Central Garden & Pet (CENT) 10-Q 3 Aug 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jul. 25, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 24, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	CENT
Entity Registrant Name	CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO
Entity Central Index Key	887,733
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,160,023
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,962,372
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,652,262

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 14,473	$ 92,982	$ 40,000
Restricted cash	10,999	10,910	12,029
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $21,277, $25,429 and $21,069)	279,504	201,151	241,954
Inventories	383,449	362,004	361,813
Deferred taxes, prepaid expenses and other	51,964	47,759	45,075
Total current assets	740,389	714,806	700,871
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment—net	177,784	158,224	159,430
Goodwill	230,385	231,385	233,011
Other intangible assets—net	90,004	95,865	95,070
Other assets	113,185	11,913	28,525
Total	1,351,747	1,212,193	1,216,907
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	106,408	102,413	96,906
Accrued expenses	112,091	99,343	102,953
Current portion of long-term debt	375	463	530
Total current liabilities	218,874	202,219	200,389
Long-term debt	435,074	394,806	394,603
Deferred taxes and other long-term obligations	68,792	60,581	63,975
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	392,995	393,297	390,270
Accumulated earnings	235,070	160,501	166,112
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,487)	(1,294)	(805)
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	627,095	553,014	556,084
Noncontrolling interest	1,912	1,573	1,856
Total equity	629,007	554,587	557,940
Total	1,351,747	1,212,193	1,216,907
Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	122	120	120
Total equity	122	120	120
Class A Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	379	374	371
Total equity	379	374	371
Class B Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	16	16	16
Total equity	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 21,277	$ 21,069	$ 25,429
Common Stock
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	12,160,023	11,998,472	11,998,472
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	37,933,970	37,418,572	37,197,569
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,652,262	1,652,262	1,652,262

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 574,592	$ 514,544	$ 1,564,014	$ 1,415,605
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	391,319	350,799	1,076,534	982,735
Gross profit	183,273	163,745	487,480	432,870
Selling, general and administrative expenses	125,340	115,560	345,749	316,509
Operating income	57,933	48,185	141,731	116,361
Interest expense	(7,273)	(6,964)	(20,976)	(36,205)
Interest income	53	43	99	74
Other income (expense)	1,626	318	(306)	(243)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	52,339	41,582	120,548	79,987
Income tax expense	19,450	14,916	44,621	28,509
Income including noncontrolling interest	32,889	26,666	75,927	51,478
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	641	636	1,358	1,353
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 32,248	$ 26,030	$ 74,569	$ 50,125
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.64	$ 0.53	$ 1.49	$ 1.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.62	$ 0.51	$ 1.44	$ 0.99
Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income per share:
Basic (in shares)	50,507	49,120	50,084	48,801
Diluted (in shares)	51,825	51,063	51,769	50,743

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income including noncontrolling interest	$ 32,889	$ 26,666	$ 75,927	$ 51,478
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	172	(277)	(193)	(969)
Total comprehensive income	33,061	26,389	75,734	50,509
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	641	636	1,358	1,353
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 32,420	$ 25,753	$ 74,376	$ 49,156

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Income including noncontrolling interest	$ 75,927	$ 51,478
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,374	29,286
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,021	1,164
Stock-based compensation	8,189	6,069
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	(17,205)	(4,726)
Deferred income taxes	10,420	12,305
Write-off of deferred financing costs	0	3,337
Loss on sale of property and equipment	96	788
Gain on sale of facility	(2,050)	(2,544)
Other	1,241	190
Change in assets and liabilities (excluding businesses acquired):
Accounts receivable	(74,234)	(13,236)
Inventories	(17,347)	(5,928)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	11,774	6,493
Accounts payable	2,901	(8,027)
Accrued expenses	10,629	14,812
Other long-term obligations	(88)	(1,878)
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,648	89,583
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(37,087)	(19,486)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	(106,821)	(68,901)
Proceeds from the sale of business, facility and other assets	8,301	3,899
Change in restricted cash	(89)	1,129
Investment in equity method investee	(11,495)	0
Other investing activities	(2,735)	(550)
Net cash used in investing activities	(149,926)	(83,909)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(456)	(400,230)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	400,000
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	456,000	419,000
Repayments under revolving line of credit	(416,000)	(419,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	280
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholding	(25,654)	(9,429)
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(1,222)	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)	(592)
Payment of financing costs	0	(7,560)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	17,205	4,726
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	28,854	(12,805)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(85)	(453)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(78,509)	(7,584)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	92,982	47,584
Cash and equivalents at end of period	14,473	40,000
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	$ 27,075	$ 32,440

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Central”) as of June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 , the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 , and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. For the Company’s foreign business in the UK, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Deferred taxes are not provided on translation gains and losses because the Company expects earnings of its foreign subsidiary to be permanently reinvested. Transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations. See Note 8, Supplemental Equity Information, for further detail. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s garden business, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 24, 2017 are not indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements, accounting policies and financial notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The September 24, 2016 balance sheet presented herein was derived from the audited financial statements. Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by Central in a consolidated subsidiary. Since the Company controls this subsidiary, its financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company, and the noncontrolling owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 8, Supplemental Equity Information, for additional information. Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes cash and highly liquid instruments that are used as collateral for stand-alone letter of credit agreements related to normal business transactions. These agreements require the Company to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral in segregated accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash the Company has available for other uses. The amount of cash collateral in these segregated accounts was approximately $11.0 million , $12.0 million and $10.9 million as of June 24, 2017 , June 25, 2016 and September 24, 2016 , respectively, and is reflected in Restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation . ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 became effective during the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2017, and the adoption of the standard had no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Stock Based Compensation In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 (ASU 2014-12), Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. ASU 2014-12 became effective during the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2017, and the adoption of the standard had no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This update was issued as Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The core principle of this amendment is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September 28, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, but not before interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new standard with disclosure of results under old standards. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 requires companies to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company in our first quarter of fiscal 2020 on a modified retrospective basis and earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements, and it currently expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 . Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (ASU 2016-09), Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including: income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of ASU 2016-09 and has not yet determined the impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09 (ASU 2017-09), Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides clarity on which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply the modification accounting provisions required in Topic 718. The standard is effective for all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Inventory Measurement In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 (ASU 2015-11), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . Under ASU 2015-11, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The standard defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, or the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . This ASU eliminates the current requirement for entities to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position and instead requires that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The standard allows for either a retrospective or prospective transition method and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. A s of June 24, 2017 , June 25, 2016 and September 24, 2016 , net current deferred tax assets classified within deferred taxes, prepaid expenses and other current assets were $30.4 million , $29.7 million and $31.5 million , respectively. Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15) . The ASU provides additional clarification guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (ASU 2016-18) . This ASU clarifies the presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending cash balances on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that ASU 2016-18 will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Business Combinations In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01), which requires an evaluation of whether substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction does not qualify as a business. The guidance also requires an acquired business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The Company is required to apply this guidance to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements. Goodwill In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The new guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance will be effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2021. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as part of its annual goodwill impairment testing.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements ASC 820 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires financial assets and liabilities to be categorized based on the inputs used to calculate their fair values as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, short term investments consisting of bank certificates of deposit, accounts receivable and payable, derivative instruments, short-term borrowings, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of June 24, 2017 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,095 $ 4,095 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,095 $ 4,095 The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of June 25, 2016 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,355 $ 6,355 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,355 $ 6,355 The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of September 24, 2016 : Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,113 $ 5,113 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,113 $ 5,113 (a) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012, and future performance-based contingent payments for Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., acquired in October 2015. The fair value of the estimated contingent consideration arrangement is determined based on the Company’s evaluation as to the probability and amount of any earn-out that will be achieved based on expected future performance by the acquired entity. This is presented as part of long-term liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial instruments for the periods ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 (in thousands): Amount Balance September 24, 2016 $ 5,113 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition — Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition 204 Performance-based payments (1,222 ) Balance June 24, 2017 $ 4,095 Amount Balance September 26, 2015 $ 3,625 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition 2,590 Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition 140 Balance June 25, 2016 $ 6,355 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis The Company measures certain non-financial assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are used primarily in the impairment analyses of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. During the periods ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 , the Company was not required to measure any significant non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments In November 2015, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The estimated fair value of the Company’s 2023 Notes as of June 24, 2017 , June 25, 2016 and September 24, 2016 was $430.5 million , $417 million and $430.3 million , respectively, compared to a carrying value of $395.0 million , $394.2 million and $394.4 million , respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions K&H Manufacturing On April 28, 2017, the Company purchased K&H Manufacturing, a producer of premium pet supplies and the largest marketer of heated pet products in the country, for a purchase price of approximately $48.0 million . The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net tangible assets acquired by approximately $41.8 million , which is included in other assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 24, 2017 . The Company has not yet finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the intangible assets acquired. K&H sells branded pet products under the K&H and K&H Pet brands. The acquisition is expected to complement the Company's existing dog and cat business. Segrest Inc. On October 24, 2016, the Company acquired Segrest, Inc., a wholesaler of aquarium fish, for a purchase price of approximately $60.0 million , of which $6.0 million is in an escrow account managed by an independent trustee and is payable contingent upon future events. The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net tangible assets acquired by approximately $47.7 million , which is included in other assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 24, 2017 . The Company has not yet finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the intangible assets acquired. This acquisition is expected to strengthen the Company's position in the aquatics category and provide the opportunity for synergies with the Company's existing aquatics business. Proforma financial information has not been presented as the Segrest and K&H acquisitions were not considered material to the Company's overall consolidated financial statements during the periods presented.

