8.50% Convertible Notes debt discount		(624	)		(2,535	)
	8.50% Secured Notes		78,931			78,931
	8.50% Secured Notes debt discount		(3,575	)		(4,870	)
	10.875% Notes		12,200			12,200
	10.875% Notes debt discount		(388	)		(525	)
	Credit Facility		9,533			3,980
	Total debt, net of discounts		135,899			127,003
	Less: Current maturities, net of discount		(48,731	)		(3,980	)
	Total long-term debt, net of discounts	$	87,168		$	123,023
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	2015	$	49,355
	2016		-
	2017		91,131
	2018		-
	2019		-
	Thereafter		-
		$	140,486

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(845	)	$	(195	)	$	3
	Foreign		77			205			195
	State		7			6			7
	Deferred		-			-			-
		$	(761	)	$	16		$	205
Provision For Deferred Income Tax [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Asset bases, lives and depreciation methods	$	(2,512	)	$	(1,341	)	$	4,074
	Reserves and accruals not currently deductible		958			458			2,344
	Tax credits and NOL carryforwards		(10,167	)		(11,081	)		(19,702	)
	Deferred tax liability on 3.25% Notes		-			(69	)		(3,732	)
	Valuation allowance		11,721			12,033			17,016
		$	-		$	-		$	-
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate		(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%		(35.0	)%
	Effect of:
	Foreign and state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits		0.2			0.6			0.4
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and/or use of tax credits		32.6			34.1			35.5
	Other permanent differences		0.3			0.3			(0.5	)
			(1.9	)%		0	%		0.4	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax assets:
	Receivable allowance	$	174		$	232
	Inventories		2,526			3,510
	Accruals and other reserves		2,587			2,209
	Tax credits expiring within 1 year		255			262
	Valuation allowance		(5,542	)		(6,213	)
	Total current deferred tax assets		-			-
	Long-term deferred tax assets:
	Property, plant and equipment		(2,842	)		(5,354	)
	Stock based compensation		3,998			4,307
	Long-term capital loss		888			893
	Deferred income		208			256
	Tax credits		30,265			29,918
	NOL carryforwards		185,493			174,115
	Other debt-related		3,667			3,600
	Valuation allowance		(221,677	)		(207,735	)
	Total long-term deferred tax assets		-			-
	Total deferred tax assets	$	-		$	-
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	'
		2014
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 29, 2013	$	7,021
	Gross increases in tax positions for prior year		-
	Gross decreases in tax positions for prior year		(167	)
	Gross increases in tax positions for current year		70
	Fiscal 2014 settlements		-
	Lapse in statute of limitations		(859	)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 28, 2014	$	6,065

Note_4_Fair_Value_of_Financial1

Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
		Fair Value Measurements at
		28-Sep-14
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	37,939	$	-	$	-
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government debt securities	$	965	$	-	$	-
	Total assets	$	38,904	$	-	$	-
		Fair Value Measurements at
		29-Sep-13
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,403	$	-	$	-
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government debt securities	$	1,200	$	-	$	-
	Total assets	$	40,603	$	-	$	-
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
		2014				2013
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
	8.50% Convertible Notes	$	39,822	$	39,125	$	39,822	$	38,357
	8.50% Secured Notes		78,931		79,720		78,931		72,222
	10.875% Notes		12,200		13,025		12,200		12,909
	Credit Facility		9,533		9,533		3,980		3,980

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Table

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
			2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate			2.3	%			1.3	%			1.7	%
	Expected volatility			80	%			80	%			80	%
	Expected life (in years)			8				8				8
	Dividend yield			-				-				-
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)
							Exercise Price ($)
	Outstanding at September 29, 2013			3,168,924				12.15				5.5
	Granted			340,000				3.06
	Exercised			(45,297	)			2.9
	Expired/Canceled			(329,585	)			26.42
	Outstanding at September 28, 2014			3,134,042				9.8				5.3
	Options exercisable at September 28, 2014			2,508,477				11.63				4.5
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	'
						Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices ($)					Number Outstanding				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs)				Weighted-Average Price ($)	Number Exercisable	Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)
	1.45	–	3			912,387				8.3				2.12	316,822	1.65
	3.01	–	5			849,222				5.6				3.07	819,222	3.04
	5.01	–	10			523,433				5.2				7.33	523,433	7.33
	10.01	–	37.95			849,000				2				26.31	849,000	26.31
		Total				3,134,042				5.3				9.8	2,508,477	11.63
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	'
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average
							Grant Date Fair Value ($)				Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)
	Unvested at September 29, 2013			819,685				1.59				8.3
	Granted			340,000				2.34
	Vested			(523,286	)			1.75
	Canceled			(10,834	)			1.84
	Unvested at September 28, 2014			625,565				1.86				8.6
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	'
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average
							Grant Date Fair Value ($)
	Unvested at September 29, 2013			983,058				1.59
	Granted			346,750				2.98
	Vested			(459,226	)			1.53
	Canceled			(88,491	)			2.14
	Unvested at September 28, 2014			782,091				2.17

