Central Garden & Pet (CENT) 10-K 29 Nov 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 17, 2017	Mar. 25, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	CENT
Entity Registrant Name	CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO
Entity Central Index Key	887,733
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 372,000,000
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		38,035,517
Entity Public Float			1,183,000,000
Class B stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,652,262
Entity Public Float			$ 227,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,397	$ 92,982
Restricted cash	12,645	10,910
Accounts receivable, net	237,868	201,151
Inventories	382,101	362,004
Prepaid expenses and other	18,045	16,249
Total current assets	683,056	683,296
Plant, property and equipment, net	180,913	158,224
Goodwill	256,275	231,385
Other intangible assets, net	116,067	95,865
Other assets	70,595	11,913
Total	1,306,906	1,180,683
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	103,283	102,413
Accrued expenses	116,549	99,343
Current portion of long-term debt	375	463
Total current liabilities	220,207	202,219
Long-term debt	395,278	394,806
Deferred income taxes and other long-term obligations	54,279	29,071
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	396,790	393,297
Retained earnings	239,329	160,501
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(951)	(1,294)
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity	635,686	553,014
Noncontrolling interest	1,456	1,573
Total equity	637,142	554,587
Total	1,306,906	1,180,683
Common stock
Equity:
Common stock	122	120
Class A common stock
Equity:
Common stock	380	374
Class B stock
Equity:
Common stock	$ 16	$ 16

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,054,478	$ 1,829,017	$ 1,650,737
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	1,421,670	1,275,967	1,162,685
Gross profit	632,808	553,050	488,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses	476,696	421,864	389,345
Intangible asset impairment	0	1,828	7,272
Operating income	156,112	129,358	91,435
Interest expense	(28,209)	(42,847)	(40,027)
Interest income	147	140	129
Other income (expense)	(1,621)	(17,013)	13
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	126,429	69,638	51,550
Income tax expense	46,699	24,053	18,535
Net income including noncontrolling interest	79,730	45,585	33,015
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	902	1,071	1,044
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 78,828	$ 44,514	$ 31,971
Net income per share attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 1.57	$ 0.91	$ 0.66
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 1.52	$ 0.87	$ 0.64
Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income per share:
Basic (in shares)	50,230	48,964	48,562
Diluted (in shares)	51,820	51,075	49,638

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 79,730	$ 45,585	$ 33,015
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	343	(1,458)	(1,078)
Unrealized loss on securities	0	0	(10)
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income	0	0	20
Total comprehensive income	80,073	44,127	31,947
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	902	1,071	1,044
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 79,171	$ 43,056	$ 30,903

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total	Non-controlling Interest	Common stockCommon Stock	Class A common stockCommon Stock	Class B stockCommon Stock
Balance, Beginning balance at Sep. 27, 2014	$ 486,453	$ 396,586	$ 86,396	$ 1,232	$ 484,723	$ 1,730	$ 124	$ 369	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Beginning Balance at Sep. 27, 2014							12,437,307	36,887,311	1,652,262
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Amortization of share-based awards	6,378	6,378			6,378
Tax deficiency on exercise of stock options, net of tax benefit	(358)	(358)			(358)
Restricted share activity	(1,231)	(1,233)			(1,231)			$ 2
Restricted share activity, shares							(12,073)	156,477
Issuance of common stock	(5)	(10)			(5)			$ 5
Issuance of common stock, shares							641	536,827
Repurchase of common stock	(15,124)	(12,727)	(2,380)		(15,124)		$ (5)	$ (12)
Repurchase of common stock, shares							(517,558)	(1,118,316)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,680)					(1,680)
Other comprehensive loss	(1,068)			(1,068)	(1,068)
Net income (loss)	33,015		31,971		31,971	1,044
Balance, Ending balance at Sep. 26, 2015	506,380	388,636	115,987	164	505,286	1,094	$ 119	$ 364	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Sep. 26, 2015							11,908,317	36,462,299	1,652,262
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Amortization of share-based awards	6,552	6,552			6,552
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options, net of tax deficiency	6,865	6,865			6,865
Restricted share activity	(1,339)	(1,341)			(1,339)			$ 2
Restricted share activity, shares								202,916
Issuance of common stock	(7,406)	(7,415)			(7,406)		$ 1	$ 8
Issuance of common stock, shares							90,155	753,357
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(592)					(592)
Other comprehensive loss	(1,458)			(1,458)	(1,458)
Net income (loss)	45,585		44,514		44,514	1,071
Balance, Ending balance at Sep. 24, 2016	554,587	393,297	160,501	(1,294)	553,014	1,573	$ 120	$ 374	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Sep. 24, 2016							11,998,472	37,418,572	1,652,262
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Amortization of share-based awards	8,700	8,700			8,700
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options, net of tax deficiency	19,942	19,942			19,942
Restricted share activity	(7,765)	(7,765)			(7,765)			$ 0
Restricted share activity, shares							(16,764)	(79,362)
Issuance of common stock	(17,376)	(17,384)			(17,376)		$ 2	$ 6
Issuance of common stock, shares							178,315	680,526
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)					(1,019)
Other comprehensive loss	343			343	343
Net income (loss)	79,730		78,828		78,828	902
Balance, Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 637,142	$ 396,790	$ 239,329	$ (951)	$ 635,686	$ 1,456	$ 122	$ 380	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017							12,160,023	38,019,736	1,652,262

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 79,730	$ 45,585	$ 33,015
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	42,719	40,001	33,703
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,361	1,504	1,996
Stock-based compensation	11,115	8,356	8,315
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	(19,946)	(6,869)	(2,154)
Deferred income taxes	10,789	3,189	15,566
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(2,050)	(2,544)	0
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	65	1,163	702
Write-off of deferred financing costs	0	3,337	537
Asset impairments	0	19,367	7,272
Other	3,999	987	(69)
Changes in assets and liabilities (excluding businesses acquired):
Receivables	(32,419)	27,444	(9,093)
Inventories	(15,885)	(6,519)	4,403
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,845	6,901	(4,325)
Accounts payable	(2,143)	(2,793)	(4,757)
Accrued expenses	35,018	11,234	1,485
Other long-term obligations	(889)	1,083	853
Net cash provided by operating activities	114,309	151,426	87,449
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(44,659)	(27,622)	(22,030)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	(103,880)	(69,001)	(38,384)
Escrow deposit for acquisition-related contingent consideration	(6,000)	0	0
Proceeds from asset sales	8,547	3,911	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	(1,735)	2,247	1,126
Investment in equity method investees	(12,495)	0	0
Proceeds from short-term investments.	0	0	9,997
Investment in short-term investments	0	0	(17)
Other investing activities	(4,355)	(730)	(546)
Net cash used in investing activities	(164,577)	(91,195)	(49,854)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(552,000)	(419,000)	(312,000)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	552,000	419,000	312,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(463)	(400,307)	(50,289)
Issuance of long-term debt	0	400,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	324	200
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	19,946	6,869	2,154
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholding	(27,556)	(10,873)	(18,497)
Payments of contingent consideration	(1,300)	(2,026)	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)	(592)	(1,680)
Payment of financing costs	0	(7,560)	(258)
Net cash used by financing activities	(10,392)	(14,165)	(68,370)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	75	(668)	(317)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(60,585)	45,398	(31,092)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	92,982	47,584	78,676
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	32,397	92,982	47,584
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	27,878	32,995	39,855
Cash paid for income taxes – net of refunds	10,560	10,399	3,192
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid	3,106	2,743	2,087
Liability for contingent performance based payments	$ 2,830	$ 2,590	$ (101)

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization – Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”), a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a leading marketer and producer of quality branded products and distributor of third party products in the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets. Basis of Consolidation and Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Central and all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 included 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 each included 52 weeks. Noncontrolling Interest – Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by the Company 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 attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period including realization of accounts receivable and inventory and valuation of goodwill and intangibles. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition – Sales are recognized when merchandise is shipped, risk of loss and title passes to the customer and the Company has no further obligations to provide services related to such merchandise. Discounts, volume-based rebate incentives and most cooperative advertising amounts are recorded as a reduction of sales. The Company’s practice on product returns is to accept and credit the return of unopened cases of products from customers where the quantity is small, where the product has been mis-shipped or the product is defective. Provisions are made for estimated sales returns which are deducted from net sales at the time of shipment. Sales also include shipping and handling costs billed directly to customers. The amount billed to customers for shipping and handling costs included in net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 , September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 was $9.4 million , $3.8 million and $5.4 million , respectively. Cost of goods sold and occupancy consists of cost of product, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs, internal transfer costs as well as allocations of overhead costs, including depreciation, related to the Company’s facilities. Cost of goods sold excludes substantially all shipping and handling and out-bound freight costs to customers, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses as delivery expenses. The cost of shipping and handling, including internal costs and payments to third parties, included in delivery expenses within selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 , September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 was $59.3 million , $48.9 million and $44.4 million , respectively. Advertising Costs – The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expenses were $34.5 million , $30.0 million and $25.0 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 401(k) Plans – The Company sponsors several 401(k) plans which cover substantially all employees. The Company’s matching contributions expensed under these plans were $2.4 million for fiscal 2017 , $1.7 million for fiscal 2016 and $1.9 million for fiscal 2015 . In fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company’s matching contributions made in the Company’s Class A common stock resulted in the issuance of approximately 81,000 , 99,000 and 195,000 shares, respectively. Other income (expense) consists principally of earnings (losses) from equity method investments and foreign exchange gains and losses. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes result primarily from bad debt allowances, inventory and goodwill write-downs, amortization and depreciation. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of fiscal year-end 2017 and 2016 , the Company had valuation allowances related to various state and foreign net deferred tax assets of $6.5 million and $6.6 million , respectively. U.S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings (approximately $2.0 million at September 30, 2017 ) of our foreign subsidiary since all such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested overseas. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these earnings, net of foreign tax credits associated with the earnings, is approximately $0.3 million . Cash and cash equivalents include cash and all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Restricted cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid instruments that are used as collateral for stand–alone letter of credit agreements. Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are past due. Allowance for doubtful accounts – Trade accounts receivable are regularly evaluated for collectability based on past credit history with customers, their expected returns and deductions and their current financial condition. See Note 5 - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts . Inventories , which primarily consist of garden products and pet supplies finished goods, are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Cost includes certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs incurred to acquire or manufacture inventory, costs to unload, process and put away shipments received in order to prepare them to be picked for orders, and certain other overhead costs. The amount of such costs capitalized to inventory is computed based on an estimate of costs related to the procurement and processing of inventory to prepare it for sale compared to total product purchases. See Note 6 - Inventories, net . Land, buildings, improvements and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over 30 years for buildings. Improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the terms of the related leases. Depreciation on equipment and capitalized software is computed by the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of three to 10 years . See Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net . Long-Lived Assets – The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, for potential impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, and annually for indefinite-lived intangible assets. An impairment loss would be recognized for amortizable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life if its carrying value exceeds its fair value. Impairment, if any, is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. There were no impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2017. In fiscal 2016, the Company recognized non-cash asset impairment charges of approximately $1.8 million related to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets due to changes in the Company's operational strategy and declining volume of sales. In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash $7.3 million impairment charge to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition in the marketplace and declining volume of sales. Should market conditions or the assumptions used by the Company in determining the fair value of assets change, or management changes plans regarding the future use of certain assets, additional charges to operations may be required in the period in which such conditions occur. See Note 9 – Other Intangible Assets . Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment annually. The Company tests for goodwill 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. See Note 8– Goodwill . Investments – The Company owns membership interests ranging from 30% - 50% in six unconsolidated companies. The Company accounts for its interest in these entities using the equity method. Equity method losses of $0.9 million in fiscal 2017 , and equity method income of $0.4 million in both fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s investment in these entities was $9.2 million at September 30, 2017 and $0.5 million at September 24, 2016 and is included in Other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. On a combined basis, the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of these entities are not significant. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that its equity method investments in two unconsolidated companies were impaired as a result of changes in marketplace conditions, which impacted the expected cash flows and the recoverability of the investment. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non cash charge of approximately $16.6 million in fiscal 2016 to bring the carrying value of these investments to zero. The impairment charge is included in other income (expense) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. See Note 3 - Acquisitions . Accruals For Insurance – The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability, and is self-insured for employee related health care benefits. The Company’s workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance policies include deductibles of $250,000 to $350,000 per occurrence. The Company maintains excess loss insurance that covers any health care claims in excess of $700,000 per person per year. The Company establishes reserves for losses based on its claims experience and actuarial estimates of the ultimate loss amount inherent in the claims, including claims incurred but not yet reported. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and the financial statement accruals include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Fair Value of Financial Instruments – At September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 , the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable and payable, short term borrowings and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior subordinated notes is based on quoted market prices for these instruments. See Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements for further information regarding the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments. Stock-Based Compensation – Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the service period of the award. Total compensation costs recognized under all share-based arrangements in fiscal 2017 was $11.1 million ( $7.0 million after tax), fiscal 2016 was $8.4 million ( $5.3 million after tax), and fiscal 2015 was $8.3 million ( $5.3 million after tax). See Note 13 - Stock-Based Compensation for further information. Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Total comprehensive income (loss) consists of two components: net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are recorded directly as an element of shareholders’ equity, but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of currency translation adjustments relating to the Company’s foreign subsidiary whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available for sale, as well as the reclassification of realized gains and losses on investments classified as available for sale to net income. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 (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. Although ASU 2015-17 is not effective for the Company until October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the standard on September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has classified all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and retrospectively adjusted prior periods. Upon adoption, current deferred tax assets of $31.5 million in our September 24, 2016 consolidated balance sheet were reclassified as non-current. 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 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 still in the early stages of assessing the adoption method and analyzing the impact of the adoption of this update on its consolidated financial statements. As part of its assessment work to-date, the Company has formed an implementation work team and conducted training sessions on the new ASU’s revenue recognition model and begun the process of scoping of revenue streams under the new ASU. Additionally, the Company is also analyzing the impact of the new standard on its current accounting policies and internal controls. Upon completion of these and other assessments, the Company will evaluate the impact of adopting the new standard 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 its 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 the Company will record material operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 . Information on our current operating leases can be found in Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies . Stock Based 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. The Company will adopt the guidance effective October 1, 2017. The ASU is expected to result in increased volatility to the Company’s income tax expense in future periods dependent upon, among other variables, the price of its common stock and the timing and volume of share-based payment award activity, such as employee exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards. 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 is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard but does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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 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 holds restricted cash balances of $12.6 million and $10.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-18 will have on its 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 is 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 fair value of the Company’s reporting units exceeded its carrying value in its fiscal 2017 impairment analysis for goodwill and, therefore, the early adoption was not considered in fiscal 2017.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Generally accepted accounting principles require 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, restricted cash and equivalents, short term investments, 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 September 30, 2017 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 9,343 $ 9,343 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 9,343 $ 9,343 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 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 5,113 $ 5,113 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,113 $ 5,113 (a) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012, future performance-based contingent payments for Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., acquired in October 2015, and future performance-based contingent payment for Segrest, Inc., acquired in October 2016. 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 consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial instruments for the years ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 (in thousands): Amount Balance as of September 24, 2016 $ 5,113 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition 2,700 Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments 2,830 Performance-based payments made (1,300 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 9,343 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. There were no impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2017. During the fiscal year ended September 24, 2016, the carrying value of $1.8 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets was written down to its estimated fair value, resulting in impairment charges of $1.8 million , which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the period. See Note 9 – Other Intangible Assets . 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 values of the Company’s 2023 Notes were $ 427.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and $430.3 million as of September 24, 2016, and the carrying values were $ 395.2 million as of September 30, 2017 and $394.4 million as of September 24, 2016. The estimated fair values are based on quoted market prices for these notes, which are Level 1 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