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): June 24, 2017 June 25, 2016 September 24, 2016 Raw materials $ 118,097 $ 110,095 $ 120,786 Work in progress 16,573 16,604 17,378 Finished goods 243,053 225,814 217,788 Supplies 5,726 9,300 6,052 Total inventories, net $ 383,449 $ 361,813 $ 362,004

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually, or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This assessment involves the use of significant accounting judgments and estimates as to future operating results and discount rates. Changes in estimates or use of different assumptions could produce significantly different results. An impairment loss is generally recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company uses discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Net Carrying Value (in millions) June 24, 2017 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.9 $ (11.9 ) $ — $ 3.0 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 62.7 — (26.0 ) 36.7 Total 77.6 (11.9 ) (26.0 ) 39.7 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 64.3 (29.0 ) — 35.3 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 20.8 (12.4 ) — 8.4 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 28.6 (12.4 ) (1.2 ) 15.0 Total other intangible assets $ 170.5 $ (53.3 ) $ (27.2 ) $ 90.0 Gross Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Net Carrying Value (in millions) June 25, 2016 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.9 $ (11.1 ) $ — $ 3.8 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 63.0 — (24.2 ) 38.8 Total 77.9 (11.1 ) (24.2 ) 42.6 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 62.1 (25.8 ) — 36.3 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 20.8 (11.2 ) — 9.6 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 28.6 (11.2 ) (1.2 ) 16.2 Total other intangible assets $ 168.6 $ (48.1 ) $ (25.4 ) $ 95.1 Gross Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Net Carrying Value (in millions) September 24, 2016 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.9 $ (11.3 ) $ — $ 3.6 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 63.0 — (26.0 ) 37.0 Total 77.9 (11.3 ) (26.0 ) 40.6 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 65.6 (26.1 ) — 39.5 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 20.8 (11.6 ) — 9.2 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 28.6 (11.6 ) (1.2 ) 15.8 Total other intangible assets $ 172.1 $ (49.0 ) $ (27.2 ) $ 95.9 Other acquired intangible assets include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 , the Company recognized a non-cash $1.8 million impairment charge to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition in the marketplace and declining volume of sales. Other factors indicating the carrying value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present in fiscal 2016 or during the nine months ended June 24, 2017 , and accordingly, no impairment testing was performed on these assets. The Company amortizes its acquired intangible assets with definite lives over periods ranging from four years to 25 years; over weighted average remaining lives of six years for marketing-related intangibles, 11 years for customer-related intangibles and 13 years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $1.4 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 , respectively, and $4.3 million and $4.9 million for the nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 , respectively, and is classified within operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets in each of the succeeding five years is estimated to be approximately $5 million per year from fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2021.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: June 24, 2017 June 25, 2016 September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (5,039 ) (5,834 ) (5,635 ) Net carrying value 394,961 394,166 394,365 Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021 40,000 — — Other notes payable 488 967 904 Total 435,449 395,133 395,269 Less current portion (375 ) (530 ) (463 ) Long-term portion $ 435,074 $ 394,603 $ 394,806 Senior Notes and Redemption of Senior Subordinated Notes On November 9, 2015, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023. In December 2015, the Company used the net proceeds from the offering, together with available cash, to redeem its $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (2018 Notes) at a price of 102.063% of the principal amount and to pay fees and expenses related to the offering. The Company incurred approximately $6.3 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with these transactions, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the 2023 Notes. As a result of the Company’s redemption of the 2018 Notes, the Company incurred a call premium payment of $8.3 million , overlapping interest expense for 30 days of approximately $2.7 million and a $3.3 million non-cash charge for the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs and discount related to the 2018 Notes. These amounts are included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended June 25, 2016 . The 2023 Notes require semiannual interest payments on May 15 and November 15. The 2023 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries which are borrowers under or guarantors of Central’s senior secured revolving credit facility. The 2023 Notes are unsecured senior obligations and are subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured debt, including the Company’s Credit Facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time, at its option, prior to November 15, 2018 at the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium. At any time prior to November 15, 2018, the Company may also redeem, at its option, up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.125% of the principal amount of the notes. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, at its option, at any time on or after November 15, 2018 for 104.594% , on or after November 15, 2019 for 103.063% , on or after November 15, 2020 for 101.531% and on or after November 15, 2021 for 100% , plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2023 Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2023 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of a change of control. The 2023 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of June 24, 2017 . Asset-Based Loan Facility Amendment On April 22, 2016, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement which provides up to a $400 million principal amount senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with up to an additional $200 million principal amount available with the consent of the Lenders if the Company exercises the accordion feature set forth therein (collectively, the “Amended Credit Facility”). The Amended Credit Facility matures on April 22, 2021. The Company may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts under the Amended Credit Facility until its maturity date, at which time all amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility must be repaid in full. As of June 24, 2017 , there were borrowings of $40.0 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. There were other letters of credit of $2.6 million outstanding as of June 24, 2017 . The Amended Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base, calculated using a formula based upon eligible receivables and inventory, minus certain reserves and subject to restrictions. As of June 24, 2017 , the borrowing base and remaining borrowing availability was $360.0 million . Borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at an index based on LIBOR or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (defined as the highest of (a) the SunTrust prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% ), plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company’s consolidated senior leverage ratio. Such applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings fluctuates between 1.25% - 1.50% , and was 1.25% as of June 24, 2017 , and such applicable margin for Base Rate borrowings fluctuates between 0.25% - 0.5% , and was 0.25% as of June 24, 2017 . As of June 24, 2017 , the applicable interest rate related to Base Rate borrowings was 4.5% , and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR-based borrowings was 2.3% . The Company incurred approximately $1.2 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included underwriter fees, legal and accounting expenses. The debt issuance costs will be amortized over the term of the Amended Credit Facility. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including financial covenants which require the Company to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 :1.00 upon reaching certain borrowing levels. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by substantially all assets of the Company. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility during the quarter ended June 24, 2017 .

Supplemental Equity Information

Supplemental Equity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental Equity Information	Supplemental Equity Information The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of equity attributable to controlling interest and noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total Balance September 24, 2016 $ 120 $ 374 $ 16 $ 393,297 $ 160,501 $ (1,294 ) $ 553,014 $ 1,573 $ 554,587 Comprehensive income 74,569 (193 ) 74,376 1,358 75,734 Amortization of share-based awards 6,377 6,377 6,377 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement (1 ) (7,491 ) (7,492 ) (7,492 ) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options 2 6 (16,358 ) (16,350 ) (16,350 ) Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency 17,170 17,170 17,170 Distribution to Noncontrolling interest (1,019 ) (1,019 ) Balance June 24, 2017 $ 122 $ 379 $ 16 $ 392,995 $ 235,070 $ (1,487 ) $ 627,095 $ 1,912 $ 629,007 Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total Balance September 26, 2015 $ 119 $ 364 $ 16 $ 388,636 $ 115,987 $ 164 $ 505,286 $ 1,094 $ 506,380 Comprehensive income 50,125 (969 ) 49,156 1,353 50,509 Amortization of share-based awards 4,796 4,796 4,796 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement 1 (1,230 ) (1,229 ) (1,229 ) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options 1 6 (6,654 ) (6,647 ) (6,647 ) Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency 4,722 4,722 4,722 Distribution to Noncontrolling interest (592 ) (592 ) Other 1 1 Balance June 25, 2016 $ 120 $ 371 $ 16 $ 390,270 $ 166,112 $ (805 ) $ 556,084 $ 1,856 $ 557,940

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $8.2 million and $6.1 million for the nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 , respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense for the nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 was $3.0 million and $2.2 million , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 June 24, 2017 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 32,248 50,507 $ 0.64 $ 74,569 50,084 $ 1.49 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 810 (0.01 ) — 1,080 (0.03 ) Restricted shares 508 (0.01 ) — 605 (0.02 ) Diluted EPS: — Net income available to common shareholders $ 32,248 51,825 $ 0.62 $ 74,569 51,769 $ 1.44 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 June 25, 2016 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 26,030 49,120 $ 0.53 $ 50,125 48,801 $ 1.03 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 1,211 (0.01 ) 1,201 (0.03 ) Restricted shares 732 (0.01 ) 741 (0.01 ) Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 26,030 51,063 $ 0.51 $ 50,125 50,743 $ 0.99 Options to purchase 2.7 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $6.43 to $31.76 per share were outstanding at June 24, 2017 , and options to purchase 4.5 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $6.43 to $15.56 per share were outstanding at June 25, 2016 . For the three months ended June 24, 2017 , options to purchase 0.6 million shares of common stock were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended June 25, 2016 , all options outstanding were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the nine month period ended June 24, 2017 , options to purchase 0.6 million shares of common stock were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the nine month period ended June 25, 2016 , all options outstanding were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Management has determined that the Company has two operating segments, which are also reportable segments based on the level at which the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews the results of operations to make decisions regarding performance assessment and resource allocation. These operating segments are Pet segment and Garden segment and are presented in the table below (in thousands). Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 24, June 25, June 24, June 25, Net sales: Pet segment $ 313,437 $ 287,213 $ 915,876 $ 811,203 Garden segment 261,155 227,331 648,138 604,402 Total net sales $ 574,592 $ 514,544 $ 1,564,014 $ 1,415,605 Operating income: Pet segment 36,092 38,759 104,143 97,363 Garden segment 38,369 26,452 87,050 67,605 Corporate (16,528 ) (17,026 ) (49,462 ) (48,607 ) Total income from operations 57,933 48,185 141,731 116,361 Interest expense - net (7,220 ) (6,921 ) (20,877 ) (36,131 ) Other income (expense) 1,626 318 (306 ) (243 ) Income tax expense 19,450 14,916 44,621 28,509 Income including noncontrolling interest 32,889 26,666 75,927 51,478 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 641 636 1,358 1,353 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 32,248 $ 26,030 $ 74,569 $ 50,125 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 6,794 6,700 $ 18,798 $ 16,120 Garden segment 1,651 1,542 4,686 4,586 Corporate 2,585 2,842 7,890 8,580 Total depreciation and amortization $ 11,030 $ 11,084 $ 31,374 $ 29,286 June 24, June 25, September 24, Assets: Pet segment $ 622,567 $ 523,281 $ 508,879 Garden segment 368,365 327,768 304,901 Corporate 360,815 365,858 398,413 Total assets $ 1,351,747 $ 1,216,907 $ 1,212,193 Goodwill (included in corporate assets above): Pet segment $ 224,912 $ 229,713 $ 225,912 Garden segment 5,473 3,298 5,473 Total goodwill $ 230,385 $ 233,011 $ 231,385