Note_6_Commitments_and_Conting1

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments [Table Text Block]	'
		Capital			Operating Leases
		Leases
	2015	$	2,401		$	1,205
	2016		2,114			657
	2017		1,901			54
	2018		728			-
	Thereafter		-			-
	Total  future minimum lease payments		7,144			1,916
	Less: Interest		(571	)		-
	Total future minimum lease payments excluding interest	$	6,573		$	1,916

Note_7_Supplementary_Cash_Flow1

Note 7 - Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Receivables, net	$	(2,386	)	$	386		$	26,744
	Inventories		(4,769	)		(2,968	)		13,586
	Other assets		(111	)		(621	)		(548	)
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(731	)		5,212			(2,963	)
	Other long-term liabilities		605			946			260
		$	(7,392	)	$	2,955		$	37,079
	Cash paid for:
	Interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	11,696		$	11,031		$	10,844
	Income taxes		169			46			9
	Assets acquired through capital lease		4,261			4,822			-
	Non-cash investing activities:
	Capital expenditures in accounts payable		1,813			4,264			1,464

Note_10_Business_Segment_Geogr1

Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Net sales:
	Suspension assemblies	$	250,741		$	240,462		$	234,322
	Other products		10,346			9,134			12,795
	Total net sales	$	261,087		$	249,596		$	248,589
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Foreign-based enterprises	$	49,648		$	79,691		$	148,999
	Foreign subsidiaries of United States corporations		203,895			162,120			89,548
		$	253,543		$	241,811		$	238,547
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenue:
	Thailand	$	203,858		$	140,949		$	76,034
	Hong Kong		33,832			42,505			77,436
	Philippines		15,597			36,931			71,332
	Malaysia		62			21,171			13,513
	United States		7,544			7,784			10,042
	Other foreign countries		194			256			232
		$	261,087		$	249,596		$	248,589
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	129,051		$	162,231		$	184,030
	Thailand		24,092			24,659			18,438
	Other foreign countries		26			24			-
		$	153,169		$	186,914		$	202,468
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	'
		2014			2013			2012
	Western Digital Corporation		60	%		52	%		26	%
	Seagate Technology, LLC		18	%		14	%		10	%
	SAE Magnetics, Ltd./TDK Corporation		15	%		24	%		47	%
	HGST (a Western Digital company)		4	%		8	%		12	%

Note_11_Summary_of_Quarterly_I1

Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
		2014 by Quarter												2013 by Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Net sales	$	70,312		$	60,699		$	59,772		$	70,304		$	63,699		$	60,930		$	61,308		$	63,659
	Gross profit (loss)		5,530			5,863			3,557			8,951			7,421			7,977			1,399			(372	)
	Loss from operations		(9,337	)1		(5,388	)2		(7,412	)3		(1,465	)4		(3,102	)5		(2,056	)6		(8,926	)7		(10,661	)8
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(16,162	)9		(8,681	)		(11,192	)		(5,141	)		(6,476	)		1,830	10		(15,909	)		(14,505	)
	Net (loss) income		(15,346	)		(8,706	)		(11,207	)		(5,156	)		(6,522	)		1,867			(15,866	)		(14,555	)
	Net (loss) income per share:
	Basic		(0.55	)		(0.31	)		(0.40	)		(0.18	)		(0.27	)		0.07			(0.59	)		(0.53	)
	Diluted		(0.55	)		(0.31	)		(0.40	)		(0.18	)		(0.27	)		0.07			(0.59	)		(0.53	)
	Price range per share:
	High		4.25			4.35			2.99			4.85			2.18			3.15			6.69			5.85
	Low		2.75			2.7			1.96			2.05			1.35			1.82			2.67			3.17