Acquisitions and Investments in

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures	Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures Fiscal 2017 K&H Manufacturing, LLC On April 28, 2017, the Company purchased K&H Manufacturing, LLC ("K&H"), 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 consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 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 21, 2016, the Company acquired Segrest, Inc., a wholesaler of aquarium fish and small live animals, 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 $ 44.4 million , of which $27.7 million was allocated to identified intangible assets and $25.9 million million is included in goodwill in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 . Financial results for Segrest have been included in the results of operations within the Pet segment since the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price and the recording of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments (in thousands): Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Purchase Price Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 54,043 $ — $ 54,043 Contingent consideration 6,000 (3,300 ) 2,700 $ 60,043 $ (3,300 ) $ 56,743 Allocation Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 7,403 $ (300 ) $ 7,103 Fixed assets 7,011 2,242 9,253 Other assets 47,704 (47,704 ) — Goodwill 25,890 25,890 Other intangible assets 27,650 27,650 Current liabilities (2,075 ) (2,075 ) Deferred Tax Liability (11,078 ) (11,078 ) $ 60,043 $ (3,300 ) $ 56,743 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-Q for the periods ended December 24, 2016, March 25, 2017 and June 24, 2017. 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. Equity Method Investments During fiscal 2017, the Company made investments in two ventures. The Company acquired a 45% interest in a mature, seasonal business and a 30% interest in a start-up company. The Company invested a total of $12.5 million in these businesses, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Fiscal 2016 Hydro-Organics Wholesale Inc. On September 30, 2015, the Company purchased Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., an organic fertilizer business, for approximately $7.8 million cash and approximately $2.6 million of estimated contingent future performance-based payments, which are capped at $1.0 million per year. The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net tangible assets acquired by approximately $10.7 million , of which $5.2 million was allocated to identified intangible assets and $5.5 million is included in goodwill in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2016 . Financial results for Hydro-Organics Wholesale Inc. have been included in the results of operations within the Garden segment since the date of acquisition. DMC On December 1, 2015, the Company purchased the pet bedding business and certain other assets of National Consumers Outdoors Corp., formerly known as Dallas Manufacturing Company (“DMC”), for approximately $61 million . During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net tangible assets acquired by approximately $33.8 million , of which $18.7 million was allocated to identified intangible assets and $15.1 million is included in goodwill in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2016 . Financial results for DMC have been included in the results of operations within the Pet segment since the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the preliminary recording of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments: In thousands Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 41,170 $ 156 $ 41,326 Fixed assets 521 17 538 Goodwill — 15,058 15,058 Other assets 33,810 (33,790 ) 20 Other intangible assets, net — 18,700 18,700 Current liabilities (14,586 ) (40 ) (14,626 ) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 60,915 $ 101 $ 61,016 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-Q for the periods ended December 26, 2015, March 26, 2016 and June 25, 2016 The acquisitions of IMS Trading Corp, Hydro-Organics Wholesale Inc. and DMC were not considered individually or collectively material to the Company's overall consolidated financial statements during the periods presented. The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined net sales as if the acquisitions of IMS Trading Corp and DMC had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2015. The pre-acquisition net sales of DMC and IMS Trading Corp have been added to the Company's historical results. The following pro forma net sales information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the net sales of the Company as they would have been had the acquisitions occurred on the assumed dates, nor are they necessarily an indication of future net sales. In thousands (unaudited) Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 Pro forma net sales $ 1,856,691 $ 1,815,997 The impact of DMC and IMS on pro forma earnings for fiscal 2015 was not material. The impact of IMS and DMC on the Company's operating income in fiscal 2016 was $10.6 million . The financial results of Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc are not material to the Company's consolidated operating results. Fiscal 2015 Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC On December 30, 2014, the Company invested $16 million in cash for a 50% interest in two newly formed entities. The two entities own rights to commercialize products which incorporate features covered by certain patents, technology and associated intellectual property rights in the fields of animal health and pesticide applications. The investment is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that its equity method investments in these two entities were impaired as a result of changes in marketplace conditions, which impacted the time line of the expected cash flows and the recoverability of the investment. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $16.6 million , included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations, to bring the carrying value of these investments to zero. IMS Trading Corp On July 31, 2015, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of IMS Trading Corp. for approximately $23.2 million . IMS Trading Corp was a manufacturer, importer and distributor of rawhide, natural dog treats and pet products throughout the United States and internationally. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired by approximately $1.4 million , which is included in goodwill in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2016 . Financial results for IMS Trading Corp. have been included in the results of operations within the Pet segment since the date of acquisition. During the second fiscal quarter of 2016, the Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The following table summarizes the preliminary recording of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments: In thousands Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 20,458 $ 315 $ 20,773 Fixed assets 1,670 — 1,670 Goodwill — 1,365 1,365 Other assets 5,356 (5,356 ) — Other intangible assets, net — 4,510 4,510 Current liabilities (5,100 ) — (5,100 ) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 22,384 $ 834 $ 23,218 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-K for the period ended September 26, 2015 and the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended December 26, 2015

Concentration of Credit Risk an

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers	Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers Customer Concentration – Approximately 44% of the Company’s net sales for fiscal 2017 , 42% for fiscal 2016 and 40% for fiscal 2015 were derived from sales to the Company’s top five customers. The Company’s largest customer accounted for approximately 16% , 15% and 16% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company’s second largest customer in 2017 accounted for approximately 8% of the Company’s net sales in the fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company’s third largest customer in 2017 accounted for approximately 8% , 8% and 7% of the Company’s net sales in fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The loss of, or significant adverse change in, the relationship between the Company and any of these three customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial results. The loss of or reduction in orders from any significant customer, losses arising from customer disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or the Company’s inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer could also have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and financial results. As of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 , accounts receivable from the Company’s top five customers comprised approximately 44% and 41% of the Company’s total accounts receivable, including 10% and 11% from the Company’s largest customer. Supplier Concentration – While the Company purchases products from many different manufacturers and suppliers, approximately 9% , 9% and 11% of the Company’s cost of goods sold in fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, were derived from products purchased from the Company’s five largest suppliers.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The allowance for doubtful accounts includes reserves for collectability determined by past credit history with customers, their expected returns and deductions and their current financial condition. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized below (in thousands): Description Balances at Beginning of Period Charged/ (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Asset Write-Offs, Less Recoveries Balances at End of Period Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 25,212 741 (6,657 ) 19,296 Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 19,296 6,041 (4,268 ) 21,069 Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 21,069 2,921 (2,554 ) 21,436

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, September 24, Raw materials $ 116,591 $ 120,786 Work in progress 16,394 17,378 Finished goods 241,420 217,788 Supplies 7,696 6,052 Total inventories, net $ 382,101 $ 362,004

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): September 30, September 24, Land $ 8,942 $ 8,825 Buildings and improvements 131,280 115,965 Transportation equipment 7,141 5,574 Machine and warehouse equipment 221,329 193,525 Capitalized software 117,360 109,641 Office furniture and equipment 27,355 25,282 513,407 458,812 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (332,494 ) (300,588 ) $ 180,913 $ 158,224 Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, charged to operations was $42.7 million , $40.0 million and $33.7 million for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 , September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 (in thousands): Garden Products Segment Pet Products Segment Total Balance as of September 27, 2014 Goodwill $ 213,583 $ 404,211 $ 617,794 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) — 208,233 208,233 Additions in fiscal 2015 — 856 856 Balance as of September 26, 2015 Goodwill 213,583 405,067 618,650 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) — 209,089 209,089 Additions in fiscal 2016 5,473 16,823 22,296 Balance as of September 24, 2016 Goodwill 219,056 421,890 640,946 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) 5,473 225,912 231,385 Additions in fiscal 2017 25,890 25,890 Sale of business (1,000 ) (1,000 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 Goodwill 219,056 446,780 665,836 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) $ 5,473 $ 250,802 $ 256,275 Additions or reductions to goodwill include acquisitions, sale of businesses, purchase price adjustments and adjustments of amounts upon finalization of purchase accounting. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter), 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, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, it is unnecessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment. Based on certain circumstances, the Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, which compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs an additional step to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then computing the excess of the reporting unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and, accordingly, the Company recognizes such impairment. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of its two reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimate of fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is based on the Company’s projection of revenues, gross margin, operating costs and cash flows considering historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies. The Company bases its fair value estimates on assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty. Assumptions critical to the Company’s fair value estimates were: (i) discount rates used in determining the fair value of the reporting units; (ii) estimated future cash flows; and (iii) projected revenue and operating profit growth rates used in the reporting unit models. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The valuations employ present value techniques to measure fair value and consider market factors. In connection with the Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing performed during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, the Company made a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it was necessary to calculate the fair values of its reporting units under the two-step goodwill impairment test. The Company completed its qualitative assessment of potential goodwill impairment in each fiscal year and it was determined that it was more likely than not the fair values of the Company's reporting units were greater than their carrying amounts in each fiscal year, and accordingly, no further testing of goodwill was required in fiscal 2017 and 2016.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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) September 30, 2017 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 16.9 $ (12.7 ) $ — $ 4.2 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 62.7 — (26.0 ) 36.7 Total 79.6 (12.7 ) (26.0 ) 40.9 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 91.6 (32.2 ) — 59.4 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 22.1 (12.9 ) — 9.2 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 29.9 (12.9 ) (1.2 ) 15.8 Total other intangible assets $ 201.1 $ (57.8 ) $ (27.2 ) $ 116.1 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 September 26, 2015 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.1 $ (10.4 ) $ — $ 3.7 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 59.6 — (24.2 ) 35.4 Total 73.7 (10.4 ) (24.2 ) 39.1 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 43.3 (22.3 ) — 21.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 19.3 (10.5 ) — 8.8 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 27.1 (10.5 ) (1.2 ) 15.4 Total other intangible assets $ 144.1 $ (43.2 ) $ (25.4 ) $ 75.5 Other acquired intangible assets include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets. As part of its acquisition of Segrest, Inc. in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company acquired approximately $ 2.0 million of marketing related intangible assets, $27.3 million of customer related intangible assets and $1.3 million of other intangible assets. See Note 3 – Acquisitions . In fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash $1.8 million impairment charge to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of declining volume of sales. In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash $7.3 million impairment charge to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition in the marketplace and declining volume of sales. The Company is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets with definite lives over periods ranging from three years to 25 years ; over weighted average remaining lives of four years for marketing-related intangibles, 10 years for customer-related intangibles and 11 years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $8.8 million , $5.8 million and $4.3 million , for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and is classified within operating expenses in the 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 $8 million per year from fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2022.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30, September 24, (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,840 ) (5,635 ) Net carrying value 395,160 394,365 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%, amended in April 2016 — — Other notes payable 493 904 Total 395,653 395,269 Less current portion (375 ) (463 ) Long-term portion $ 395,278 $ 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 will be 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 consolidated statements of operations for the year ended September 24, 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 financial covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2017 , there were no borrowings outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. There were other letters of credit of $1.8 million outstanding as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2017 , the borrowing base and remaining borrowing availability was $368.9 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 1.0% ), 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% - 1.5% and was 1.25% as of September 30, 2017 , and such applicable margin for Base Rate borrowings fluctuates between 0.25% - 0.5% and was 0.25% as of September 30, 2017 . As of September 30, 2017 , the applicable interest rate related to Base Rate borrowings was 4.5% , and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR-based borrowings was 2.5% . 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 period ended September 30, 2017 . The scheduled principal repayments on long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2018 $ 375 2019 5 2020 113 2021 — 2022 — Thereafter 400,000 Total $ 400,493 (1) (1) Debt repayments do not reflect the unamortized portion of deferred financing costs associated with the 2023 Notes of $4.8 million as of September 30, 2017 , which is amortizable until November 2023 and is included in the carrying value.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Letters of credit – The Company had $1.8 million of outstanding letters of credit related to normal business transactions at September 30, 2017 . 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 $12.6 million and $ 10.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively, and is reflected in “Restricted cash” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Purchase commitments – Production and purchase agreements (primarily for grass seed and grains) entered into in the ordinary course of business obligate the Company to make future purchases based on estimated yields. The terms of these contracts vary and have fixed prices or quantities. At September 30, 2017 , estimated annual purchase commitments were $104.4 million for fiscal 2018, $31.3 million for fiscal 2019, $18.9 million for fiscal 2020, $11.4 million for fiscal 2021, $4.3 million for fiscal 2022 and $0.8 million thereafter. Leases – The Company has operating lease agreements principally for office and warehouse facilities and equipment. Such leases have remaining terms of one to 12 years . Rental expense was $31.7 million for fiscal 2017, $25.0 million for fiscal 2016 and $23.1 million for fiscal 2015 and is included in cost of goods sold and occupancy or selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Certain facility leases have renewal options and include escalation clauses. Minimum lease payments include scheduled rent increases pursuant to these escalation provisions. Aggregate minimum annual payments on non-cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2017 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2018 $ 26,461 2019 21,393 2020 16,658 2021 12,222 2022 8,812 Thereafter 25,885 Total $ 111,431 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 the resolution of which management believes would have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has received notices from several states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties and other relief. The examinations are at an early stage and, as such, management is unable to determine the impact, if any, on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has experienced, and may in the future experience, issues with products that may lead to product liability, recalls, withdrawals, replacements of products, or regulatory actions by governmental authorities. The Company has not experienced recent issues with products the resolution of which management believes would have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following: Fiscal Year Ended September 30, September 24, September 26, (in thousands) Current: Federal $ 32,755 $ 18,592 $ 2,301 State 3,034 2,140 643 Foreign 121 110 25 Total 35,910 20,842 2,969 Deferred: Federal 11,227 2,796 14,843 State (1,038 ) 463 625 Foreign 600 (48 ) 98 Total 10,789 3,211 15,566 Total $ 46,699 $ 24,053 $ 18,535 A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 30, September 24, September 26, Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.4 2.1 2.4 Other permanent differences 0.3 (1.6 ) (0.5 ) Adjustment of prior year accruals (0.3 ) (0.6 ) (0.5 ) Credits (0.6 ) (1.0 ) (0.3 ) Change in valuation allowances — 0.5 — Foreign rate differential 0.1 0.1 (0.1 ) Effective income tax rate (benefit) 36.9 % 34.5 % 36.0 % Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of “temporary differences” between asset and liability amounts for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as determined based on existing tax laws. The tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: September 30, 2017 September 24, 2016 Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities (in thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,790 $ — $ 7,634 $ — Inventory write-downs 10,406 — 9,869 — Prepaid expenses — 1,740 — 1,188 Nondeductible reserves 1,485 — 1,632 — State taxes 276 — 19 — Employee benefits 10,007 — 10,544 — Depreciation and amortization — 84,059 — 62,778 Equity loss 4,243 — 5,070 — State net operating loss carryforward 5,182 — 4,939 — Stock based compensation 3,097 — 2,642 — State credits 2,403 — 2,317 — Other 5,768 — 5,303 — Valuation allowance (6,527 ) — (6,583 ) — Total $ 44,130 $ 85,799 $ 43,386 $ 63,966 The Company has state tax net operating losses of $109.1 million , which expire at various times between 2017 and 2037 , and foreign losses of $3.0 million , which do not expire. Pursuant to authoritative guidance, the benefit of stock options will only be recorded to stockholders’ equity when cash taxes payable are reduced. The Company has state income tax credits of $3.7 million , which expire at various times beginning in 2017 through 2033 . In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence including past operating results, future taxable income, and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance against any deferred tax assets. The Company has determined there will be insufficient future separate state taxable income for the separate parent company to realize its deferred tax assets. Therefore, valuation allowances of $6.5 million and $6.6 million (net of federal impact) at September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 , respectively, have been provided to reduce state deferred tax assets to amounts considered recoverable. The Company classifies uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid within one year . The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as a component of pretax income. As of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 , accrued interest was less than $0.1 million and no penalties were accrued related to uncertain tax positions. The following table, which excludes interest and penalties, summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 (in thousands): Balance as of September 26, 2015 $ 138 Increases related to prior year tax positions 51 Increases related to current year tax positions 66 Decreases related to prior year tax positions — Settlements (1 ) Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations — Balance as of September 24, 2016 $ 254 Increases related to prior year tax positions 4 Increases related to current year tax positions 67 Decreases related to prior year tax positions — Settlements — Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations — Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 325 As of September 30, 2017 , unrecognized income tax benefits totaled approximately $0.3 million and all of the unrecognized tax benefits would, if recognized, impact the Company’s effective income tax rate. The Company is principally subject to taxation by the United States and various states within the United States. The Company’s tax filings in major jurisdictions are open to examination by tax authorities by the Internal Revenue Service from fiscal year ended 2014 forward and in various state taxing authorities generally from fiscal year ended 2013 forward. The Company does not believe there will be any significant change in its unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company’s 2003 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”), as amended, provides for the grant of options and restricted stock to key employees, directors and consultants of the Company. The 2003 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised only of independent directors, and which must approve individual awards to be granted, vesting and exercise of share conditions. There is a total of 5.8 million shares of Common Stock, 19.7 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized under the 2003 Plan. If and when the Company issues any shares of Preferred Stock under the 2003 Plan, it will reduce the amount of Class A Common Stock available for future issuance in an amount equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that are issuable upon conversion of such Preferred Stock. The Company has a Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) which provides for the grant of options and restricted stock to nonemployee directors of the Company. The Director Plan, as amended, provides for the granting to each independent director of options to purchase a number of shares equal to $200,000 divided by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders and a number of shares of restricted stock equal to $20,000 divided by such fair market value. As of September 30, 2017 , there were approximately 32.1 thousand shares of Common Stock, 3.6 million shares of Class A Common Stock and no shares of Preferred Stock reserved for outstanding equity awards, and there were approximately 4.6 million shares of Common Stock, 11.7 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 0.5 million shares of Preferred Stock remaining for future awards. Stock Option Awards The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $11.1 million , $8.4 million , and $8.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2017 , September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 , respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 consisted of $2.9 million , $2.2 million , and $3.3 million , respectively, for stock options, and $5.8 million , $4.5 million and $3.1 million , respectively, for stock awards. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 also includes $2.4 million , $1.7 million and $1.9 million , respectively, for the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions. During fiscal 2017 , the Company granted time-based stock options with an exercise price based on the closing fair market value on the date of the grant. The majority of the options granted in fiscal 2017 vest in four annual installments commencing approximately one year from the date of grant and expire approximately six years after the grant date. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected stock price volatilities are estimated based on the Company’s historical volatility. The expected term of options granted is based on analyses of historical employee termination rates, option exercises and the contractual term of the option. The risk-free rates are based on U.S. Treasury yields, for notes with comparable terms as the option grants, in effect at the time of the grant. For purposes of this valuation model, no dividends have been assumed. The Company’s calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected life from the date of grant, 3.7 years in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 and 3.6 years in fiscal 2015; stock price volatility, 31.5% in fiscal 2017, 30.8% in fiscal 2016, and 30.3% in fiscal 2015; risk free interest rates, 2.0% in fiscal 2017, 1.3% in fiscal 2016 and 2015; and no dividends during the expected term. The following table summarizes option activity for the period ended September 30, 2017 : Number of Shares (in thousands) Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Outstanding at September 24, 2016 4,169 $ 11.64 3 years $ 53,705 Granted 639 $ 31.02 Exercised (2,234 ) $ 11.51 Canceled or expired (103 ) $ 11.33 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 2,471 $ 16.79 4 years $ 50,420 Exercisable at September 26, 2015 2,910 $ 10.74 2 years 17,226 Exercisable at September 24, 2016 1,732 $ 11.46 2 years 22,954 Exercisable at September 30, 2017 458 $ 10.80 2 years 12,097 Expected to vest after September 30, 2017 1,767 $ 18.15 4 years $ 33,644 The price of options to purchase shares of common stock and Class A common stock outstanding at September 30, 2017, September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 was between $6.43 to $33.15 per share, $6.43 to $15.56 per share and $6.43 to $15.00 per share, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 was $8.14 , $3.04 and $2.51 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 was $44.0 million , $22.6 million , and $5.9 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there was $7.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of three years . Restricted Stock Awards As of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, there were approximately 1.1 million and 1.5 million , respectively, of restricted stock awards outstanding. Awards granted in fiscal 2017 and 2016 generally vest within four or five years from the date of grant. Restricted stock award activity during the period ended September 30, 2017 is summarized as follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in thousands) Nonvested at September 24, 2016 1,540 $ 10.68 Granted 196 $ 29.30 Vested (567 ) $ 9.94 Forfeited (32 ) $ 9.81 Nonvested at September 30, 2017 1,137 $ 14.34 As of September 30, 2017 , there was $11.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of three years .