Consolidating Condensed Financi

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries Certain 100% wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (as listed below, collectively the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) have guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, the obligation to pay principal and interest on the Company’s 2023 Notes. Certain subsidiaries and operating divisions are not guarantors of the 2023 Notes. Those subsidiaries that are guarantors and co-obligors of the 2023 Notes are as follows: Farnam Companies, Inc. Four Paws Products Ltd. Gulfstream Home & Garden, Inc. Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc. IMS Trading, LLC IMS Southern, LLC K&H Manufacturing, LLC Kaytee Products, Inc. Matson, LLC New England Pottery, LLC Pennington Seed, Inc. (including Gro Tec, Inc. and All-Glass Aquarium Co., Inc.) Pets International, Ltd. Segrest, Inc. (including Blue Springs Hatchery, Inc., Segrest Farms, Inc., Florida Tropical Distributors International, Inc., Sun Pet, Ltd and Aquatica Tropicals, Inc.) T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Wellmark International (including B2E Corporation and B2E Biotech LLC) In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Company has included the accompanying consolidating condensed financial statements based on the Company’s understanding of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s interpretation and application of Rule 3-10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-X. CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 184,719 $ 29,067 $ 387,333 $ (26,527 ) $ 574,592 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 142,533 20,636 252,678 (24,528 ) 391,319 Gross profit 42,186 8,431 134,655 (1,999 ) 183,273 Selling, general and administrative expenses 39,234 5,476 82,629 (1,999 ) 125,340 Operating income 2,952 2,955 52,026 — 57,933 Interest expense (7,213 ) (54 ) (6 ) — (7,273 ) Interest income 53 — — — 53 Other income 1,064 86 476 — 1,626 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (3,144 ) 2,987 52,496 — 52,339 Income tax expense (benefit) (1,178 ) 1,096 19,532 — 19,450 Equity in earnings of affiliates 34,214 — 1,302 (35,516 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 32,248 1,891 34,266 (35,516 ) 32,889 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 641 — — 641 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 32,248 $ 1,250 $ 34,266 $ (35,516 ) $ 32,248 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 162,751 $ 28,052 $ 350,013 $ (26,272 ) $ 514,544 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 128,517 18,274 228,343 (24,335 ) 350,799 Gross profit 34,234 9,778 121,670 (1,937 ) 163,745 Selling, general and administrative expenses 36,826 5,380 75,291 (1,937 ) 115,560 Operating income (loss) (2,592 ) 4,398 46,379 — 48,185 Interest expense (6,904 ) (53 ) (7 ) — (6,964 ) Interest income 42 1 — — 43 Other income (expense) (108 ) (146 ) 572 — 318 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (9,562 ) 4,200 46,944 — 41,582 Income tax expense (benefit) (3,517 ) 1,552 16,881 — 14,916 Equity in earnings of affiliates 32,075 — 2,148 (34,223 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 26,030 2,648 32,211 (34,223 ) 26,666 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 636 — — 636 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 26,030 $ 2,012 $ 32,211 $ (34,223 ) $ 26,030 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 531,028 $ 69,183 $ 1,032,444 $ (68,641 ) $ 1,564,014 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 409,262 52,442 678,798 (63,968 ) 1,076,534 Gross profit 121,766 16,741 353,646 (4,673 ) 487,480 Selling, general and administrative expenses 114,546 14,014 221,862 (4,673 ) 345,749 Operating income 7,220 2,727 131,784 — 141,731 Interest expense (20,823 ) (136 ) (17 ) — (20,976 ) Interest income 98 1 — — 99 Other income (expense) (276 ) (301 ) 271 — (306 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (13,781 ) 2,291 132,038 — 120,548 Income tax expense (benefit) (5,088 ) 1,133 48,576 — 44,621 Equity in earnings of affiliates 83,262 — 875 (84,137 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 74,569 1,158 84,337 (84,137 ) 75,927 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 1,358 — — 1,358 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 74,569 $ (200 ) $ 84,337 $ (84,137 ) $ 74,569 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 456,568 $ 73,324 $ 953,925 $ (68,212 ) $ 1,415,605 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 360,745 54,319 631,251 (63,580 ) 982,735 Gross profit 95,823 19,005 322,674 (4,632 ) 432,870 Selling, general and administrative expenses 102,990 14,283 203,868 (4,632 ) 316,509 Operating income (loss) (7,167 ) 4,722 118,806 — 116,361 Interest expense (36,065 ) (133 ) (7 ) — (36,205 ) Interest income 71 3 — — 74 Other income (expense) (286 ) (409 ) 452 — (243 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (43,447 ) 4,183 119,251 — 79,987 Income tax expense (benefit) (15,437 ) 1,749 42,197 — 28,509 Equity in earnings of affiliates 78,135 — 1,971 (80,106 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 50,125 2,434 79,025 (80,106 ) 51,478 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 1,353 — — 1,353 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 50,125 $ 1,081 $ 79,025 $ (80,106 ) $ 50,125 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 32,248 $ 1,891 $ 34,266 $ (35,516 ) $ 32,889 Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation 172 116 19 (135 ) 172 Total comprehensive income 32,420 2,007 34,285 (35,651 ) 33,061 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 641 — — 641 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 32,420 $ 1,366 $ 34,285 $ (35,651 ) $ 32,420 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 26,030 $ 2,648 $ 32,211 $ (34,223 ) $ 26,666 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation (277 ) (233 ) 25 208 (277 ) Total comprehensive income 25,753 2,415 32,236 (34,015 ) 26,389 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — 636 — — 636 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 25,753 $ 1,779 $ 32,236 $ (34,015 ) $ 25,753 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 74,569 $ 1,158 $ 84,337 $ (84,137 ) $ 75,927 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation (193 ) (144 ) (11 ) 155 (193 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 74,376 1,014 84,326 (83,982 ) 75,734 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,358 — — 1,358 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 74,376 $ (344 ) $ 84,326 $ (83,982 ) $ 74,376 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 50,125 $ 2,434 $ 79,025 $ (80,106 ) $ 51,478 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation (969 ) (773 ) 32 741 (969 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 49,156 1,661 79,057 (79,365 ) 50,509 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,353 — — 1,353 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 49,156 $ 308 $ 79,057 $ (79,365 ) $ 49,156 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 929 $ 10,118 $ 3,426 $ — $ 14,473 Restricted cash 10,999 — — — 10,999 Accounts receivable, net 92,703 9,842 176,959 — 279,504 Inventories 127,307 10,567 245,575 — 383,449 Prepaid expenses and other 19,670 1,059 31,235 — 51,964 Total current assets 251,608 31,586 457,195 — 740,389 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 37,823 4,065 135,896 — 177,784 Goodwill 15,058 — 215,327 — 230,385 Other long-term assets 34,273 3,200 167,858 (2,142 ) 203,189 Intercompany receivable 36,783 — 601,317 (638,100 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,369,307 — — (1,369,307 ) — Total $ 1,744,852 $ 38,851 $ 1,577,593 $ (2,009,549 ) $ 1,351,747 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 34,562 $ 7,832 $ 64,014 $ — $ 106,408 Accrued expenses 57,235 2,632 52,224 — 112,091 Current portion of long-term debt — — 375 — 375 Total current liabilities 91,797 10,464 116,613 — 218,874 Long-term debt 434,962 — 112 — 435,074 Intercompany payable 588,378 49,722 (638,100 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 19,327 (19,327 ) — Other long-term obligations 2,620 — 68,314 (2,142 ) 68,792 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 627,095 (23,247 ) 1,373,227 (1,349,980 ) 627,095 Noncontrolling interest — 1,912 — — 1,912 Total equity (deficit) 627,095 (21,335 ) 1,373,227 (1,349,980 ) 629,007 Total $ 1,744,852 $ 38,851 $ 1,577,593 $ (2,009,549 ) $ 1,351,747 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,477 $ 8,675 $ 848 $ — $ 40,000 Restricted cash 12,029 — — — 12,029 Accounts receivable, net 74,162 9,395 158,397 — 241,954 Inventories 105,440 9,037 247,336 — 361,813 Prepaid expenses and other 20,543 1,039 23,493 — 45,075 Total current assets 242,651 28,146 430,074 — 700,871 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 43,475 3,877 112,078 — 159,430 Goodwill 18,858 — 214,153 — 233,011 Other long-term assets 37,139 3,294 84,702 (1,540 ) 123,595 Intercompany receivable 31,005 — 478,780 (509,785 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,130,148 — — (1,130,148 ) — Total $ 1,503,276 $ 35,317 $ 1,319,787 $ (1,641,473 ) $ 1,216,907 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 26,818 $ 6,210 $ 63,878 $ — $ 96,906 Accrued expenses 48,981 2,290 51,682 — 102,953 Current portion of long-term debt 154 — 376 — 530 Total current liabilities 75,953 8,500 115,936 — 200,389 Long-term debt 394,164 — 439 — 394,603 Intercompany payable 468,039 41,746 — (509,785 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 14,780 (14,780 ) — Other long-term obligations 9,036 — 56,479 (1,540 ) 63,975 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 556,084 (16,785 ) 1,132,153 (1,115,368 ) 556,084 Noncontrolling interest — 1,856 — — 1,856 Total equity (deficit) 556,084 (14,929 ) 1,132,153 (1,115,368 ) 557,940 Total $ 1,503,276 $ 35,317 $ 1,319,787 $ (1,641,473 ) $ 1,216,907 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 82,158 $ 9,695 $ 1,129 $ — $ 92,982 Restricted cash 10,910 — — — 10,910 Accounts receivable, net 59,617 5,156 136,378 — 201,151 Inventories 113,317 11,752 236,935 — 362,004 Prepaid expenses and other assets 20,978 817 25,964 — 47,759 Total current assets 286,980 27,420 400,406 — 714,806 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 41,083 3,897 113,244 — 158,224 Goodwill 15,058 — 216,327 — 231,385 Other long-term assets 30,555 2,980 85,701 (11,458 ) 107,778 Intercompany receivable 32,778 — 567,374 (600,152 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,176,990 — — (1,176,990 ) — Total $ 1,583,444 $ 34,297 $ 1,383,052 $ (1,788,600 ) $ 1,212,193 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 34,096 $ 3,953 $ 64,364 $ — $ 102,413 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 47,862 1,410 50,071 — 99,343 Current portion of long term debt 88 — 375 — 463 Total current liabilities 82,046 5,363 114,810 — 202,219 Long-term debt 394,364 — 442 — 394,806 Intercompany payable 553,964 46,188 — (600,152 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 16,126 (16,126 ) — Other long-term obligations 56 — 71,983 (11,458 ) 60,581 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 553,014 (18,827 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 553,014 Noncontrolling interest — 1,573 — — 1,573 Total equity (deficit) 553,014 (17,254 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 554,587 Total $ 1,583,444 $ 34,297 $ 1,383,052 $ (1,788,600 ) $ 1,212,193 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ (14,968 ) $ 2,482 $ 59,210 $ (4,076 ) $ 42,648 Additions to property and equipment (6,811 ) (557 ) (29,719 ) (37,087 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired (106,821 ) — — (106,821 ) Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets — — 8,301 — 8,301 Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (89 ) — — (89 ) Investment in equity method investee (11,495 ) — — (11,495 ) Other investing activities (2,735 ) — — — (2,735 ) Intercompany investing activities (4,005 ) — (33,943 ) 37,948 — Net cash used by investing activities (131,956 ) (557 ) (55,361 ) 37,948 (149,926 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (416,000 ) — — — (416,000 ) Borrowings under revolving line of credit 456,000 — — — 456,000 Repayments under long-term debt (88 ) — (368 ) — (456 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 17,205 — — — 17,205 Repurchase of common stock (25,654 ) — — — (25,654 ) Distribution to parent (4,076 ) — 4,076 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest (1,019 ) — — (1,019 ) Payment of contingent consideration liability — (1,222 ) — (1,222 ) Intercompany financing activities 34,414 3,534 (37,948 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 65,877 (1,561 ) (1,590 ) (33,872 ) 28,854 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (182 ) 59 38 — (85 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (81,229 ) 423 2,297 — (78,509 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 82,158 9,695 1,129 — 92,982 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 929 $ 10,118 $ 3,426 $ — $ 14,473 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash used by operating activities $ 4,127 $ 6,082 $ 84,258 $ (4,884 ) $ 89,583 Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,876 ) (577 ) (17,033 ) — (19,486 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired (60,916 ) — (7,985 ) — (68,901 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,129 — — — 1,129 Proceeds from sale of plant assets 3,899 3,899 Other investing activities (550 ) (550 ) Intercompany investing activities 1,689 — (63,778 ) 62,089 — Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (60,524 ) (577 ) (84,897 ) 62,089 (83,909 ) Repayments of long-term debt (400,208 ) — (22 ) — (400,230 ) Borrowings under revolving line of credit 419,000 — — — 419,000 Repayments under revolving line of credit (419,000 ) — — — (419,000 ) Issuance of long-term debt 400,000 — — — 400,000 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 4,726 — — — 4,726 Repurchase of common stock (9,429 ) — (9,429 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 280 — — — 280 Distribution to parent — (4,884 ) — 4,884 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest (592 ) (592 ) Payment of financing costs (7,560 ) — (7,560 ) Intercompany financing activities 63,786 (1,697 ) — (62,089 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 51,595 (7,173 ) (22 ) (57,205 ) (12,805 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (1,001 ) 321 227 — (453 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,803 ) (1,347 ) (434 ) — (7,584 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,280 10,022 1,282 — 47,584 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 30,477 $ 8,675 $ 848 $ — $ 40,000

