Central Garden & Pet (CENT) 10-K 10 Dec 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 26, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
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	--09-26
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 100,400,000
Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,908,317
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		36,489,570
Entity Public Float			346,600,000
Class B Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,652,262
Entity Public Float			$ 63,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,584	$ 78,676
Restricted cash	13,157	14,283
Short term investments	0	9,990
Accounts receivable, net	207,402	193,729
Inventories	335,946	326,386
Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes and other	49,731	48,488
Total current assets	653,820	671,552
Plant, property and equipment, net	162,809	166,849
Goodwill	209,089	208,233
Other intangible assets, net	75,460	87,997
Other assets	33,576	14,096
Total	1,134,754	1,148,727
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	88,889	88,428
Accrued expenses	87,724	84,379
Current portion of long-term debt	291	291
Total current liabilities	176,904	173,098
Long-term debt	399,848	449,948
Deferred income taxes and other long-term obligations	51,622	39,228
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	388,636	396,586
Retained earnings	115,987	86,396
Accumulated other comprehensive income	164	1,232
Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders' equity	505,286	484,723
Noncontrolling interest	1,094	1,730
Total equity	506,380	486,453
Total	1,134,754	1,148,727
Common Stock [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	119	124
Total equity	119	124
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	364	369
Total equity	364	369
Class B Stock [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	16	16
Total equity	$ 16	$ 16

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,650,737	$ 1,604,357	$ 1,653,633
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	1,162,685	1,150,333	1,189,731
Gross profit	488,052	454,024	463,902
Selling, general and administrative expenses	389,345	397,811	416,038
Intangible asset and goodwill impairment	7,272	0	7,709
Income (loss) from operations	91,435	56,213	40,155
Interest expense	(40,027)	(42,844)	(43,112)
Interest income	129	94	142
Other income (expense)	13	403	(677)
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	51,550	13,866	(3,492)
Income tax expense (benefit)	18,535	4,045	(2,592)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	33,015	9,821	(900)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,044	1,017	1,029
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 31,971	$ 8,804	$ (1,929)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company:
Basic	$ 0.66	$ 0.18	$ (0.04)
Diluted	$ 0.64	$ 0.18	$ (0.04)
Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income per share:
Basic	48,562	48,880	48,094
Diluted	49,638	49,397	48,094

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 33,015	$ 9,821	$ (900)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	(1,078)	(200)	(97)
Unrealized loss on securities	(10)	(10)	0
Reclassification of loss on available for sale securities to net income	20	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	31,947	9,611	(997)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,044	1,017	1,029
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 30,903	$ 8,594	$ (2,026)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Stock [Member]
Balance, Beginning balance at Sep. 29, 2012	$ 464,883	$ 382,195	$ 79,718	$ 1,539	$ 463,937	$ 946	$ 122	$ 347	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Beginning Balance at Sep. 29, 2012							12,247,571	34,706,902	1,652,262
Amortization of share-based awards	4,210	4,210	0	0	4,210	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Tax deficiency on exercise of stock options, net of tax benefit	(90)	(90)	0	0	(90)	0	0	0	0
Restricted share activity	2,464	2,460			2,464		$ 0	$ 4
Restricted share activity, shares							(820)	442,238
Issuance of common stock	1,686	1,683	0	0	1,686	0	$ 0	$ 3	$ 0
Issuance of common stock, shares							0	307,761	0
Repurchase of common stock	(1,503)	(1,305)	(197)	0	(1,503)	0	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock, shares							0	(165,900)	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(629)					(629)
Other comprehensive loss	(97)	0	0	(97)	(97)	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Net income (loss)	(900)	0	(1,929)	0	(1,929)	1,029	0	0	0
Balance, Ending balance at Sep. 28, 2013	470,024	389,153	77,592	1,442	468,678	1,346	$ 122	$ 353	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Sep. 28, 2013							12,246,751	35,291,001	1,652,262
Amortization of share-based awards	4,572	4,572	0	0	4,572	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Tax deficiency on exercise of stock options, net of tax benefit	(1,973)	(1,973)	0	0	(1,973)	0	0	0	0
Restricted share activity	3,460	3,446			3,460		$ 2	$ 12	$ 0
Restricted share activity, shares							190,556	1,232,105	0
Issuance of common stock	1,394	1,390	0	0	1,394	0	$ 0	$ 4	$ 0
Issuance of common stock, shares							0	364,505	0
Repurchase of common stock	(2)	(2)	0	0	(2)	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock, shares							0	(300)	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(633)					(633)
Other comprehensive loss	(210)	0	0	(210)	(210)	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Net income (loss)	9,821	0	8,804	0	8,804	1,017	0	0	0
Balance, Ending balance at Sep. 27, 2014	486,453	396,586	86,396	1,232	484,723	1,730	$ 124	$ 369	$ 16
Shares, Issued, Ending Balance at Sep. 27, 2014							12,437,307	36,887,311	1,652,262
Amortization of share-based awards	6,378	6,378	0	0	6,378	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Tax deficiency on exercise of stock options, net of tax benefit	(358)	(358)	0	0	(358)	0	0	0	0
Restricted share activity	(1,231)	(1,233)	0	0	(1,231)	0	$ 0	$ 2	$ 0
Restricted share activity, shares							(12,073)	156,477	0
Issuance of common stock	(5)	(10)	0	0	(5)	0	$ 0	$ 5	$ 0
Issuance of common stock, shares							641	536,827	0
Repurchase of common stock	(15,124)	(12,727)	(2,380)	0	(15,124)	0	$ (5)	$ (12)	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock, shares							(517,558)	(1,118,316)	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,680)	0	0	0	0	(1,680)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Other comprehensive loss	(1,068)	0	0	(1,068)	(1,068)	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	33,015	0	31,971	0	31,971	1,044	0	0	0
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

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 33,015	$ 9,821	$ (900)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,703	35,781	32,968
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,996	2,107	2,174
Stock-based compensation	8,315	7,678	15,892
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	(2,154)	(498)	(388)
Deferred income taxes	15,566	5,548	(3,233)
Gain on sale of property and equipment	0	(4,875)	0
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	702	1,063	547
Write-off of deferred financing costs	537	1,731	0
Asset impairments	7,272	5,870	7,709
Other	(69)	249	370
Changes in assets and liabilities (excluding businesses acquired):
Receivables	(9,093)	2,655	8,185
Inventories	4,403	69,698	(61,697)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(4,325)	(176)	2,624
Accounts payable	(4,757)	(16,321)	(23,866)
Accrued expenses	1,485	8,442	(7,781)
Other long-term obligations	853	(2,306)	(886)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	87,449	126,467	(28,282)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(22,030)	(17,173)	(25,172)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired, and investments in joint ventures	(38,384)	(20,282)	(4,835)
Proceeds from disposals of land, buildings, etc.	0	8,737	0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents.	1,126	(14,283)	0
Proceeds from short-term investments.	9,997	17,820	4,885
Investment in short-term investments	(17)	(10,000)	0
Other investing activities	(546)	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(49,854)	(35,181)	(25,122)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(312,000)	(301,000)	(368,000)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	312,000	278,000	391,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(50,289)	(367)	(332)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	200	1,165	613
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	2,154	498	388
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholding	(18,497)	(2,332)	(2,731)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,680)	(633)	(629)
Payment of financing costs	(258)	(3,090)	0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(68,370)	(27,759)	20,309
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(317)	(7)	(224)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(31,092)	63,520	(33,319)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	78,676	15,156	48,475
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	47,584	78,676	15,156
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	39,855	41,549	42,960
Cash paid for income taxes - net of refunds	3,192	826	(2,493)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid	2,087	238	926
Liability for contingent performance based payments	(101)	249	4,165
Restricted share stock bonus	$ 0	$ 4,086	$ 9,579

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization Basis of Consolidation and Presentation Noncontrolling Interest Use of Estimates Revenue Recognition Cost of goods sold and occupancy Advertising Costs 401(k) Plans Other income Income taxes U. S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings (approximately $2.3 million at September 26, 2015) 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 $0.4 million. Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents Short term investments Accounts receivable Allowance for doubtful accounts – Inventories Land, buildings, improvements and equipment Long-Lived Assets Goodwill Investments Accruals For Insurance Fair Value of Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments The Company principally uses a combination of purchase orders and various short and long-term supply arrangements in connection with the purchase of raw materials, including certain commodities. The Company also enters into commodity futures, options and swap contracts to reduce the volatility of price fluctuations of corn, which impacts the cost of raw materials. The Company’s primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve greater certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in its supply chain. These derivative contracts are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes and does not use leveraged instruments. As of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments. Stock-Based Compensation Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Recent Accounting Pronouncements Discontinued Operations In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (ASU 2014-08), Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers Stock Based Compensation In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 (ASU 2014-12), Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03(ASU 2015-03), Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This standard amends the existing guidance to require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of as a deferred charge. In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). This ASU provides additional guidance on ASU 2015-03 with respect to line of credit arrangements, whereby specify debt issuance costs as part of line-of-credit arrangements may continue to be deferred and presented as an asset on the balance sheet. Recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. These ASUs are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, or the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. As of September 26, 2015, the Company had approximately $3.4 million of net deferred financing costs that would be reclassified from a long-term asset to a reduction in the carrying amount of its debt upon adoption of the standard. Cloud Computing Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05(ASU 2015-05), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement Inventory Measurement In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 (ASU 2015-11), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory Business Combinations In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 (ASU 2015-16), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	2. 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 26, 2015 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (b) $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,625 $ 3,625 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,625 $ 3,625 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 27, 2014 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Short-term investments (a) $ 9,990 $ 0 $ 0 $ 9,990 Total assets $ 9,990 $ 0 $ 0 $ 9,990 Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (b) $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,414 $ 4,414 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,414 $ 4,414 (a) The fair value of short-term investments are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. (b) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012 – See Note 4. The fair value of the 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 our consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of our Level 3 financial instruments for the years ended September 26, 205 and September 27, 2014 (in thousands): Amount Balance as of September 27, 2014 $ 4,414 Performance-based payments made (688 ) Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition (101 ) Balance as of September 26, 2015 $ 3,625 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 using discounted cash flows with Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. During the fiscal year ended September 26, 2015, the carrying values of $22.3 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets were written down to their estimated fair value of $15.0 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $7.3 million, which was included in earnings for the period. See Note 10 – Other Intangible Assets. During the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, the Company recognized a non-cash charge of $7.7 million, as the carrying value of its Garden segment goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of the goodwill. The fair market value of these non-financial assets was determined using an income approach and Level 3 inputs, which required management to make significant estimates about future cash flows. See Note 9 – Goodwill. Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments In January 2015, the Company called $50 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes for redemption on March 1, 2015 at a price of 102.063%. The estimated fair value of the Company’s remaining $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes as of September 26, 2015 was $410.5 million, compared to a carrying value of $399.7 million. The estimated fair value of the Company’s $450 million principal amount of 2018 Notes as of September 27, 2014 was $459.5 million, compared to a carrying value of $449.5 million. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes, which are Level 1 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	3. Derivative Instruments Our operations are exposed to market risks from adverse changes in commodity prices affecting the cost of raw materials. In the normal course of business, these risks are managed through a variety of strategies, including the use of derivatives. The utilization of these financial transactions is governed by policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other practices. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes. The Company performs assessments of its counterparty credit risk regularly, including a review of credit ratings and potential nonperformance of the counterparty, and minimizes counterparty concentrations. Commodity and commodity index futures, swaps and option contracts are used to economically hedge commodity input prices on grains and proteins. These derivative contracts are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. Generally, the Company economically hedges a portion of its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for periods of up to 12 months. As of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, with the exception of normal purchases and normal sales expected to result in physical delivery. The Company’s derivative financial instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The Company recognizes realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives used to economically hedge anticipated commodity consumption in other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations. During the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $1.0 million in other income (expense) related to commodity contracts.

Acquisitions and Investments in

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures	4. Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures Fiscal 2015 Purishield LLC and Ceregenin LLC On December 30, 2014, the Company invested $16.0 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 and is not expected to contribute to earnings in the near future. IMS Trading Corp On July 31, 2015, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of IMS Trading Corp. for a purchase price of approximately $23 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 assets acquired by approximately $4.9 million, which is included in deferred taxes and other assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 26, 2015, as the Company has not yet finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the intangible assets acquired. This acquisition is expected to complement the Company’s existing dog and cat business. Fiscal 2014 Envincio LLC On April 1, 2014, the Company purchased certain assets of Envincio LLC, including brands, EPA registrations, inventory and trade receivables, for approximately $20.3 million. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired by approximately $3.3 million, which is recorded in goodwill. Financial results for Envincio have been included in the results of operations within the Pet segment since the date of acquisition. This acquisition is expected to enable the Company to be a key supplier and product innovator in the growing natural insecticides product market, often characterized as EPA-exempt products, and expand its offerings in traditional pesticides. The following table summarizes the 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 Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 6,650 $ 0 $ 6,650 Fixed assets 20 0 20 Goodwill 2,477 856 3,333 Intangible assets 12,306 (856 ) 11,450 Current liabilities (1,170 ) 0 (1,170 ) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 20,283 $ 0 $ 20,283 (1) As previously reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended September 27, 2014. During fiscal 2015, the fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Envincio LLC as of the acquisition date were finalized. This refinement did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or cash flows in any period and, therefore, the Company has not retrospectively adjusted its financial statements. Fiscal 2013 In December 2012, the Company acquired the remaining majority interest in FourStar Microbial Products, LLC (Four Star Microbial) for approximately $4.8 million in cash and approximately $4.2 million of contingent future performance-based payments. The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired by $3.2 million, which was recorded as goodwill. The operating results of FourStar Microbial had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In the future, the Company expects the acquisition will enhance its capability to service professional providers of mosquito abatement.

