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)