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