Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 15,156	$ 48,475
Short term investments	17,820	22,705
Accounts receivable, net	194,260	202,422
Inventories	391,934	330,032
Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes and other	53,484	48,149
Total current assets	672,654	651,783
Plant, property and equipment, net	188,913	191,163
Goodwill	205,756	210,223
Other intangible assets, net	79,868	78,853
Other assets	13,969	17,525
Total	1,161,160	1,149,547
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	103,569	126,662
Accrued expenses	78,618	79,491
Current portion of long-term debt	142	331
Total current liabilities	182,329	206,484
Long-term debt	472,445	449,483
Deferred income taxes and other long-term obligations	36,362	28,697
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Equity:
Common stock	122	122
Additional paid-in capital	389,153	382,195
Retained earnings	77,592	79,718
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,442	1,539
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders' equity	468,678	463,937
Noncontrolling interest	1,346	946
Total equity	470,024	464,883
Total	1,161,160	1,149,547
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	353	347
Total equity	353	347
Class B Stock [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	16	16
Total equity	$ 16	$ 16