Concentration of Credit Risk an

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers	5. Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers Customer Concentration Supplier Concentration

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	6. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized below (in thousands): Description Balances at Charged/ (Credited) to Asset Write-Offs, Balances at Fiscal year ended September 28, 2013 18,574 4,373 (1,789 ) 21,158 Fiscal year ended September 27, 2014 21,158 8,988 (4,934 ) 25,212 Fiscal year ended September 26, 2015 25,212 741 (6,657 ) 19,296

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	7. Inventories, net Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): September 26, September 27, Raw materials $ 94,969 $ 93,678 Work in progress 15,268 13,397 Finished goods 215,673 207,818 Supplies 10,036 11,493 Total inventories, net $ 335,946 $ 326,386

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	8. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): September 26, September 27, Land $ 9,306 $ 8,678 Buildings and improvements 111,605 109,618 Transportation equipment 5,130 5,388 Machine and warehouse equipment 184,556 163,783 Capitalized software 107,965 107,271 Office furniture and equipment 26,556 25,091 445,118 419,829 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (282,309 ) (252,980 ) $ 162,809 $ 166,849 Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, charged to operations was $33.7 million, $35.8 million and $33.0 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	9. Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 (in thousands): Garden Products Pet Products Total Balance as of September 29, 2012 Goodwill $ 213,583 $ 398,492 $ 612,075 Accumulated impairment losses (205,874 ) (195,978 ) (401,852 ) 7,709 202,514 210,223 Additions in fiscal 2013 0 3,242 3,242 Impairment losses in fiscal 2013 (7,709 ) 0 (7,709 ) Balance as of September 28, 2013 Goodwill 213,583 401,734 615,317 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) 0 205,756 205,756 Additions in fiscal 2014 0 2,477 2,477 Balance as of September 27, 2014 Goodwill 213,583 404,211 617,794 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) 0 208,233 208,233 Additions in fiscal 2015 0 856 856 Balance as of September 26, 2015 Goodwill 213,583 405,067 618,650 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) $ 0 $ 209,089 $ 209,089 Additions or reductions to goodwill include acquisitions, purchase price adjustments and adjustments of amounts upon finalization of purchase accounting. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (on 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 initially comparing the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values. 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 all four 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 2015, the first step of such testing indicated that the fair value of the Company’s reporting segments exceeded their carrying value by more than 10%, and accordingly, no further testing of goodwill was required. In connection with the Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing performed during fiscal 2014, the first step of such testing indicated that the fair value of the Company’s reporting segments exceeded their carrying value by more than 10%, and accordingly, no further testing of goodwill was required. In connection with the Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing performed during fiscal 2013, the first step of such testing indicated that the fair value of the Company’s Pet segment reporting units exceeded their carrying value, and accordingly, no further testing of goodwill was required for the Pet segment. However, the carrying value of the Company’s Garden segment reporting units exceeded their fair value, indicating potential impairment. Based on further analysis, it was determined that the entire carrying value of the Company’s Garden segment goodwill was impaired, resulting in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $7.7 million. Changes in the judgments and estimates underlying the Company’s analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future cash flows and discount rate, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units in the future and could result in additional impairment of goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	10. Other Intangible Assets The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Accumulated Impairment Net (in millions) September 26, 2015 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.1 $ (10.4 ) $ 0 $ 3.7 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 59.6 0 (24.2 ) 35.4 Total 73.7 (10.4 ) (24.2 ) 39.1 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 43.3 (22.3 ) 0 21.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 19.3 (10.5 ) 0 8.8 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 0 (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 September 27, 2014 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 15.5 $ (9.9 ) $ 0 $ 5.6 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 59.6 0 (16.9 ) 42.7 Total 75.1 (9.9 ) (16.9 ) 48.3 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 42.8 (20.2 ) 0 22.6 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 19.4 (8.8 ) 0 10.6 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.7 0 (1.2 ) 6.5 Total 27.1 (8.8 ) (1.2 ) 17.1 Total other intangible assets $ 145.0 $ (38.9 ) $ (18.1 ) $ 88.0 Other acquired intangible assets include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets. As part of its acquisition of Envincio, LLC during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company acquired approximately $1.7 million of marketing related intangible assets and $9.8 million of other intangible assets. See Note 4 – Acquisitions. 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 fair value of the remaining $15.0 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets that were impaired exceeded their carrying value at September 26, 2015. The Company is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets with definite lives over periods ranging from 1 to 25 years; over weighted average remaining lives of six years for marketing-related intangibles, 14 years for customer-related intangibles and 14 years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $4.3 million, $4.3 million and $5.1 million, for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 $4 million per year from fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2020. The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis. For fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company tested its indefinite-lived intangible assets and no impairment was indicated. Other factors indicating the carrying value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present in fiscal 2015, and accordingly, no impairment testing was performed on these assets.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	11. Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: September 26, September 27, (in thousands) Senior subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount of $309 and $471, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due March 2018 $ 399,691 $ 449,529 Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, final maturity December 2018 0 0 Other notes payable 448 710 Total 400,139 450,239 Less current portion (291 ) (291 ) Long-term portion $ 399,848 $ 449,948 Senior Subordinated Notes On March 8, 2010, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”). On February 13, 2012, the Company issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of its 2018 Notes at a price of 98.501%, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2011, in a private placement. The 2018 Notes required semiannual interest payments, which commenced on September 1, 2010. The 2018 Notes were unsecured senior subordinated obligations and were subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt, including the Company’s Credit Facility. The obligations under the 2018 Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. The guarantees were general unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the guarantors and were subordinated to all existing and future senior debt of the guarantors. In March 2015, the Company redeemed $50.0 million of its 2018 Notes at a price of 102.063% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed. In conjunction with this transaction, the Company recognized a charge in interest expense of approximately $1.6 million in its second quarter of fiscal 2015 related to the payment of the call premium and the non-cash write-off of unamortized financing costs. The Company could redeem some or all of the remaining 2018 Notes at any time after March 1, 2015 for 102.063% and on or after March 1, 2016 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2018 Notes had the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2018 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 2018 Notes contained customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants in the 2018 Notes indenture as of September 26, 2015. Issuance of $400 Million 6.125% Senior Notes On November 9, 2015, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by each of its existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries which are borrowers under or guarantors of Central’s senior secured revolving credit facility. Central used the net proceeds from the offering to redeem its outstanding 2018 Notes. See Note 21 – Subsequent Event. Asset Backed Loan Facility On December 5, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement which provides up to a $390 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 “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility matures on December 5, 2018 and replaced the Company’s prior revolving credit facility. The Company may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts under the Credit Facility until its maturity date, at which time all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility must be repaid in full. As of September 26, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. There were no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 26, 2015. There were other letters of credit of $6.0 million outstanding as of September 26, 2015. The 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. The borrowing availability as of September 26, 2015 was $307 million. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at an index based on LIBOR or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (defined as the highest of (a) the SunTrust prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%), plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company’s total outstanding borrowings. Such applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings fluctuates between 1.25%-1.75% (and was 1.25% at September 26, 2015) and such applicable margin for Base Rate borrowings fluctuates between 0.25%-0.75% (and was 0.25% at September 26, 2015). As of September 26, 2015, the applicable interest rate related to Base Rate borrowings was 3.5%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR-based borrowings was 1.4%. The 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 Credit Facility is secured by substantially all assets of the Company. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility during the fiscal year ended September 26, 2015. The Company incurred approximately $3.1 million of costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included banking fees and legal expenses. These costs will be amortized over the term of the Credit Facility. The Company recorded a non-cash charge of $1.7 million for the three month period ended December 28, 2013 as part of interest expense, related to the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs under the prior revolving credit facility. The scheduled principal repayments on long-term debt as of September 26, 2015 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2016 $ 291 2017 110 2018 400,030 2019 5 2020 12 Thereafter 0 Total $ 400,448 (1) (1) Debt repayments include an amount in excess of the carrying value of debt and reflect the unamortized portion of the original issue discount on the 2018 Notes of $0.3 million as of September 26, 2015, which is amortizable until March 2018.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Letters of credit Purchase commitments Leases 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 26, 2015 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2016 $ 19,163 2017 16,031 2018 9,470 2019 7,959 2020 4,487 Thereafter 1,025 Total $ 58,135 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. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following: Fiscal Year Ended September 26, September 27, September 28, (in thousands) Current: Federal. $ 2,301 $ (329 ) $ 52 State. 643 873 958 Foreign. 25 0 0 Total 2,969 544 1,010 Deferred: Federal. 14,843 4,171 (2,915 ) State. 625 177 (687 ) Foreign. 98 (847 ) 0 Total 15,566 3,501 (3,602 ) Total $ 18,535 $ 4,045 $ (2,592 ) A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows: Fiscal Year Ended September 26, September 27, September 28, Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % (35.0 )% State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.4 2.1 (5.2 ) Other permanent differences (0.5 ) 0.2 2.4 Adjustment of prior year accruals (0.5 ) (0.2 ) 1.8 Uncertain tax positions 0.0 0.4 3.7 Credits (0.3 ) (1.6 ) (29.3 ) Change in valuation allowances 0.0 (5.4 ) (9.0 ) Foreign rate differential (0.1 ) (1.3 ) (3.6 ) Effective income tax rate (benefit) 36.0 % 29.2 % (74.2 %) 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 26, 2015 September 27, 2014 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred Current: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,054 $ 0 $ 9,262 $ 0 Inventory write-downs 11,366 0 12,018 0 Prepaid expenses. 0 651 820 0 Nondeductible reserves 936 0 1,420 0 State taxes. 0 385 0 165 Employee benefits 9,411 0 7,816 0 Other. 2,754 0 3,233 0 Total 31,521 1,036 34,569 165 Noncurrent: Depreciation and amortization. 0 52,415 0 46,458 Equity income. 0 305 0 127 State net operating loss carryforward 5,032 0 5,167 0 Stock based compensation 3,422 0 5,263 0 State credits 2,348 0 2,352 0 Other. 2,463 0 7,281 0 Valuation allowance (6,205 ) 0 (6,215 ) 0 Total. 7,060 52,720 13,848 46,585 Total. $ 38,581 $ 53,756 $ 48,417 $ 46,750 The Company has state tax net operating losses of $101.5 million which expire at various times between 2015 and 2035, and foreign losses of $1.0 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 $3.6 million, which expire at various times beginning in 2015 through 2031. 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 $6.2 million and $6.2 million (net of federal impact) at September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, 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 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, 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 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014 (in thousands): Balance as of September 28, 2013 $ 364 Increases related to prior year tax positions 264 Increases related to current year tax positions 14 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (166 ) Settlements (388 ) Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations (1 ) Balance as of September 27, 2014 $ 87 Increases related to prior year tax positions 55 Increases related to current year tax positions 20 Decreases related to prior year tax positions 0 Settlements (9 ) Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations (15 ) Balance as of September 26, 2015 $ 138 As of September 26, 2015, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled approximately $0.1 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 2012 forward and in various state taxing authorities generally from fiscal year ended 2011 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. 26, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	14. 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 up to an aggregate of 5.8 million shares of common stock 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. In connection with a dividend payable in the form of two shares of the Class A Common Stock for each outstanding share of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on February 5, 2007, the 2003 Plan was amended to include 9,734,982 shares of Class A Common Stock authorized for issuance. As a result of recent amendments, there is a total of 5,800,000 shares of Common Stock, 19,734,982 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 26, 2015, there were approximately 1.5 million shares of Common Stock, 6.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock and no shares of Preferred Stock reserved for outstanding equity awards, and there were approximately 3.4 million shares of Common Stock, 10.3 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 $8.3 million, $7.7 million and $15.9 million for the years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 consisted of $3.3 million, $2.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, for stock options, and $3.1 million, $3.0 million and $11.2 million, respectively, for stock awards. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 also includes $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions. From fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2011, the Company granted stock options under its 2003 Plan that included performance targets and time-based vesting to key employees and executives. In March 2012, the Company eliminated all of the past and future performance goals relating to stock options granted from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2011, except for the performance goals relating to the overall Company performance. The Company took this action because, as a result of the Company’s reorganization around functional lines during 2011, the extent to which cumulative performance targets for segments or business units have been or may be achieved became difficult or impossible to measure and the changes underway within the Company were not contemplated when the Company granted the options. After the amendment, 20% of the shares covered by each award continue to be performance-based. The time vested component of the options did not change. Approximately 250 employees were affected by the modification, and no additional compensation cost was recorded. The performance-based component of the options granted in fiscal 2008, 2009 and 2010 were 100%, 60% and 20% achieved, respectively, and the related expense was recorded over the estimated service period. The Company currently estimates the performance-based component of the options granted in fiscal 2011 is not probable of achievement and is not recording related expense. As of September 26, 2015, there were 3.3 million of unvested options, of which approximately 0.3 million are subject to performance based vesting criteria. To the extent Company goals are or are not achieved, the amount of stock-based compensation recognized in the future will be adjusted. During fiscal 2015, 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 2015 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, 3.6 years in fiscal 2015, 3.5 years in fiscal 2014 and 3.5 years in fiscal 2013; stock price volatility, 30.3% in fiscal 2015, 34.3% in fiscal 2014 and 34.8% in fiscal 2013; risk free interest rates, 1.3% in fiscal 2015, 1.6% in fiscal 2014 and 1.2% in fiscal 2013; and no dividends during the expected term. The following table summarizes option activity for the period ended September 26, 2015: Number of Weighted Weighted Average Aggregate Outstanding at September 27, 2014 9,213 $ 10.35 3 years $ 1,895 Granted 1,361 $ 10.58 Exercised (2,389 ) $ 8.86 Cancelled or expired (1,928 ) $ 11.86 Outstanding at September 26, 2015 6,257 $ 10.51 3 years $ 38,663 Exercisable at September 28, 2013 6,409 $ 11.21 2 years 770 Exercisable at September 27, 2014 5,205 $ 10.81 2 years 390 Exercisable at September 26, 2015 2,910 $ 10.74 2 years 17,226 Expected to vest after September 26, 2015 2,783 $ 10.32 4 years $ 17,822 The price of options to purchase shares of common stock and Class A common stock outstanding at September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $6.43 to $15.00 per share, $6.43 to $16.23 per share and $4.60 to $16.23 per share, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended September 26, 2105, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $2.51, $1.93 and $1.72, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $5.9 million, $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. As of September 26, 2015, there was $4.8 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 two years. Restricted Stock Awards As of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, there were approximately 1.6 million shares of restricted stock awards outstanding. Awards granted in fiscal 2015 generally vest within five years from the date of grant. In fiscal 2014, approximately $6.4 million of bonus amounts earned in fiscal 2013 were paid by granting approximately 570,000 restricted shares that vested immediately. Restricted stock award activity during the three fiscal years in the period ended September 26, 2015 is summarized as follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Fair Value per (in thousands) Nonvested at September 29, 2012 785 $ 9.53 Granted 552 $ 9.26 Vested (354 ) $ 9.60 Forfeited (89 ) $ 9.37 Nonvested at September 28, 2013 894 $ 9.35 Granted 1,021 $ 7.98 Vested (226 ) $ 9.92 Forfeited (80 ) $ 8.93 Nonvested at September 27, 2014 1,609 $ 8.43 Granted 493 $ 10.55 Vested (331 ) $ 8.63 Forfeited (221 ) $ 8.84 Nonvested at September 26, 2015 1,550 $ 9.00 The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the fiscal years ended September 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $10.55, $7.98 and $9.26, respectively. The aggregate fair value of restricted shares that vested was $3.2 million, $1.7 million and $3.4 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 26, 2015, there was $10.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	15. Shareholders’ Equity At September 26, 2015, there were 80,000,000 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value) authorized, of which 11,908,317 were outstanding, and 100,000,000 shares of non-voting Class A common stock ($0.01 par value) authorized, of which 36,462,299 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 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014. 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. 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 26, 2015, the Company repurchased $15.1 million of stock. In total, as of September 26, 2015, 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. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	16. 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 Shares Per Net Shares Per Net Shares Per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 31,971 48,562 $ 0.66 $ 8,804 48,880 $ 0.18 $ (1,929 ) 48,094 $ (0.04 ) Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 520 (0.01 ) 69 0 0 0 Restricted shares 556 (0.01 ) 448 0 0 0 Diluted EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 31,971 49,638 $ 0.64 $ 8,804 49,397 $ 0.18 $ (1,929 ) 48,094 $ (0.04 ) 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. For fiscal 2014, 9.7 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. For fiscal 2013, 10.4 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. Regardless of exercise price, all outstanding stock options were excluded in the calculation due to the net loss recorded for the period ended September 28, 2013. In periods where net earnings are reported, these options may become dilutive if the average market price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price of the outstanding options.