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_2

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Dec. 30, 2012

Dec. 25, 2011

Sep. 25, 2011

Jun. 29, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 25, 2011

Oct. 01, 2011

Sep. 24, 2011

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Dec. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 29, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

sqm

sqm

Other Expense [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Asset Impairment [Member]

Thailand Government Program [Member]

Treasury Stock Method [Member]

Treasury Stock Method [Member]

Treasury Stock Method [Member]

If-Converted Method [Member]

If-Converted Method [Member]

If-Converted Method [Member]

Building [Member]

Building [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]

Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]

Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Severance And Benefits [Member]

HSBC [Member]

HSBC [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]

'

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'

Deferred Revenue

$1,135,000

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'

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'

$1,135,000

$513,000

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Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent

1,891,000

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1,891,000

524,000

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Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current

2,059,000

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2,059,000

3,721,000

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Compensating Balance, Amount

2,500,000

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2,500,000

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Restricted Investments, Current

965,000

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965,000

1,200,000

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Accounts Receivable, Net, Current

23,971,000

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23,971,000

21,680,000

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current

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497,000

656,000

44,000

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Accounts Receivable Sold

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43,849,000

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Percentage of Early Payment Accounts Receivable Face Value

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95.00%

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Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

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1.75%

3.50%

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Percentage of Remaining Payment Accounts Receivable

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5.00%

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Accounts Receivable Sold, Not Paid in Full By Customer

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23,472,000

Other Receivables, Net, Current

2,894,000

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2,894,000

3,214,000

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1,177,000

Capital Lease Obligations

9,770,000

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9,770,000

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Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation

2,520,000

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2,520,000

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax

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0

0

0

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

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-395,000

-19,000

-319,000

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Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized

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-2,076,000

-1,372,000

-233,000

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New Technologies Implementation And Process And Product Development And Improvements, Cost Of Sales

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47,397,000

39,657,000

39,764,000

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Research and Development Expense

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17,316,000

14,621,000

16,474,000

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Restructuring Reserve

27,000

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1,741,000

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27,000

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1,741,000

'

1,741,000

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Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated

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55

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800

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Restructuring And Related Cost, Number Of Positions Retained, Previously Expected To Be Eliminated

40

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120

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Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment

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895,000

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Restructuring Charges

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2,726,000

2,873,000

-711,000

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'

'

1,349,000

1,661,000

184,000

184,000

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2,726,000

'

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Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated

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170

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Severance Costs

-300,000

1,300,000

400,000

'

1,000,000

'

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27,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use

'

'

'

4,470,000

'

'

'

'

4,470,000

'

8,537,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,470,000

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'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

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Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'30 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Sale of Buildings

'

'

4,364,000

'

'

'

'

'

4,563,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Meters)

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Plant Assembly Capacity Prior To Interruption, Lower Range

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Plant Assembly Capacity Prior To Interruption, Upper Range

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Plant Property And Equipment Carrying Value Prior To Interruption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Plant Property And Equipment Impaired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,541,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Plant Inventory Impaired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,298,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Restoration Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,521,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Interruption, Incremental Costs of Manufacturing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,000,000

27,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current Flood Insurance Coverage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance

$227,219,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$227,219,000

$213,948,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

366,000

533,000

2,241,000

4,630,000

5,305,000

8,466,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_3

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Summary of Investments (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Cost Basis	$965	$1,200
Recorded Basis	$965	$1,200

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_4

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Changes in Allowance for Sales Returns Under Warranties (Allowance for Sales Returns [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	Increases In The Allowance Related To Warranties Issues [Member]	Increases In The Allowance Related To Warranties Issues [Member]	Decreases In The Allowance Related To Warranties Issued [Member]	Decreases In The Allowance Related To Warranties Issued [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Changes in Allowance for Sales Returns Under Warranties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	'	'	$497,000	$656,000	$44,000
Increases (Reductions) in the Allowance Related to Warranties Issued	1,968,000	2,094,000	-2,127,000	-1,482,000	'	'	'
Ending Balance	'	'	'	'	$497,000	$656,000	$44,000

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_5

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Inventories (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$21,376	$18,608
Work in process	11,860	9,306
Finished goods	15,742	16,371
	$48,978	$44,285

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_6

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Useful Lives	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'25
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'35
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'5
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'10
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'1
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'15
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'1
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment	'15

