Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Wholesale/U.S. Nutrition	Dec. 31, 2012 European Retail	Dec. 31, 2012 Puritan's pride	Dec. 31, 2012 Vitamin World	Dec. 31, 2012 Consolidated
Changes in goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,255,919	$ 1,220,315	$ 613,561	$ 281,025	$ 317,985	$ 7,744	$ 1,220,315
Acquisitions			33,190				33,190
Reassignment of goodwill				35,000	(53,000)	18,000
Foreign currency translation			(731)	3,145			2,414
Balance at the end of the period	$ 1,255,919	$ 1,220,315	$ 646,020	$ 319,170	$ 264,985	$ 25,744	$ 1,255,919