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity At September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 , there were 80,000,000 shares of common stock ( $0.01 par value) authorized, of which 12,160,023 and 11,998,472 , respectively, were outstanding, and 100,000,000 shares of non-voting Class A common stock ( $0.01 par value) authorized, of which 38,019,736 and 37,418,572 , respectively, were outstanding. The preferences and relative rights of the Class A common stock are identical to common stock in all respects, except that the Class A common stock generally will have no voting rights unless otherwise required by Delaware law. There are 3,000,000 shares of Class B stock ( $0.01 par value) authorized, of which 1,652,262 were outstanding at September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 . The voting powers, preferences and relative rights of the Class B stock are identical to common stock in all respects except that (i) the holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B stock are entitled to the lesser of ten votes per share or 49% of the total votes cast, (ii) stock dividends on common stock may be paid only in shares of common stock and stock dividends on Class B stock may be paid only in shares of Class B stock and (iii) shares of Class B stock have certain conversion rights and are subject to certain restrictions on ownership and transfer. Each share of Class B stock is convertible into one share of common stock, at the option of the holder. Additional shares of Class B stock may only be issued with majority approval of the holders of the common stock and Class B stock, voting as separate classes. There are 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock ( $0.01 par value) authorized, of which none were outstanding at September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 . During fiscal 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program, in part, to minimize the dilutive impact of the Company’s stock-based equity compensation programs over time. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 , the Company did not repurchase any of its stock. In total, as of September 30, 2017 , the Company had repurchased approximately 7.9 million shares for an aggregate price of approximately $65.0 million under the share repurchase program.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 earnings (loss) per share (EPS) computations: Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Net Income Shares Per Share Net Income Shares Per Share Net Income (Loss) Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 78,828 50,230 $ 1.57 $ 44,514 48,964 $ 0.91 $ 31,971 48,562 $ 0.66 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 992 (0.03 ) 1,335 (0.02 ) 520 (0.01 ) Restricted shares 598 (0.02 ) 776 (0.02 ) 556 (0.01 ) Diluted EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 78,828 51,820 $ 1.52 $ 44,514 51,075 $ 0.87 $ 31,971 49,638 $ 0.64 For fiscal 2017 , 31 thousand options 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 of including these options would be anti-dilutive. For fiscal 2016 , all options outstanding were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. For fiscal 2015 , 3.2 million options 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 of including these options would be anti-dilutive.

Quarterly Financial Data - Unau

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited	Quarterly Financial Data – Unaudited Fiscal 2017 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 419,498 $ 569,924 $ 574,592 $ 490,464 Gross profit 120,678 183,529 183,273 145,328 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company 7,637 (1 ) 34,684 32,248 4,259 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.15 $ 0.69 $ 0.64 $ 0.08 Diluted $ 0.15 $ 0.67 $ 0.62 $ 0.08 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 49,665 50,079 50,507 50,654 Diluted 51,810 51,983 51,825 51,935 (1) The Company recognized a $2.0 million gain in its Garden segment from the sale of a distribution facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2016 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 359,812 $ 541,249 $ 514,544 $ 413,412 Gross profit 99,786 169,339 163,745 120,180 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (8,602 ) (1 ) 32,697 26,030 (2 ) (5,611 ) (3) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.18 ) $ 0.67 $ 0.53 $ (0.11 ) Diluted $ (0.18 ) $ 0.65 $ 0.51 $ (0.11 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 48,566 48,717 49,120 49,453 Diluted 48,566 50,445 51,063 49,453 (1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company redeemed its 2018 Notes and issued senior notes due November 2023. As a result of the bond redemption, the Company incurred incremental expenses of $14.3 million , comprised of a call premium payment of $8.3 million , a $2.7 million payment of overlapping interest expense for 30 days and a $3.3 million non-cash charge for the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs and discount related to the 2018 Notes. (2) The Company recognized a $2.4 million gain in its Pet segment from the sale of a manufacturing plant resulting from rationalizing its facilities to reduce excess capacity during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (3) The Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $16.6 million related to its investment in two joint ventures as a result of changes in marketplace conditions, and a non-cash impairment charge in its Pet segment of $1.8 million related to the impairment of certain indefinite-lived intangible assets due to declining sales volume during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Transactions with Related Parti

Transactions with Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Related Parties	Transactions with Related Parties During fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Tech Pac, a subsidiary of the Company, made purchases from Contract Packaging, Inc, (“CPI”), Tech Pac’s principal supplier and a minority 20% shareholder in Tech Pac. Tech Pac’s total purchases from CPI were approximately $37.0 million , $36.5 million and $35.2 million for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Amounts due to CPI as of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 were $0.6 million and $1.5 million , respectively.

Business Segment Data

Business Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Data	Business Segment Data The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is its Chief Executive Officer. Operating segments are managed separately because each segment represents a strategic business that offers different products or services. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based on operating income or loss. The Company’s Corporate division is included in the following presentation since certain expenses of this division are not allocated separately to the two operating segments. Segment assets exclude cash equivalents, short-term investments, goodwill, and deferred taxes. 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 the Pet segment and the Garden segment. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and operations relate to its business in the United States. The Pet segment consists of DMC, Four Paws Products, TFH Publications, Kaytee, Aquatics, Interpet, IMS, Pets International, Breeder’s Choice, Life Sciences, Segrest and K&H Manufacturing. These businesses are engaged in the manufacturing, purchase, sale and delivery of internally and externally produced pet supplies, books , food, live fish and small animals principally to independent pet distributors, national and regional retail chains, grocery stores, mass merchants and bookstores. The Garden segment consists of Pennington Seed, Hydro Organics, AMBRANDS, Lilly Miller, the Pottery Group and Gulfstream. Products manufactured, designed and sourced, or distributed are products found typically in the lawn and garden sections of mass merchandisers, warehouse-type clubs, home improvement centers and nurseries and include grass seed, bird feed, clay pottery, outdoor wooden planters and trellises, herbicides and insecticides. These products are sold directly to national and regional retail chains, independent garden distributors, grocery stores, nurseries and garden supply retailers. The Corporate division includes expenses associated with corporate functions and projects, certain employee benefits, interest income, interest expense and intersegment eliminations. The following table indicates each class of similar products which represented approximately 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the fiscal years presented (in millions). Category 2017 2016 2015 Other pet products $ 841.4 $ 689.3 $ 594.7 Other garden supplies 464.9 331.3 343.5 Dog and cat products 405.0 326.0 233.0 Garden controls and fertilizer products 343.2 298.8 286.3 Wild bird feed — (1) 183.6 193.2 Total $ 2,054.5 $ 1,829.0 $ 1,650.7 See Note 4 - Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers for the Company’s largest customers by segment. (1) The product category was less than 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales in the respective period. Financial information relating to the Company’s business segments for each of the three most recent fiscal years is presented in the table below (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 Net sales: Pet segment $ 1,246,354 $ 1,081,853 $ 894,549 Garden segment 808,124 747,164 756,188 Total $ 2,054,478 $ 1,829,017 $ 1,650,737 Operating income (loss): Pet segment $ 131,622 $ 119,930 (1) $ 98,798 (1) Garden segment 87,298 70,317 60,145 Corporate (62,808 ) (60,889 ) (67,508 ) Total 156,112 129,358 91,435 Interest expense (28,209 ) (42,847 ) (40,027 ) Interest income 147 140 129 Other income (expense) (1,621 ) (17,013 ) (2) 13 Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest 126,429 69,638 51,550 Income tax expense (benefit) 46,699 24,053 18,535 Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 79,730 45,585 33,015 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 902 1,071 1,044 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 78,828 $ 44,514 $ 31,971 Assets: Pet segment $ 612,337 $ 508,879 $ 465,171 Garden segment 311,026 304,901 310,981 Corporate and eliminations 383,543 366,903 324,960 Total $ 1,306,906 $ 1,180,683 $ 1,101,112 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 26,044 $ 22,556 $ 15,885 Garden segment 6,267 6,098 5,988 Corporate 10,408 11,347 11,830 Total $ 42,719 $ 40,001 $ 33,703 Expenditures for long-lived assets: Pet segment $ 38,970 $ 18,939 $ 17,060 Garden segment 4,948 4,750 2,432 Corporate 741 3,933 2,538 Total $ 44,659 $ 27,622 $ 22,030 Noncontrolling interest is associated with the Garden segment. (1) Includes a $1.8 million impairment charge in fiscal 2016 and a $7.3 million impairment charge in fiscal 2015 to indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition and declining sales volume. (2) Includes a $16.6 million impairment charge related to two equity method investments.