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_7

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Components of Accumulated OCI, Net of Income Taxes (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Accumulated OCI, Net of Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign currency translation	($543)	($148)

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_8

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Severance and Other Expenses (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 24, 2011

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 24, 2011

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Severance And Benefits [Member]

Severance And Benefits [Member]

Severance And Benefits [Member]

Severance And Benefits [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Other Expense [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrual balances

'

'

$1,741,000

$1,741,000

'

'

'

$1,741,000

'

'

'

'

Restructuring (reversals) charges

2,726,000

2,873,000

-711,000

'

1,377,000

1,212,000

-895,000

'

1,349,000

1,661,000

184,000

184,000

Cash payments

-2,699,000

-2,873,000

-1,030,000

'

-1,350,000

-1,212,000

-846,000

'

-1,349,000

-1,661,000

-184,000

'

Accrual balances

$27,000

'

'

$1,741,000

$27,000

'

'

$1,741,000

'

'

'

'

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_9

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Insurance Recoveries, Net of Flood-Related Costs (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]	'
Business Interruption Costs	$20,360
Insurance recoveries	-25,000
Insurance recoveries, net of flood-related costs	-4,640
Impairment Of Building And Equipment And Write-Off Of Inventory [Member]	'
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]	'
Business Interruption Costs	11,839
Continuing Costs During Site Shutdown [Member]	'
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]	'
Business Interruption Costs	5,908
Site Restoration [Member]	'
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]	'
Business Interruption Costs	$2,613

Recovered_Sheet1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Earnings (Loss) Per Share Reconciliation (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($40,414)	($35,076)	($48,642)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,993	25,981	23,565
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,993	25,981	23,565
Basic loss per share	($0.18)	($0.40)	($0.31)	($0.55)	($0.53)	($0.59)	$0.07	($0.27)	($1.44)	($1.35)	($2.06)
Diluted loss per share	($0.18)	($0.40)	($0.31)	($0.55)	($0.53)	($0.59)	$0.07	($0.27)	($1.44)	($1.35)	($2.06)

Note_2_Financing_Arrangements_1

Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jan. 22, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

Jan. 22, 2013

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Nov. 25, 2014

Dec. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Jul. 31, 2011

Jan. 22, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 22, 2014

Sep. 21, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Private Placement [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Before Refinancing [Member]

After Refinancing [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Notes [Member]

3.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes [Member]

10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

PNC Bank Credit Line [Member]

PNC Bank Credit Line [Member]

PNC Bank Credit Line [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.5% Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.5% Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.5% Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

First Put Date In 2015 [Member]

First Put Date In 2015 [Member]

Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12,200,000

'

$37,500,000

'

$15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$45,170,000

$78,931,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

10.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Denominator

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Numerator (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

266.6667

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116.279

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price (in Dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.75

'

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8.60

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Days Until the Put Right Expires

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'120 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Amount Escrowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Amount in Escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

4,986,000

5,897,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,986,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Current Maturities

'

'

'

'

'

3,980,000

'

48,731,000

'

3,980,000

'

'

'

39,822,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,822,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Call Trigger Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Repurchase Feature Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Payment In Debt Exchange

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,999,500

'

'

3,091,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,682,000

26,666,000

'

'

45,963,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Convertible Debt

'

'

11,583,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135,899,000

'

127,003,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,504,000

39,822,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Registration Statement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,931,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Private Placement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants Issued, Private Placement (in Shares)

'

'

'

3,869,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants Exercisable Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Purchase Price, Private Placement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,489,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants Excercised

'

3,869,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Call Feature Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,590,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Redemption Price Percentage Of Principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Issuance Cost

359,000

'

'

'

'

'

4,127,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

35,000,000

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Facility, Minimum Bank Balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

15,000,000

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Facility, Variable Maturity Date, Minimum Liquidity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Line of Credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,533,000

'

3,980,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,533,000

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,133,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

1.75%

3.50%

Note_2_Financing_Arrangements_2

Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) - Short and Long-Term Debt (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) - Short and Long-Term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	$140,486,000	'	'
Credit Facility	9,533,000	3,980,000	'
Total debt, net of discounts	135,899,000	127,003,000	'
Less: Current maturities, net of discount	-48,731,000	-3,980,000	-3,980,000
Total long-term debt, net of discounts	87,168,000	123,023,000	'
8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) - Short and Long-Term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	39,822,000	39,822,000	'
Debt discount	-624,000	-2,535,000	'
8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) - Short and Long-Term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	78,931,000	78,931,000	'
Debt discount	-3,575,000	-4,870,000	'
10.875% Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) - Short and Long-Term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes payable	12,200,000	12,200,000	'
Debt discount	($388,000)	($525,000)	'