Quarterly Financial Data - Unau

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited	17. Quarterly Financial Data – Unaudited Fiscal 2015 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 307,320 $ 497,602 $ 459,446 $ 386,369 Gross profit 87,981 150,062 142,037 107,972 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (5,697 ) 23,237 18,800 (4,369 ) (1) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.12 ) $ 0.48 $ 0.39 $ (0.09 ) Diluted $ (0.12 ) $ 0.47 $ 0.38 $ (0.09 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 49,379 48,384 48,167 48,322 Diluted 49,379 49,439 49,290 48,322 Fiscal 2014 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 290,521 $ 501,611 $ 437,987 $ 374,238 Gross profit 79,741 147,596 119,131 107,556 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (12,708 ) 20,895 4,687 (2) (4,070 ) (2) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.26 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.10 $ (0.08 ) Diluted $ (0.26 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.09 $ (0.08 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 48,368 48,688 49,148 49,324 Diluted 48,368 49,116 49,841 49,324 (1) The Company recognized a $7.3 million non-cash impairment charge to its indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition and declining sales volume in its Pet segment during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. (2) The Company recognized a $16.9 million charge related to certain products introduced in fiscal 2013 and a $2.0 million gain on the sale of manufacturing plant assets in its Garden segment during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as well as a $2.9 million gain on the sale of manufacturing plant assets in its Garden segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Transactions with Related Parti

Transactions with Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Related Parties	18. Transactions with Related Parties During fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 $35.2 million, $30.8 million and $32.5 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amounts due to CPI as of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014 were $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Business Segment Data

Business Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Data	19. 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 profit or loss from operations. 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 Four Paws Products, TFH Publications, Kaytee, Aquatics, Interpet, IMS, Pets International, Breeder’s Choice and Life Sciences. These businesses are engaged in the manufacturing, purchase, sale and delivery of internally and externally produced pet supplies, books and food principally to independent pet distributors, national and regional retail chains, grocery stores, mass merchants and bookstores. The Garden segment consists of Pennington Seed, Matthews Four Seasons, Grant’s, AMBRANDS, Lilly Miller, the Pottery Group, Gulfstream and GKI/Bethlehem Lighting. 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 2015 2014 2013 Pet supplies (excluding wild bird feed) $ 827.7 $ 774.2 $ 807.4 Garden controls and fertilizer products 286.3 262.5 274.9 Wild bird feed 193.2 202.1 210.8 Other garden supplies 181.4 182.5 183.5 Grass seed 162.1 183.1 177.0 Total $ 1,650.7 $ 1,604.4 $ 1,653.6 See Note 5 – Concentrations of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers, for the Company’s largest customers by segment. 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 26, September 27, September 28, Net sales: Pet segment $ 894,549 $ 845,505 $ 888,228 Garden segment 756,188 758,852 765,405 Total $ 1,650,737 $ 1,604,357 $ 1,653,633 Income (loss) from operations: Pet segment $ 98,798 (1) $ 88,077 $ 95,451 Garden segment 60,145 41,020 (2) 8,286 (3) Corporate (67,508 ) (72,884 ) (63,582 ) Total 91,435 56,213 40,155 Interest expense (40,027 ) (42,844 ) (43,112 ) Interest income 129 94 142 Other income (expense) 13 403 (677 ) Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest 51,550 13,866 (3,492 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 18,535 4,045 (2,592 ) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 33,015 9,821 (900 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,044 1,017 1,029 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 31,971 $ 8,804 $ (1,929 ) Assets: Pet segment $ 465,171 $ 414,279 $ 425,988 Garden segment 310,981 337,461 388,581 Corporate and eliminations 358,602 396,987 346,591 Total $ 1,134,754 $ 1,148,727 $ 1,161,160 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 15,885 $ 17,256 $ 15,753 Garden segment 5,988 6,793 6,410 Corporate 11,830 11,732 10,805 Total $ 33,703 $ 35,781 $ 32,968 Expenditures for long-lived assets: Pet segment $ 17,060 $ 8,561 $ 9,694 Garden segment 2,432 5,541 7,496 Corporate 2,538 3,071 7,982 Total $ 22,030 $ 17,173 $ 25,172 Noncontrolling interest is associated with the Garden segment. (1) Includes a $7.3 million impairment charge to indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition and declining sales volume. (2) Includes a $16.9 million charge related to certain products introduced in fiscal and a $4.9 million gain from the sale of manufacturing plant assets. (3) Includes goodwill impairment of $7.7 million and an $11.2 million charge related to certain products introduced in fiscal 2013.

Consolidating Condensed Financi

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	20. 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 2018 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. 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. 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 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 494,143 $ 100,127 $ 1,136,958 $ (80,491 ) $ 1,650,737 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 387,632 76,597 773,369 (74,913 ) 1,162,685 Gross profit 106,511 23,530 363,589 (5,578 ) 488,052 Selling, general and administrative expenses 126,223 18,329 257,643 (5,578 ) 396,617 Income (loss) from operations (19,712 ) 5,201 105,946 0 91,435 Interest expense (39,893 ) (268 ) 134 0 (40,027 ) Interest income 126 3 0 0 129 Other income (expense) (372 ) 407 (22 ) 0 13 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (59,851 ) 5,343 106,058 0 51,550 Income tax expense (benefit) (21,562 ) 2,089 38,008 0 18,535 Equity in earnings of affiliates 70,260 0 2,445 (72,705 ) 0 Net income including noncontrolling interest 31,971 3,254 70,495 (72,705 ) 33,015 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,044 0 0 1,044 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 31,971 $ 2,210 $ 70,495 $ (72,705 ) $ 31,971 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 460,781 $ 109,453 $ 1,103,926 $ (69,803 ) $ 1,604,357 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 370,492 87,028 757,217 (64,404 ) 1,150,333 Gross profit 90,289 22,425 346,709 (5,399 ) 454,024 Selling, general and administrative expenses 117,240 18,230 267,740 (5,399 ) 397,811 Income (loss) from operations (26,951 ) 4,195 78,969 0 56,213 Interest expense (42,742 ) (218 ) 116 0 42,844 Interest income 92 2 0 0 94 Other income (expense) 186 583 (366 ) 0 403 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (69,415 ) 4,562 78,719 0 13,866 Income tax expense (benefit) (26,962 ) 756 30,251 0 4,045 Equity in earnings of affiliates 51,257 0 1,506 (52,763 ) 0 Net income loss including noncontrolling interest 8,804 3,806 49,974 (52,763 ) 9,821 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,017 0 0 1,017 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 8,804 $ 2,789 $ 49,974 $ (52,763 ) $ 8,804 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 453,001 $ 88,822 $ 1,186,328 $ (74,518 ) $ 1,653,633 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 364,120 73,068 821,524 (68,981 ) 1,189,731 Gross profit 88,881 15,754 364,804 (5,537 ) 463,902 Selling, general and administrative expenses 127,644 19,340 282,300 (5,537 ) 423,747 Income (loss) from operations (38,763 ) (3,586 ) 82,504 0 40,155 Interest expense (42,925 ) (263 ) 76 0 43,112 Interest income 140 2 0 0 142 Other income (expense) (250 ) 398 (825 ) 0 (677 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (81,798 ) (3,449 ) 81,755 0 (3,492 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (46,789 ) (2,567 ) 46,764 0 (2,592 ) Equity in earnings of affiliates 33,080 0 (2,561 ) (30,519 ) 0 Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest (1,929 ) (882 ) 32,430 (30,519 ) (900 ) Noncontrolling interest 0 1,029 0 0 1,029 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ (1,929 ) $ (1,911 ) $ 32,430 $ (30,519 ) $ (1,929 ) CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 31,971 $ 3,254 $ 70,495 $ (72,705 ) $ 33,015 Other comprehensive loss: Unrealized loss on securities (10 ) 0 (10 ) Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income 20 0 0 0 20 Foreign currency translation (1,078 ) (537 ) (380 ) 917 (1,078 ) Total comprehensive income 30,903 2,717 70,115 (71,788 ) 31,947 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 1,044 0 0 1,044 Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 30,903 $ 1,673 $ 70,115 $ (71,788 ) $ 30,903 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 8,804 $ 3,806 $ 49,974 $ (52,763 ) $ 9,821 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation 0 (200 ) 0 0 (200 ) Unrealized loss on securities (10 ) 0 0 0 (10 ) Total comprehensive income 8,794 3,606 49,974 (52,763 ) 9,611 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 1,017 0 0 1,017 Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 8,794 $ 2,589 $ 49,974 $ (52,763 ) $ 8,594 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ (1,929 ) $ (882 ) $ 32,430 $ (30,519 ) $ (900 ) Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation 0 (97 ) 0 0 (97 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) (1,929 ) (979 ) 32,430 (30,519 ) (997 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 1,029 0 0 1,029 Comprehensive loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ (1,929 ) $ (2,008 ) $ 32,430 $ (30,519 ) $ (2,026 ) CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 37,131 $ 10,022 $ 431 $ 0 $ 47,584 Restricted cash 13,157 0 0 0 13,157 Accounts receivable, net 51,376 6,775 149,251 0 207,402 Inventories 101,952 11,690 222,304 0 335,946 Prepaid expenses and other assets 23,807 848 25,076 0 49,731 Total current assets 227,423 29,335 397,062 0 653,820 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 53,044 3,663 106,102 0 162,809 Goodwill 0 0 209,089 0 209,089 Other long term assets 33,988 3,662 77,519 (6,133 ) 109,036 Intercompany receivable 10,311 0 440,327 (450,638 ) 0 Investment in subsidiaries 1,052,755 0 0 (1,052,755 ) 0 Total $ 1,377,521 $ 36,660 $ 1,230,099 $ (1,509,526 ) $ 1,134,754 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 23,544 $ 2,543 $ 62,802 $ 0 $ 88,889 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 39,680 1,789 46,255 0 87,724 Current portion of long term debt 261 0 30 0 291 Total current liabilities 63,485 4,332 109,087 0 176,904 Long-term debt 399,783 0 65 0 399,848 Intercompany payable 407,197 43,441 0 (450,638 ) 0 Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries 0 0 11,867 (11,867 ) 0 Other long-term obligations 1,770 0 55,985 (6,133 ) 51,622 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 505,286 (12,207 ) 1,053,095 (1,040,888 ) 505,286 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,094 0 0 1,094 Total equity 505,286 (11,113 ) 1,053,095 (1,040,888 ) 506,380 Total $ 1,377,521 $ 36,660 $ 1,230,099 $ (1,509,526 ) $ 1,134,754 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,471 $ 12,806 $ 2,399 $ 0 $ 78,676 Restricted cash 14,283 0 0 0 14,283 Short term investments 9,990 0 0 0 9,990 Accounts receivable, net 41,235 8,268 144,226 0 193,729 Inventories 79,199 15,210 231,977 0 326,386 Prepaid expenses and other assets 26,092 816 21,580 0 48,488 Total current assets 234,270 37,100 400,182 0 671,552 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 63,059 3,649 100,141 0 166,849 Goodwill 0 0 208,233 0 208,233 Other long term assets 25,230 4,244 83,713 (11,094 ) 102,093 Intercompany receivable 16,906 0 351,423 (368,329 ) 0 Investment in subsidiaries 983,413 0 0 (983,413 ) 0 Total $ 1,322,878 $ 44,993 $ 1,143,692 $ (1,362,836 ) $ 1,148,727 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 28,937 $ 3,542 $ 55,949 $ 0 $ 88,428 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 34,412 1,868 48,390 0 84,670 Total current liabilities 63,349 5,410 104,339 0 173,098 Long-term debt 449,855 0 93 0 449,948 Intercompany payable 323,315 45,014 0 (368,329 ) 0 Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries 0 0 7,594 (7,594 ) 0 Other long-term obligations 1,636 0 48,686 (11,094 ) 39,228 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 484,723 (7,161 ) 982,980 (975,819 ) 484,723 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,730 0 0 1,730 Total equity 484,723 (5,431 ) 982,980 (975,819 ) 486,453 Total $ 1,322,878 $ 44,993 $ 1,143,692 $ (1,362,836 ) $ 1,148,727 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (18,948 ) $ 7,372 $ 105,744 $ (6,719 ) $ 87,449 Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,687 ) (405 ) (18,938 ) 0 (22,030 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of expenses (38,384 ) 0 0 0 (38,384 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,126 0 0 0 1,126 Maturities of short term investments 9,997 0 0 0 9,997 Investment in short term investments (17 ) 0 0 0 (17 ) Other investing activities (546 ) 0 0 0 (546 ) Intercompany investing activities 6,595 0 (88,905 ) 82,310 0 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (23,916 ) (405 ) (107,843 ) 82,310 (49,854 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (312,000 ) 0 0 0 (312,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 312,000 0 0 0 312,000 Repayments of long-term debt (50,262 ) 0 (27 ) 0 (50,289 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 200 0 0 0 200 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 2,154 0 0 0 2,154 Repurchase of common stock (18,497 ) 0 0 0 (18,497 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (258 ) 0 0 0 (258 ) Distribution to parent 0 (6,719 ) 0 6,719 0 Distribution to noncontrolling interest 0 (1,680 ) 0 0 (1,680 ) Intercompany financing activities 83,884 (1,574 ) 0 (82,310 ) 0 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 17,221 (9,973 ) (27 ) (75,591 ) (68,370 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (697 ) 222 158 0 (317 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (26,340 ) (2,784 ) (1,968 ) 0 (31,092 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 63,471 12,806 2,399 0 78,676 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 37,131 $ 10,022 $ 431 $ 0 $ 47,584 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (4,139 ) $ 7,420 $ 125,720 $ (2,534 ) $ 126,467 Additions to property, plant and equipment (6,721 ) (1,027 ) (9,425 ) 0 (17,173 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired 0 0 (20,282 ) 0 (20,282 ) Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment 0 0 8,737 0 8,737 Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (14,283 ) 0 0 0 (14,283 ) Maturities of short term investments 17,820 0 0 0 17,820 Investment in short term investments (10,000 ) 0 0 0 (10,000 ) Intercompany investing activities (6,726 ) 0 (104,926 ) 111,652 0 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (19,910 ) (1,027 ) (125,896 ) 111,652 (35,181 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (301,000 ) 0 0 0 (301,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 278,000 0 0 0 278,000 Repayments of long-term debt (243 ) 0 (124 ) 0 (367 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,165 0 0 0 1,165 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 498 0 0 0 498 Repurchase of common stock (2,332 ) 0 0 0 (2,332 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (3,090 ) 0 0 0 (3,090 ) Distribution to parent 0 (2,534 ) 0 2,534 0 Distribution to noncontrolling interest 0 (633 ) 0 0 (633 ) Intercompany financing activities 109,057 2,595 0 (111,652 ) 0 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 82,055 (572 ) (124 ) (109,118 ) (27,759 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash 27 (18 ) (16 ) 0 (7 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 58,033 5,803 (316 ) 0 63,520 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 5,438 7,003 2,715 0 15,156 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 63,471 $ 12,806 $ 2,399 $ 0 $ 78,676 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (31,250 ) $ (11,632 ) $ 17,116 $ (2,516 ) $ (28,282 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,656 ) (337 ) (16,179 ) 0 (25,172 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired 0 0 (4,835 ) 0 (4,835 ) Sale of short term investments 4,885 0 0 0 4,885 Intercompany investing activities 8,986 0 2,923 (11,909 ) 0 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities 5,215 (337 ) (18,091 ) (11,909 ) (25,122 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (368,000 ) 0 0 0 (368,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 391,000 0 0 0 391,000 Repayments of long-term debt (206 ) 0 (126 ) 0 (332 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 613 0 0 0 613 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 388 0 0 0 388 Repurchase of common stock (2,731 ) 0 0 0 (2,731 ) Distribution to parent 0 (2,516 ) 0 2,516 0 Distribution to noncontrolling interest 0 (629 ) 0 0 (629 ) Intercompany financing activities (28,896 ) 16,987 0 11,909 0 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (7,832 ) 13,842 (126 ) 14,425 20,309 Effect of exchange rates on cash 36 (263 ) 3 0 (224 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (33,831 ) 1,610 (1,098 ) 0 (33,319 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 39,269 5,393 3,813 0 48,475 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,438 $ 7,003 $ 2,715 $ 0 $ 15,156