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company may from time to time become involved in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by Central in a consolidated subsidiary. Since the Company controls this subsidiary, its financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company, and the noncontrolling owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 8, Supplemental Equity Information, for additional information.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes cash and highly liquid instruments that are used as collateral for stand-alone letter of credit agreements related to normal business transactions. These agreements require the Company to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral in segregated accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash the Company has available for other uses. The amount of cash collateral in these segregated accounts was approximately $11.0 million , $12.0 million and $10.9 million as of June 24, 2017 , June 25, 2016 and September 24, 2016 , respectively, and is reflected in Restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation . ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 became effective during the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2017, and the adoption of the standard had no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Stock Based Compensation In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 (ASU 2014-12), Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. ASU 2014-12 became effective during the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2017, and the adoption of the standard had no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This update was issued as Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The core principle of this amendment is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. On July 9, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September 28, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, but not before interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new standard with disclosure of results under old standards. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 requires companies to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company in our first quarter of fiscal 2020 on a modified retrospective basis and earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements, and it currently expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 . Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 (ASU 2016-09), Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including: income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of ASU 2016-09 and has not yet determined the impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09 (ASU 2017-09), Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides clarity on which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply the modification accounting provisions required in Topic 718. The standard is effective for all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Inventory Measurement In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 (ASU 2015-11), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . Under ASU 2015-11, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The standard defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, or the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . This ASU eliminates the current requirement for entities to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position and instead requires that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The standard allows for either a retrospective or prospective transition method and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. A s of June 24, 2017 , June 25, 2016 and September 24, 2016 , net current deferred tax assets classified within deferred taxes, prepaid expenses and other current assets were $30.4 million , $29.7 million and $31.5 million , respectively. Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15) . The ASU provides additional clarification guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (ASU 2016-18) . This ASU clarifies the presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending cash balances on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that ASU 2016-18 will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Business Combinations In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01), which requires an evaluation of whether substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction does not qualify as a business. The guidance also requires an acquired business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The Company is required to apply this guidance to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements. Goodwill In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The new guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance will be effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2021. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as part of its annual goodwill impairment testing.
Fair Value Measurement	ASC 820 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires financial assets and liabilities to be categorized based on the inputs used to calculate their fair values as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, short term investments consisting of bank certificates of deposit, accounts receivable and payable, derivative instruments, short-term borrowings, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature.
Goodwill	The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually, or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This assessment involves the use of significant accounting judgments and estimates as to future operating results and discount rates. Changes in estimates or use of different assumptions could produce significantly different results. An impairment loss is generally recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company uses discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of June 24, 2017 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,095 $ 4,095 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,095 $ 4,095 The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of June 25, 2016 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,355 $ 6,355 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,355 $ 6,355 The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of September 24, 2016 : Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,113 $ 5,113 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,113 $ 5,113 (a) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012, and future performance-based contingent payments for Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., acquired in October 2015. The fair value of the estimated contingent consideration arrangement is determined based on the Company’s evaluation as to the probability and amount of any earn-out that will be achieved based on expected future performance by the acquired entity. This is presented as part of long-term liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments	The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial instruments for the periods ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 (in thousands): Amount Balance September 24, 2016 $ 5,113 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition — Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition 204 Performance-based payments (1,222 ) Balance June 24, 2017 $ 4,095 Amount Balance September 26, 2015 $ 3,625 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition 2,590 Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition 140 Balance June 25, 2016 $ 6,355

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence	Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): June 24, 2017 June 25, 2016 September 24, 2016 Raw materials $ 118,097 $ 110,095 $ 120,786 Work in progress 16,573 16,604 17,378 Finished goods 243,053 225,814 217,788 Supplies 5,726 9,300 6,052 Total inventories, net $ 383,449 $ 361,813 $ 362,004

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Gross and Net Acquired Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Net Carrying Value (in millions) June 24, 2017 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.9 $ (11.9 ) $ — $ 3.0 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 62.7 — (26.0 ) 36.7 Total 77.6 (11.9 ) (26.0 ) 39.7 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 64.3 (29.0 ) — 35.3 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 20.8 (12.4 ) — 8.4 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 28.6 (12.4 ) (1.2 ) 15.0 Total other intangible assets $ 170.5 $ (53.3 ) $ (27.2 ) $ 90.0 Gross Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Net Carrying Value (in millions) June 25, 2016 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.9 $ (11.1 ) $ — $ 3.8 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 63.0 — (24.2 ) 38.8 Total 77.9 (11.1 ) (24.2 ) 42.6 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 62.1 (25.8 ) — 36.3 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 20.8 (11.2 ) — 9.6 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 28.6 (11.2 ) (1.2 ) 16.2 Total other intangible assets $ 168.6 $ (48.1 ) $ (25.4 ) $ 95.1 Gross Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Impairment Net Carrying Value (in millions) September 24, 2016 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.9 $ (11.3 ) $ — $ 3.6 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 63.0 — (26.0 ) 37.0 Total 77.9 (11.3 ) (26.0 ) 40.6 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 65.6 (26.1 ) — 39.5 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 20.8 (11.6 ) — 9.2 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 28.6 (11.6 ) (1.2 ) 15.8 Total other intangible assets $ 172.1 $ (49.0 ) $ (27.2 ) $ 95.9

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: June 24, 2017 June 25, 2016 September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (5,039 ) (5,834 ) (5,635 ) Net carrying value 394,961 394,166 394,365 Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021 40,000 — — Other notes payable 488 967 904 Total 435,449 395,133 395,269 Less current portion (375 ) (530 ) (463 ) Long-term portion $ 435,074 $ 394,603 $ 394,806

