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Shareholders' Equity
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders’ Equity
Class A and Class B common stock share equally in our earnings and are identical with certain exceptions. Other than on matters relating to the election of directors or as required by law where the holders of Class A and Class B shares vote as separate classes, Class A shares have limited voting rights, with each share of Class A being entitled to one-tenth of a vote on most matters, and each share of Class B being entitled to one vote. Class A shareholders are entitled, subject to certain limitations, to elect at least 25% of the Board of Directors (rounded up to the nearest whole number) with Class B shareholders entitled to elect the balance of the directors. No cash dividend may be paid on Class B shares unless at least an equal cash dividend is paid on Class A shares. Class B shares are convertible at any time into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis at the option of the shareholder. The number of common shares issued reflects conversion of Class B to Class A of 40,549 in 2012, 49,158 in 2011 and 14,044 in 2010.
Class A shares reserved for issuance at September 29, 2012 are as follows:
 
  
Shares
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
7,704,589

2008 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
1,928,956

2003 Stock Option Plan
1,131,852

1998 Stock Option Plan
157,861

Class A shares reserved for issuance
10,923,258


We are authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors may authorize, without further shareholder action, the issuance of additional preferred stock which ranks senior to both classes of our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets on liquidation. The preferred stock, when issued, would have such designations relative to voting and conversion rights, preferences, privileges and limitations as determined by the Board of Directors.