Note_2_Financing_Arrangements_3

Note 2 - Financing Arrangements (Details) - Contractual Maturities of Short and Long Term Debt (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractual Maturities of Short and Long Term Debt [Abstract]	'
2015	$49,355
2017	91,131
	$140,486

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$30,520,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Subject To Expiration	255,000	262,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	185,493,000	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	520,153,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	227,219,000	213,948,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	6,065,000	7,021,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	5,665,000	'
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Not Subject To Expiration	3,079,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Subject To Expiration	22,323,000	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expirations Begining In 2014 [Member]	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Subject To Expiration	5,118,000	'
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expire In 2014 [Member]	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Subject To Expiration	255,000	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Current	70,000	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Current	$100,000	'

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details_Pr

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	($845)	($195)	$3
Foreign	77	205	195
State	7	6	7
	($761)	$16	$205

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details_In

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Deferred Provision (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Asset Bases, Lives And Depreciation Methods [Member]	'	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Deferred Provision [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets	($2,512)	($1,341)	$4,074
Reserves And Accruals Not Currently Deductible [Member]	'	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Deferred Provision [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets	958	458	2,344
Tax Credits And Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]	'	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Deferred Provision [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets	-10,167	-11,081	-19,702
Deferred Tax Liability On 3.25% Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Deferred Provision [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets	'	-69	-3,732
Valuation Allowance [Member]	'	'	'
Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Tax Deferred Provision [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets	$11,721	$12,033	$17,016

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details_Re

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal and Effective Income Tax Rates	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal and Effective Income Tax Rates [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	-35.00%	-35.00%	-35.00%
Foreign and state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits	0.20%	0.60%	0.40%
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and/or use of tax credits	32.60%	34.10%	35.50%
Other permanent differences	0.30%	0.30%	-0.50%
	-1.90%	0.00%	0.40%

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details_Si

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax assets:	'	'
Receivable allowance	$174	$232
Inventories	2,526	3,510
Accruals and other reserves	2,587	2,209
Tax credits expiring within 1 year	255	262
Valuation allowance	-5,542	-6,213
Long-term deferred tax assets:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	-2,842	-5,354
Stock based compensation	3,998	4,307
Long-term capital loss	888	893
Deferred income	208	256
Tax credits	30,265	29,918
NOL carryforwards	185,493	174,115
Other debt-related	3,667	3,600
Valuation allowance	($221,677)	($207,735)

Note_3_Income_Taxes_Details_Gr

Note 3 - Income Taxes (Details) - Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 29, 2013	$7,021,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at September 28, 2014	6,065,000
Gross decreases in tax positions for prior year	-167,000
Gross increases in tax positions for current year	70,000
Lapse in statute of limitations	($859,000)

Note_4_Fair_Value_of_Financial2

Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$4,470,000	$4,470,000	$8,537,000
Asset Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$4,470,000	'	'

Note_4_Fair_Value_of_Financial3

Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Information by Level for Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Information by Level for Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	$965	$1,200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Information by Level for Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value On a Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	37,939	39,403
Available-for-sale debt securities	965	1,200
Total assets	$38,904	$40,603

Note_4_Fair_Value_of_Financial4

Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Estimated Fair Values of Our Short- and Long-term Debt (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Estimated Fair Values of Our Short- and Long-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	$39,822	$39,822
Fair Value	39,125	38,357
8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Estimated Fair Values of Our Short- and Long-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	78,931	78,931
Fair Value	79,720	72,222
10.875% Notes [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Estimated Fair Values of Our Short- and Long-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	12,200	12,200
Fair Value	13,025	12,909
PNC Bank Credit Line [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Estimated Fair Values of Our Short- and Long-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	9,533	3,980
Fair Value	$9,533	$3,980

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Detai

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

72 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

72 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

70 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2009

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Oct. 31, 2005

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Jan. 31, 2011

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Jan. 31, 2011

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Voluntary Employee's Benefit Association Trust [Member]

Voluntary Employee's Benefit Association Trust [Member]

Voluntary Employee's Benefit Association Trust [Member]

Thai Labor Protection Act [Member]