Supplemental Equity Informati25

Supplemental Equity Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Equity Attributable to Controlling Interest and Noncontrolling Interest	The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of equity attributable to controlling interest and noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended June 24, 2017 and June 25, 2016 Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total Balance September 24, 2016 $ 120 $ 374 $ 16 $ 393,297 $ 160,501 $ (1,294 ) $ 553,014 $ 1,573 $ 554,587 Comprehensive income 74,569 (193 ) 74,376 1,358 75,734 Amortization of share-based awards 6,377 6,377 6,377 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement (1 ) (7,491 ) (7,492 ) (7,492 ) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options 2 6 (16,358 ) (16,350 ) (16,350 ) Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency 17,170 17,170 17,170 Distribution to Noncontrolling interest (1,019 ) (1,019 ) Balance June 24, 2017 $ 122 $ 379 $ 16 $ 392,995 $ 235,070 $ (1,487 ) $ 627,095 $ 1,912 $ 629,007 Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total Balance September 26, 2015 $ 119 $ 364 $ 16 $ 388,636 $ 115,987 $ 164 $ 505,286 $ 1,094 $ 506,380 Comprehensive income 50,125 (969 ) 49,156 1,353 50,509 Amortization of share-based awards 4,796 4,796 4,796 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement 1 (1,230 ) (1,229 ) (1,229 ) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options 1 6 (6,654 ) (6,647 ) (6,647 ) Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency 4,722 4,722 4,722 Distribution to Noncontrolling interest (592 ) (592 ) Other 1 1 Balance June 25, 2016 $ 120 $ 371 $ 16 $ 390,270 $ 166,112 $ (805 ) $ 556,084 $ 1,856 $ 557,940

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 June 24, 2017 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 32,248 50,507 $ 0.64 $ 74,569 50,084 $ 1.49 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 810 (0.01 ) — 1,080 (0.03 ) Restricted shares 508 (0.01 ) — 605 (0.02 ) Diluted EPS: — Net income available to common shareholders $ 32,248 51,825 $ 0.62 $ 74,569 51,769 $ 1.44 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 June 25, 2016 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 26,030 49,120 $ 0.53 $ 50,125 48,801 $ 1.03 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 1,211 (0.01 ) 1,201 (0.03 ) Restricted shares 732 (0.01 ) 741 (0.01 ) Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 26,030 51,063 $ 0.51 $ 50,125 50,743 $ 0.99

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments	These operating segments are Pet segment and Garden segment and are presented in the table below (in thousands). Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended June 24, June 25, June 24, June 25, Net sales: Pet segment $ 313,437 $ 287,213 $ 915,876 $ 811,203 Garden segment 261,155 227,331 648,138 604,402 Total net sales $ 574,592 $ 514,544 $ 1,564,014 $ 1,415,605 Operating income: Pet segment 36,092 38,759 104,143 97,363 Garden segment 38,369 26,452 87,050 67,605 Corporate (16,528 ) (17,026 ) (49,462 ) (48,607 ) Total income from operations 57,933 48,185 141,731 116,361 Interest expense - net (7,220 ) (6,921 ) (20,877 ) (36,131 ) Other income (expense) 1,626 318 (306 ) (243 ) Income tax expense 19,450 14,916 44,621 28,509 Income including noncontrolling interest 32,889 26,666 75,927 51,478 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 641 636 1,358 1,353 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 32,248 $ 26,030 $ 74,569 $ 50,125 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 6,794 6,700 $ 18,798 $ 16,120 Garden segment 1,651 1,542 4,686 4,586 Corporate 2,585 2,842 7,890 8,580 Total depreciation and amortization $ 11,030 $ 11,084 $ 31,374 $ 29,286 June 24, June 25, September 24, Assets: Pet segment $ 622,567 $ 523,281 $ 508,879 Garden segment 368,365 327,768 304,901 Corporate 360,815 365,858 398,413 Total assets $ 1,351,747 $ 1,216,907 $ 1,212,193 Goodwill (included in corporate assets above): Pet segment $ 224,912 $ 229,713 $ 225,912 Garden segment 5,473 3,298 5,473 Total goodwill $ 230,385 $ 233,011 $ 231,385

Consolidating Condensed Finan28

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 184,719 $ 29,067 $ 387,333 $ (26,527 ) $ 574,592 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 142,533 20,636 252,678 (24,528 ) 391,319 Gross profit 42,186 8,431 134,655 (1,999 ) 183,273 Selling, general and administrative expenses 39,234 5,476 82,629 (1,999 ) 125,340 Operating income 2,952 2,955 52,026 — 57,933 Interest expense (7,213 ) (54 ) (6 ) — (7,273 ) Interest income 53 — — — 53 Other income 1,064 86 476 — 1,626 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (3,144 ) 2,987 52,496 — 52,339 Income tax expense (benefit) (1,178 ) 1,096 19,532 — 19,450 Equity in earnings of affiliates 34,214 — 1,302 (35,516 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 32,248 1,891 34,266 (35,516 ) 32,889 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 641 — — 641 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 32,248 $ 1,250 $ 34,266 $ (35,516 ) $ 32,248 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 162,751 $ 28,052 $ 350,013 $ (26,272 ) $ 514,544 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 128,517 18,274 228,343 (24,335 ) 350,799 Gross profit 34,234 9,778 121,670 (1,937 ) 163,745 Selling, general and administrative expenses 36,826 5,380 75,291 (1,937 ) 115,560 Operating income (loss) (2,592 ) 4,398 46,379 — 48,185 Interest expense (6,904 ) (53 ) (7 ) — (6,964 ) Interest income 42 1 — — 43 Other income (expense) (108 ) (146 ) 572 — 318 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (9,562 ) 4,200 46,944 — 41,582 Income tax expense (benefit) (3,517 ) 1,552 16,881 — 14,916 Equity in earnings of affiliates 32,075 — 2,148 (34,223 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 26,030 2,648 32,211 (34,223 ) 26,666 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 636 — — 636 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 26,030 $ 2,012 $ 32,211 $ (34,223 ) $ 26,030 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 531,028 $ 69,183 $ 1,032,444 $ (68,641 ) $ 1,564,014 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 409,262 52,442 678,798 (63,968 ) 1,076,534 Gross profit 121,766 16,741 353,646 (4,673 ) 487,480 Selling, general and administrative expenses 114,546 14,014 221,862 (4,673 ) 345,749 Operating income 7,220 2,727 131,784 — 141,731 Interest expense (20,823 ) (136 ) (17 ) — (20,976 ) Interest income 98 1 — — 99 Other income (expense) (276 ) (301 ) 271 — (306 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (13,781 ) 2,291 132,038 — 120,548 Income tax expense (benefit) (5,088 ) 1,133 48,576 — 44,621 Equity in earnings of affiliates 83,262 — 875 (84,137 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 74,569 1,158 84,337 (84,137 ) 75,927 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 1,358 — — 1,358 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 74,569 $ (200 ) $ 84,337 $ (84,137 ) $ 74,569 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 456,568 $ 73,324 $ 953,925 $ (68,212 ) $ 1,415,605 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 360,745 54,319 631,251 (63,580 ) 982,735 Gross profit 95,823 19,005 322,674 (4,632 ) 432,870 Selling, general and administrative expenses 102,990 14,283 203,868 (4,632 ) 316,509 Operating income (loss) (7,167 ) 4,722 118,806 — 116,361 Interest expense (36,065 ) (133 ) (7 ) — (36,205 ) Interest income 71 3 — — 74 Other income (expense) (286 ) (409 ) 452 — (243 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (43,447 ) 4,183 119,251 — 79,987 Income tax expense (benefit) (15,437 ) 1,749 42,197 — 28,509 Equity in earnings of affiliates 78,135 — 1,971 (80,106 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 50,125 2,434 79,025 (80,106 ) 51,478 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 1,353 — — 1,353 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 50,125 $ 1,081 $ 79,025 $ (80,106 ) $ 50,125
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 32,248 $ 1,891 $ 34,266 $ (35,516 ) $ 32,889 Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation 172 116 19 (135 ) 172 Total comprehensive income 32,420 2,007 34,285 (35,651 ) 33,061 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 641 — — 641 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 32,420 $ 1,366 $ 34,285 $ (35,651 ) $ 32,420 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 26,030 $ 2,648 $ 32,211 $ (34,223 ) $ 26,666 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation (277 ) (233 ) 25 208 (277 ) Total comprehensive income 25,753 2,415 32,236 (34,015 ) 26,389 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — 636 — — 636 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 25,753 $ 1,779 $ 32,236 $ (34,015 ) $ 25,753 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 74,569 $ 1,158 $ 84,337 $ (84,137 ) $ 75,927 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation (193 ) (144 ) (11 ) 155 (193 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 74,376 1,014 84,326 (83,982 ) 75,734 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,358 — — 1,358 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 74,376 $ (344 ) $ 84,326 $ (83,982 ) $ 74,376 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 50,125 $ 2,434 $ 79,025 $ (80,106 ) $ 51,478 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation (969 ) (773 ) 32 741 (969 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 49,156 1,661 79,057 (79,365 ) 50,509 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,353 — — 1,353 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 49,156 $ 308 $ 79,057 $ (79,365 ) $ 49,156
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 929 $ 10,118 $ 3,426 $ — $ 14,473 Restricted cash 10,999 — — — 10,999 Accounts receivable, net 92,703 9,842 176,959 — 279,504 Inventories 127,307 10,567 245,575 — 383,449 Prepaid expenses and other 19,670 1,059 31,235 — 51,964 Total current assets 251,608 31,586 457,195 — 740,389 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 37,823 4,065 135,896 — 177,784 Goodwill 15,058 — 215,327 — 230,385 Other long-term assets 34,273 3,200 167,858 (2,142 ) 203,189 Intercompany receivable 36,783 — 601,317 (638,100 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,369,307 — — (1,369,307 ) — Total $ 1,744,852 $ 38,851 $ 1,577,593 $ (2,009,549 ) $ 1,351,747 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 34,562 $ 7,832 $ 64,014 $ — $ 106,408 Accrued expenses 57,235 2,632 52,224 — 112,091 Current portion of long-term debt — — 375 — 375 Total current liabilities 91,797 10,464 116,613 — 218,874 Long-term debt 434,962 — 112 — 435,074 Intercompany payable 588,378 49,722 (638,100 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 19,327 (19,327 ) — Other long-term obligations 2,620 — 68,314 (2,142 ) 68,792 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 627,095 (23,247 ) 1,373,227 (1,349,980 ) 627,095 Noncontrolling interest — 1,912 — — 1,912 Total equity (deficit) 627,095 (21,335 ) 1,373,227 (1,349,980 ) 629,007 Total $ 1,744,852 $ 38,851 $ 1,577,593 $ (2,009,549 ) $ 1,351,747 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,477 $ 8,675 $ 848 $ — $ 40,000 Restricted cash 12,029 — — — 12,029 Accounts receivable, net 74,162 9,395 158,397 — 241,954 Inventories 105,440 9,037 247,336 — 361,813 Prepaid expenses and other 20,543 1,039 23,493 — 45,075 Total current assets 242,651 28,146 430,074 — 700,871 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 43,475 3,877 112,078 — 159,430 Goodwill 18,858 — 214,153 — 233,011 Other long-term assets 37,139 3,294 84,702 (1,540 ) 123,595 Intercompany receivable 31,005 — 478,780 (509,785 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,130,148 — — (1,130,148 ) — Total $ 1,503,276 $ 35,317 $ 1,319,787 $ (1,641,473 ) $ 1,216,907 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 26,818 $ 6,210 $ 63,878 $ — $ 96,906 Accrued expenses 48,981 2,290 51,682 — 102,953 Current portion of long-term debt 154 — 376 — 530 Total current liabilities 75,953 8,500 115,936 — 200,389 Long-term debt 394,164 — 439 — 394,603 Intercompany payable 468,039 41,746 — (509,785 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 14,780 (14,780 ) — Other long-term obligations 9,036 — 56,479 (1,540 ) 63,975 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 556,084 (16,785 ) 1,132,153 (1,115,368 ) 556,084 Noncontrolling interest — 1,856 — — 1,856 Total equity (deficit) 556,084 (14,929 ) 1,132,153 (1,115,368 ) 557,940 Total $ 1,503,276 $ 35,317 $ 1,319,787 $ (1,641,473 ) $ 1,216,907 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 82,158 $ 9,695 $ 1,129 $ — $ 92,982 Restricted cash 10,910 — — — 10,910 Accounts receivable, net 59,617 5,156 136,378 — 201,151 Inventories 113,317 11,752 236,935 — 362,004 Prepaid expenses and other assets 20,978 817 25,964 — 47,759 Total current assets 286,980 27,420 400,406 — 714,806 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 41,083 3,897 113,244 — 158,224 Goodwill 15,058 — 216,327 — 231,385 Other long-term assets 30,555 2,980 85,701 (11,458 ) 107,778 Intercompany receivable 32,778 — 567,374 (600,152 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,176,990 — — (1,176,990 ) — Total $ 1,583,444 $ 34,297 $ 1,383,052 $ (1,788,600 ) $ 1,212,193 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 34,096 $ 3,953 $ 64,364 $ — $ 102,413 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 47,862 1,410 50,071 — 99,343 Current portion of long term debt 88 — 375 — 463 Total current liabilities 82,046 5,363 114,810 — 202,219 Long-term debt 394,364 — 442 — 394,806 Intercompany payable 553,964 46,188 — (600,152 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 16,126 (16,126 ) — Other long-term obligations 56 — 71,983 (11,458 ) 60,581 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 553,014 (18,827 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 553,014 Noncontrolling interest — 1,573 — — 1,573 Total equity (deficit) 553,014 (17,254 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 554,587 Total $ 1,583,444 $ 34,297 $ 1,383,052 $ (1,788,600 ) $ 1,212,193
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Nine Months Ended June 24, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ (14,968 ) $ 2,482 $ 59,210 $ (4,076 ) $ 42,648 Additions to property and equipment (6,811 ) (557 ) (29,719 ) (37,087 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired (106,821 ) — — (106,821 ) Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets — — 8,301 — 8,301 Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (89 ) — — (89 ) Investment in equity method investee (11,495 ) — — (11,495 ) Other investing activities (2,735 ) — — — (2,735 ) Intercompany investing activities (4,005 ) — (33,943 ) 37,948 — Net cash used by investing activities (131,956 ) (557 ) (55,361 ) 37,948 (149,926 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (416,000 ) — — — (416,000 ) Borrowings under revolving line of credit 456,000 — — — 456,000 Repayments under long-term debt (88 ) — (368 ) — (456 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 17,205 — — — 17,205 Repurchase of common stock (25,654 ) — — — (25,654 ) Distribution to parent (4,076 ) — 4,076 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest (1,019 ) — — (1,019 ) Payment of contingent consideration liability — (1,222 ) — (1,222 ) Intercompany financing activities 34,414 3,534 (37,948 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 65,877 (1,561 ) (1,590 ) (33,872 ) 28,854 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (182 ) 59 38 — (85 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (81,229 ) 423 2,297 — (78,509 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 82,158 9,695 1,129 — 92,982 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 929 $ 10,118 $ 3,426 $ — $ 14,473 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Nine Months Ended June 25, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash used by operating activities $ 4,127 $ 6,082 $ 84,258 $ (4,884 ) $ 89,583 Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,876 ) (577 ) (17,033 ) — (19,486 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired (60,916 ) — (7,985 ) — (68,901 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,129 — — — 1,129 Proceeds from sale of plant assets 3,899 3,899 Other investing activities (550 ) (550 ) Intercompany investing activities 1,689 — (63,778 ) 62,089 — Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (60,524 ) (577 ) (84,897 ) 62,089 (83,909 ) Repayments of long-term debt (400,208 ) — (22 ) — (400,230 ) Borrowings under revolving line of credit 419,000 — — — 419,000 Repayments under revolving line of credit (419,000 ) — — — (419,000 ) Issuance of long-term debt 400,000 — — — 400,000 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 4,726 — — — 4,726 Repurchase of common stock (9,429 ) — (9,429 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 280 — — — 280 Distribution to parent — (4,884 ) — 4,884 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest (592 ) (592 ) Payment of financing costs (7,560 ) — (7,560 ) Intercompany financing activities 63,786 (1,697 ) — (62,089 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 51,595 (7,173 ) (22 ) (57,205 ) (12,805 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (1,001 ) 321 227 — (453 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (5,803 ) (1,347 ) (434 ) — (7,584 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,280 10,022 1,282 — 47,584 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 30,477 $ 8,675 $ 848 $ — $ 40,000