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	21. Subsequent Events Debt Refinancing In November 2015, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the“2023 Notes”). 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 the senior secured revolving credit facility. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering, together with available cash, to redeem its outstanding 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and pay fees and expenses related to the offering. As a result of the Company’s redemption of the 2018 Notes, it will recognize a charge in its fiscal 2016 first quarter of approximately $8.3 million related to the payment of the call premium, a one-time payment of overlapping interest expense for 30 days of approximately $2.8 million and a $3.2 million non-cash charge for the write-off of unamortized financing costs in interest expense. The Company expects its annual interest expense on the 2023 Notes going forward to be approximately $8.5 million less than under the 2018 Notes. DMC Acquisition On December 1, 2015, the Company purchased the pet bedding and certain other assets of National Consumers Outdoors Corp., formerly known as Dallas Manufacturing Company (“DMC”), for a cash purchase price of $61 million. This acquisition is expected to complement the Company’s existing dog and cat business.

Organization and Significant 28

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation	Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	Cost of goods sold and occupancy
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
401(k) Plans	401(k) Plans
Other income	Other income
Income taxes	Income taxes U. S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings (approximately $2.3 million at September 26, 2015) 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 $0.4 million.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Short term investments	Short term investments
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts –
Inventories	Inventories
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment	Land, buildings, improvements and equipment
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill	Goodwill
Investments	Investments
Accruals For Insurance	Accruals For Insurance
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company principally uses a combination of purchase orders and various short and long-term supply arrangements in connection with the purchase of raw materials, including certain commodities. The Company also enters into commodity futures, options and swap contracts to reduce the volatility of price fluctuations of corn, which impacts the cost of raw materials. The Company’s primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve greater certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in its supply chain. These derivative contracts are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes and does not use leveraged instruments. As of September 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the Company had no outstanding derivative instruments.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Discontinued Operations In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (ASU 2014-08), Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers Stock Based Compensation In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 (ASU 2014-12), Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03(ASU 2015-03), Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This standard amends the existing guidance to require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of as a deferred charge. In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). This ASU provides additional guidance on ASU 2015-03 with respect to line of credit arrangements, whereby specify debt issuance costs as part of line-of-credit arrangements may continue to be deferred and presented as an asset on the balance sheet. Recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. These ASUs are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, or the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. As of September 26, 2015, the Company had approximately $3.4 million of net deferred financing costs that would be reclassified from a long-term asset to a reduction in the carrying amount of its debt upon adoption of the standard. Cloud Computing Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05(ASU 2015-05), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement Inventory Measurement In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 (ASU 2015-11), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory Business Combinations In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 (ASU 2015-16), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments
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. 26, 2015
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 26, 2015 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (b) $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,625 $ 3,625 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 3,625 $ 3,625 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 27, 2014 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Short-term investments (a) $ 9,990 $ 0 $ 0 $ 9,990 Total assets $ 9,990 $ 0 $ 0 $ 9,990 Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (b) $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,414 $ 4,414 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,414 $ 4,414 (a) The fair value of short-term investments are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. (b) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012 – See Note 4. The fair value of the 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 our 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 our Level 3 financial instruments for the years ended September 26, 205 and September 27, 2014 (in thousands): Amount Balance as of September 27, 2014 $ 4,414 Performance-based payments made (688 ) Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition (101 ) Balance as of September 26, 2015 $ 3,625

Acquisitions and Investments 30

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Recording of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the 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 Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 6,650 $ 0 $ 6,650 Fixed assets 20 0 20 Goodwill 2,477 856 3,333 Intangible assets 12,306 (856 ) 11,450 Current liabilities (1,170 ) 0 (1,170 ) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 20,283 $ 0 $ 20,283 (1) As previously reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended September 27, 2014.

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun31

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are summarized below (in thousands): Description Balances at Charged/ (Credited) to Asset Write-Offs, Balances at Fiscal year ended September 28, 2013 18,574 4,373 (1,789 ) 21,158 Fiscal year ended September 27, 2014 21,158 8,988 (4,934 ) 25,212 Fiscal year ended September 26, 2015 25,212 741 (6,657 ) 19,296

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence	Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): September 26, September 27, Raw materials $ 94,969 $ 93,678 Work in progress 15,268 13,397 Finished goods 215,673 207,818 Supplies 10,036 11,493 Total inventories, net $ 335,946 $ 326,386

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): September 26, September 27, Land $ 9,306 $ 8,678 Buildings and improvements 111,605 109,618 Transportation equipment 5,130 5,388 Machine and warehouse equipment 184,556 163,783 Capitalized software 107,965 107,271 Office furniture and equipment 26,556 25,091 445,118 419,829 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (282,309 ) (252,980 ) $ 162,809 $ 166,849

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 26, 2015, September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 (in thousands): Garden Products Pet Products Total Balance as of September 29, 2012 Goodwill $ 213,583 $ 398,492 $ 612,075 Accumulated impairment losses (205,874 ) (195,978 ) (401,852 ) 7,709 202,514 210,223 Additions in fiscal 2013 0 3,242 3,242 Impairment losses in fiscal 2013 (7,709 ) 0 (7,709 ) Balance as of September 28, 2013 Goodwill 213,583 401,734 615,317 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) 0 205,756 205,756 Additions in fiscal 2014 0 2,477 2,477 Balance as of September 27, 2014 Goodwill 213,583 404,211 617,794 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) 0 208,233 208,233 Additions in fiscal 2015 0 856 856 Balance as of September 26, 2015 Goodwill 213,583 405,067 618,650 Accumulated impairment losses (213,583 ) (195,978 ) (409,561 ) $ 0 $ 209,089 $ 209,089

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 Accumulated Impairment Net (in millions) September 26, 2015 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 14.1 $ (10.4 ) $ 0 $ 3.7 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 59.6 0 (24.2 ) 35.4 Total 73.7 (10.4 ) (24.2 ) 39.1 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 43.3 (22.3 ) 0 21.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 19.3 (10.5 ) 0 8.8 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.8 0 (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 September 27, 2014 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 15.5 $ (9.9 ) $ 0 $ 5.6 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 59.6 0 (16.9 ) 42.7 Total 75.1 (9.9 ) (16.9 ) 48.3 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 42.8 (20.2 ) 0 22.6 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 19.4 (8.8 ) 0 10.6 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.7 0 (1.2 ) 6.5 Total 27.1 (8.8 ) (1.2 ) 17.1 Total other intangible assets $ 145.0 $ (38.9 ) $ (18.1 ) $ 88.0

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: September 26, September 27, (in thousands) Senior subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount of $309 and $471, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due March 2018 $ 399,691 $ 449,529 Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, final maturity December 2018 0 0 Other notes payable 448 710 Total 400,139 450,239 Less current portion (291 ) (291 ) Long-term portion $ 399,848 $ 449,948
Scheduled Principal Repayments on Long-Term Debt	The scheduled principal repayments on long-term debt as of September 26, 2015 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2016 $ 291 2017 110 2018 400,030 2019 5 2020 12 Thereafter 0 Total $ 400,448 (1) (1) Debt repayments include an amount in excess of the carrying value of debt and reflect the unamortized portion of the original issue discount on the 2018 Notes of $0.3 million as of September 26, 2015, which is amortizable until March 2018.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 26, 2015 are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal year: 2016 $ 19,163 2017 16,031 2018 9,470 2019 7,959 2020 4,487 Thereafter 1,025 Total $ 58,135

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 26, September 27, September 28, (in thousands) Current: Federal. $ 2,301 $ (329 ) $ 52 State. 643 873 958 Foreign. 25 0 0 Total 2,969 544 1,010 Deferred: Federal. 14,843 4,171 (2,915 ) State. 625 177 (687 ) Foreign. 98 (847 ) 0 Total 15,566 3,501 (3,602 ) Total $ 18,535 $ 4,045 $ (2,592 )
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 26, September 27, September 28, Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % (35.0 )% State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.4 2.1 (5.2 ) Other permanent differences (0.5 ) 0.2 2.4 Adjustment of prior year accruals (0.5 ) (0.2 ) 1.8 Uncertain tax positions 0.0 0.4 3.7 Credits (0.3 ) (1.6 ) (29.3 ) Change in valuation allowances 0.0 (5.4 ) (9.0 ) Foreign rate differential (0.1 ) (1.3 ) (3.6 ) Effective income tax rate (benefit) 36.0 % 29.2 % (74.2 %)
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 26, 2015 September 27, 2014 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred Current: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,054 $ 0 $ 9,262 $ 0 Inventory write-downs 11,366 0 12,018 0 Prepaid expenses. 0 651 820 0 Nondeductible reserves 936 0 1,420 0 State taxes. 0 385 0 165 Employee benefits 9,411 0 7,816 0 Other. 2,754 0 3,233 0 Total 31,521 1,036 34,569 165 Noncurrent: Depreciation and amortization. 0 52,415 0 46,458 Equity income. 0 305 0 127 State net operating loss carryforward 5,032 0 5,167 0 Stock based compensation 3,422 0 5,263 0 State credits 2,348 0 2,352 0 Other. 2,463 0 7,281 0 Valuation allowance (6,205 ) 0 (6,215 ) 0 Total. 7,060 52,720 13,848 46,585 Total. $ 38,581 $ 53,756 $ 48,417 $ 46,750
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 26, 2015 and September 27, 2014 (in thousands): Balance as of September 28, 2013 $ 364 Increases related to prior year tax positions 264 Increases related to current year tax positions 14 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (166 ) Settlements (388 ) Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations (1 ) Balance as of September 27, 2014 $ 87 Increases related to prior year tax positions 55 Increases related to current year tax positions 20 Decreases related to prior year tax positions 0 Settlements (9 ) Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations (15 ) Balance as of September 26, 2015 $ 138

