Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 26,666	$ 19,123	$ 51,478	$ 37,410
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities	0	0	0	(10)
Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income	0	0	0	20
Foreign currency translation	(277)	615	(969)	(563)
Total comprehensive income	26,389	19,738	50,509	36,857
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	636	323	1,353	1,070
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 25,753	$ 19,415	$ 49,156	$ 35,787