Basis of Presentation - Narrati

Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 10,999	$ 10,910	$ 12,029
Net current deferred tax assets	$ 30,400	$ 31,500	$ 29,700
Subsidiaries
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest owned by the subsidiary	20.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	$ 4,095	$ 5,113	$ 6,355
Liability for contingent consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	4,095	5,113	6,355
Level 1
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0	0
Level 1 | Liability for contingent consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0	0
Level 2
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0	0
Level 2 | Liability for contingent consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0	0
Level 3
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	4,095	5,113	6,355
Level 3 | Liability for contingent consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	$ 4,095	$ 5,113	$ 6,355

Fair Value Measurements - Sum31

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments (Details) - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 5,113	$ 3,625
Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition	0	2,590
Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition	204	140
Performance-based payments	(1,222)
Ending balance	$ 4,095	$ 6,355

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes		$ 435,449,000	$ 395,269,000	$ 395,133,000
Senior notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes		394,961,000	394,365,000	394,166,000
Senior notes | 6.125% senior notes due in November 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	6.125%
Debt instrument maturity period	Nov. 9, 2023
Estimated fair value of senior notes		430,500,000	430,300,000	417,000,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes		$ 395,000,000	$ 394,400,000	$ 394,200,000

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2017	Oct. 24, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017
K&H Manufacturing
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, purchase price	$ 48
Purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of assets acquired	$ 41.8
Segrest Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, purchase price		$ 60
Purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of assets acquired			$ 47.7
Contingent payments established at the time of acquisition		$ 6

Inventories, net - Summary of I

Inventories, net - Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 118,097	$ 120,786	$ 110,095
Work in progress	16,573	17,378	16,604
Finished goods	243,053	217,788	225,814
Supplies	5,726	6,052	9,300
Total inventories, net	$ 383,449	$ 362,004	$ 361,813

Other Intangible Assets - Compo

Other Intangible Assets - Components of Gross and Net Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 170,500	$ 172,100	$ 168,600
Accumulated Amortization	(53,300)	(49,000)	(48,100)
Accumulated Impairment	(27,200)	(27,200)	(25,400)
Net Carrying Value	90,004	95,865	95,070
Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	77,600	77,900	77,900
Accumulated Amortization	(11,900)	(11,300)	(11,100)
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(24,200)
Net Carrying Value	39,700	40,600	42,600
Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	28,600	28,600	28,600
Accumulated Amortization	(12,400)	(11,600)	(11,200)
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	15,000	15,800	16,200
Amortizable | Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	14,900	14,900	14,900
Accumulated Amortization	(11,900)	(11,300)	(11,100)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	3,000	3,600	3,800
Amortizable | Customer-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	64,300	65,600	62,100
Accumulated Amortization	(29,000)	(26,100)	(25,800)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	35,300	39,500	36,300
Amortizable | Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	20,800	20,800	20,800
Accumulated Amortization	(12,400)	(11,600)	(11,200)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	8,400	9,200	9,600
Nonamortizable | Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	62,700	63,000	63,000
Accumulated Amortization	0	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(24,200)
Net Carrying Value	36,700	37,000	38,800
Nonamortizable | Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	7,800	7,800	7,800
Accumulated Amortization	0	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	$ 6,600	$ 6,600	$ 6,600

Other Intangible Assets - Narra

Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge		$ 1.8
Amortization expense for intangibles	$ 1.4		$ 2.7	$ 4.3	$ 4.9
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2017	5			5
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2018	5			5
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2019	5			5
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2020	5			5
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2021	$ 5			$ 5
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets				4 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets				25 years
Marketing-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets				6 years
Customer-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets				11 years
Other acquired intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets				13 years

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Nov. 09, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 435,449,000	$ 395,269,000	$ 395,133,000
Less current portion	(375,000)	(463,000)	(530,000)
Long-term portion	435,074,000	394,806,000	394,603,000
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(5,039,000)	(5,635,000)	(5,834,000)
Total	394,961,000	394,365,000	394,166,000
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes	400,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	40,000,000	0	0
Other notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 488,000	$ 904,000	$ 967,000

