Note 3 - Investments in Associated Companies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Equity Method Investments	$ 28,742,000	$ 29,216,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 250,309,000	246,176,000	$ 246,426,000
TNI Partners [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%
MNI [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%
TNI Partners [Member]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	$ 4,245,000	5,814,000	4,644,000
Equity Method Investments	14,741,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	12,366,000
Other Intangible Assets, Net	3,299,000
MNI [Member]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	3,350,000	3,400,000	3,500,000
Equity Method Investments	14,001,000
Editorial Service Fees	$ 6,636,000	$ 6,718,000	$ 7,021,000

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