Consolidating Condensed Financi

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Notes. Those subsidiaries that are guarantors and co-obligors of the 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 Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 685,998 $ 79,681 $ 1,370,335 $ (81,536 ) $ 2,054,478 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 534,682 60,788 901,959 (75,759 ) 1,421,670 Gross profit 151,316 18,893 468,376 (5,777 ) 632,808 Selling, general and administrative expenses 154,267 18,416 309,790 (5,777 ) 476,696 Operating income (loss) (2,951 ) 477 158,586 — 156,112 Interest expense (28,051 ) (294 ) 136 — (28,209 ) Interest income 146 1 — — 147 Other income (expense) (2,379 ) 844 (86 ) — (1,621 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (33,235 ) 1,028 158,636 — 126,429 Income tax expense (benefit) (11,981 ) 1,466 57,214 — 46,699 Equity in earnings of affiliates 100,082 — 420 (100,502 ) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 78,828 (438 ) 101,842 (100,502 ) 79,730 Noncontrolling interest — 902 — — 902 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 78,828 $ (1,340 ) $ 101,842 $ (100,502 ) $ 78,828 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 587,579 $ 82,567 $ 1,238,339 $ (79,468 ) $ 1,829,017 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 466,543 62,727 820,573 (73,876 ) 1,275,967 Gross profit 121,036 19,840 417,766 (5,592 ) 553,050 Selling, general and administrative expenses 138,556 18,077 272,651 (5,592 ) 423,692 Operating income (loss) (17,520 ) 1,763 145,115 — 129,358 Interest expense (42,700 ) (266 ) 119 — (42,847 ) Interest income 136 4 — — 140 Other income (expense) (16,925 ) (113 ) 25 — (17,013 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (77,009 ) 1,388 145,259 — 69,638 Income tax expense (benefit) (26,422 ) 923 49,552 — 24,053 Equity in earnings of affiliates 95,101 — 624 (95,725 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 44,514 465 96,331 (95,725 ) 45,585 Noncontrolling interest — 1,071 — — 1,071 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 44,514 $ (606 ) $ 96,331 $ (95,725 ) $ 44,514 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 484,310 $ 100,127 $ 1,146,821 $ (80,521 ) $ 1,650,737 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 379,235 76,597 781,797 (74,944 ) 1,162,685 Gross profit 105,075 23,530 365,024 (5,577 ) 488,052 Selling, general and administrative expenses 124,613 18,329 259,252 (5,577 ) 396,617 Operating income (loss) (19,538 ) 5,201 105,772 — 91,435 Interest expense (39,893 ) (268 ) 134 — (40,027 ) Interest income 126 3 — — 129 Other income (expense) (372 ) 407 (22 ) — 13 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (59,677 ) 5,343 105,884 — 51,550 Income tax expense (benefit) (21,500 ) 2,089 37,946 — 18,535 Equity in earnings of affiliates 70,148 — 2,445 (72,593 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 31,971 3,254 70,383 (72,593 ) 33,015 Noncontrolling interest — 1,044 — — 1,044 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 31,971 $ 2,210 $ 70,383 $ (72,593 ) $ 31,971 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 78,828 $ (438 ) $ 101,842 $ (100,502 ) $ 79,730 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation 343 169 108 (277 ) 343 Total comprehensive income (loss) 79,171 (269 ) 101,950 (100,779 ) 80,073 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 902 — — 902 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 79,171 $ (1,171 ) $ 101,950 $ (100,779 ) $ 79,171 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 44,514 $ 465 $ 96,331 $ (95,725 ) $ 45,585 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation (1,458 ) (1,132 ) 8 1,124 (1,458 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 43,056 (667 ) 96,339 (94,601 ) 44,127 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,071 — — 1,071 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 43,056 $ (1,738 ) $ 96,339 $ (94,601 ) $ 43,056 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 31,971 $ 3,254 $ 70,383 $ (72,593 ) $ 33,015 Other comprehensive loss: Unrealized loss on securities (10 ) — (10 ) Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income 20 — — — 20 Foreign currency translation (1,078 ) (537 ) (380 ) 917 (1,078 ) Total comprehensive income 30,903 2,717 70,003 (71,676 ) 31,947 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,044 — — 1,044 Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 30,903 $ 1,673 $ 70,003 $ (71,676 ) $ 30,903 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,238 $ 11,693 $ 1,466 $ — $ 32,397 Restricted cash 12,645 — — — 12,645 Accounts receivable, net 78,692 5,586 153,590 — 237,868 Inventories 125,797 9,493 246,811 — 382,101 Prepaid expenses and other assets 6,059 811 11,175 — 18,045 Total current assets 242,431 27,583 413,042 — 683,056 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 38,170 4,225 138,518 — 180,913 Goodwill 15,058 — 241,217 — 256,275 Other long term assets 61,715 2,376 146,372 (23,801 ) 186,662 Intercompany receivable 36,606 — 662,137 (698,743 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,383,633 — — (1,383,633 ) — Total $ 1,777,613 $ 34,184 $ 1,601,286 $ (2,106,177 ) $ 1,306,906 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 36,760 $ 3,076 $ 63,447 $ — $ 103,283 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 54,909 2,391 59,249 — 116,549 Current portion of long term debt — — 375 — 375 Total current liabilities 91,669 5,467 123,071 — 220,207 Long-term debt 395,160 — 118 — 395,278 Intercompany payable 647,409 51,334 — (698,743 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 19,782 (19,782 ) — Other long-term obligations 7,689 — 70,391 (23,801 ) 54,279 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 635,686 (24,073 ) 1,387,924 (1,363,851 ) 635,686 Noncontrolling interest — 1,456 — — 1,456 Total equity 635,686 (22,617 ) 1,387,924 (1,363,851 ) 637,142 Total $ 1,777,613 $ 34,184 $ 1,601,286 $ (2,106,177 ) $ 1,306,906 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 5,700 800 9,749 — 16,249 Total current assets 271,702 27,403 384,191 — 683,296 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 45,832 2,998 85,701 (26,753 ) 107,778 Intercompany receivable 32,778 — 567,374 (600,152 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,176,990 — — (1,176,990 ) — Total $ 1,583,443 $ 34,298 $ 1,366,837 $ (1,803,895 ) $ 1,180,683 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 34,096 $ 3,953 $ 64,364 $ — $ 102,413 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 47,861 1,411 50,071 — 99,343 Current portion of long term debt 88 — 375 — 463 Total current liabilities 82,045 5,364 114,810 — 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 — 55,768 (26,753 ) 29,071 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 553,014 (18,827 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 553,014 Noncontrolling interest — 1,573 — — 1,573 Total equity 553,014 (17,254 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 554,587 Total $ 1,583,443 $ 34,298 $ 1,366,837 $ (1,803,895 ) $ 1,180,683 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ (7,418 ) $ 2,846 $ 122,957 $ (4,076 ) $ 114,309 Additions to property, plant and equipment (9,419 ) (805 ) (34,435 ) — (44,659 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures (103,880 ) — — — (103,880 ) Proceeds from asset sales 229 — 8,318 — 8,547 Escrow deposit for acquisition-related contingent consideration (6,000 ) (6,000 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (1,735 ) — — — (1,735 ) Investment in equity method investee (12,495 ) (12,495 ) Other investing activities (4,355 ) — — — (4,355 ) Intercompany investing activities (3,828 ) — (94,763 ) 98,591 — Net cash used by investing activities (141,483 ) (805 ) (120,880 ) 98,591 (164,577 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (552,000 ) — — — (552,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 552,000 — — — 552,000 Repayments of long-term debt (89 ) — (374 ) — (463 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 19,946 — — — 19,946 Repurchase of common stock (27,556 ) — — — (27,556 ) Payments of contingent consideration — — (1,300 ) — (1,300 ) Distribution to parent — (4,076 ) — 4,076 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (1,019 ) — — (1,019 ) Intercompany financing activities 93,445 5,146 — (98,591 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 85,746 51 (1,674 ) (94,515 ) (10,392 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash 235 (94 ) (66 ) — 75 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (62,920 ) 1,998 337 — (60,585 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 82,158 9,695 1,129 — 92,982 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 19,238 $ 11,693 $ 1,466 $ — $ 32,397 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ 3,906 $ 2,654 $ 149,749 $ (4,883 ) $ 151,426 Additions to property, plant and equipment (4,513 ) (717 ) (22,392 ) — (27,622 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of expenses (69,001 ) — — — (69,001 ) Proceeds from asset sales — — 3,911 — 3,911 Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 2,247 — — — 2,247 Other investing activities (730 ) — — — (730 ) Intercompany investing activities (83 ) — (129,708 ) 129,791 — Net cash used by investing activities (72,080 ) (717 ) (148,189 ) 129,791 (91,195 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (419,000 ) — — — (419,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 419,000 — — — 419,000 Repayments of long-term debt (400,286 ) — (21 ) — (400,307 ) Issuance of long-term debt 400,000 400,000 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 324 — — — 324 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 6,869 — — — 6,869 Repurchase of common stock (10,873 ) — — — (10,873 ) Payments of contingent consideration (2,026 ) (2,026 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (7,560 ) — — — (7,560 ) Distribution to parent — (4,883 ) — 4,883 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (592 ) — — (592 ) Intercompany financing activities 127,044 2,747 — (129,791 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 115,518 (2,728 ) (2,047 ) (124,908 ) (14,165 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (1,466 ) 464 334 — (668 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 45,878 (327 ) (153 ) — 45,398 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,280 10,022 1,282 — 47,584 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 82,158 $ 9,695 $ 1,129 $ — $ 92,982 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (16,823 ) $ 7,372 $ 103,619 $ (6,719 ) $ 87,449 Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,721 ) (405 ) (18,904 ) — (22,030 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired (38,384 ) — — — (38,384 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,126 — — — 1,126 Maturities of short term investments 9,997 — — — 9,997 Investment in short term investments (17 ) — — — (17 ) Other investing activities (546 ) — — — (546 ) Intercompany investing activities (15,789 ) — (85,963 ) 101,752 — Net cash used by investing activities (46,334 ) (405 ) (104,867 ) 101,752 (49,854 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (312,000 ) — — — (312,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 312,000 — — — 312,000 Repayments of long-term debt (50,262 ) — (27 ) — (50,289 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 200 — — — 200 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 2,154 — — — 2,154 Repurchase of common stock (18,497 ) — — — (18,497 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (258 ) — — — (258 ) Distribution to parent — (6,719 ) — 6,719 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (1,680 ) — — (1,680 ) Intercompany financing activities 103,326 (1,574 ) — (101,752 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 36,663 (9,973 ) (27 ) (95,033 ) (68,370 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (697 ) 222 158 — (317 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (27,191 ) (2,784 ) (1,117 ) — (31,092 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 63,471 12,806 2,399 — 78,676 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 36,280 $ 10,022 $ 1,282 $ — $ 47,584

Organization and Significant 26

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization – Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”), a Delaware corporation, and subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a leading marketer and producer of quality branded products and distributor of third party products in the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets.
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation	Basis of Consolidation and Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Central and all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 included 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 each included 52 weeks.
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest – Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by the Company 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 attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period including realization of accounts receivable and inventory and valuation of goodwill and intangibles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition – Sales are recognized when merchandise is shipped, risk of loss and title passes to the customer and the Company has no further obligations to provide services related to such merchandise. Discounts, volume-based rebate incentives and most cooperative advertising amounts are recorded as a reduction of sales. The Company’s practice on product returns is to accept and credit the return of unopened cases of products from customers where the quantity is small, where the product has been mis-shipped or the product is defective. Provisions are made for estimated sales returns which are deducted from net sales at the time of shipment. Sales also include shipping and handling costs billed directly to customers.
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	Cost of goods sold and occupancy consists of cost of product, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs, internal transfer costs as well as allocations of overhead costs, including depreciation, related to the Company’s facilities. Cost of goods sold excludes substantially all shipping and handling and out-bound freight costs to customers, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses as delivery expenses.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs – The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred.
Other income (expense)	Other income (expense) consists principally of earnings (losses) from equity method investments and foreign exchange gains and losses.
Income taxes	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes result primarily from bad debt allowances, inventory and goodwill write-downs, amortization and depreciation. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of fiscal year-end 2017 and 2016 , the Company had valuation allowances related to various state and foreign net deferred tax assets of $6.5 million and $6.6 million , respectively. U.S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings (approximately $2.0 million at September 30, 2017 ) of our foreign subsidiary since all such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested overseas.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	Restricted cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid instruments that are used as collateral for stand–alone letter of credit agreements.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are past due.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts – Trade accounts receivable are regularly evaluated for collectability based on past credit history with customers, their expected returns and deductions and their current financial condition.
Inventories	Inventories , which primarily consist of garden products and pet supplies finished goods, are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Cost includes certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs incurred to acquire or manufacture inventory, costs to unload, process and put away shipments received in order to prepare them to be picked for orders, and certain other overhead costs. The amount of such costs capitalized to inventory is computed based on an estimate of costs related to the procurement and processing of inventory to prepare it for sale compared to total product purchases.
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment	Land, buildings, improvements and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over 30 years for buildings. Improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the terms of the related leases. Depreciation on equipment and capitalized software is computed by the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of three to 10 years .
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets – The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, for potential impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable, and annually for indefinite-lived intangible assets. An impairment loss would be recognized for amortizable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life if its carrying value exceeds its fair value. Impairment, if any, is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. There were no impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2017. In fiscal 2016, the Company recognized non-cash asset impairment charges of approximately $1.8 million related to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets due to changes in the Company's operational strategy and declining volume of sales. In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash $7.3 million impairment charge to certain indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition in the marketplace and declining volume of sales. Should market conditions or the assumptions used by the Company in determining the fair value of assets change, or management changes plans regarding the future use of certain assets, additional charges to operations may be required in the period in which such conditions occur.
Goodwill	Goodwill represents the excess of cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be evaluated for impairment annually. The Company tests for goodwill 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.
Investments	Investments – The Company owns membership interests ranging from 30% - 50% in six unconsolidated companies. The Company accounts for its interest in these entities using the equity method.
Accruals For Insurance	Accruals For Insurance – The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability, and is self-insured for employee related health care benefits. The Company’s workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance policies include deductibles of $250,000 to $350,000 per occurrence. The Company maintains excess loss insurance that covers any health care claims in excess of $700,000 per person per year. The Company establishes reserves for losses based on its claims experience and actuarial estimates of the ultimate loss amount inherent in the claims, including claims incurred but not yet reported. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and the financial statement accruals include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – At September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 , the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, accounts receivable and payable, short term borrowings and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior subordinated notes is based on quoted market prices for these instruments.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation – Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the service period of the award.
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Total comprehensive income (loss) consists of two components: net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are recorded directly as an element of shareholders’ equity, but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of currency translation adjustments relating to the Company’s foreign subsidiary whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available for sale, as well as the reclassification of realized gains and losses on investments classified as available for sale to net income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 (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. Although ASU 2015-17 is not effective for the Company until October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the standard on September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has classified all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and retrospectively adjusted prior periods. Upon adoption, current deferred tax assets of $31.5 million in our September 24, 2016 consolidated balance sheet were reclassified as non-current. 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 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 still in the early stages of assessing the adoption method and analyzing the impact of the adoption of this update on its consolidated financial statements. As part of its assessment work to-date, the Company has formed an implementation work team and conducted training sessions on the new ASU’s revenue recognition model and begun the process of scoping of revenue streams under the new ASU. Additionally, the Company is also analyzing the impact of the new standard on its current accounting policies and internal controls. Upon completion of these and other assessments, the Company will evaluate the impact of adopting the new standard 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 its 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 the Company will record material operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 . Information on our current operating leases can be found in Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies . Stock Based 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. The Company will adopt the guidance effective October 1, 2017. The ASU is expected to result in increased volatility to the Company’s income tax expense in future periods dependent upon, among other variables, the price of its common stock and the timing and volume of share-based payment award activity, such as employee exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards. 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 is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard but does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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 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 holds restricted cash balances of $12.6 million and $10.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016, respectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-18 will have on its 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 is 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 fair value of the Company’s reporting units exceeded its carrying value in its fiscal 2017 impairment analysis for goodwill and, therefore, the early adoption was not considered in fiscal 2017.
Fair Value Measurements	Generally accepted accounting principles require 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, restricted cash and equivalents, short term investments, 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.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2017 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 9,343 $ 9,343 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 9,343 $ 9,343 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 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 5,113 $ 5,113 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 5,113 $ 5,113 (a) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012, future performance-based contingent payments for Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., acquired in October 2015, and future performance-based contingent payment for Segrest, Inc., acquired in October 2016. 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 consolidated balance sheets.
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments	The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial instruments for the years ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 (in thousands): Amount Balance as of September 24, 2016 $ 5,113 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition 2,700 Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments 2,830 Performance-based payments made (1,300 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 9,343

Acquisitions and Investments 28

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segrest Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Recording of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the purchase price and the recording of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments (in thousands): Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Purchase Price Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 54,043 $ — $ 54,043 Contingent consideration 6,000 (3,300 ) 2,700 $ 60,043 $ (3,300 ) $ 56,743 Allocation Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 7,403 $ (300 ) $ 7,103 Fixed assets 7,011 2,242 9,253 Other assets 47,704 (47,704 ) — Goodwill 25,890 25,890 Other intangible assets 27,650 27,650 Current liabilities (2,075 ) (2,075 ) Deferred Tax Liability (11,078 ) (11,078 ) $ 60,043 $ (3,300 ) $ 56,743 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-Q for the periods ended December 24, 2016, March 25, 2017 and June 24, 2017.
DMC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Recording of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary recording of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments: In thousands Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 41,170 $ 156 $ 41,326 Fixed assets 521 17 538 Goodwill — 15,058 15,058 Other assets 33,810 (33,790 ) 20 Other intangible assets, net — 18,700 18,700 Current liabilities (14,586 ) (40 ) (14,626 ) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 60,915 $ 101 $ 61,016 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-Q for the periods ended December 26, 2015, March 26, 2016 and June 25, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following pro forma net sales information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the net sales of the Company as they would have been had the acquisitions occurred on the assumed dates, nor are they necessarily an indication of future net sales. In thousands (unaudited) Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 Pro forma net sales $ 1,856,691 $ 1,815,997
IMS Trading Corp
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Recording of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary recording of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments: In thousands Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 20,458 $ 315 $ 20,773 Fixed assets 1,670 — 1,670 Goodwill — 1,365 1,365 Other assets 5,356 (5,356 ) — Other intangible assets, net — 4,510 4,510 Current liabilities (5,100 ) — (5,100 ) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 22,384 $ 834 $ 23,218 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-K for the period ended September 26, 2015 and the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended December 26, 2015