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt - Long-Term Debt (Phantom) (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 24, 2017	Nov. 09, 2015
Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Debt instrument maturity period		Apr. 1, 2021
LIBOR-based borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.25%
Base rate borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.25%
Minimum | LIBOR-based borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, final maturity December 2018
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		1.25%
Minimum | LIBOR-based borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		1.25%
Minimum | Base rate borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, final maturity December 2018
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		0.25%
Minimum | Base rate borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		0.25%
Maximum | LIBOR-based borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, final maturity December 2018
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		1.75%
Maximum | LIBOR-based borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		1.50%
Maximum | Base rate borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, final maturity December 2018
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		0.75%
Maximum | Base rate borrowings | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.50%, final maturity April 2021
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility		0.50%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	6.125%	6.125%	6.125%
Debt instrument maturity period		Nov. 1, 2023

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)	Apr. 22, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015	Nov. 09, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Components of long-term debt
Interest expense				$ 7,273,000	$ 6,964,000	$ 20,976,000	$ 36,205,000
Non-cash charge						0	3,337,000
Letter of credit
Components of long-term debt
Letters of credit outstanding				$ 2,600,000		$ 2,600,000
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021
Components of long-term debt
Maturity date of senior subordinated notes						Apr. 1, 2021
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility				1.25%
Applicable interest rate on the credit facility				2.30%		2.30%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility				0.25%
Applicable interest rate on the credit facility				4.50%		4.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Minimum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility						1.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Minimum | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility						0.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Maximum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility						1.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Maximum | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility						0.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility
Components of long-term debt
Debt issuance cost				$ 1,200,000		$ 1,200,000
Credit facility, maximum principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Credit facility, additional borrowings available	$ 200,000,000
Line of credit outstanding borrowings				40,000,000		40,000,000
Credit facility, available capacity				360,000,000		360,000,000
Debt instrument fixed charge coverage ratio	1
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility | Federal funds rate
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility | One-month LIBOR
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.00%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility, 2021 | Letter of credit
Components of long-term debt
Letters of credit outstanding				0		0
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023
Components of long-term debt
Redemption percentage			35.00%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Prior to November 15, 2018
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			106.125%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | On or after November 15, 2018
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			104.594%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | On or after November 15, 2019
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			103.063%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | On or after November 15, 2020
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			101.531%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | On or after November 15, 2021
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			100.00%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Upon change of control
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			101.00%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt			$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage			6.125%	6.125%		6.125%
Maturity date of senior subordinated notes						Nov. 1, 2023
Debt issuance cost			$ 6,300,000
Senior subordinated notes, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due march 2018 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt									$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage									8.25%
Maturity date of senior subordinated notes						Mar. 1, 2018
Senior subordinated notes, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due march 2018 | Senior subordinated notes
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		102.063%
Call premium payment			$ 8,300,000
One-time payment of overlapping interest expense period			30 days
Interest expense			$ 2,700,000
Non-cash charge			$ 3,300,000

Supplemental Equity Informati40

Supplemental Equity Information - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Equity Attributable to Controlling Interest and Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 554,587	$ 506,380
Comprehensive income	$ 33,061	$ 26,389	75,734	50,509
Amortization of share-based awards			6,377	4,796
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement			(7,492)	(1,229)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options			(16,350)	(6,647)
Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency			17,170	4,722
Distribution to Noncontrolling interest			(1,019)	(592)
Other				1
Ending balance	629,007	557,940	629,007	557,940
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			553,014	505,286
Comprehensive income			74,376	49,156
Amortization of share-based awards			6,377	4,796
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement			(7,492)	(1,229)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options			(16,350)	(6,647)
Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency			17,170	4,722
Ending balance	627,095	556,084	627,095	556,084
Additional Paid In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			393,297	388,636
Amortization of share-based awards			6,377	4,796
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement			(7,491)	(1,230)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options			(16,358)	(6,654)
Tax benefit on stock option exercise, net of tax deficiency			17,170	4,722
Ending balance	392,995	390,270	392,995	390,270
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			160,501	115,987
Comprehensive income			74,569	50,125
Ending balance	235,070	166,112	235,070	166,112
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(1,294)	164
Comprehensive income			(193)	(969)
Ending balance	(1,487)	(805)	(1,487)	(805)
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			1,573	1,094
Comprehensive income			1,358	1,353
Distribution to Noncontrolling interest			(1,019)	(592)
Other				1
Ending balance	1,912	1,856	1,912	1,856
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			120	119
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options			2	1
Ending balance	122	120	122	120
Class A Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			374	364
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement			(1)	1
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options			6	6
Ending balance	379	371	379	371
Class B Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			16	16
Ending balance	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16

Stock-Based Compensation - Narr

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense	$ 3	$ 2.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 8.2	$ 6.1

Earnings Per Share - Earnings P

Earnings Per Share - Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Basic EPS:
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 32,248	$ 26,030	$ 74,569	$ 50,125
Weighted average shares, basic	50,507	49,120	50,084	48,801
Earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.64	$ 0.53	$ 1.49	$ 1.03
Diluted EPS
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 32,248	$ 26,030	$ 74,569	$ 50,125
Weighted average shares, diluted	51,825	51,063	51,769	50,743
Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.62	$ 0.51	$ 1.44	$ 0.99
Options to purchase common stock
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effective of dilutive securities (in shares)	810	1,211	1,080	1,201
Effect of dilutive securities (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)
Restricted shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Effective of dilutive securities (in shares)	508	732	605	741
Effect of dilutive securities (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)	2.7	2.7	4.5
Options to purchase common stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0.6	0.6
Minimum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 6.43	$ 6.43	$ 6.43
Maximum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 31.76	$ 31.76	$ 15.56

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment Information - Financial

Segment Information - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016
Net sales:
Total net sales	$ 574,592	$ 514,544	$ 1,564,014	$ 1,415,605
Operating income:
Total income from operations	57,933	48,185	141,731	116,361
Interest expense - net	(7,220)	(6,921)	(20,877)	(36,131)
Other income (expense)	1,626	318	(306)	(243)
Income tax expense	19,450	14,916	44,621	28,509
Income including noncontrolling interest	32,889	26,666	75,927	51,478
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	641	636	1,358	1,353
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	32,248	26,030	74,569	50,125
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	11,030	11,084	31,374	29,286
Assets:
Assets	1,351,747	1,216,907	1,351,747	1,216,907	$ 1,212,193
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	230,385	233,011	230,385	233,011	231,385
Operating segments | Pet segment
Net sales:
Total net sales	313,437	287,213	915,876	811,203
Operating income:
Total income from operations	36,092	38,759	104,143	97,363
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	6,794	6,700	18,798	16,120
Assets:
Assets	622,567	523,281	622,567	523,281	508,879
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	224,912	229,713	224,912	229,713	225,912
Operating segments | Garden segment
Net sales:
Total net sales	261,155	227,331	648,138	604,402
Operating income:
Total income from operations	38,369	26,452	87,050	67,605
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	1,651	1,542	4,686	4,586
Assets:
Assets	368,365	327,768	368,365	327,768	304,901
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	5,473	3,298	5,473	3,298	5,473
Corporate
Operating income:
Total income from operations	(16,528)	(17,026)	(49,462)	(48,607)
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	2,585	2,842	7,890	8,580
Assets:
Assets	$ 360,815	$ 365,858	$ 360,815	$ 365,858	$ 398,413

Consolidating Condensed Finan46

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017
Senior notes
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes, maturity year	2,023
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Collective ownership percentage on guarantor subsidiaries	100.00%

Consolidating Condensed Finan47

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 574,592	$ 514,544	$ 1,564,014	$ 1,415,605
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	391,319	350,799	1,076,534	982,735
Gross profit	183,273	163,745	487,480	432,870
Selling, general and administrative expenses	125,340	115,560	345,749	316,509
Operating income	57,933	48,185	141,731	116,361
Interest expense	(7,273)	(6,964)	(20,976)	(36,205)
Interest income	53	43	99	74
Other income (expense)	1,626	318	(306)	(243)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	52,339	41,582	120,548	79,987
Income tax expense (benefit)	19,450	14,916	44,621	28,509
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income including noncontrolling interest	32,889	26,666	75,927	51,478
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	641	636	1,358	1,353
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	32,248	26,030	74,569	50,125
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	184,719	162,751	531,028	456,568
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	142,533	128,517	409,262	360,745
Gross profit	42,186	34,234	121,766	95,823
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,234	36,826	114,546	102,990
Operating income	2,952	(2,592)	7,220	(7,167)
Interest expense	(7,213)	(6,904)	(20,823)	(36,065)
Interest income	53	42	98	71
Other income (expense)	1,064	(108)	(276)	(286)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(3,144)	(9,562)	(13,781)	(43,447)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(1,178)	(3,517)	(5,088)	(15,437)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	34,214	32,075	83,262	78,135
Income including noncontrolling interest	32,248	26,030	74,569	50,125
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	32,248	26,030	74,569	50,125
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	29,067	28,052	69,183	73,324
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	20,636	18,274	52,442	54,319
Gross profit	8,431	9,778	16,741	19,005
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,476	5,380	14,014	14,283
Operating income	2,955	4,398	2,727	4,722
Interest expense	(54)	(53)	(136)	(133)
Interest income	0	1	1	3
Other income (expense)	86	(146)	(301)	(409)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	2,987	4,200	2,291	4,183
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,096	1,552	1,133	1,749
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income including noncontrolling interest	1,891	2,648	1,158	2,434
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	641	636	1,358	1,353
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	1,250	2,012	(200)	1,081
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	387,333	350,013	1,032,444	953,925
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	252,678	228,343	678,798	631,251
Gross profit	134,655	121,670	353,646	322,674
Selling, general and administrative expenses	82,629	75,291	221,862	203,868
Operating income	52,026	46,379	131,784	118,806
Interest expense	(6)	(7)	(17)	(7)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	476	572	271	452
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	52,496	46,944	132,038	119,251
Income tax expense (benefit)	19,532	16,881	48,576	42,197
Equity in earnings of affiliates	1,302	2,148	875	1,971
Income including noncontrolling interest	34,266	32,211	84,337	79,025
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	34,266	32,211	84,337	79,025
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(26,527)	(26,272)	(68,641)	(68,212)
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	(24,528)	(24,335)	(63,968)	(63,580)
Gross profit	(1,999)	(1,937)	(4,673)	(4,632)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1,999)	(1,937)	(4,673)	(4,632)
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(35,516)	(34,223)	(84,137)	(80,106)
Income including noncontrolling interest	(35,516)	(34,223)	(84,137)	(80,106)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ (35,516)	$ (34,223)	$ (84,137)	$ (80,106)