Thai Labor Protection Act [Member]

Two Thousand Eleven Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Cost Per Share

'85%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'2 years

'3 years

'3 years

'

'

'1 year

'1 year

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation

'

$1,345,000

$1,140,000

$1,979,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

'

'17 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

'

1,593,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)

'

$2.34

$1.27

$1.27

'

'

'

'

$2.34

'

'

'

'

$2.98

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value

'

1,813,000

1,573,000

39,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value

'

1,079,000

421,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount

'

1,221,000

1,154,000

905,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions

'

120,000

79,000

62,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Benefits Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,935,000

7,387,000

10,159,000

'

'

'

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$361,000

$78,000

'

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Detai1

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - Fair Value of Options At the Date of Grant and the Weighted Average Assumptions Uilized to Determine Such Values	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value of Options At the Date of Grant and the Weighted Average Assumptions Uilized to Determine Such Values [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	2.30%	1.30%	1.70%
Expected volatility	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
Expected life (in years)	'8 years	'8 years	'8 years

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Detai2

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - Option Transactions (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Option Transactions [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Shares	3,134,042	3,168,924
Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$9.80	$12.15
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'5 years 109 days	'5 years 6 months
Options exercisable at September 28, 2014	2,508,477	'
Options exercisable at September 28, 2014	$11.63	'
Options exercisable at September 28, 2014	'4 years 6 months	'
Granted	340,000	'
Granted	$3.06	'
Exercised	-45,297	'
Exercised	$2.90	'
Expired/Canceled	-329,585	'
Expired/Canceled	$26.42	'

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Detai3

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - Status of Options that Remain Subject to Vesting (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - Status of Options that Remain Subject to Vesting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Granted	340,000	'	'
Granted	$2.34	$1.27	$1.27
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - Status of Options that Remain Subject to Vesting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Shares	'	819,685	'
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value ($)	'	$1.59	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'8 years 219 days	'8 years 109 days	'
Granted	340,000	'	'
Granted	$2.34	'	'
Vested	-523,286	'	'
Vested	$1.75	'	'
Canceled	-10,834	'	'
Canceled	$1.84	'	'
Number of Shares	625,565	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value ($)	$1.86	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'8 years 219 days	'8 years 109 days	'

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Detai4

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - Information About Stock Options Outstanding (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in Shares)	3,134,042	3,168,924
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'5 years 109 days	'5 years 6 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$9.80	$12.15
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in Shares)	2,508,477	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$11.63	'
Range 1 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in Shares)	912,387	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'8 years 109 days	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$2.12	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in Shares)	316,822	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$1.65	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Lower Range	$1.45	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Upper Range	$3	'
Range 2 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in Shares)	849,222	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'5 years 219 days	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$3.07	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in Shares)	819,222	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$3.04	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Lower Range	$3.01	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Upper Range	$5	'
Range 3 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in Shares)	523,433	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'5 years 73 days	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$7.33	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in Shares)	523,433	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$7.33	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Lower Range	$5.01	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Upper Range	$10	'
Range 4 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in Shares)	849,000	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.)	'2 years	'
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$26.31	'
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in Shares)	849,000	'
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price ($)	$26.31	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Lower Range	$10.01	'
Range of Exercise Prices ($) Upper Range	$37.95	'

Note_5_Employee_Benefits_Detai5

Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - RSU transactions (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - RSU transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Granted	340,000	'	'
Granted	$2.34	$1.27	$1.27
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Note 5 - Employee Benefits (Details) - RSU transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Shares	983,058	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value ($)	$1.59	'	'
Granted	346,750	'	'
Granted	$2.98	'	'
Vested	-459,226	'	'
Vested	$1.53	'	'
Canceled	-88,491	'	'
Canceled	$2.14	'	'
Number of Shares	782,091	'	'
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value ($)	$2.17	'	'

Note_6_Commitments_and_Conting2

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$1,717,000	$2,381,000	$3,291,000

Note_6_Commitments_and_Conting3

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Minimum Payments for All Operating Leases and Capital Leases (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Payments for All Operating Leases and Capital Leases [Abstract]	'
2015	$2,401
2015	1,205
2016	2,114
2016	657
2017	1,901
2017	54
2018	728
Total future minimum lease payments	7,144
Total future minimum lease payments	1,916
Less: Interest	-571
Total future minimum lease payments excluding interest	6,573
Total future minimum lease payments excluding interest	$1,916