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun29

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized below (in thousands): Description Balances at Beginning of Period Charged/ (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Asset Write-Offs, Less Recoveries Balances at End of Period Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 25,212 741 (6,657 ) 19,296 Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 19,296 6,041 (4,268 ) 21,069 Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 21,069 2,921 (2,554 ) 21,436

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence	Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, September 24, Raw materials $ 116,591 $ 120,786 Work in progress 16,394 17,378 Finished goods 241,420 217,788 Supplies 7,696 6,052 Total inventories, net $ 382,101 $ 362,004

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): September 30, September 24, Land $ 8,942 $ 8,825 Buildings and improvements 131,280 115,965 Transportation equipment 7,141 5,574 Machine and warehouse equipment 221,329 193,525 Capitalized software 117,360 109,641 Office furniture and equipment 27,355 25,282 513,407 458,812 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (332,494 ) (300,588 ) $ 180,913 $ 158,224

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 , September 24, 2016 and September 26, 2015 (in thousands): Garden Products Segment Pet Products Segment Total Balance as of September 27, 2014 Goodwill $ 213,583 $ 404,211 $ 617,794 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) — 208,233 208,233 Additions in fiscal 2015 — 856 856 Balance as of September 26, 2015 Goodwill 213,583 405,067 618,650 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) — 209,089 209,089 Additions in fiscal 2016 5,473 16,823 22,296 Balance as of September 24, 2016 Goodwill 219,056 421,890 640,946 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) 5,473 225,912 231,385 Additions in fiscal 2017 25,890 25,890 Sale of business (1,000 ) (1,000 ) Balance as of September 30, 2017 Goodwill 219,056 446,780 665,836 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) $ 5,473 $ 250,802 $ 256,275

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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) September 30, 2017 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 16.9 $ (12.7 ) $ — $ 4.2 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 62.7 — (26.0 ) 36.7 Total 79.6 (12.7 ) (26.0 ) 40.9 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 91.6 (32.2 ) — 59.4 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 22.1 (12.9 ) — 9.2 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 29.9 (12.9 ) (1.2 ) 15.8 Total other intangible assets $ 201.1 $ (57.8 ) $ (27.2 ) $ 116.1 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 September 26, 2015 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.1 $ (10.4 ) $ — $ 3.7 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 59.6 — (24.2 ) 35.4 Total 73.7 (10.4 ) (24.2 ) 39.1 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 43.3 (22.3 ) — 21.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 19.3 (10.5 ) — 8.8 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 — (1.2 ) 6.6 Total 27.1 (10.5 ) (1.2 ) 15.4 Total other intangible assets $ 144.1 $ (43.2 ) $ (25.4 ) $ 75.5

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30, September 24, (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,840 ) (5,635 ) Net carrying value 395,160 394,365 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%, amended in April 2016 — — Other notes payable 493 904 Total 395,653 395,269 Less current portion (375 ) (463 ) Long-term portion $ 395,278 $ 394,806
Scheduled Principal Repayments on Long-Term Debt	The scheduled principal repayments on long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2018 $ 375 2019 5 2020 113 2021 — 2022 — Thereafter 400,000 Total $ 400,493 (1) (1) Debt repayments do not reflect the unamortized portion of deferred financing costs associated with the 2023 Notes of $4.8 million as of September 30, 2017 , which is amortizable until November 2023 and is included in the carrying value.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate Minimum Annual Payments on Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	Aggregate minimum annual payments on non-cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2017 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2018 $ 26,461 2019 21,393 2020 16,658 2021 12,222 2022 8,812 Thereafter 25,885 Total $ 111,431

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following: Fiscal Year Ended September 30, September 24, September 26, (in thousands) Current: Federal $ 32,755 $ 18,592 $ 2,301 State 3,034 2,140 643 Foreign 121 110 25 Total 35,910 20,842 2,969 Deferred: Federal 11,227 2,796 14,843 State (1,038 ) 463 625 Foreign 600 (48 ) 98 Total 10,789 3,211 15,566 Total $ 46,699 $ 24,053 $ 18,535
Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to the Company's Effective Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 30, September 24, September 26, Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.4 2.1 2.4 Other permanent differences 0.3 (1.6 ) (0.5 ) Adjustment of prior year accruals (0.3 ) (0.6 ) (0.5 ) Credits (0.6 ) (1.0 ) (0.3 ) Change in valuation allowances — 0.5 — Foreign rate differential 0.1 0.1 (0.1 ) Effective income tax rate (benefit) 36.9 % 34.5 % 36.0 %
Tax Effect of Temporary Differences and Carryforwards which Give Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: September 30, 2017 September 24, 2016 Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities (in thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,790 $ — $ 7,634 $ — Inventory write-downs 10,406 — 9,869 — Prepaid expenses — 1,740 — 1,188 Nondeductible reserves 1,485 — 1,632 — State taxes 276 — 19 — Employee benefits 10,007 — 10,544 — Depreciation and amortization — 84,059 — 62,778 Equity loss 4,243 — 5,070 — State net operating loss carryforward 5,182 — 4,939 — Stock based compensation 3,097 — 2,642 — State credits 2,403 — 2,317 — Other 5,768 — 5,303 — Valuation allowance (6,527 ) — (6,583 ) — Total $ 44,130 $ 85,799 $ 43,386 $ 63,966
Activity Related to Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table, which excludes interest and penalties, summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 24, 2016 (in thousands): Balance as of September 26, 2015 $ 138 Increases related to prior year tax positions 51 Increases related to current year tax positions 66 Decreases related to prior year tax positions — Settlements (1 ) Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations — Balance as of September 24, 2016 $ 254 Increases related to prior year tax positions 4 Increases related to current year tax positions 67 Decreases related to prior year tax positions — Settlements — Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations — Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 325

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes option activity for the period ended September 30, 2017 : Number of Shares (in thousands) Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Outstanding at September 24, 2016 4,169 $ 11.64 3 years $ 53,705 Granted 639 $ 31.02 Exercised (2,234 ) $ 11.51 Canceled or expired (103 ) $ 11.33 Outstanding at September 30, 2017 2,471 $ 16.79 4 years $ 50,420 Exercisable at September 26, 2015 2,910 $ 10.74 2 years 17,226 Exercisable at September 24, 2016 1,732 $ 11.46 2 years 22,954 Exercisable at September 30, 2017 458 $ 10.80 2 years 12,097 Expected to vest after September 30, 2017 1,767 $ 18.15 4 years $ 33,644
Summary of Restricted Stock Award Activity	Restricted stock award activity during the period ended September 30, 2017 is summarized as follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in thousands) Nonvested at September 24, 2016 1,540 $ 10.68 Granted 196 $ 29.30 Vested (567 ) $ 9.94 Forfeited (32 ) $ 9.81 Nonvested at September 30, 2017 1,137 $ 14.34

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Numerators and Denominators in Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS) computations: Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Net Income Shares Per Share Net Income Shares Per Share Net Income (Loss) Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 78,828 50,230 $ 1.57 $ 44,514 48,964 $ 0.91 $ 31,971 48,562 $ 0.66 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 992 (0.03 ) 1,335 (0.02 ) 520 (0.01 ) Restricted shares 598 (0.02 ) 776 (0.02 ) 556 (0.01 ) Diluted EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 78,828 51,820 $ 1.52 $ 44,514 51,075 $ 0.87 $ 31,971 49,638 $ 0.64

Quarterly Financial Data - Un39

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited	Fiscal 2017 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 419,498 $ 569,924 $ 574,592 $ 490,464 Gross profit 120,678 183,529 183,273 145,328 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company 7,637 (1 ) 34,684 32,248 4,259 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.15 $ 0.69 $ 0.64 $ 0.08 Diluted $ 0.15 $ 0.67 $ 0.62 $ 0.08 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 49,665 50,079 50,507 50,654 Diluted 51,810 51,983 51,825 51,935 (1) The Company recognized a $2.0 million gain in its Garden segment from the sale of a distribution facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2016 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 359,812 $ 541,249 $ 514,544 $ 413,412 Gross profit 99,786 169,339 163,745 120,180 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (8,602 ) (1 ) 32,697 26,030 (2 ) (5,611 ) (3) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.18 ) $ 0.67 $ 0.53 $ (0.11 ) Diluted $ (0.18 ) $ 0.65 $ 0.51 $ (0.11 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 48,566 48,717 49,120 49,453 Diluted 48,566 50,445 51,063 49,453 (1) During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company redeemed its 2018 Notes and issued senior notes due November 2023. As a result of the bond redemption, the Company incurred incremental expenses of $14.3 million , comprised of a call premium payment of $8.3 million , a $2.7 million payment of overlapping interest expense for 30 days and a $3.3 million non-cash charge for the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs and discount related to the 2018 Notes. (2) The Company recognized a $2.4 million gain in its Pet segment from the sale of a manufacturing plant resulting from rationalizing its facilities to reduce excess capacity during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. (3) The Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $16.6 million related to its investment in two joint ventures as a result of changes in marketplace conditions, and a non-cash impairment charge in its Pet segment of $1.8 million related to the impairment of certain indefinite-lived intangible assets due to declining sales volume during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Business Segment Data (Tables)

Business Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Class of Similar Products Which Represented Approximately 10% or More of Company's Consolidated Net Sales	The following table indicates each class of similar products which represented approximately 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the fiscal years presented (in millions). Category 2017 2016 2015 Other pet products $ 841.4 $ 689.3 $ 594.7 Other garden supplies 464.9 331.3 343.5 Dog and cat products 405.0 326.0 233.0 Garden controls and fertilizer products 343.2 298.8 286.3 Wild bird feed — (1) 183.6 193.2 Total $ 2,054.5 $ 1,829.0 $ 1,650.7 See Note 4 - Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers for the Company’s largest customers by segment. (1) The product category was less than 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales in the respective period.
Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments	Financial information relating to the Company’s business segments for each of the three most recent fiscal years is presented in the table below (in thousands): Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 September 24, 2016 September 26, 2015 Net sales: Pet segment $ 1,246,354 $ 1,081,853 $ 894,549 Garden segment 808,124 747,164 756,188 Total $ 2,054,478 $ 1,829,017 $ 1,650,737 Operating income (loss): Pet segment $ 131,622 $ 119,930 (1) $ 98,798 (1) Garden segment 87,298 70,317 60,145 Corporate (62,808 ) (60,889 ) (67,508 ) Total 156,112 129,358 91,435 Interest expense (28,209 ) (42,847 ) (40,027 ) Interest income 147 140 129 Other income (expense) (1,621 ) (17,013 ) (2) 13 Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest 126,429 69,638 51,550 Income tax expense (benefit) 46,699 24,053 18,535 Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 79,730 45,585 33,015 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 902 1,071 1,044 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 78,828 $ 44,514 $ 31,971 Assets: Pet segment $ 612,337 $ 508,879 $ 465,171 Garden segment 311,026 304,901 310,981 Corporate and eliminations 383,543 366,903 324,960 Total $ 1,306,906 $ 1,180,683 $ 1,101,112 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 26,044 $ 22,556 $ 15,885 Garden segment 6,267 6,098 5,988 Corporate 10,408 11,347 11,830 Total $ 42,719 $ 40,001 $ 33,703 Expenditures for long-lived assets: Pet segment $ 38,970 $ 18,939 $ 17,060 Garden segment 4,948 4,750 2,432 Corporate 741 3,933 2,538 Total $ 44,659 $ 27,622 $ 22,030 Noncontrolling interest is associated with the Garden segment. (1) Includes a $1.8 million impairment charge in fiscal 2016 and a $7.3 million impairment charge in fiscal 2015 to indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition and declining sales volume. (2) Includes a $16.6 million impairment charge related to two equity method investments.