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 26, 2015: Number of Weighted Weighted Average Aggregate Outstanding at September 27, 2014 9,213 $ 10.35 3 years $ 1,895 Granted 1,361 $ 10.58 Exercised (2,389 ) $ 8.86 Cancelled or expired (1,928 ) $ 11.86 Outstanding at September 26, 2015 6,257 $ 10.51 3 years $ 38,663 Exercisable at September 28, 2013 6,409 $ 11.21 2 years 770 Exercisable at September 27, 2014 5,205 $ 10.81 2 years 390 Exercisable at September 26, 2015 2,910 $ 10.74 2 years 17,226 Expected to vest after September 26, 2015 2,783 $ 10.32 4 years $ 17,822
Summary of Restricted Stock Award Activity	Restricted stock award activity during the three fiscal years in the period ended September 26, 2015 is summarized as follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Fair Value per (in thousands) Nonvested at September 29, 2012 785 $ 9.53 Granted 552 $ 9.26 Vested (354 ) $ 9.60 Forfeited (89 ) $ 9.37 Nonvested at September 28, 2013 894 $ 9.35 Granted 1,021 $ 7.98 Vested (226 ) $ 9.92 Forfeited (80 ) $ 8.93 Nonvested at September 27, 2014 1,609 $ 8.43 Granted 493 $ 10.55 Vested (331 ) $ 8.63 Forfeited (221 ) $ 8.84 Nonvested at September 26, 2015 1,550 $ 9.00

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 Shares Per Net Shares Per Net Shares Per (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 31,971 48,562 $ 0.66 $ 8,804 48,880 $ 0.18 $ (1,929 ) 48,094 $ (0.04 ) Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock 520 (0.01 ) 69 0 0 0 Restricted shares 556 (0.01 ) 448 0 0 0 Diluted EPS: Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 31,971 49,638 $ 0.64 $ 8,804 49,397 $ 0.18 $ (1,929 ) 48,094 $ (0.04 )

Quarterly Financial Data - Un41

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited	Fiscal 2015 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 307,320 $ 497,602 $ 459,446 $ 386,369 Gross profit 87,981 150,062 142,037 107,972 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (5,697 ) 23,237 18,800 (4,369 ) (1) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.12 ) $ 0.48 $ 0.39 $ (0.09 ) Diluted $ (0.12 ) $ 0.47 $ 0.38 $ (0.09 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 49,379 48,384 48,167 48,322 Diluted 49,379 49,439 49,290 48,322 Fiscal 2014 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 290,521 $ 501,611 $ 437,987 $ 374,238 Gross profit 79,741 147,596 119,131 107,556 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company (12,708 ) 20,895 4,687 (2) (4,070 ) (2) Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.26 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.10 $ (0.08 ) Diluted $ (0.26 ) $ 0.43 $ 0.09 $ (0.08 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 48,368 48,688 49,148 49,324 Diluted 48,368 49,116 49,841 49,324 (1) The Company recognized a $7.3 million non-cash impairment charge to its indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition and declining sales volume in its Pet segment during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. (2) The Company recognized a $16.9 million charge related to certain products introduced in fiscal 2013 and a $2.0 million gain on the sale of manufacturing plant assets in its Garden segment during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as well as a $2.9 million gain on the sale of manufacturing plant assets in its Garden segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Business Segment Data (Tables)

Business Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
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 2015 2014 2013 Pet supplies (excluding wild bird feed) $ 827.7 $ 774.2 $ 807.4 Garden controls and fertilizer products 286.3 262.5 274.9 Wild bird feed 193.2 202.1 210.8 Other garden supplies 181.4 182.5 183.5 Grass seed 162.1 183.1 177.0 Total $ 1,650.7 $ 1,604.4 $ 1,653.6
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 26, September 27, September 28, Net sales: Pet segment $ 894,549 $ 845,505 $ 888,228 Garden segment 756,188 758,852 765,405 Total $ 1,650,737 $ 1,604,357 $ 1,653,633 Income (loss) from operations: Pet segment $ 98,798 (1) $ 88,077 $ 95,451 Garden segment 60,145 41,020 (2) 8,286 (3) Corporate (67,508 ) (72,884 ) (63,582 ) Total 91,435 56,213 40,155 Interest expense (40,027 ) (42,844 ) (43,112 ) Interest income 129 94 142 Other income (expense) 13 403 (677 ) Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest 51,550 13,866 (3,492 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 18,535 4,045 (2,592 ) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 33,015 9,821 (900 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 1,044 1,017 1,029 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 31,971 $ 8,804 $ (1,929 ) Assets: Pet segment $ 465,171 $ 414,279 $ 425,988 Garden segment 310,981 337,461 388,581 Corporate and eliminations 358,602 396,987 346,591 Total $ 1,134,754 $ 1,148,727 $ 1,161,160 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 15,885 $ 17,256 $ 15,753 Garden segment 5,988 6,793 6,410 Corporate 11,830 11,732 10,805 Total $ 33,703 $ 35,781 $ 32,968 Expenditures for long-lived assets: Pet segment $ 17,060 $ 8,561 $ 9,694 Garden segment 2,432 5,541 7,496 Corporate 2,538 3,071 7,982 Total $ 22,030 $ 17,173 $ 25,172 Noncontrolling interest is associated with the Garden segment. (1) Includes a $7.3 million impairment charge to indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of increased competition and declining sales volume. (2) Includes a $16.9 million charge related to certain products introduced in fiscal and a $4.9 million gain from the sale of manufacturing plant assets. (3) Includes goodwill impairment of $7.7 million and an $11.2 million charge related to certain products introduced in fiscal 2013.

Consolidating Condensed Finan43

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 494,143 $ 100,127 $ 1,136,958 $ (80,491 ) $ 1,650,737 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 387,632 76,597 773,369 (74,913 ) 1,162,685 Gross profit 106,511 23,530 363,589 (5,578 ) 488,052 Selling, general and administrative expenses 126,223 18,329 257,643 (5,578 ) 396,617 Income (loss) from operations (19,712 ) 5,201 105,946 0 91,435 Interest expense (39,893 ) (268 ) 134 0 (40,027 ) Interest income 126 3 0 0 129 Other income (expense) (372 ) 407 (22 ) 0 13 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (59,851 ) 5,343 106,058 0 51,550 Income tax expense (benefit) (21,562 ) 2,089 38,008 0 18,535 Equity in earnings of affiliates 70,260 0 2,445 (72,705 ) 0 Net income including noncontrolling interest 31,971 3,254 70,495 (72,705 ) 33,015 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,044 0 0 1,044 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 31,971 $ 2,210 $ 70,495 $ (72,705 ) $ 31,971 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 460,781 $ 109,453 $ 1,103,926 $ (69,803 ) $ 1,604,357 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 370,492 87,028 757,217 (64,404 ) 1,150,333 Gross profit 90,289 22,425 346,709 (5,399 ) 454,024 Selling, general and administrative expenses 117,240 18,230 267,740 (5,399 ) 397,811 Income (loss) from operations (26,951 ) 4,195 78,969 0 56,213 Interest expense (42,742 ) (218 ) 116 0 42,844 Interest income 92 2 0 0 94 Other income (expense) 186 583 (366 ) 0 403 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (69,415 ) 4,562 78,719 0 13,866 Income tax expense (benefit) (26,962 ) 756 30,251 0 4,045 Equity in earnings of affiliates 51,257 0 1,506 (52,763 ) 0 Net income loss including noncontrolling interest 8,804 3,806 49,974 (52,763 ) 9,821 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,017 0 0 1,017 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 8,804 $ 2,789 $ 49,974 $ (52,763 ) $ 8,804 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 453,001 $ 88,822 $ 1,186,328 $ (74,518 ) $ 1,653,633 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 364,120 73,068 821,524 (68,981 ) 1,189,731 Gross profit 88,881 15,754 364,804 (5,537 ) 463,902 Selling, general and administrative expenses 127,644 19,340 282,300 (5,537 ) 423,747 Income (loss) from operations (38,763 ) (3,586 ) 82,504 0 40,155 Interest expense (42,925 ) (263 ) 76 0 43,112 Interest income 140 2 0 0 142 Other income (expense) (250 ) 398 (825 ) 0 (677 ) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (81,798 ) (3,449 ) 81,755 0 (3,492 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (46,789 ) (2,567 ) 46,764 0 (2,592 ) Equity in earnings of affiliates 33,080 0 (2,561 ) (30,519 ) 0 Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest (1,929 ) (882 ) 32,430 (30,519 ) (900 ) Noncontrolling interest 0 1,029 0 0 1,029 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ (1,929 ) $ (1,911 ) $ 32,430 $ (30,519 ) $ (1,929 )
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 31,971 $ 3,254 $ 70,495 $ (72,705 ) $ 33,015 Other comprehensive loss: Unrealized loss on securities (10 ) 0 (10 ) Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income 20 0 0 0 20 Foreign currency translation (1,078 ) (537 ) (380 ) 917 (1,078 ) Total comprehensive income 30,903 2,717 70,115 (71,788 ) 31,947 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 1,044 0 0 1,044 Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 30,903 $ 1,673 $ 70,115 $ (71,788 ) $ 30,903 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 8,804 $ 3,806 $ 49,974 $ (52,763 ) $ 9,821 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation 0 (200 ) 0 0 (200 ) Unrealized loss on securities (10 ) 0 0 0 (10 ) Total comprehensive income 8,794 3,606 49,974 (52,763 ) 9,611 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 1,017 0 0 1,017 Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 8,794 $ 2,589 $ 49,974 $ (52,763 ) $ 8,594 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ (1,929 ) $ (882 ) $ 32,430 $ (30,519 ) $ (900 ) Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation 0 (97 ) 0 0 (97 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) (1,929 ) (979 ) 32,430 (30,519 ) (997 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0 1,029 0 0 1,029 Comprehensive loss attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ (1,929 ) $ (2,008 ) $ 32,430 $ (30,519 ) $ (2,026 )
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 37,131 $ 10,022 $ 431 $ 0 $ 47,584 Restricted cash 13,157 0 0 0 13,157 Accounts receivable, net 51,376 6,775 149,251 0 207,402 Inventories 101,952 11,690 222,304 0 335,946 Prepaid expenses and other assets 23,807 848 25,076 0 49,731 Total current assets 227,423 29,335 397,062 0 653,820 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 53,044 3,663 106,102 0 162,809 Goodwill 0 0 209,089 0 209,089 Other long term assets 33,988 3,662 77,519 (6,133 ) 109,036 Intercompany receivable 10,311 0 440,327 (450,638 ) 0 Investment in subsidiaries 1,052,755 0 0 (1,052,755 ) 0 Total $ 1,377,521 $ 36,660 $ 1,230,099 $ (1,509,526 ) $ 1,134,754 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 23,544 $ 2,543 $ 62,802 $ 0 $ 88,889 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 39,680 1,789 46,255 0 87,724 Current portion of long term debt 261 0 30 0 291 Total current liabilities 63,485 4,332 109,087 0 176,904 Long-term debt 399,783 0 65 0 399,848 Intercompany payable 407,197 43,441 0 (450,638 ) 0 Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries 0 0 11,867 (11,867 ) 0 Other long-term obligations 1,770 0 55,985 (6,133 ) 51,622 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 505,286 (12,207 ) 1,053,095 (1,040,888 ) 505,286 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,094 0 0 1,094 Total equity 505,286 (11,113 ) 1,053,095 (1,040,888 ) 506,380 Total $ 1,377,521 $ 36,660 $ 1,230,099 $ (1,509,526 ) $ 1,134,754 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,471 $ 12,806 $ 2,399 $ 0 $ 78,676 Restricted cash 14,283 0 0 0 14,283 Short term investments 9,990 0 0 0 9,990 Accounts receivable, net 41,235 8,268 144,226 0 193,729 Inventories 79,199 15,210 231,977 0 326,386 Prepaid expenses and other assets 26,092 816 21,580 0 48,488 Total current assets 234,270 37,100 400,182 0 671,552 Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net 63,059 3,649 100,141 0 166,849 Goodwill 0 0 208,233 0 208,233 Other long term assets 25,230 4,244 83,713 (11,094 ) 102,093 Intercompany receivable 16,906 0 351,423 (368,329 ) 0 Investment in subsidiaries 983,413 0 0 (983,413 ) 0 Total $ 1,322,878 $ 44,993 $ 1,143,692 $ (1,362,836 ) $ 1,148,727 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 28,937 $ 3,542 $ 55,949 $ 0 $ 88,428 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 34,412 1,868 48,390 0 84,670 Total current liabilities 63,349 5,410 104,339 0 173,098 Long-term debt 449,855 0 93 0 449,948 Intercompany payable 323,315 45,014 0 (368,329 ) 0 Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries 0 0 7,594 (7,594 ) 0 Other long-term obligations 1,636 0 48,686 (11,094 ) 39,228 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet 484,723 (7,161 ) 982,980 (975,819 ) 484,723 Noncontrolling interest 0 1,730 0 0 1,730 Total equity 484,723 (5,431 ) 982,980 (975,819 ) 486,453 Total $ 1,322,878 $ 44,993 $ 1,143,692 $ (1,362,836 ) $ 1,148,727
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (18,948 ) $ 7,372 $ 105,744 $ (6,719 ) $ 87,449 Additions to property, plant and equipment (2,687 ) (405 ) (18,938 ) 0 (22,030 ) Payments to acquire companies, net of expenses (38,384 ) 0 0 0 (38,384 ) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,126 0 0 0 1,126 Maturities of short term investments 9,997 0 0 0 9,997 Investment in short term investments (17 ) 0 0 0 (17 ) Other investing activities (546 ) 0 0 0 (546 ) Intercompany investing activities 6,595 0 (88,905 ) 82,310 0 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (23,916 ) (405 ) (107,843 ) 82,310 (49,854 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (312,000 ) 0 0 0 (312,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 312,000 0 0 0 312,000 Repayments of long-term debt (50,262 ) 0 (27 ) 0 (50,289 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 200 0 0 0 200 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 2,154 0 0 0 2,154 Repurchase of common stock (18,497 ) 0 0 0 (18,497 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (258 ) 0 0 0 (258 ) Distribution to parent 0 (6,719 ) 0 6,719 0 Distribution to noncontrolling interest 0 (1,680 ) 0 0 (1,680 ) Intercompany financing activities 83,884 (1,574 ) 0 (82,310 ) 0 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 17,221 (9,973 ) (27 ) (75,591 ) (68,370 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash (697 ) 222 158 0 (317 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (26,340 ) (2,784 ) (1,968 ) 0 (31,092 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 63,471 12,806 2,399 0 78,676 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 37,131 $ 10,022 $ 431 $ 0 $ 47,584 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (4,139 ) $ 7,420 $ 125,720 $ (2,534 ) $ 126,467 Additions to property, plant and equipment (6,721 ) (1,027 ) (9,425 ) 0 (17,173 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired 0 0 (20,282 ) 0 (20,282 ) Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment 0 0 8,737 0 8,737 Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (14,283 ) 0 0 0 (14,283 ) Maturities of short term investments 17,820 0 0 0 17,820 Investment in short term investments (10,000 ) 0 0 0 (10,000 ) Intercompany investing activities (6,726 ) 0 (104,926 ) 111,652 0 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (19,910 ) (1,027 ) (125,896 ) 111,652 (35,181 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (301,000 ) 0 0 0 (301,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 278,000 0 0 0 278,000 Repayments of long-term debt (243 ) 0 (124 ) 0 (367 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,165 0 0 0 1,165 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 498 0 0 0 498 Repurchase of common stock (2,332 ) 0 0 0 (2,332 ) Payment of deferred financing costs (3,090 ) 0 0 0 (3,090 ) Distribution to parent 0 (2,534 ) 0 2,534 0 Distribution to noncontrolling interest 0 (633 ) 0 0 (633 ) Intercompany financing activities 109,057 2,595 0 (111,652 ) 0 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 82,055 (572 ) (124 ) (109,118 ) (27,759 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash 27 (18 ) (16 ) 0 (7 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 58,033 5,803 (316 ) 0 63,520 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 5,438 7,003 2,715 0 15,156 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 63,471 $ 12,806 $ 2,399 $ 0 $ 78,676 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2013 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (31,250 ) $ (11,632 ) $ 17,116 $ (2,516 ) $ (28,282 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,656 ) (337 ) (16,179 ) 0 (25,172 ) Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired 0 0 (4,835 ) 0 (4,835 ) Sale of short term investments 4,885 0 0 0 4,885 Intercompany investing activities 8,986 0 2,923 (11,909 ) 0 Net cash (used) provided by investing activities 5,215 (337 ) (18,091 ) (11,909 ) (25,122 ) Repayments on revolving line of credit (368,000 ) 0 0 0 (368,000 ) Borrowings on revolving line of credit 391,000 0 0 0 391,000 Repayments of long-term debt (206 ) 0 (126 ) 0 (332 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 613 0 0 0 613 Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards 388 0 0 0 388 Repurchase of common stock (2,731 ) 0 0 0 (2,731 ) Distribution to parent 0 (2,516 ) 0 2,516 0 Distribution to noncontrolling interest 0 (629 ) 0 0 (629 ) Intercompany financing activities (28,896 ) 16,987 0 11,909 0 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (7,832 ) 13,842 (126 ) 14,425 20,309 Effect of exchange rates on cash 36 (263 ) 3 0 (224 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (33,831 ) 1,610 (1,098 ) 0 (33,319 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 39,269 5,393 3,813 0 48,475 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,438 $ 7,003 $ 2,715 $ 0 $ 15,156