Note_7_Supplementary_Cash_Flow2

Note 7 - Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest Costs Capitalized	$650,000	$1,278,000	$1,630,000

Note_7_Supplementary_Cash_Flow3

Note 7 - Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Details) - Supplementary Cash Flow Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables, net	($2,386)	$386	$26,744
Inventories	-4,769	-2,968	13,586
Other assets	-111	-621	-548
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-731	5,212	-2,963
Other long-term liabilities	605	946	260
	-7,392	2,955	37,079
Cash paid for:	'	'	'
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	11,696	11,031	10,844
Income taxes	169	46	9
Assets acquired through capital lease	4,261	4,822	'
Non-cash investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures in accounts payable	$1,813	$4,264	$1,464

Note_8_Shareholders_Equity_Det

Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 09, 2013	Feb. 04, 2008
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	$130,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$72,368,000	'

Note_9_Share_Rights_Plan_Detai

Note 9 - Share Rights Plan (Details) (Shareholder Rights Plan [Member], USD $)	31-May-11	Oct. 31, 2014	31-May-11	Mar. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2010	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 31, 2010	Sep. 28, 2014
	Note Warrant [Member]	Convertible Notes [Member]	Convertible Notes [Member]	Private Placement [Member]	Dividend Declared [Member]	Minimum [Member]
		Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 9 - Share Rights Plan (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Purchase Rights Issued for Each Outstanding Share of Common Stock Held (in Shares)	'	'	'	'	1	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights (in Dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3	'
Threshold to Exercise Rights, Percentage of Beneficial Ownership	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	15.00%	'
Adjusted Exercise Price at Amount X Times More than Previous Purchase Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	10	'
Market Value at X Times the Right's Adjusted Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%	8.50%	8.50%	8.50%	'	'	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Expiration Date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10-Aug-20
Redeemable Price Per Right (in Dollars per Item)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.001

Note_10_Business_Segment_Geogr2

Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Net Sales by Product (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Products	$70,304	$59,772	$60,699	$70,312	$63,659	$61,308	$60,930	$63,699	$261,087	$249,596	$248,589
Suspension Assemblies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Products	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	250,741	240,462	234,322
Other Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Products	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10,346	$9,134	$12,795

Note_10_Business_Segment_Geogr3

Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Sales to Foreign Locations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Sales to Foreign Locations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign Sales	$253,543	$241,811	$238,547
Foreign-Based Enterprises [Member]	'	'	'
Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Sales to Foreign Locations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign Sales	49,648	79,691	148,999
Foreign Subsidiaries Of United States Corporations [Member]	'	'	'
Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Sales to Foreign Locations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign Sales	$203,895	$162,120	$89,548

Note_10_Business_Segment_Geogr4

Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Revenue Assigned Based on Product Shipment Location and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	$70,304	$59,772	$60,699	$70,312	$63,659	$61,308	$60,930	$63,699	$261,087	$249,596	$248,589
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	153,169	'	'	'	186,914	'	'	'	153,169	186,914	202,468
THAILAND	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	203,858	140,949	76,034
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	24,092	'	'	'	24,659	'	'	'	24,092	24,659	18,438
HONG KONG	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,832	42,505	77,436
PHILIPPINES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,597	36,931	71,332
MALAYSIA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62	21,171	13,513
UNITED STATES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,544	7,784	10,042
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	129,051	'	'	'	162,231	'	'	'	129,051	162,231	184,030
Other Foreign Countries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Sales Revenue, Goods	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	194	256	232
Long-lived assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-Lived Assets	$26	'	'	'	$24	'	'	'	$26	$24	'

Note_10_Business_Segment_Geogr5

Note 10 - Business Segment, Geographic Information and Major Customers (Details) - Sales to Customers in Excess of 10% of Net Sales (Sales Revenue, Net [Member], Customer Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Western Digital Corporation [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Net Sales	60.00%	52.00%	26.00%
Seagate Technology, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Net Sales	18.00%	14.00%	10.00%
SAE Magnetics, Ltd./TDK Corporation [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Net Sales	15.00%	24.00%	47.00%
HGST a Western Digital Company [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Net Sales	4.00%	8.00%	12.00%