Consolidating Condensed Finan41

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 685,998 $ 79,681 $ 1,370,335 $ (81,536 ) $ 2,054,478 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 534,682 60,788 901,959 (75,759 ) 1,421,670 Gross profit 151,316 18,893 468,376 (5,777 ) 632,808 Selling, general and administrative expenses 154,267 18,416 309,790 (5,777 ) 476,696 Operating income (loss) (2,951 ) 477 158,586 — 156,112 Interest expense (28,051 ) (294 ) 136 — (28,209 ) Interest income 146 1 — — 147 Other income (expense) (2,379 ) 844 (86 ) — (1,621 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (33,235 ) 1,028 158,636 — 126,429 Income tax expense (benefit) (11,981 ) 1,466 57,214 — 46,699 Equity in earnings of affiliates 100,082 — 420 (100,502 ) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 78,828 (438 ) 101,842 (100,502 ) 79,730 Noncontrolling interest — 902 — — 902 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 78,828 $ (1,340 ) $ 101,842 $ (100,502 ) $ 78,828 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 587,579 $ 82,567 $ 1,238,339 $ (79,468 ) $ 1,829,017 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 466,543 62,727 820,573 (73,876 ) 1,275,967 Gross profit 121,036 19,840 417,766 (5,592 ) 553,050 Selling, general and administrative expenses 138,556 18,077 272,651 (5,592 ) 423,692 Operating income (loss) (17,520 ) 1,763 145,115 — 129,358 Interest expense (42,700 ) (266 ) 119 — (42,847 ) Interest income 136 4 — — 140 Other income (expense) (16,925 ) (113 ) 25 — (17,013 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (77,009 ) 1,388 145,259 — 69,638 Income tax expense (benefit) (26,422 ) 923 49,552 — 24,053 Equity in earnings of affiliates 95,101 — 624 (95,725 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 44,514 465 96,331 (95,725 ) 45,585 Noncontrolling interest — 1,071 — — 1,071 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 44,514 $ (606 ) $ 96,331 $ (95,725 ) $ 44,514 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 484,310 $ 100,127 $ 1,146,821 $ (80,521 ) $ 1,650,737 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 379,235 76,597 781,797 (74,944 ) 1,162,685 Gross profit 105,075 23,530 365,024 (5,577 ) 488,052 Selling, general and administrative expenses 124,613 18,329 259,252 (5,577 ) 396,617 Operating income (loss) (19,538 ) 5,201 105,772 — 91,435 Interest expense (39,893 ) (268 ) 134 — (40,027 ) Interest income 126 3 — — 129 Other income (expense) (372 ) 407 (22 ) — 13 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (59,677 ) 5,343 105,884 — 51,550 Income tax expense (benefit) (21,500 ) 2,089 37,946 — 18,535 Equity in earnings of affiliates 70,148 — 2,445 (72,593 ) — Net income including noncontrolling interest 31,971 3,254 70,383 (72,593 ) 33,015 Noncontrolling interest — 1,044 — — 1,044 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 31,971 $ 2,210 $ 70,383 $ (72,593 ) $ 31,971
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 78,828 $ (438 ) $ 101,842 $ (100,502 ) $ 79,730 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation 343 169 108 (277 ) 343 Total comprehensive income (loss) 79,171 (269 ) 101,950 (100,779 ) 80,073 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 902 — — 902 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 79,171 $ (1,171 ) $ 101,950 $ (100,779 ) $ 79,171 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 44,514 $ 465 $ 96,331 $ (95,725 ) $ 45,585 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation (1,458 ) (1,132 ) 8 1,124 (1,458 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 43,056 (667 ) 96,339 (94,601 ) 44,127 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,071 — — 1,071 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 43,056 $ (1,738 ) $ 96,339 $ (94,601 ) $ 43,056 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 31,971 $ 3,254 $ 70,383 $ (72,593 ) $ 33,015 Other comprehensive loss: Unrealized loss on securities (10 ) — (10 ) Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income 20 — — — 20 Foreign currency translation (1,078 ) (537 ) (380 ) 917 (1,078 ) Total comprehensive income 30,903 2,717 70,003 (71,676 ) 31,947 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 1,044 — — 1,044 Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 30,903 $ 1,673 $ 70,003 $ (71,676 ) $ 30,903
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,238 $ 11,693 $ 1,466 $ — $ 32,397 Restricted cash 12,645 — — — 12,645 Accounts receivable, net 78,692 5,586 153,590 — 237,868 Inventories 125,797 9,493 246,811 — 382,101 Prepaid expenses and other assets 6,059 811 11,175 — 18,045 Total current assets 242,431 27,583 413,042 — 683,056 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 38,170 4,225 138,518 — 180,913 Goodwill 15,058 — 241,217 — 256,275 Other long term assets 61,715 2,376 146,372 (23,801 ) 186,662 Intercompany receivable 36,606 — 662,137 (698,743 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,383,633 — — (1,383,633 ) — Total $ 1,777,613 $ 34,184 $ 1,601,286 $ (2,106,177 ) $ 1,306,906 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 36,760 $ 3,076 $ 63,447 $ — $ 103,283 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 54,909 2,391 59,249 — 116,549 Current portion of long term debt — — 375 — 375 Total current liabilities 91,669 5,467 123,071 — 220,207 Long-term debt 395,160 — 118 — 395,278 Intercompany payable 647,409 51,334 — (698,743 ) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 19,782 (19,782 ) — Other long-term obligations 7,689 — 70,391 (23,801 ) 54,279 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 635,686 (24,073 ) 1,387,924 (1,363,851 ) 635,686 Noncontrolling interest — 1,456 — — 1,456 Total equity 635,686 (22,617 ) 1,387,924 (1,363,851 ) 637,142 Total $ 1,777,613 $ 34,184 $ 1,601,286 $ (2,106,177 ) $ 1,306,906 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 5,700 800 9,749 — 16,249 Total current assets 271,702 27,403 384,191 — 683,296 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 45,832 2,998 85,701 (26,753 ) 107,778 Intercompany receivable 32,778 — 567,374 (600,152 ) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,176,990 — — (1,176,990 ) — Total $ 1,583,443 $ 34,298 $ 1,366,837 $ (1,803,895 ) $ 1,180,683 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 34,096 $ 3,953 $ 64,364 $ — $ 102,413 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 47,861 1,411 50,071 — 99,343 Current portion of long term debt 88 — 375 — 463 Total current liabilities 82,045 5,364 114,810 — 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 — 55,768 (26,753 ) 29,071 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 553,014 (18,827 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 553,014 Noncontrolling interest — 1,573 — — 1,573 Total equity 553,014 (17,254 ) 1,179,691 (1,160,864 ) 554,587 Total $ 1,583,443 $ 34,298 $ 1,366,837 $ (1,803,895 ) $ 1,180,683
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ (7,418 ) $ 2,846 $ 122,957 $ (4,076 ) $ 114,309 Additions to property, plant and equipment (9,419 ) (805 ) (34,435 ) — (44,659 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures (103,880 ) — — — (103,880 ) Proceeds from asset sales 229 — 8,318 — 8,547 Escrow deposit for acquisition-related contingent consideration (6,000 ) (6,000 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (1,735 ) — — — (1,735 ) Investment in equity method investee (12,495 ) (12,495 ) Other investing activities (4,355 ) — — — (4,355 ) Intercompany investing activities (3,828 ) — (94,763 ) 98,591 — Net cash used by investing activities (141,483 ) (805 ) (120,880 ) 98,591 (164,577 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (552,000 ) — — — (552,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 552,000 — — — 552,000 Repayments of long-term debt (89 ) — (374 ) — (463 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 19,946 — — — 19,946 Repurchase of common stock (27,556 ) — — — (27,556 ) Payments of contingent consideration — — (1,300 ) — (1,300 ) Distribution to parent — (4,076 ) — 4,076 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (1,019 ) — — (1,019 ) Intercompany financing activities 93,445 5,146 — (98,591 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 85,746 51 (1,674 ) (94,515 ) (10,392 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash 235 (94 ) (66 ) — 75 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (62,920 ) 1,998 337 — (60,585 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 82,158 9,695 1,129 — 92,982 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 19,238 $ 11,693 $ 1,466 $ — $ 32,397 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 24, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ 3,906 $ 2,654 $ 149,749 $ (4,883 ) $ 151,426 Additions to property, plant and equipment (4,513 ) (717 ) (22,392 ) — (27,622 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of expenses (69,001 ) — — — (69,001 ) Proceeds from asset sales — — 3,911 — 3,911 Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 2,247 — — — 2,247 Other investing activities (730 ) — — — (730 ) Intercompany investing activities (83 ) — (129,708 ) 129,791 — Net cash used by investing activities (72,080 ) (717 ) (148,189 ) 129,791 (91,195 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (419,000 ) — — — (419,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 419,000 — — — 419,000 Repayments of long-term debt (400,286 ) — (21 ) — (400,307 ) Issuance of long-term debt 400,000 400,000 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 324 — — — 324 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 6,869 — — — 6,869 Repurchase of common stock (10,873 ) — — — (10,873 ) Payments of contingent consideration (2,026 ) (2,026 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (7,560 ) — — — (7,560 ) Distribution to parent — (4,883 ) — 4,883 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (592 ) — — (592 ) Intercompany financing activities 127,044 2,747 — (129,791 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 115,518 (2,728 ) (2,047 ) (124,908 ) (14,165 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (1,466 ) 464 334 — (668 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 45,878 (327 ) (153 ) — 45,398 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,280 10,022 1,282 — 47,584 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 82,158 $ 9,695 $ 1,129 $ — $ 92,982 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (16,823 ) $ 7,372 $ 103,619 $ (6,719 ) $ 87,449 Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,721 ) (405 ) (18,904 ) — (22,030 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired (38,384 ) — — — (38,384 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,126 — — — 1,126 Maturities of short term investments 9,997 — — — 9,997 Investment in short term investments (17 ) — — — (17 ) Other investing activities (546 ) — — — (546 ) Intercompany investing activities (15,789 ) — (85,963 ) 101,752 — Net cash used by investing activities (46,334 ) (405 ) (104,867 ) 101,752 (49,854 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (312,000 ) — — — (312,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 312,000 — — — 312,000 Repayments of long-term debt (50,262 ) — (27 ) — (50,289 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 200 — — — 200 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 2,154 — — — 2,154 Repurchase of common stock (18,497 ) — — — (18,497 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (258 ) — — — (258 ) Distribution to parent — (6,719 ) — 6,719 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (1,680 ) — — (1,680 ) Intercompany financing activities 103,326 (1,574 ) — (101,752 ) — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 36,663 (9,973 ) (27 ) (95,033 ) (68,370 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (697 ) 222 158 — (317 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (27,191 ) (2,784 ) (1,117 ) — (31,092 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 63,471 12,806 2,399 — 78,676 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 36,280 $ 10,022 $ 1,282 $ — $ 47,584

Organization and Significant 42

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Shipping and handling costs included in net sales	$ 9.4	$ 3.8	$ 5.4
Cost of shipping and handling included in selling, general and administrative expenses	59.3	48.9	44.4
Advertising expenses	34.5	30	25
Employees benefit plan	2.4	1.7	1.9
Valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets	6.5	6.6
Undistributed foreign earnings	2
Deferred tax liabilities, net of foreign tax credits	$ 0.3
Maturity period of debt instruments	3 months
Other long-lived asset impairments		$ 1.8
Capitalized costs write off			$ 7.3
Building
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Useful life	30 years
Minimum | Equipment and Capitalized Software
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Maximum | Equipment and Capitalized Software
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Class A common stock
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
401(k) matching contributions made in Class A common stock	81,000	99,000	195,000
Subsidiaries
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest owned by the subsidiary	20.00%

Organization and Significant 43

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information 1 (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)Companies	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Number of unconsolidated companies | Companies		6
Equity income (loss)		$ (900,000)	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Investment in unconsolidated companies	$ 500,000	9,200,000	500,000
Excess loss insurance that covers any health care claims		700,000
Stock-based compensation		11,115,000	8,356,000	8,315,000
Stock-based compensation after tax		7,000,000	5,300,000	$ 5,300,000
Current deferred tax assets reclassified as non-current	31,500,000		31,500,000
Restricted cash	10,910,000	$ 12,645,000	10,910,000
Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Owned percentage in unconsolidated entities (as percent)		30.00%
General liability and vehicle liability insurance policies		$ 250,000
Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Owned percentage in unconsolidated entities (as percent)		50.00%
General liability and vehicle liability insurance policies		$ 350,000
Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Owned percentage in unconsolidated entities (as percent)					50.00%
Other income (expense)
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge	$ 16,600,000
Other income (expense) | Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge			$ 16,600,000

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	$ 9,343	$ 5,113
Liability for Contingent Consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	9,343	5,113
Level 1
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Liability for Contingent Consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 | Liability for Contingent Consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 3
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	9,343	5,113
Level 3 | Liability for Contingent Consideration
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	$ 9,343	$ 5,113

Fair Value Measurements - Sum45

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments (Detail) - Level 3 $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 5,113
Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition	2,700
Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments	2,830
Performance-based payments made	(1,300)
Ending balance	$ 9,343

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge	$ 1,800	$ 0	$ 1,800	$ 7,300
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, carrying value	1,800		1,800
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	395,269	395,653	395,269
Senior notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	394,365	395,160	394,365
6.125% Senior Notes Due in November 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes					$ 400,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage					6.125%
6.125% Senior Notes Due in November 2023 | Senior notes | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of senior subordinated notes due 2018	430,300	427,900	430,300
6.125% Senior Notes Due in November 2023 | Senior notes | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	$ 394,400	$ 395,200	$ 394,400

Acquisitions and Investments 47

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 24, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 21, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 01, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)JointVenture	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)JointVenture	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)JointVenture	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)JointVenture	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investments in business									$ 12,495	$ 0	$ 0
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill								$ 231,385	$ 256,275	$ 231,385	$ 209,089		$ 208,233
Number of joint ventures | JointVenture								2	2	2
Mature, seasonal business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent interest in ventures									45.00%
Start-up company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent interest in ventures									30.00%
Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in joint ventures							$ 16,000
Percentage of equity interest in joint venture							50.00%
Number of joint ventures | JointVenture							2
K&H Manufacturing
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisition	$ 48,000
Purchase price in excess of fair value												$ 41,800
Segrest Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price in excess of fair value									$ 44,400
Cost of acquisition		$ 60,000	$ 56,743
Contingent consideration		$ 6,000	2,700
Other intangible assets			27,650
Goodwill			25,890
Cash paid, net of cash acquired			54,043
Excess of purchase price included in intangible assets			27,650
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill			$ 25,890
Hydro Organics Wholesale Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price in excess of fair value					$ 10,700
Cash paid, net of cash acquired					7,800
Excess of purchase price included in intangible assets					5,200
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill								$ 5,500		$ 5,500
Hydro Organics Wholesale Inc | Future Performance
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration					2,600
Contingent consideration cap					$ 1,000
DMC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price in excess of fair value				$ 33,800
Cost of acquisition				61,000
Other intangible assets				18,700
Goodwill				15,058
Excess of purchase price included in intangible assets				18,700
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill				$ 15,058				15,100		15,100
DMC and IMS Trading Corp
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impact of acquisitions on the Company's operating income										10,600
IMS Trading Corp
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets						$ 4,510
Goodwill						1,365
Excess of purchase price included in intangible assets						4,510
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill						1,365		1,400		1,400
Purchase of certain assets						$ 23,200
Other income (expense)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge								$ 16,600
Other income (expense) | Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge										$ 16,600

Acquisitions and Investments 48

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures - Summary of Recording of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 24, 2016	Oct. 21, 2016	Dec. 01, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 256,275	$ 231,385	$ 209,089	$ 208,233
Segrest Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid, net of cash acquired		$ 54,043
Contingent consideration	$ 6,000	2,700
Cost of acquisition	$ 60,000	56,743
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired		7,103
Fixed assets		9,253
Other assets		0
Goodwill		25,890
Other intangible assets		27,650
Current liabilities		(2,075)
Deferred Tax Liability		11,078
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents		56,743
Measurement Period Adjustments
Contingent consideration		(3,300)
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired		(300)
Fixed assets		2,242
Other assets		(47,704)
Goodwill		25,890
Other intangible assets		27,650
Deferred Tax Liability		(11,078)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents		(3,300)
DMC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisition			$ 61,000
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			41,326
Fixed assets			538
Other assets			20
Goodwill			15,058			15,100
Other intangible assets			18,700
Current liabilities			(14,626)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents			61,016
Measurement Period Adjustments
Contingent consideration			101
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			156
Fixed assets			17
Other assets			(33,790)
Goodwill			15,058
Other intangible assets			18,700
Current liabilities			(40)
IMS Trading Corp
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired				$ 20,773
Fixed assets				1,670
Other assets				0
Goodwill				1,365		$ 1,400
Other intangible assets				4,510
Current liabilities				(5,100)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents				23,218
Measurement Period Adjustments
Contingent consideration				834
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired				315
Fixed assets				0
Other assets				(5,356)
Goodwill				1,365
Other intangible assets				4,510
Current liabilities				0
Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date | Segrest Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid, net of cash acquired		54,043
Contingent consideration		6,000
Cost of acquisition		60,043
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired		7,403
Fixed assets		7,011
Other assets		47,704
Current liabilities		(2,075)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents		$ 60,043
Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date | DMC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			41,170
Fixed assets			521
Other assets			33,810
Goodwill			0
Other intangible assets			0
Current liabilities			(14,586)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents			$ 60,915
Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date | IMS Trading Corp
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired				20,458
Fixed assets				1,670
Other assets				5,356
Goodwill				0
Other intangible assets				0
Current liabilities				(5,100)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents				$ 22,384

Acquisitions and Investments 49

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
DMC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma net sales	$ 1,856,691	$ 1,815,997

Concentration of Credit Risk 50

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales	44.00%	42.00%	40.00%
Percentage of accounts receivable	44.00%	41.00%
Percentage of accounts receivable including Company's largest customer	10.00%	11.00%
Percentage of cost of goods sold	9.00%	9.00%	11.00%
Sales Revenue, Net | Customer Concentration Risk | Customer One
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of largest customer accounted of the Company's net sales	16.00%	15.00%	16.00%
Sales Revenue, Net | Customer Concentration Risk | Customer Two
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of largest customer accounted of the Company's net sales	8.00%
Sales Revenue, Net | Customer Concentration Risk | Customer Three
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of largest customer accounted of the Company's net sales	8.00%	8.00%	7.00%

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun51

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balances at Beginning of Period	$ 21,069	$ 19,296	$ 25,212
Charged/ (Credited) to Costs and Expenses	2,921	6,041	741
Asset Write-Offs, Less Recoveries	(2,554)	(4,268)	(6,657)
Balances at End of Period	$ 21,436	$ 21,069	$ 19,296

Inventories, Net - Summary of I

Inventories, Net - Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 116,591	$ 120,786
Work in progress	16,394	17,378
Finished goods	241,420	217,788
Supplies	7,696	6,052
Total inventories, net	$ 382,101	$ 362,004

Property and Equipment, Net - C

Property and Equipment, Net - Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 513,407	$ 458,812
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(332,494)	(300,588)
Property and equipment, net	180,913	158,224
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	8,942	8,825
Buildings and Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	131,280	115,965
Transportation Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,141	5,574
Machine and Warehouse Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	221,329	193,525
Capitalized Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	117,360	109,641
Office Furniture and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 27,355	$ 25,282

Property and Equipment, Net - A

Property and Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets	$ 42,719	$ 40,001	$ 33,703

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 665,836	$ 640,946	$ 618,650	$ 617,794
Accumulated impairment losses	(409,561)	(409,561)	(409,561)	(409,561)
Total goodwill	256,275	231,385	209,089	208,233
Additions in fiscal year	25,890	22,296	856
Sale of business	(1,000)
Garden Products Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	219,056	219,056	213,583	213,583
Accumulated impairment losses	(213,583)	(213,583)	(213,583)	(213,583)
Total goodwill	5,473	5,473	0	0
Additions in fiscal year		5,473	0
Pet Products Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	446,780	421,890	405,067	404,211
Accumulated impairment losses	(195,978)	(195,978)	(195,978)	(195,978)
Total goodwill	250,802	225,912	209,089	$ 208,233
Additions in fiscal year	25,890	$ 16,823	$ 856
Sale of business	$ (1,000)