Organization and Significant 44

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Shipping and handling costs included in net sales		$ 5.4	$ 8	$ 6.9
Cost of shipping and handling included in selling, general and administrative expenses		44.4	45.6	47.7
Advertising expenses		25	30.9	44.5
Employees benefit plan		1.9	1.9	$ 2.1
Valuation allowances related to net deferred tax assets	$ 6.2	6.2	$ 6.2
Undistributed foreign earnings		2.3
Deferred tax liabilities, net of foreign tax credits		0.4
capitalized costs write off	$ 5.9
Other long-lived asset impairments		7.3
Fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded carrying value		$ 15
Building [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Useful life		30 years
Maximum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Maturity period of debt instruments		3 months
Maturity date of investments		1 year
Maximum [Member] | Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Useful life		10 years
Minimum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Maturity date of investments		3 months
Minimum [Member] | Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Useful life		3 years
Subsidiaries [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest owned by the subsidiary		20.00%
Class A Common Stock [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
401(k) matching contributions made in Class A common stock		195,000	245,000	229,000

Organization and Significant 45

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information 1 (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)Companies	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Owned percentage in unconsolidated entities	50.00%
Number of unconsolidated companies | Companies	4
Equity income	$ 400,000	$ 600,000	$ 900,000
Investment in unconsolidated companies	16,500,000	600,000
Excess loss insurance that covers any health care claims	700,000
Outstanding derivative instruments	0	0
Stock-based compensation	8,315,000	7,678,000	15,892,000
Stock-based compensation after tax	5,300,000	$ 4,900,000	$ 10,000,000
Deferred financing costs, net	3,400,000
Maximum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
General liability and vehicle liability insurance policies	350,000
Minimum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
General liability and vehicle liability insurance policies	$ 250,000

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. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Assets:
Total assets		$ 9,990
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	$ 3,625	4,414
Liability for Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	3,625	4,414
Short Term Investments [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		9,990
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		9,990
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Liability for Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Short Term Investments [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		9,990
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		0
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Liability for Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Short Term Investments [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		0
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		0
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	3,625	4,414
Level 3 [Member] | Liability for Contingent Consideration [Member]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	$ 3,625	4,414
Level 3 [Member] | Short Term Investments [Member]
Assets:
Total assets		$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Sum47

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments (Detail) - Level 3 [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 4,414
Performance-based payments made	(688)
Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition	(101)
Ending balance	$ 3,625

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 08, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, carrying value			$ 22,300,000	$ 22,300,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, fair value			15,000,000	15,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge			7,300,000	7,300,000	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill impairment						$ 7,709,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			400,139,000	400,139,000	450,239,000
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount		$ 50,000,000	400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	450,000,000
Debt, redemption of principal amount	$ 50,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Redemption date of senior notes				Mar. 1, 2015
Debt redemption price percentage	102.063%	102.063%
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			399,691,000	$ 399,691,000	449,529,000		$ 400,000,000
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			399,700,000	399,700,000	449,500,000
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Portion at Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of senior subordinated notes due 2018			$ 410,500,000	$ 410,500,000	$ 459,500,000

Derivative Instruments - Additi

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Outstanding derivative instruments		$ 0	$ 0
Commodity Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total derivative instruments	$ 1,000,000

Acquisitions and Investments 50

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)JointVenture	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2012USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in joint ventures	$ 16,000
Number of joint ventures | JointVenture	2
Percentage of equity interest in joint venture			50.00%
Excess of purchase price included in deferred taxes and other assets			$ 49,731		$ 48,488
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill			209,089		$ 208,233		$ 205,756	$ 210,223
Two newly formed entities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint venture	50.00%
Envincio, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase of certain assets						$ 20,300
Excess of purchase price included in goodwill						$ 3,333
FourStar Microbial [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets acquired during the period		$ 4,800
Contingent future performance-based payments		4,200
Excess of purchase price recorded as goodwill		$ 3,200
IMS Trading Corp [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase of certain assets				$ 23,000
Excess of purchase price included in deferred taxes and other assets			$ 4,900

Acquisitions and Investments 51

Acquisitions and Investments in Joint Ventures - Summary of Recording of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 209,089	$ 208,233		$ 205,756	$ 210,223
Envincio, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			$ 6,650
Fixed assets			20
Goodwill			3,333
Intangible assets			11,450
Current liabilities			(1,170)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents			20,283
As Previously Reported [Member] | Envincio, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			6,650
Fixed assets			20
Goodwill			2,477
Intangible assets			12,306
Current liabilities			(1,170)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents			20,283
Adjustments [Member] | Envincio, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			0
Fixed assets			0
Goodwill			856
Intangible assets			(856)
Current liabilities			0
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents			$ 0

Concentration of Credit Risk 52

Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers - Additional Information (Detail) - Customer	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales	40.00%	41.00%	43.00%
Number of major customers	5
Percentage of accounts receivable	35.00%	37.00%
Percentage of accounts receivable including Company's largest customer	12.00%	11.00%
Percentage of cost of goods sold	11.00%	10.00%	11.00%
Number of major suppliers	5
Customer One [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of largest customer accounted of the Company's net sales	16.00%	17.00%	16.00%
Customer Two [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of largest customer accounted of the Company's net sales	8.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Customer Three [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of largest customer accounted of the Company's net sales	7.00%	8.00%	8.00%

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun53

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Balances at Beginning of Period	$ 25,212	$ 21,158	$ 18,574
Charged/ (Credited) to Costs and Expenses	741	8,988	4,373
Asset Write-Offs, Less Recoveries	(6,657)	(4,934)	(1,789)
Balances at End of Period	$ 19,296	$ 25,212	$ 21,158

Inventories, Net - Summary of I

Inventories, Net - Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 94,969	$ 93,678
Work in progress	15,268	13,397
Finished goods	215,673	207,818
Supplies	10,036	11,493
Total inventories, net	$ 335,946	$ 326,386

Property and Equipment, Net - C

Property and Equipment, Net - Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 445,118	$ 419,829
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(282,309)	(252,980)
Property and equipment, net	162,809	166,849
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	9,306	8,678
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	111,605	109,618
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	5,130	5,388
Machine and Warehouse Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	184,556	163,783
Capitalized Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	107,965	107,271
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 26,556	$ 25,091

Property and Equipment, Net - A

Property and Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life and Values [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets	$ 33,703	$ 35,781	$ 32,968

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying

Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Additions in fiscal year	$ 856	$ 2,477	$ 3,242
Impairment losses in fiscal year			(7,709)
Goodwill	618,650	617,794	615,317	$ 612,075
Accumulated impairment losses	(409,561)	(409,561)	(409,561)	(401,852)
Total goodwill	209,089	208,233	205,756	210,223
Garden Products Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Additions in fiscal year	0	0	0
Impairment losses in fiscal year			(7,709)
Goodwill	213,583	213,583	213,583	213,583
Accumulated impairment losses	(213,583)	(213,583)	(213,583)	(205,874)
Total goodwill	0	0	0	7,709
Pet Products Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Additions in fiscal year	856	2,477	3,242
Impairment losses in fiscal year			0
Goodwill	405,067	404,211	401,734	398,492
Accumulated impairment losses	(195,978)	(195,978)	(195,978)	(195,978)
Total goodwill	$ 209,089	$ 208,233	$ 205,756	$ 202,514

Goodwill - Additional Informati

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015Segments	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segments	4
Fair value of reporting segments exceeds carrying value, percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Goodwill impairment | $			$ 7,709

Other Intangible Assets - Compo

Other Intangible Assets - Components of Gross and Net Acquired Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 144,100	$ 145,000
Accumulated Amortization	(43,200)	(38,900)
Accumulated Impairment	(25,400)	(18,100)
Net Carrying Value	75,460	87,997
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	73,700	75,100
Accumulated Amortization	(10,400)	(9,900)
Accumulated Impairment	(24,200)	(16,900)
Net Carrying Value	39,100	48,300
Other Acquired Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	27,100	27,100
Accumulated Amortization	(10,500)	(8,800)
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	15,400	17,100
Amortizable [Member] | Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	14,100	15,500
Accumulated Amortization	(10,400)	(9,900)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0
Net Carrying Value	3,700	5,600
Amortizable [Member] | Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	43,300	42,800
Accumulated Amortization	(22,300)	(20,200)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0
Net Carrying Value	21,000	22,600
Amortizable [Member] | Other Acquired Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	19,300	19,400
Accumulated Amortization	(10,500)	(8,800)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0
Net Carrying Value	8,800	10,600
Nonamortizable [Member] | Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	59,600	59,600
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(24,200)	(16,900)
Net Carrying Value	35,400	42,700
Nonamortizable [Member] | Other Acquired Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	7,800	7,700
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	$ 6,600	$ 6,500

Other Intangible Assets - Addit

Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge	$ 7,300,000	$ 7,300,000	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds carrying value	15,000,000	15,000,000
Amortization expense for intangibles		4,300,000	$ 4,300,000	$ 5,100,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2016	4,000,000	4,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2017	4,000,000	4,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2018	4,000,000	4,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2019	4,000,000	4,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets, 2020	$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		25 years
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		6 years
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member] | Envincio, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					$ 1,700,000
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		14 years
Other Acquired Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets		14 years
Other Acquired Intangible Assets [Member] | Envincio, LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					$ 9,800,000

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Mar. 08, 2010
Components of long-term debt
Total	$ 400,139	$ 450,239
Less current portion	(291)	(291)
Long-term portion	399,848	449,948
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Total	399,691	449,529	$ 400,000
Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Total	0	0
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Total	$ 448	$ 710

Long-Term Debt - Components o62

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Mar. 08, 2010
Components of long-term debt
Unamortized discount	$ 300
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Unamortized discount	$ 309	$ 471
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	8.25%		8.25%
Debt instrument maturity period	Mar. 1, 2018
LIBOR-Based Borrowings [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Debt instrument maturity period	Dec. 31, 2018
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.25%
Base Rate Borrowings [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.25%
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR-Based Borrowings [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.25%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate Borrowings [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.25%
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR-Based Borrowings [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.75%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate Borrowings [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.75%

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)

Nov. 09, 2015

Mar. 01, 2015

Feb. 13, 2012

Nov. 30, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

Mar. 28, 2015

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 26, 2015

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 05, 2013

Mar. 08, 2010

Components of long-term debt

Debt, aggregate principal amount

$ 400,139,000

$ 450,239,000

Non-cash charge

537,000

1,731,000

$ 0

Subsequent Events [Member] | 6.125% Senior Notes Due in November 2023 [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt, aggregate principal amount

$ 400,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage

6.125%

Senior notes due date

2023-11

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Non-cash charge

$ 1,700,000

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt, aggregate principal amount

$ 0

0

Credit facility, additional borrowings available

$ 200,000,000

Credit facility, maturity date

Dec. 5, 2018

Borrowings outstanding

$ 0

Letters of credit outstanding

0

Other letters of credit outstanding

$ 6,000,000

Debt interest terms

Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at an index based on LIBOR or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (defined as the highest of (a) the SunTrust prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%), plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company’s total outstanding borrowings. Such applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings fluctuates between 1.25%-1.75% (and was 1.25% at September 26, 2015) and such applicable margin for Base Rate borrowings fluctuates between 0.25%-0.75% (and was 0.25% at September 26, 2015).

Borrowing availability

$ 307,000,000

Credit facility, base rate computation, option third description

One-month LIBOR plus 1.00%), plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company's total outstanding borrowings.

