Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,489	$ 22,960	$ 8,677	$ 7,613
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	2	(566)	87	(607)
Total comprehensive income	21,491	22,394	8,764	7,006
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	594	764	490	686
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 20,897	$ 21,630	$ 8,274	$ 6,320