Consolidating Condensed Finan48

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 32,889	$ 26,666	$ 75,927	$ 51,478
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	172	(277)	(193)	(969)
Total comprehensive income	33,061	26,389	75,734	50,509
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	641	636	1,358	1,353
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	32,420	25,753	74,376	49,156
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	32,248	26,030	74,569	50,125
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	172	(277)	(193)	(969)
Total comprehensive income	32,420	25,753	74,376	49,156
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	32,420	25,753	74,376	49,156
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	1,891	2,648	1,158	2,434
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	116	(233)	(144)	(773)
Total comprehensive income	2,007	2,415	1,014	1,661
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	641	636	1,358	1,353
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	1,366	1,779	(344)	308
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	34,266	32,211	84,337	79,025
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	19	25	(11)	32
Total comprehensive income	34,285	32,236	84,326	79,057
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	34,285	32,236	84,326	79,057
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	(35,516)	(34,223)	(84,137)	(80,106)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	(135)	208	155	741
Total comprehensive income	(35,651)	(34,015)	(83,982)	(79,365)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ (35,651)	$ (34,015)	$ (83,982)	$ (79,365)

Consolidating Condensed Finan49

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 14,473	$ 92,982	$ 40,000	$ 47,584
Restricted cash	10,999	10,910	12,029
Accounts receivable, net	279,504	201,151	241,954
Inventories	383,449	362,004	361,813
Prepaid expenses and other	51,964	47,759	45,075
Total current assets	740,389	714,806	700,871
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	177,784	158,224	159,430
Goodwill	230,385	231,385	233,011
Other long-term assets	203,189	107,778	123,595
Intercompany receivable	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Total	1,351,747	1,212,193	1,216,907
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	106,408	102,413	96,906
Accrued expenses	112,091	99,343	102,953
Current portion of long-term debt	375	463	530
Total current liabilities	218,874	202,219	200,389
Long-term debt	435,074	394,806	394,603
Intercompany payable	0	0	0
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Other long-term obligations	68,792	60,581	63,975
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit)	627,095	553,014	556,084
Noncontrolling interest	1,912	1,573	1,856
Total equity (deficit)	629,007	554,587	557,940	506,380
Total	1,351,747	1,212,193	1,216,907
Parent
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	929	82,158	30,477	36,280
Restricted cash	10,999	10,910	12,029
Accounts receivable, net	92,703	59,617	74,162
Inventories	127,307	113,317	105,440
Prepaid expenses and other	19,670	20,978	20,543
Total current assets	251,608	286,980	242,651
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	37,823	41,083	43,475
Goodwill	15,058	15,058	18,858
Other long-term assets	34,273	30,555	37,139
Intercompany receivable	36,783	32,778	31,005
Investment in subsidiaries	1,369,307	1,176,990	1,130,148
Total	1,744,852	1,583,444	1,503,276
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	34,562	34,096	26,818
Accrued expenses	57,235	47,862	48,981
Current portion of long-term debt	0	88	154
Total current liabilities	91,797	82,046	75,953
Long-term debt	434,962	394,364	394,164
Intercompany payable	588,378	553,964	468,039
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Other long-term obligations	2,620	56	9,036
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit)	627,095	553,014	556,084
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Total equity (deficit)	627,095	553,014	556,084
Total	1,744,852	1,583,444	1,503,276
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	10,118	9,695	8,675	10,022
Restricted cash	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	9,842	5,156	9,395
Inventories	10,567	11,752	9,037
Prepaid expenses and other	1,059	817	1,039
Total current assets	31,586	27,420	28,146
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	4,065	3,897	3,877
Goodwill	0	0	0
Other long-term assets	3,200	2,980	3,294
Intercompany receivable	0	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Total	38,851	34,297	35,317
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	7,832	3,953	6,210
Accrued expenses	2,632	1,410	2,290
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	0
Total current liabilities	10,464	5,363	8,500
Long-term debt	0	0	0
Intercompany payable	49,722	46,188	41,746
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Other long-term obligations	0	0	0
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit)	(23,247)	(18,827)	(16,785)
Noncontrolling interest	1,912	1,573	1,856
Total equity (deficit)	(21,335)	(17,254)	(14,929)
Total	38,851	34,297	35,317
Guarantor Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,426	1,129	848	1,282
Restricted cash	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	176,959	136,378	158,397
Inventories	245,575	236,935	247,336
Prepaid expenses and other	31,235	25,964	23,493
Total current assets	457,195	400,406	430,074
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	135,896	113,244	112,078
Goodwill	215,327	216,327	214,153
Other long-term assets	167,858	85,701	84,702
Intercompany receivable	601,317	567,374	478,780
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Total	1,577,593	1,383,052	1,319,787
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	64,014	64,364	63,878
Accrued expenses	52,224	50,071	51,682
Current portion of long-term debt	375	375	376
Total current liabilities	116,613	114,810	115,936
Long-term debt	112	442	439
Intercompany payable		0	0
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	19,327	16,126	14,780
Other long-term obligations	68,314	71,983	56,479
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit)	1,373,227	1,179,691	1,132,153
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Total equity (deficit)	1,373,227	1,179,691	1,132,153
Total	1,577,593	1,383,052	1,319,787
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	$ 0
Restricted cash	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0	0
Inventories	0	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other	0	0	0
Total current assets	0	0	0
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	0	0	0
Goodwill	0	0	0
Other long-term assets	(2,142)	(11,458)	(1,540)
Intercompany receivable	(638,100)	(600,152)	(509,785)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,369,307)	(1,176,990)	(1,130,148)
Total	(2,009,549)	(1,788,600)	(1,641,473)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	0	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0	0
Intercompany payable	(638,100)	(600,152)	(509,785)
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	(19,327)	(16,126)	(14,780)
Other long-term obligations	(2,142)	(11,458)	(1,540)
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit)	(1,349,980)	(1,160,864)	(1,115,368)
Noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Total equity (deficit)	(1,349,980)	(1,160,864)	(1,115,368)
Total	$ (2,009,549)	$ (1,788,600)	$ (1,641,473)

Consolidating Condensed Finan50

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	$ 42,648	$ 89,583
Additions to property and equipment	(37,087)	(19,486)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	(106,821)	(68,901)
Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets	8,301	3,899
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(89)	1,129
Investment in equity method investee	(11,495)	0
Other investing activities	(2,735)	(550)
Intercompany investing activities	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(149,926)	(83,909)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(416,000)	(419,000)
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	456,000	419,000
Repayments under long-term debt	(456)	(400,230)
Issuance of long-term debt	0	400,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	17,205	4,726
Repurchase of common stock	(25,654)	(9,429)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	280
Distribution to parent	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)	(592)
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(1,222)	0
Payment of financing costs	0	(7,560)
Intercompany financing activities	0	0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	28,854	(12,805)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(85)	(453)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(78,509)	(7,584)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	92,982	47,584
Cash and equivalents at end of period	14,473	40,000
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(14,968)	4,127
Additions to property and equipment	(6,811)	(1,876)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	(106,821)	(60,916)
Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(89)	1,129
Investment in equity method investee	(11,495)
Other investing activities	(2,735)	(550)
Intercompany investing activities	(4,005)	1,689
Net cash used in investing activities	(131,956)	(60,524)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(416,000)	(419,000)
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	456,000	419,000
Repayments under long-term debt	(88)	(400,208)
Issuance of long-term debt		400,000
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	17,205	4,726
Repurchase of common stock	(25,654)	(9,429)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		280
Distribution to parent		0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
Payment of contingent consideration liability
Payment of financing costs		(7,560)
Intercompany financing activities	34,414	63,786
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	65,877	51,595
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(182)	(1,001)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(81,229)	(5,803)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	82,158	36,280
Cash and equivalents at end of period	929	30,477
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	2,482	6,082
Additions to property and equipment	(557)	(577)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	0	0
Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment in equity method investee	0
Other investing activities	0
Intercompany investing activities	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(557)	(577)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	0	0
Repayments under long-term debt	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt		0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0
Distribution to parent	(4,076)	(4,884)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)	(592)
Payment of contingent consideration liability	0
Payment of financing costs		0
Intercompany financing activities	3,534	(1,697)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(1,561)	(7,173)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	59	321
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	423	(1,347)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	9,695	10,022
Cash and equivalents at end of period	10,118	8,675
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	59,210	84,258
Additions to property and equipment	(29,719)	(17,033)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired		(7,985)
Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets	8,301	3,899
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents		0
Investment in equity method investee
Other investing activities	0
Intercompany investing activities	(33,943)	(63,778)
Net cash used in investing activities	(55,361)	(84,897)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	0	0
Repayments under long-term debt	(368)	(22)
Issuance of long-term debt		0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0
Distribution to parent	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(1,222)
Payment of financing costs
Intercompany financing activities		0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(1,590)	(22)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	38	227
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	2,297	(434)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	1,129	1,282
Cash and equivalents at end of period	3,426	848
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(4,076)	(4,884)
Additions to property and equipment		0
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	0	0
Proceeds from sale of business, facility and other assets	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment in equity method investee	0
Other investing activities	0
Intercompany investing activities	37,948	62,089
Net cash used in investing activities	37,948	62,089
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	0	0
Repayments under long-term debt	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt		0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0
Distribution to parent	4,076	4,884
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0
Payment of contingent consideration liability	0
Payment of financing costs
Intercompany financing activities	(37,948)	(62,089)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(33,872)	(57,205)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 0	$ 0