Credit facility, base rate computation, option first description

SunTrust prime rate

Credit facility, base rate computation, option second description

Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%

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

Debt issuance cost

$ 3,100,000

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | Base Rate Borrowings [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility

0.25%

Applicable interest rate on the credit facility

3.50%

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | LIBOR-Based Borrowings [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Senior subordinated notes due date

Dec. 31, 2018

Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility

1.25%

Applicable interest rate on the credit facility

1.40%

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate Borrowings [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility

0.25%

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | LIBOR-Based Borrowings [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility

1.25%

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate Borrowings [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility

0.75%

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | LIBOR-Based Borrowings [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility

1.75%

Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.25% to 1.75% or Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.25% to 0.75%, Final Maturity December 2018 [Member] | Asset-based Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Credit facility, maximum principal amount

$ 390,000,000

Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt, aggregate principal amount

$ 399,691,000

$ 449,529,000

$ 400,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage

8.25%

8.25%

Senior subordinated notes due date

Mar. 1, 2018

Notes issue price percentage

98.501%

Debt, redemption of principal amount

$ 50,000,000

$ 50,000,000

Redemption date of senior subordinated notes

Mar. 1, 2015

Debt redemption price percentage

102.063%

102.063%

Charge recognized during debt redemption

$ 1,600,000

Debt redemption terms

The Company could redeem some or all of the remaining 2018 Notes at any time after March 1, 2015 for 102.063% and on or after March 1, 2016 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Events [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage

8.25%

Senior subordinated notes due date

Mar. 1, 2018

Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | March 2015 [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt redemption price percentage

102.063%

Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | March 2016 [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt redemption price percentage

100.00%

Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | Upon Change Of Control [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Debt redemption price percentage

101.00%

Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Interest at Alternate Base Rate Plus a Margin of 0.75% to 1.75%, or LIBOR Plus a Margin of 1.75% to 2.75%, Final Maturity June 2016 [Member]

Components of long-term debt

Additional issuance amount on senior notes

$ 50,000,000

Issuance price of additional senior subordinated notes

2018 Notes at a price of 98.501%, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2011, in a private placement.

Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Prin

Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Principal Repayments on Long-Term Debt (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 291
2,017	110
2,018	400,030
2,019	5
2,020	12
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 400,448

Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Pr65

Long-Term Debt - Scheduled Principal Repayments on Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unamortized portion of discount on Senior Subordinated Notes	$ 0.3

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 6,000
Restricted cash	13,157	$ 14,283
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2016	111,100
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2017	39,200
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2018	24,400
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2019	15,400
Estimated annual purchase commitments for fiscal 2020	6,800
Estimated annual purchase commitments for thereafter	$ 1,400
Minimum operating lease agreement terms	1 year
Maximum operating lease agreement terms	7 years
Operating lease rental expense	$ 23,100	$ 21,300	$ 22,400

Commitments and Contingencies67

Commitments and Contingencies - Aggregate Minimum Annual Payments on Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 19,163
2,017	16,031
2,018	9,470
2,019	7,959
2,020	4,487
Thereafter	1,025
Total	$ 58,135

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 2,301	$ (329)	$ 52
State	643	873	958
Foreign	25	0	0
Total	2,969	544	1,010
Deferred:
Federal	14,843	4,171	(2,915)
State	625	177	(687)
Foreign	98	(847)	0
Total	15,566	3,501	(3,602)
Total	$ 18,535	$ 4,045	$ (2,592)

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. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
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%	(5.20%)
Other permanent differences	(0.50%)	0.20%	2.40%
Adjustment of prior year accruals	(0.50%)	(0.20%)	1.80%
Uncertain tax positions	0.00%	0.40%	3.70%
Credits	(0.30%)	(1.60%)	(29.30%)
Change in valuation allowances	0.00%	(5.40%)	(9.00%)
Foreign rate differential	(0.10%)	(1.30%)	(3.60%)
Effective income tax rate (benefit)	36.00%	29.20%	(74.20%)

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. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Current:
Allowance for doubtful accounts, Deferred Tax Assets	$ 7,054	$ 9,262
Inventory write-downs, Deferred Tax Assets	11,366	12,018
Prepaid expenses, Deferred Tax Assets	0	820
Nondeductible reserves, Deferred Tax Assets	936	1,420
State taxes, Deferred Tax Assets	0	0
Employee benefits, Deferred Tax Assets	9,411	7,816
Other, Deferred Tax Assets	2,754	3,233
Total, Current, Deferred Tax Assets	31,521	34,569
Noncurrent:
Depreciation and amortization, Deferred Tax Assets	0	0
Equity income, Deferred Tax Assets	0	0
State net operating loss carryforward, Deferred Tax Assets	5,032	5,167
Stock based compensation, Deferred Tax Assets	3,422	5,263
State credits, Deferred Tax Assets	2,348	2,352
Other, Deferred Tax Assets	2,463	7,281
Valuation allowance, Deferred Tax Assets	(6,205)	(6,215)
Total, Noncurrent, Deferred Tax Assets	7,060	13,848
Total, Deferred Tax Assets	38,581	48,417
Allowance for doubtful accounts, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Inventory write-downs, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Prepaid expenses, Deferred Tax Liabilities	651	0
Nondeductible reserves, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
State taxes, Deferred Tax Liabilities	385	165
Employee benefits, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Other, Deferred Tax Liabilities	0	0
Total, Current, Deferred Tax Liabilities	1,036	165
Depreciation and amortization, Deferred Tax Liabilities	52,415	46,458
Equity income, Deferred Tax Liabilities	305	127
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, Noncurrent, Deferred Tax Liabilities	52,720	46,585
Total, Deferred Tax Liabilities	$ 53,756	$ 46,750

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
State tax net operating losses	$ 101,500,000
Foreign losses	1,000,000
State income tax credits	3,600,000
Valuation allowances	$ 6,205,000	$ 6,215,000
Period of uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid	1 year
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	$ 100,000
Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
State tax net operating losses expiration year	2,035
State income tax credits expiration year	2,031
Accrued interest	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
State tax net operating losses expiration year	2,015
State income tax credits expiration year	2,015

Income Taxes - Activity Related

Income Taxes - Activity Related to Company's Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 87	$ 364
Increases related to prior year tax positions	55	264
Increases related to current year tax positions	20	14
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	0	(166)
Settlements	(9)	(388)
Decreases related to lapse of statute of limitations	(15)	(1)
Ending Balance	$ 138	$ 87

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granting of options	1,361,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of restricted stock	493,000	1,021,000	552,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 8.3	$ 7.7	$ 15.9
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	3.1	3	11.2
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	3.3	2.8	2.7
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | 401 (K) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1.9	$ 1.9	$ 2
2003 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, number of shares	5,800,000
2003 Plan [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
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 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, number of shares	5,800,000
Shares reserved for outstanding equity awards	1,500,000
Shares reserved for future awards	3,400,000
2003 Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, number of shares	19,734,982
Increased authorized shares for issuance	9,734,982
Shares reserved for outstanding equity awards	6,300,000
Shares reserved for future awards	10,300,000
Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granting of options	200,000
Director Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of restricted stock	20,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Ad74

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information 1 (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012USD ($)Employees	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)Installment$ / sharesshares	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 25, 2010	Sep. 26, 2009	Sep. 27, 2008	Sep. 29, 2012shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of affected employees | Employees	250
Percentage of shares covered by performance-based awards	20.00%
Recorded additional compensation cost	$ 0
Unvested options		$ 3,300,000
Options subject to performance based vesting criteria		$ 300,000
Dividend during expected term | $ / shares		$ 0
Stock Options [Member]
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 7 months 6 days	3 years 6 months	3 years 6 months
Stock price volatility		30.30%	34.30%	34.80%
Risk free interest rates		1.30%	1.60%	1.20%
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted | $ / shares		$ 2.51	$ 1.93	$ 1.72
Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 5,900,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,100,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options		$ 4,800,000
Nonvested stock options remaining weighted average vesting period		2 years
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding options to purchase common stock | $ / shares		$ 6.43	$ 6.43	$ 4.60
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding options to purchase common stock | $ / shares		$ 15	$ 16.23	$ 16.23
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options		$ 10,500,000
Nonvested stock options remaining weighted average vesting period		2 years
Restricted stock awards outstanding, shares | shares		1,550,000	1,609,000	894,000				785,000
Share based payment award vesting conditional period of employment		5 years
Bonus earned in vested shares		$ 6,400,000
Share based payment award, shares granted and vested | shares		570,000
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share | $ / shares		$ 10.55	$ 7.98	$ 9.26
Aggregate fair value as of the vesting date of restricted shares		$ 3,200,000	$ 1,700,000	$ 3,400,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of options granted					20.00%	60.00%	100.00%

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. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Outstanding, Number of Shares	9,213
Granted, Number of Shares	1,361
Exercised, Number of Shares	(2,389)
Cancelled or expired, Number of Shares	(1,928)
Ending Balance, Outstanding, Number of Shares	6,257	9,213
Exercisable, Number of Shares	2,910	5,205	6,409
Expected to vest, Number of Shares	2,783
Beginning Balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	$ 10.35
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	10.58
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	8.86
Cancelled or expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	11.86
Ending Balance, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	10.51	$ 10.35
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	10.74	$ 10.81	$ 11.21
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price per share	$ 10.32
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 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	$ 38,663	$ 1,895
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	17,226	$ 390	$ 770
Expected to Vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 17,822

Stock-Based Compensation - Su76

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Award Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Awards [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Nonvested, Number of Shares	1,609	894	785
Granted, Number of Shares	493	1,021	552
Vested, Number of Shares	(331)	(226)	(354)
Forfeited, Number of Shares	(221)	(80)	(89)
Ending Balance, Nonvested, Number of Shares	1,550	1,609	894
Beginning Balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$ 8.43	$ 9.35	$ 9.53
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	10.55	7.98	9.26
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	8.63	9.92	9.60
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	8.84	8.93	9.37
Ending Balance, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share	$ 9	$ 8.43	$ 9.35

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)$ / Voting_Rights$ / sharesshares	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 28, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2011USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock | $	$ 15,124,000	$ 2,000	$ 1,503,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized amount to repurchase stock | $				$ 100,000,000
Repurchase of common stock | $	$ 15,100,000
Aggregate stock repurchased shares | shares	7,900,000
Aggregate stock repurchased value | $	$ 65,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock authorized | shares	80,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares	11,908,317
Repurchase of common stock | $	$ 5,000	0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock authorized | shares	100,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares	36,462,299
Repurchase of common stock | $	$ 12,000	$ 0	1,000
Class B Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock authorized | shares	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding | shares	1,652,262	1,652,262
Percentage of vote cast for shares	49.00%
Convertible shares conversion ratio	1
Repurchase of common stock | $	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member] | Class B Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of voting powers | $ / Voting_Rights	10
Minimum [Member] | Class B Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of voting powers | $ / Voting_Rights	1

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. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic, Net Income									$ 31,971	$ 8,804	$ (1,929)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted, Net Income									$ 31,971	$ 8,804	$ (1,929)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic, Shares	48,322	48,167	48,384	49,379	49,324	49,148	48,688	48,368	48,562	48,880	48,094
Options to purchase common stock, Shares									520	69	0
Restricted shares, Shares									556	448	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted, Shares	48,322	49,290	49,439	49,379	49,324	49,841	49,116	48,368	49,638	49,397	48,094
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic, Per Share	$ (0.09)	$ 0.39	$ 0.48	$ (0.12)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.10	$ 0.43	$ (0.26)	$ 0.66	$ 0.18	$ (0.04)
Options to purchase common stock, Per Share									(0.01)	0	0
Restricted shares, Per Share									(0.01)	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted, Per Share	$ (0.09)	$ 0.38	$ 0.47	$ (0.12)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.09	$ 0.43	$ (0.26)	$ 0.64	$ 0.18	$ (0.04)

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock outstanding, not included in computation of diluted earnings per share	3.2	9.7	10.4

Quarterly Financial Data - Un80

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 386,369	$ 459,446	$ 497,602	$ 307,320	$ 374,238	$ 437,987	$ 501,611	$ 290,521	$ 1,650,737	$ 1,604,357	$ 1,653,633
Gross profit	107,972	142,037	150,062	87,981	107,556	119,131	147,596	79,741	488,052	454,024	463,902
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ (4,369)	$ 18,800	$ 23,237	$ (5,697)	$ (4,070)	$ 4,687	$ 20,895	$ (12,708)	$ 31,971	$ 8,804	$ (1,929)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$ (0.09)	$ 0.39	$ 0.48	$ (0.12)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.10	$ 0.43	$ (0.26)	$ 0.66	$ 0.18	$ (0.04)
Diluted	$ (0.09)	$ 0.38	$ 0.47	$ (0.12)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.09	$ 0.43	$ (0.26)	$ 0.64	$ 0.18	$ (0.04)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	48,322	48,167	48,384	49,379	49,324	49,148	48,688	48,368	48,562	48,880	48,094
Diluted	48,322	49,290	49,439	49,379	49,324	49,841	49,116	48,368	49,638	49,397	48,094

Quarterly Financial Data - Un81

Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-cash impairment charge to indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 7,300,000			$ 7,300,000	$ 0	$ 0
Charge related to new products					$ 16,900,000	$ 11,200,000
Gain on sale of manufacturing plant assets		$ 2,900,000	$ 2,000,000

Transactions with Related Par82

Transactions with Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) - Contract Packaging, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
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	$ 0.6
Tech Pac [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases products from related party	$ 35.2	$ 30.8	$ 32.5

Business Segment Data - Additio

Business Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015Segment
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. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 386,369	$ 459,446	$ 497,602	$ 307,320	$ 374,238	$ 437,987	$ 501,611	$ 290,521	$ 1,650,737	$ 1,604,357	$ 1,653,633
Pet supplies (excluding wild bird feed) [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									827,700	774,200	807,400
Garden controls and fertilizer products [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									286,300	262,500	274,900
Wild bird feed [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									193,200	202,100	210,800
Other garden supplies [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									181,400	182,500	183,500
Grass seed [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 162,100	$ 183,100	$ 177,000