Goodwill - Additional Informati

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017Segments
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Other Intangible Assets - Compo

Other Intangible Assets - Components of Gross and Net Acquired Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 201,100	$ 172,100	$ 144,100
Accumulated Amortization	(57,800)	(49,000)	(43,200)
Accumulated Impairment	(27,200)	(27,200)	(25,400)
Net Carrying Value	116,067	95,865	75,500
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	79,600	77,900	73,700
Accumulated Amortization	(12,700)	(11,300)	(10,400)
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(24,200)
Net Carrying Value	40,900	40,600	39,100
Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	29,900	28,600	27,100
Accumulated Amortization	(12,900)	(11,600)	(10,500)
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	15,800	15,800	15,400
Amortizable | Marketing-Related Intangible Assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	16,900	14,900	14,100
Accumulated Amortization	(12,700)	(11,300)	(10,400)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	4,200	3,600	3,700
Amortizable | Customer-Related Intangible Assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	91,600	65,600	43,300
Accumulated Amortization	(32,200)	(26,100)	(22,300)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	59,400	39,500	21,000
Amortizable | Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	22,100	20,800	19,300
Accumulated Amortization	(12,900)	(11,600)	(10,500)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	9,200	9,200	8,800
Nonamortizable | Marketing-Related Intangible Assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	62,700	63,000	59,600
Accumulated Amortization	0	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(24,200)
Net Carrying Value	36,700	37,000	35,400
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 - Addit

Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015	Dec. 24, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge	$ 1,800,000	$ 0	$ 1,800,000	$ 7,300,000
Amortization expense for intangibles		8,800,000	$ 5,800,000	$ 4,300,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2018		8,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2019		8,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2020		8,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2021		8,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2022		$ 8,000,000
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		3 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		4 years
Customer-Related Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		10 years
Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		11 years
Segrest Inc. | Marketing-Related Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net					$ 2,000,000
Segrest Inc. | Customer-Related Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net					27,300,000
Segrest Inc. | Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net					$ 1,300,000

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Components of long-term debt
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ (4,800)
Total	395,653	$ 395,269
Less current portion	(375)	(463)
Long-term portion	395,278	394,806
Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(4,840)	(5,635)
Total	395,160	394,365
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023
Components of long-term debt
Gross carrying value	400,000	400,000
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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%, amended in April 2016
Components of long-term debt
Total	0	0
Other notes payable
Components of long-term debt
Total	$ 493	$ 904

Long-Term Debt - Components o60

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt 2 (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 09, 2015
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023
Components of long-term debt
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	6.125%		6.125%
Senior notes | Senior subordinated notes, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, repaid in December 2015
Components of long-term debt
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	8.25%	8.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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%, amended in April 2016 | LIBOR | Minimum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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%, amended in April 2016 | LIBOR | Maximum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.75%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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%, amended in April 2016 | Base Rate | Minimum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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%, amended in April 2016 | Base Rate | Maximum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.75%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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 | LIBOR | Minimum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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 | LIBOR | Maximum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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 | Base Rate | Minimum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | 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 | Base Rate | Maximum
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.50%

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 22, 2016	Nov. 09, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Components of long-term debt
Interest expense					$ 28,209,000	$ 42,847,000	$ 40,027,000
Non-cash charge				$ 3,300,000	0	3,337,000	$ 537,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs					4,800,000
Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Unamortized debt issuance costs					$ 4,840,000	$ 5,635,000
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023
Components of long-term debt
Debt, aggregate principal amount		$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage		6.125%			6.125%
Debt issuance costs		$ 6,300,000
Debt redemption price percentage		35.00%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023 | Redemption prior to November 15, 2018
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		106.125%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023 | Redemption on or after November 15, 2018
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		104.594%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023 | Redemption on or after November 15, 2019
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		103.063%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023 | Redemption on or after November 15, 2020
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		101.531%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023 | Redemption on or after November 15, 2021
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Due November 2023 | Upon change of control
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		101.00%
Senior notes | Senior Notes Repaid December 2015
Components of long-term debt
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage			8.25%		8.25%
Debt, aggregate principal amount redeemed				$ 400,000,000
Debt redemption percentage			102.063%
Charge recognized during debt redemption			$ 8,300,000
Interest expense payment reriod			30 days
Interest expense			$ 2,700,000
Non-cash charge			$ 3,300,000
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility
Components of long-term debt
Debt issuance costs					$ 1,200,000
Credit facility, maximum principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Credit facility, additional borrowings available	$ 200,000,000
Credit facility, maturity date	Apr. 22, 2021
Borrowings outstanding					0
Letters of credit outstanding					0
Other letters of credit outstanding					1,800,000
Borrowing availability					$ 368,900,000
Credit facility, base rate computation, option second description, basis spread percentage					0.50%
Credit facility, basis percentage for calculation of variable rate spread					1.00%
Debt instrument fixed charge coverage ratio					1
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					1.25%
Applicable interest rate on the credit facility					2.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					0.25%
Applicable interest rate on the credit facility					4.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | LIBOR
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					1.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | Base Rate
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					0.25%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | LIBOR
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					1.50%
Asset-based revolving credit facility | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | Base Rate
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					0.50%

Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Prin

Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Principal Repayments on Long-Term Debt (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 375
2,019	5
2,020	113
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	400,000
Total	400,493
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 4,800

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 1,800
Restricted cash	12,645	$ 10,910
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2018	104,400
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2019	31,300
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2020	18,900
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2021	11,400
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2022	4,300
Estimated annual purchase commitments for thereafter	$ 800
Minimum operating lease agreement terms	1 year
Maximum operating lease agreement terms	12 years
Operating lease rental expense	$ 31,700	$ 25,000	$ 23,100

Commitments and Contingencies64

Commitments and Contingencies - Aggregate Minimum Annual Payments on Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 26,461
2,019	21,393
2,020	16,658
2,021	12,222
2,022	8,812
Thereafter	25,885
Total	$ 111,431

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 32,755	$ 18,592	$ 2,301
State	3,034	2,140	643
Foreign	121	110	25
Total	35,910	20,842	2,969
Deferred:
Federal	11,227	2,796	14,843
State	(1,038)	463	625
Foreign	600	(48)	98
Total	10,789	3,211	15,566
Total	$ 46,699	$ 24,053	$ 18,535

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to the Company's Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.40%	2.10%	2.40%
Other permanent differences	0.30%	(1.60%)	(0.50%)
Adjustment of prior year accruals	(0.30%)	(0.60%)	(0.50%)
Credits	(0.60%)	(1.00%)	(0.30%)
Change in valuation allowances	0.00%	0.50%	0.00%
Foreign rate differential	0.10%	0.10%	(0.10%)
Effective income tax rate (benefit)	36.90%	34.50%	36.00%

Income Taxes - Tax Effect of Te

Income Taxes - Tax Effect of Temporary Differences and Carryforwards which Give Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Current:
Allowance for doubtful accounts, Deferred Tax Assets	$ 7,790	$ 7,634
Inventory write-downs, Deferred Tax Assets	10,406	9,869
Prepaid expenses, Deferred Tax Assets	0	0
Nondeductible reserves, Deferred Tax Assets	1,485	1,632
State taxes, Deferred Tax Assets	276	19
Employee benefits, Deferred Tax Assets	10,007	10,544
Allowance for doubtful accounts, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Inventory write-downs, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Prepaid expenses, Deferred Tax Liabilities	1,740	1,188
Nondeductible reserves, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
State taxes, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Employee benefits, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent:
Depreciation and amortization, Deferred Tax Assets	0	0
Equity loss, Deferred Tax Assets	4,243	5,070
State net operating loss carryforward, Deferred Tax Assets	5,182	4,939
Stock based compensation, Deferred Tax Assets	3,097	2,642
State credits, Deferred Tax Assets	2,403	2,317
Other, Deferred Tax Assets	5,768	5,303
Valuation allowance, Deferred Tax Assets	(6,527)	(6,583)
Depreciation and amortization, Deferred Tax Liabilities	84,059	62,778
Equity loss, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
State net operating loss carryforward, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Stock based compensation, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
State credits, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Other, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Valuation allowance, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Total, Deferred Tax Assets	44,130	43,386
Total, Deferred Tax Liabilities	$ 85,799	$ 63,966

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
State tax net operating losses	$ 109,100,000
Foreign losses	3,000,000
State income tax credits	3,700,000
Valuation allowances	6,527,000	$ 6,583,000
Accrued interest (less than)	100,000	100,000
Penalties were accrued related to uncertain tax positions	0	$ 0
Unrecognized tax benefit may be recognized within twelve months as a result of a settlement	$ 300,000

Income Taxes - Activity Related

Income Taxes - Activity Related to Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 254	$ 138
Increases related to prior year tax positions	4	51
Increases related to current year tax positions	67	66
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	0	0
Settlements	0	(1)
Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 325	$ 254

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granting of options	639,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 11.1	$ 8.4	$ 8.3
Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of restricted stock	196,000
Restricted Stock Awards | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 5.8	4.5	3.1
Stock Options | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2.9	2.2	3.3
401 (K) | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2.4	$ 1.7	$ 1.9
2003 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, number of shares	5,800,000
2003 Plan | Preferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, number of shares	500,000
Shares reserved for outstanding equity awards	0
Shares reserved for future awards	500,000
2003 Plan | Class A common stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, number of shares	19,734,982
Shares reserved for outstanding equity awards	3,600,000
Shares reserved for future awards	11,700,000
2003 Plan | Common stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for outstanding equity awards	32,100
Shares reserved for future awards	4,600,000
Director Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granting of options	200,000
Director Plan | Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of restricted stock	20,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Ad71

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information 1 (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)Installment$ / sharesshares	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend during expected term (in usd per share)	$ 0
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of vesting installments | Installment	4
Expiration period approximately	6 years
Expected life of option award	3 years 8 months	3 years 8 months	3 years 7 months 6 days
Stock price volatility (percent)	31.50%	30.80%	30.30%
Risk free interest rates (percent)	2.00%	1.30%	1.30%
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in usd per share)	$ 8.14	$ 3.04	$ 2.51
Total intrinsic value of options exercised | $	$ 44	$ 22.6	$ 5.9
Total unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 7.4
Nonvested stock options remaining weighted average vesting period	3 years
Stock Options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding options to purchase common stock (in usd per share)	$ 6.43	$ 6.43	$ 6.43
Stock Options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding options to purchase common stock (in usd per share)	$ 33.15	$ 15.56	$ 15
Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 11.1
Nonvested stock options remaining weighted average vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock awards outstanding, shares | shares	1,137	1,540
Restricted Stock Awards | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based payment award vesting conditional period of employment	4 years
Restricted Stock Awards | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based payment award vesting conditional period of employment	5 years

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Number of Shares
Beginning Balance, Outstanding, Number of Shares	4,169
Granted, Number of Shares	639
Exercised, Number of Shares	(2,234)
Cancelled or expired, Number of Shares	(103)
Ending Balance, Outstanding, Number of Shares	2,471	4,169
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Beginning Balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	$ 11.64
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	31.02
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	11.51
Cancelled or expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	11.33
Ending Balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	$ 16.79	$ 11.64
Exercisable, Number of Shares	458	1,732	2,910
Expected to vest, Number of Shares	1,767
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	$ 10.80	$ 11.46	$ 10.74
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share (in usd per share)	$ 18.15
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years	3 years
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years	2 years	2 years
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 50,420	$ 53,705
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	12,097	$ 22,954	$ 17,226
Expected to Vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 33,644

Stock-Based Compensation - Su73

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Award Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Awards shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
Beginning Balance, Nonvested, Number of Shares | shares	1,540
Granted, Number of Shares | shares	196
Vested, Number of Shares | shares	(567)
Forfeited, Number of Shares | shares	(32)
Ending Balance, Nonvested, Number of Shares | shares	1,137
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Beginning Balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 10.68
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in usd per share) | $ / shares	29.30
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in usd per share) | $ / shares	9.94
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in usd per share) | $ / shares	9.81
Ending Balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.34

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Sep. 24, 2016$ / sharesshares	Sep. 24, 2011USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding	12,160,023	11,998,472
Authorized amount to repurchase stock | $			$ 100,000,000
Aggregate stock repurchased shares	7,900,000
Aggregate stock repurchased value | $	$ 65,000,000
Class A common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding	38,019,736	37,418,572
Class B stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock authorized (in shares)	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,652,262	1,652,262
Percentage of vote cast for shares (percent)	49.00%
Convertible shares conversion ratio	1
Minimum | Class B stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of voting powers | vote	1
Maximum | Class B stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of voting powers | vote	10

Earnings Per Share - Numerators

Earnings Per Share - Numerators and Denominators in Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 24, 2017	Mar. 25, 2017	Dec. 24, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic									$ 78,828	$ 44,514	$ 31,971
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted									$ 78,828	$ 44,514	$ 31,971
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic (in shares)	50,654	50,507	50,079	49,665	49,453	49,120	48,717	48,566	50,230	48,964	48,562
Options to purchase common stock (in shares)									992	1,335	520
Restricted shares (in shares)									598	776	556
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted (in shares)	51,935	51,825	51,983	51,810	49,453	51,063	50,445	48,566	51,820	51,075	49,638
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic (in usd per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.64	$ 0.69	$ 0.15	$ (0.11)	$ 0.53	$ 0.67	$ (0.18)	$ 1.57	$ 0.91	$ 0.66
Options to purchase common stock (in usd per share)									(0.03)	(0.02)	(0.01)
Restricted shares (in usd per share)									(0.02)	(0.02)	(0.01)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.08	$ 0.62	$ 0.67	$ 0.15	$ (0.11)	$ 0.51	$ 0.65	$ (0.18)	$ 1.52	$ 0.87	$ 0.64

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 26, 2015
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock outstanding, not included in computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	31	3,200

Quarterly Financial Data - Un77

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)JointVenture$ / sharesshares	Jun. 24, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 25, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 24, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)JointVenture$ / sharesshares	Jun. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 26, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)JointVenture$ / sharesshares	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)JointVenture$ / sharesshares	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 490,464	$ 574,592	$ 569,924	$ 419,498	$ 413,412	$ 514,544	$ 541,249	$ 359,812	$ 2,054,478	$ 1,829,017	$ 1,650,737
Gross profit	145,328	183,273	183,529	120,678	120,180	163,745	169,339	99,786	632,808	553,050	488,052
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 4,259	$ 32,248	$ 34,684	$ 7,637	$ (5,611)	$ 26,030	$ 32,697	$ (8,602)	$ 78,828	$ 44,514	$ 31,971
Net income per share:
Basic (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.08	$ 0.64	$ 0.69	$ 0.15	$ (0.11)	$ 0.53	$ 0.67	$ (0.18)	$ 1.57	$ 0.91	$ 0.66
Diluted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.08	$ 0.62	$ 0.67	$ 0.15	$ (0.11)	$ 0.51	$ 0.65	$ (0.18)	$ 1.52	$ 0.87	$ 0.64
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares) | shares	50,654	50,507	50,079	49,665	49,453	49,120	48,717	48,566	50,230	48,964	48,562
Diluted (in shares) | shares	51,935	51,825	51,983	51,810	49,453	51,063	50,445	48,566	51,820	51,075	49,638
Debt instrument, redemption, incremental expense								$ 14,300
Debt instrument, redemption, incremental expense, call premium								8,300
Debt instrument, redemption, incremental expense, overlapping interest expenses								$ 2,700
Debt instrument, redemption, incremental expense, overlapping interest expenses, period								30 days
Write-off of deferred financing costs								$ 3,300	$ 0	$ 3,337	$ 537
Non-cash impairment charge					$ 16,600				$ 0	$ 19,367	7,272
Number of joint ventures | JointVenture	2				2				2	2
Non-cash impairment charge to indefinite-lived intangible assets					$ 1,800				$ 0	$ 1,800	$ 7,300
Garden segment
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Gain on sale of manufacturing plant assets				$ 2,000
Pet segment
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Gain on sale of manufacturing plant assets						$ 2,400

