Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Based on Company's Understanding of SEC's Interpretation (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Based on Company's Understanding of SEC's Interpretation (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2013
Dec. 29, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]    
Net loss $ (12,812) $ (15,347)
Other comprehensive income:    
Foreign currency translation 85 (42)
Total comprehensive loss (12,727) (15,389)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (104) (78)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (12,623) (15,311)
Parent [Member]
    
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]    
Net loss (12,704) (11,027)
Other comprehensive income:    
Foreign currency translation 85 (42)
Total comprehensive loss (12,619) (11,069)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (104) (78)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (12,515) (10,991)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
    
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]    
Net loss (108) (4,320)
Other comprehensive income:    
Foreign currency translation 0 0
Total comprehensive loss (108) (4,320)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (108) (4,320)
Eliminations [Member]
    
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]    
Net loss 0 0
Other comprehensive income:    
Foreign currency translation 0 0
Total comprehensive loss 0 0
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 0 $ 0