Note_11_Summary_of_Quarterly_I2

Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	'	'	'	$4,470,000	'	'	'	'	$4,470,000	'	$8,537,000
Other Restructuring Costs	300,000	200,000	600,000	300,000	900,000	600,000	300,000	'	2,726,000	2,873,000	-711,000
Severance Costs	-300,000	1,300,000	400,000	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	'	'	'	'	-3,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,000,000	'	'	$4,986,000	$5,897,000

Note_11_Summary_of_Quarterly_I3

Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Details) - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data for 2014 and 2013 (under Review) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014		Jun. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013		Sep. 29, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 30, 2012		Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Details) - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data for 2014 and 2013 (under Review) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Net sales	$70,304		$59,772		$60,699		$70,312		$63,659		$61,308		$60,930		$63,699		$261,087	$249,596	$248,589
Gross profit (loss)	8,951		3,557		5,863		5,530		-372		1,399		7,977		7,421		23,901	16,425	3,521
Loss from operations	-1,465	[1]	-7,412	[2]	-5,388	[3]	-9,337	[4]	-10,661	[5]	-8,926	[6]	-2,056	[7]	-3,102	[8]	-23,601	-24,745	-40,127
(Loss) income before income taxes	-5,141		-11,192		-8,681	[9]	-16,162		-14,505	[10]	-15,909		1,830		-6,476		'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($5,156)		($11,207)		($8,706)		($15,346)		($14,555)		($15,866)		$1,867		($6,522)		($40,414)	($35,076)	($48,642)
Basic (in Dollars per share)	($0.18)		($0.40)		($0.31)		($0.55)		($0.53)		($0.59)		$0.07		($0.27)		($1.44)	($1.35)	($2.06)
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	($0.18)		($0.40)		($0.31)		($0.55)		($0.53)		($0.59)		$0.07		($0.27)		($1.44)	($1.35)	($2.06)
Maximum [Member]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Details) - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data for 2014 and 2013 (under Review) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Price Range Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$4.85		$2.99		$4.35		$4.25		$5.85		$6.69		$3.15		$2.18		$4.85	$5.85	'
Minimum [Member]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Note 11 - Summary of Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Details) - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data for 2014 and 2013 (under Review) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Price Range Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$2.05		$1.96		$2.70		$2.75		$3.17		$2.67		$1.82		$1.35		$2.05	$3.17	'
[1]	During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded a $300,000 reversal of previously recorded severance expenses and $300,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[2]	During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded $1,300,000 for severance expenses and $200,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[3]	During the second quarter of 2014, we recorded $400,000 for severance expenses and $600,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[4]	During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded $4,470,000 of impairment related to our Eau Claire assembly building and $300,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[5]	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded $900,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[6]	During the third quarter of 2013, we recorded $600,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[7]	During the second quarter of 2013, we recorded $300,000 of site consolidation expenses.
[8]	During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded $1,000,000 for severance expenses.
[9]	During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded $3,200,000 loss on foreign currency.
[10]	During the second quarter of 2013, we recorded a $5,000,000 gain on extinguishment of debt related to our 3.25% Notes redemption and 8.50% Convertible Notes exchange.

Note_12_Subsequent_Events_Deta

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Dec. 01, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Dec. 08, 2014

Nov. 25, 2014

Jul. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2012

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.50% Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

8.50% New Convertible Notes [Member]

8.50% New Convertible Notes [Member]

8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

8.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes [Member]

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Current Maturities

'

$48,731,000

$3,980,000

$3,980,000

'

'

$39,822,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

8.50%

'

8.50%

'

'

'

8.50%

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,500,000

'

37,500,000

'

'

'

'

45,170,000

78,931,000

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Warrants or Options Issued (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Secured Debt, Repurchase Agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Amount Escrowed

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Requirement to be held in Escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants Excercised

3,869,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,250,000

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,246,493

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advanced Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000,000

'

'

'

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifiying of Accounts (Details) - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance	$656		$44		$185
Additions (Deductions) Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,968		2,094		119
Other Changes Add (Deduct)	-2,127		-1,482		-260
Balance	497		656		44
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance	'		'		23
Additions (Deductions) Charged to Costs and Expenses	'		'		-23
Reserve for Customer Deductions [Member]	'		'		'
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'		'		'
Balance	656		44		162
Additions (Deductions) Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,968		2,094		142
Other Changes Add (Deduct)	-2,127	[1]	-1,482	[1]	-260	[1]
Balance	$497		$656		$44
[1]	Returns honored and credit memos issued.