Transactions with Related Par78

Transactions with Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) - Contract Packaging, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of shares held by CPI in Tech Pac	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Amount due to related party	$ 0.6	$ 1.5
Tech Pac
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases products from related party	$ 37	$ 36.5	$ 35.2

Business Segment Data - Additio

Business Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Business Segment Data - Class o

Business Segment Data - Class of Similar Products Which Represented Approximately 10% or More of Company's Consolidated Net Sales (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 24, 2017	Mar. 25, 2017	Dec. 24, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 490,464	$ 574,592	$ 569,924	$ 419,498	$ 413,412	$ 514,544	$ 541,249	$ 359,812	$ 2,054,478	$ 1,829,017	$ 1,650,737
Other pet products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									841,400	689,300	594,700
Other garden supplies
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									464,900	331,300	343,500
Dog and cat products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									405,000	326,000	233,000
Garden controls and fertilizer products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									343,200	298,800	286,300
Wild bird feed
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 0	$ 183,600	$ 193,200

Business Segment Data - Financi

Business Segment Data - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)JointVenture	Jun. 24, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 25, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 24, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)JointVenture	Jun. 25, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 26, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)JointVenture	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)JointVenture	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2014JointVenture
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 490,464	$ 574,592	$ 569,924	$ 419,498	$ 413,412	$ 514,544	$ 541,249	$ 359,812	$ 2,054,478	$ 1,829,017	$ 1,650,737
Income (loss) from operations:
Operating income (loss)									156,112	129,358	91,435
Interest expense									(28,209)	(42,847)	(40,027)
Interest income									147	140	129
Other income (expense)									(1,621)	(17,013)	13
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									126,429	69,638	51,550
Income tax expense (benefit)									46,699	24,053	18,535
Net income including noncontrolling interest									79,730	45,585	33,015
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									902	1,071	1,044
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	4,259	$ 32,248	$ 34,684	$ 7,637	(5,611)	$ 26,030	$ 32,697	$ (8,602)	78,828	44,514	31,971
Assets:
Total assets	$ 1,306,906				1,180,683				1,306,906	1,180,683	1,101,112
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									42,719	40,001	33,703
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets:									44,659	27,622	22,030
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge					1,800				0	1,800	7,300
Non-cash impairment charge					$ 16,600				$ 0	$ 19,367	7,272
Number of joint ventures | JointVenture	2				2				2	2
Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Non-cash impairment charge									$ 16,600
Number of joint ventures | JointVenture												2
Operating Segments | Pet segment
Net sales:
Net sales									1,246,354	$ 1,081,853	894,549
Income (loss) from operations:
Operating income (loss)									131,622	119,930	98,798
Assets:
Total assets	$ 612,337				$ 508,879				612,337	508,879	465,171
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									26,044	22,556	15,885
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets:									38,970	18,939	17,060
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge										1,800	7,300
Operating Segments | Garden segment
Net sales:
Net sales									808,124	747,164	756,188
Income (loss) from operations:
Operating income (loss)									87,298	70,317	60,145
Assets:
Total assets	311,026				304,901				311,026	304,901	310,981
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									6,267	6,098	5,988
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets:									4,948	4,750	2,432
Corporate
Income (loss) from operations:
Operating income (loss)									(62,808)	(60,889)	(67,508)
Assets:
Total assets	$ 383,543				$ 366,903				383,543	366,903	324,960
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									10,408	11,347	11,830
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets:									$ 741	$ 3,933	$ 2,538

Consolidating Condensed Finan82

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Collective ownership percentage on guarantor subsidiaries	100.00%

Consolidating Condensed Finan83

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 24, 2017	Mar. 25, 2017	Dec. 24, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 490,464	$ 574,592	$ 569,924	$ 419,498	$ 413,412	$ 514,544	$ 541,249	$ 359,812	$ 2,054,478	$ 1,829,017	$ 1,650,737
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									1,421,670	1,275,967	1,162,685
Gross profit	145,328	183,273	183,529	120,678	120,180	163,745	169,339	99,786	632,808	553,050	488,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses									476,696	423,692	396,617
Operating income									156,112	129,358	91,435
Interest expense									(28,209)	(42,847)	(40,027)
Interest income									147	140	129
Other income (expense)									(1,621)	(17,013)	13
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									126,429	69,638	51,550
Income tax expense									46,699	24,053	18,535
Equity in earnings of affiliates									0	0	0
Net income including noncontrolling interest									79,730	45,585	33,015
Noncontrolling interest									902	1,071	1,044
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 4,259	$ 32,248	$ 34,684	$ 7,637	$ (5,611)	$ 26,030	$ 32,697	$ (8,602)	78,828	44,514	31,971
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(81,536)	(79,468)	(80,521)
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									(75,759)	(73,876)	(74,944)
Gross profit									(5,777)	(5,592)	(5,577)
Selling, general and administrative expenses									(5,777)	(5,592)	(5,577)
Operating income									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest income									0	0	0
Other income (expense)									0	0	0
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									0	0	0
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates									(100,502)	(95,725)	(72,593)
Net income including noncontrolling interest									(100,502)	(95,725)	(72,593)
Noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									(100,502)	(95,725)	(72,593)
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									685,998	587,579	484,310
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									534,682	466,543	379,235
Gross profit									151,316	121,036	105,075
Selling, general and administrative expenses									154,267	138,556	124,613
Operating income									(2,951)	(17,520)	(19,538)
Interest expense									(28,051)	(42,700)	(39,893)
Interest income									146	136	126
Other income (expense)									(2,379)	(16,925)	(372)
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									(33,235)	(77,009)	(59,677)
Income tax expense									(11,981)	(26,422)	(21,500)
Equity in earnings of affiliates									100,082	95,101	70,148
Net income including noncontrolling interest									78,828	44,514	31,971
Noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									78,828	44,514	31,971
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									79,681	82,567	100,127
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									60,788	62,727	76,597
Gross profit									18,893	19,840	23,530
Selling, general and administrative expenses									18,416	18,077	18,329
Operating income									477	1,763	5,201
Interest expense									(294)	(266)	(268)
Interest income									1	4	3
Other income (expense)									844	(113)	407
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									1,028	1,388	5,343
Income tax expense									1,466	923	2,089
Equity in earnings of affiliates									0	0	0
Net income including noncontrolling interest									(438)	465	3,254
Noncontrolling interest									902	1,071	1,044
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									(1,340)	(606)	2,210
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,370,335	1,238,339	1,146,821
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									901,959	820,573	781,797
Gross profit									468,376	417,766	365,024
Selling, general and administrative expenses									309,790	272,651	259,252
Operating income									158,586	145,115	105,772
Interest expense									136	119	134
Interest income									0	0	0
Other income (expense)									(86)	25	(22)
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									158,636	145,259	105,884
Income tax expense									57,214	49,552	37,946
Equity in earnings of affiliates									420	624	2,445
Net income including noncontrolling interest									101,842	96,331	70,383
Noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									$ 101,842	$ 96,331	$ 70,383

Consolidating Condensed Finan84

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 79,730	$ 45,585	$ 33,015
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities	0	0	(10)
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income	0	0	20
Foreign currency translation	343	(1,458)	(1,078)
Total comprehensive income	80,073	44,127	31,947
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	902	1,071	1,044
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	79,171	43,056	30,903
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(100,502)	(95,725)	(72,593)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income			0
Foreign currency translation	(277)	1,124	917
Total comprehensive income	(100,779)	(94,601)	(71,676)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(100,779)	(94,601)	(71,676)
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	78,828	44,514	31,971
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities			(10)
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income			20
Foreign currency translation	343	(1,458)	(1,078)
Total comprehensive income	79,171	43,056	30,903
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	79,171	43,056	30,903
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(438)	465	3,254
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities			0
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income			0
Foreign currency translation	169	(1,132)	(537)
Total comprehensive income	(269)	(667)	2,717
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	902	1,071	1,044
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(1,171)	(1,738)	1,673
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	101,842	96,331	70,383
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income			0
Foreign currency translation	108	8	(380)
Total comprehensive income	101,950	96,339	70,003
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 101,950	$ 96,339	$ 70,003

Consolidating Condensed Finan85

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,397	$ 92,982	$ 47,584	$ 78,676
Restricted cash	12,645	10,910
Accounts receivable, net	237,868	201,151
Inventories	382,101	362,004
Prepaid expenses and other assets	18,045	16,249
Total current assets	683,056	683,296
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	180,913	158,224
Goodwill	256,275	231,385	209,089	208,233
Other long term assets	186,662	107,778
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total	1,306,906	1,180,683	1,101,112
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	103,283	102,413
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	116,549	99,343
Current portion of long-term debt	375	463
Total current liabilities	220,207	202,219
Long-term debt	395,278	394,806
Intercompany payable	0	0
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term obligations	54,279	29,071
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	635,686	553,014
Noncontrolling interest	1,456	1,573
Total equity	637,142	554,587	506,380	486,453
Total	1,306,906	1,180,683
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other long term assets	(23,801)	(26,753)
Intercompany receivable	(698,743)	(600,152)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,383,633)	(1,176,990)
Total	(2,106,177)	(1,803,895)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payable	(698,743)	(600,152)
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	(19,782)	(16,126)
Other long-term obligations	(23,801)	(26,753)
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	(1,363,851)	(1,160,864)
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	(1,363,851)	(1,160,864)
Total	(2,106,177)	(1,803,895)
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	19,238	82,158	36,280	63,471
Restricted cash	12,645	10,910
Accounts receivable, net	78,692	59,617
Inventories	125,797	113,317
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,059	5,700
Total current assets	242,431	271,702
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	38,170	41,083
Goodwill	15,058	15,058
Other long term assets	61,715	45,832
Intercompany receivable	36,606	32,778
Investment in subsidiaries	1,383,633	1,176,990
Total	1,777,613	1,583,443
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	36,760	34,096
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	54,909	47,861
Current portion of long-term debt	0	88
Total current liabilities	91,669	82,045
Long-term debt	395,160	394,364
Intercompany payable	647,409	553,964
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term obligations	7,689	56
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	635,686	553,014
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	635,686	553,014
Total	1,777,613	1,583,443
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	11,693	9,695	10,022	12,806
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	5,586	5,156
Inventories	9,493	11,752
Prepaid expenses and other assets	811	800
Total current assets	27,583	27,403
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	4,225	3,897
Goodwill	0	0
Other long term assets	2,376	2,998
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total	34,184	34,298
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	3,076	3,953
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,391	1,411
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Total current liabilities	5,467	5,364
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payable	51,334	46,188
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term obligations	0	0
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	(24,073)	(18,827)
Noncontrolling interest	1,456	1,573
Total equity	(22,617)	(17,254)
Total	34,184	34,298
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,466	1,129	$ 1,282	$ 2,399
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	153,590	136,378
Inventories	246,811	236,935
Prepaid expenses and other assets	11,175	9,749
Total current assets	413,042	384,191
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	138,518	113,244
Goodwill	241,217	216,327
Other long term assets	146,372	85,701
Intercompany receivable	662,137	567,374
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total	1,601,286	1,366,837
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	63,447	64,364
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	59,249	50,071
Current portion of long-term debt	375	375
Total current liabilities	123,071	114,810
Long-term debt	118	442
Intercompany payable	0	0
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	19,782	16,126
Other long-term obligations	70,391	55,768
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	1,387,924	1,179,691
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	1,387,924	1,179,691
Total	$ 1,601,286	$ 1,366,837

Consolidating Condensed Finan86

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Sep. 26, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	$ 114,309	$ 151,426	$ 87,449
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(44,659)	(27,622)	(22,030)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures	(103,880)	(69,001)	(38,384)
Proceeds from asset sales	8,547	3,911	0
Escrow deposit for acquisition-related contingent consideration	6,000
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	(1,735)	2,247	1,126
Investment in equity method investees	(12,495)	0	0
Maturities of short term investments	0	0	9,997
Investment in short-term investments	0	0	(17)
Other investing activities	(4,355)	(730)	(546)
Intercompany investing activities	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(164,577)	(91,195)	(49,854)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(552,000)	(419,000)	(312,000)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	552,000	419,000	312,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(463)	(400,307)	(50,289)
Issuance of long-term debt	0	400,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	324	200
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	19,946	6,869	2,154
Repurchase of common stock	(27,556)	(10,873)	(18,497)
Payments of contingent consideration	(1,300)	(2,026)	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	(7,560)	(258)
Distribution to parent	0	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)	(592)	(1,680)
Intercompany financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(10,392)	(14,165)	(68,370)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	75	(668)	(317)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(60,585)	45,398	(31,092)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	92,982	47,584	78,676
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	32,397	92,982	47,584
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(4,076)	(4,883)	(6,719)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures	0	0	0
Proceeds from asset sales	0	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	0	0	0
Maturities of short term investments			0
Investment in short-term investments			0
Other investing activities	0	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	98,591	129,791	101,752
Net cash used in investing activities	98,591	129,791	101,752
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Payments of contingent consideration	0
Payment of deferred financing costs		0	0
Distribution to parent	4,076	4,883	6,719
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	(98,591)	(129,791)	(101,752)
Net cash used by financing activities	(94,515)	(124,908)	(95,033)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	0	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0	0	0
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	(7,418)	3,906	(16,823)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(9,419)	(4,513)	(2,721)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures	(103,880)	(69,001)	(38,384)
Proceeds from asset sales	229	0
Escrow deposit for acquisition-related contingent consideration	6,000
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	(1,735)	2,247	1,126
Investment in equity method investees	(12,495)
Maturities of short term investments			9,997
Investment in short-term investments			(17)
Other investing activities	(4,355)	(730)	(546)
Intercompany investing activities	(3,828)	(83)	(15,789)
Net cash used in investing activities	(141,483)	(72,080)	(46,334)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(552,000)	(419,000)	(312,000)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	552,000	419,000	312,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(89)	(400,286)	(50,262)
Issuance of long-term debt		400,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		324	200
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	19,946	6,869	2,154
Repurchase of common stock	(27,556)	(10,873)	(18,497)
Payments of contingent consideration	0
Payment of deferred financing costs		(7,560)	(258)
Distribution to parent	0	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	93,445	127,044	103,326
Net cash used by financing activities	85,746	115,518	36,663
Effect of exchange rates on cash	235	(1,466)	(697)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(62,920)	45,878	(27,191)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	82,158	36,280	63,471
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	19,238	82,158	36,280
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	2,846	2,654	7,372
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(805)	(717)	(405)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures	0	0	0
Proceeds from asset sales	0	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	0	0	0
Maturities of short term investments			0
Investment in short-term investments			0
Other investing activities	0	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(805)	(717)	(405)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0	0
Issuance of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Payments of contingent consideration	0
Payment of deferred financing costs		0	0
Distribution to parent	(4,076)	(4,883)	(6,719)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,019)	(592)	(1,680)
Intercompany financing activities	5,146	2,747	(1,574)
Net cash used by financing activities	51	(2,728)	(9,973)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	(94)	464	222
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,998	(327)	(2,784)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	9,695	10,022	12,806
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	11,693	9,695	10,022
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	122,957	149,749	103,619
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(34,435)	(22,392)	(18,904)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures	0	0	0
Proceeds from asset sales	8,318	3,911
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	0	0	0
Maturities of short term investments			0
Investment in short-term investments			0
Other investing activities	0	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	(94,763)	(129,708)	(85,963)
Net cash used in investing activities	(120,880)	(148,189)	(104,867)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(374)	(21)	(27)
Issuance of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Payments of contingent consideration	(1,300)	(2,026)
Payment of deferred financing costs		0	0
Distribution to parent	0	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(1,674)	(2,047)	(27)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	(66)	334	158
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	337	(153)	(1,117)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,129	1,282	2,399
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 1,466	$ 1,129	$ 1,282