Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Segment Information - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Segment Information - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2013
Dec. 29, 2012
Sep. 28, 2013
Net sales:      
Net sales $ 290,521 $ 292,497  
Income (loss) from operations:      
Loss from operations (8,355) (13,094)  
Interest expense-net (12,204) (10,250)  
Other expense (168) (981)  
Income tax benefit (7,915) (8,978)  
Loss including noncontrolling interest (12,812) (15,347)  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (104) (78)  
Net loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (12,708) (15,269)  
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 8,320 8,016  
Assets:      
Total assets 1,155,968 1,146,072 1,161,160
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):      
Total goodwill 205,756 210,223 205,756
Operating Segments [Member] | Pet Segment [Member]
      
Net sales:      
Net sales 184,605 195,180  
Income (loss) from operations:      
Loss from operations 14,386 10,173  
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 3,886 3,695  
Assets:      
Total assets 406,000 419,537 425,988
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):      
Total goodwill 205,756 202,514 205,756
Operating Segments [Member] | Garden Segment [Member]
      
Net sales:      
Net sales 105,916 97,317  
Income (loss) from operations:      
Loss from operations (6,231) (8,536)  
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 1,573 1,656  
Assets:      
Total assets 394,193 362,770 388,581
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):      
Total goodwill 0 7,709 0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
      
Income (loss) from operations:      
Loss from operations (16,510) (14,731)  
Depreciation and amortization:      
Total depreciation and amortization 2,861 2,665  
Assets:      
Total assets $ 355,775 $ 363,765 $ 346,591