Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 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
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 27, 2014
Sep. 28, 2013
Sep. 29, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) $ 9,821 $ (900) $ 22,113
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation (200) (97) 520
Unrealized loss on securities (10) 0 0
Total comprehensive income (loss) 9,611 (997) 22,633
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,017 1,029 940
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company 8,594 (2,026) 21,693
Parent [Member]
      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) 8,804 (1,929) 21,173
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation 0 0 0
Unrealized loss on securities (10)    
Total comprehensive income (loss) 8,794 (1,929) 21,173
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company 8,794 (1,929) 21,173
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) 3,806 (882) 1,308
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation (200) (97) 520
Unrealized loss on securities 0    
Total comprehensive income (loss) 3,606 (979) 1,828
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,017 1,029 940
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company 2,589 (2,008) 888
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) 49,974 32,430 52,857
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation 0 0 0
Unrealized loss on securities 0    
Total comprehensive income (loss) 49,974 32,430 52,857
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company 49,974 32,430 52,857
Eliminations [Member]
      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net income (loss) (52,763) (30,519) (53,225)
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation 0 0 0
Unrealized loss on securities 0    
Total comprehensive income (loss) (52,763) (30,519) (53,225)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 0 0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ (52,763) $ (30,519) $ (53,225)