Business Segment Data - Financi

Business Segment Data - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 386,369	$ 459,446	$ 497,602	$ 307,320	$ 374,238	$ 437,987	$ 501,611	$ 290,521	$ 1,650,737	$ 1,604,357	$ 1,653,633
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations									91,435	56,213	40,155
Interest expense									(40,027)	(42,844)	(43,112)
Interest income									129	94	142
Other income (expense)									13	403	(677)
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest									51,550	13,866	(3,492)
Income tax expense (benefit)									18,535	4,045	(2,592)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest									33,015	9,821	(900)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest									1,044	1,017	1,029
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(4,369)	$ 18,800	$ 23,237	$ (5,697)	(4,070)	$ 4,687	$ 20,895	$ (12,708)	31,971	8,804	(1,929)
Assets:
Total assets	1,134,754				1,148,727				1,134,754	1,148,727	1,161,160
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									33,703	35,781	32,968
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets									22,030	17,173	25,172
Operating Segments [Member] | Pet Segment [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									894,549	845,505	888,228
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations									98,798	88,077	95,451
Assets:
Total assets	465,171				414,279				465,171	414,279	425,988
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									15,885	17,256	15,753
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets									17,060	8,561	9,694
Operating Segments [Member] | Garden Segment [Member]
Net sales:
Net sales									756,188	758,852	765,405
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations									60,145	41,020	8,286
Assets:
Total assets	310,981				337,461				310,981	337,461	388,581
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									5,988	6,793	6,410
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets									2,432	5,541	7,496
Corporate [Member]
Income (loss) from operations:
Income (loss) from operations									(67,508)	(72,884)	(63,582)
Assets:
Total assets	$ 358,602				$ 396,987				358,602	396,987	346,591
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization									11,830	11,732	10,805
Expenditures for long-lived assets:
Expenditures for long-lived assets									$ 2,538	$ 3,071	$ 7,982

Business Segment Data - Finan86

Business Segment Data - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment charge	$ 7,300,000	$ 7,300,000	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill impairment				7,709,000
Charge related to new products			16,900,000	$ 11,200,000
Gain from sale of manufacturing plant assets			$ 4,900,000

Consolidating Condensed Finan87

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Collective ownership percentage on guarantor subsidiaries	100.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Senior subordinated notes, maturity year	2,018

Consolidating Condensed Stateme

Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 386,369	$ 459,446	$ 497,602	$ 307,320	$ 374,238	$ 437,987	$ 501,611	$ 290,521	$ 1,650,737	$ 1,604,357	$ 1,653,633
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									1,162,685	1,150,333	1,189,731
Gross profit	107,972	142,037	150,062	87,981	107,556	119,131	147,596	79,741	488,052	454,024	463,902
Selling, general and administrative expenses									396,617	397,811	423,747
Income (loss) from operations									91,435	56,213	40,155
Interest expense									(40,027)	(42,844)	(43,112)
Interest income									129	94	142
Other income (expense)									13	403	(677)
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									51,550	13,866	(3,492)
Income tax expense (benefit)									18,535	4,045	(2,592)
Equity in earnings of affiliates									0	0	0
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest									33,015	9,821	(900)
Noncontrolling interest									1,044	1,017	1,029
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ (4,369)	$ 18,800	$ 23,237	$ (5,697)	$ (4,070)	$ 4,687	$ 20,895	$ (12,708)	31,971	8,804	(1,929)
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									494,143	460,781	453,001
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									387,632	370,492	364,120
Gross profit									106,511	90,289	88,881
Selling, general and administrative expenses									126,223	117,240	127,644
Income (loss) from operations									(19,712)	(26,951)	(38,763)
Interest expense									(39,893)	(42,742)	(42,925)
Interest income									126	92	140
Other income (expense)									(372)	186	(250)
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									(59,851)	(69,415)	(81,798)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(21,562)	(26,962)	(46,789)
Equity in earnings of affiliates									70,260	51,257	33,080
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest									31,971	8,804	(1,929)
Noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									31,971	8,804	(1,929)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									100,127	109,453	88,822
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									76,597	87,028	73,068
Gross profit									23,530	22,425	15,754
Selling, general and administrative expenses									18,329	18,230	19,340
Income (loss) from operations									5,201	4,195	(3,586)
Interest expense									(268)	(218)	(263)
Interest income									3	2	2
Other income (expense)									407	583	398
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									5,343	4,562	(3,449)
Income tax expense (benefit)									2,089	756	(2,567)
Equity in earnings of affiliates									0	0	0
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest									3,254	3,806	(882)
Noncontrolling interest									1,044	1,017	1,029
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									2,210	2,789	(1,911)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,136,958	1,103,926	1,186,328
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									773,369	757,217	821,524
Gross profit									363,589	346,709	364,804
Selling, general and administrative expenses									257,643	267,740	282,300
Income (loss) from operations									105,946	78,969	82,504
Interest expense									134	116	76
Interest income									0	0	0
Other income (expense)									(22)	(366)	(825)
Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates									106,058	78,719	81,755
Income tax expense (benefit)									38,008	30,251	46,764
Equity in earnings of affiliates									2,445	1,506	(2,561)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest									70,495	49,974	32,430
Noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									70,495	49,974	32,430
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(80,491)	(69,803)	(74,518)
Cost of goods sold and occupancy									(74,913)	(64,404)	(68,981)
Gross profit									(5,578)	(5,399)	(5,537)
Selling, general and administrative expenses									(5,578)	(5,399)	(5,537)
Income (loss) from operations									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 (benefit)									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates									(72,705)	(52,763)	(30,519)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest									(72,705)	(52,763)	(30,519)
Noncontrolling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company									$ (72,705)	$ (52,763)	$ (30,519)

Consolidating Condensed State89

Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 33,015	$ 9,821	$ (900)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities	(10)	(10)	0
Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income	20	0	0
Foreign currency translation	(1,078)	(200)	(97)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	31,947	9,611	(997)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,044	1,017	1,029
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	30,903	8,594	(2,026)
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	31,971	8,804	(1,929)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities	(10)	(10)
Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income	20
Foreign currency translation	(1,078)	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	30,903	8,794	(1,929)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	30,903	8,794	(1,929)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	3,254	3,806	(882)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities	0	0
Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income	0
Foreign currency translation	(537)	(200)	(97)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	2,717	3,606	(979)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,044	1,017	1,029
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	1,673	2,589	(2,008)
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	70,495	49,974	32,430
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities		0
Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income	0
Foreign currency translation	(380)	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	70,115	49,974	32,430
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	70,115	49,974	32,430
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	(72,705)	(52,763)	(30,519)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on securities		0
Reclassification of realized loss on securities included in net income	0
Foreign currency translation	917	0	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(71,788)	(52,763)	(30,519)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ (71,788)	$ (52,763)	$ (30,519)

Consolidating Condensed Balance

Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 29, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,584	$ 78,676	$ 15,156	$ 48,475
Restricted cash	13,157	14,283
Short term investments	0	9,990
Accounts receivable, net	207,402	193,729
Inventories	335,946	326,386
Prepaid expenses and other assets	49,731	48,488
Total current assets	653,820	671,552
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	162,809	166,849
Goodwill	209,089	208,233	205,756	210,223
Other long term assets	109,036	102,093
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total	1,134,754	1,148,727	1,161,160
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	88,889	88,428
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	87,724	84,670
Current portion of long term debt	291	291
Total current liabilities	176,904	173,098
Long-term debt	399,848	449,948
Intercompany payable	0	0
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term obligations	51,622	39,228
Shareholders' equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	505,286	484,723
Noncontrolling interest	1,094	1,730
Total equity	506,380	486,453	470,024	464,883
Total	1,134,754	1,148,727
Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	37,131	63,471	5,438	39,269
Restricted cash	13,157	14,283
Short term investments		9,990
Accounts receivable, net	51,376	41,235
Inventories	101,952	79,199
Prepaid expenses and other assets	23,807	26,092
Total current assets	227,423	234,270
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	53,044	63,059
Goodwill	0	0
Other long term assets	33,988	25,230
Intercompany receivable	10,311	16,906
Investment in subsidiaries	1,052,755	983,413
Total	1,377,521	1,322,878
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	23,544	28,937
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	39,680	34,412
Current portion of long term debt	261
Total current liabilities	63,485	63,349
Long-term debt	399,783	449,855
Intercompany payable	407,197	323,315
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term obligations	1,770	1,636
Shareholders' equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	505,286	484,723
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	505,286	484,723
Total	1,377,521	1,322,878
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	10,022	12,806	7,003	5,393
Restricted cash	0	0
Short term investments		0
Accounts receivable, net	6,775	8,268
Inventories	11,690	15,210
Prepaid expenses and other assets	848	816
Total current assets	29,335	37,100
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	3,663	3,649
Goodwill	0	0
Other long term assets	3,662	4,244
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total	36,660	44,993
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	2,543	3,542
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,789	1,868
Current portion of long term debt	0
Total current liabilities	4,332	5,410
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payable	43,441	45,014
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term obligations	0	0
Shareholders' equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	(12,207)	(7,161)
Noncontrolling interest	1,094	1,730
Total equity	(11,113)	(5,431)
Total	36,660	44,993
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	431	2,399	2,715	3,813
Restricted cash	0	0
Short term investments		0
Accounts receivable, net	149,251	144,226
Inventories	222,304	231,977
Prepaid expenses and other assets	25,076	21,580
Total current assets	397,062	400,182
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net	106,102	100,141
Goodwill	209,089	208,233
Other long term assets	77,519	83,713
Intercompany receivable	440,327	351,423
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total	1,230,099	1,143,692
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	62,802	55,949
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	46,255	48,390
Current portion of long term debt	30
Total current liabilities	109,087	104,339
Long-term debt	65	93
Intercompany payable	0	0
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	11,867	7,594
Other long-term obligations	55,985	48,686
Shareholders' equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	1,053,095	982,980
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	1,053,095	982,980
Total	1,230,099	1,143,692
Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted cash	0	0
Short term investments		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	(6,133)	(11,094)
Intercompany receivable	(450,638)	(368,329)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,052,755)	(983,413)
Total	(1,509,526)	(1,362,836)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	0	0
Current portion of long term debt	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Intercompany payable	(450,638)	(368,329)
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	(11,867)	(7,594)
Other long-term obligations	(6,133)	(11,094)
Shareholders' equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet	(1,040,888)	(975,819)
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	(1,040,888)	(975,819)
Total	$ (1,509,526)	$ (1,362,836)

Consolidating Condensed State91

Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	$ 87,449	$ 126,467	$ (28,282)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(22,030)	(17,173)	(25,172)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	(38,384)	(20,282)	(4,835)
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment		8,737
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,126	(14,283)	0
Maturities of short term investments	9,997	17,820	4,885
Investment in short term investments	(17)	(10,000)	0
Other investing activities	(546)	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	0	0	0
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(49,854)	(35,181)	(25,122)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(312,000)	(301,000)	(368,000)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	312,000	278,000	391,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(50,289)	(367)	(332)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	200	1,165	613
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	2,154	498	388
Repurchase of common stock	(18,497)	(2,332)	(2,731)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(258)	(3,090)	0
Distribution to parent	0	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,680)	(633)	(629)
Intercompany financing activities	0	0	0
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(68,370)	(27,759)	20,309
Effect of exchange rates on cash	(317)	(7)	(224)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(31,092)	63,520	(33,319)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	78,676	15,156	48,475
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	47,584	78,676	15,156
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	(18,948)	(4,139)	(31,250)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(2,687)	(6,721)	(8,656)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	(38,384)	0	0
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment		0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,126	(14,283)
Maturities of short term investments	9,997	17,820	4,885
Investment in short term investments	(17)	(10,000)
Other investing activities	(546)
Intercompany investing activities	6,595	(6,726)	8,986
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(23,916)	(19,910)	5,215
Repayments on revolving line of credit	(312,000)	(301,000)	(368,000)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	312,000	278,000	391,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(50,262)	(243)	(206)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	200	1,165	613
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	2,154	498	388
Repurchase of common stock	(18,497)	(2,332)	(2,731)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(258)	(3,090)
Distribution to parent	0	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	83,884	109,057	(28,896)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	17,221	82,055	(7,832)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	(697)	27	36
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(26,340)	58,033	(33,831)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	63,471	5,438	39,269
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	37,131	63,471	5,438
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	7,372	7,420	(11,632)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(405)	(1,027)	(337)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment		0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Maturities of short term investments	0	0	0
Investment in short term investments	0	0
Other investing activities	0
Intercompany investing activities	0	0	0
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(405)	(1,027)	(337)
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
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Distribution to parent	(6,719)	(2,534)	(2,516)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(1,680)	(633)	(629)
Intercompany financing activities	(1,574)	2,595	16,987
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(9,973)	(572)	13,842
Effect of exchange rates on cash	222	(18)	(263)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2,784)	5,803	1,610
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	12,806	7,003	5,393
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	10,022	12,806	7,003
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	105,744	125,720	17,116
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(18,938)	(9,425)	(16,179)
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	0	(20,282)	(4,835)
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment		8,737
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Maturities of short term investments	0	0	0
Investment in short term investments	0	0
Other investing activities	0
Intercompany investing activities	(88,905)	(104,926)	2,923
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(107,843)	(125,896)	(18,091)
Repayments on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(27)	(124)	(126)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
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 provided (used) by financing activities	(27)	(124)	(126)
Effect of exchange rates on cash	158	(16)	3
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,968)	(316)	(1,098)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,399	2,715	3,813
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	431	2,399	2,715
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	(6,719)	(2,534)	(2,516)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment		0
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Maturities of short term investments	0	0	0
Investment in short term investments	0	0
Other investing activities	0
Intercompany investing activities	82,310	111,652	(11,909)
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	82,310	111,652	(11,909)
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
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Distribution to parent	6,719	2,534	2,516
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	(82,310)	(111,652)	11,909
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	(75,591)	(109,118)	14,425
Effect of exchange rates on cash	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) 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

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2015	Nov. 09, 2015	Nov. 30, 2015	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Mar. 08, 2010
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount					$ 400,139	$ 450,239
Non-cash charge					537	1,731	$ 0
Interest expense					40,027	42,844	$ 43,112
Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount					$ 399,691	$ 449,529		$ 400,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage					8.25%			8.25%
Senior subordinated notes due date					Mar. 1, 2018
March 28, 2015 [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Charge recognized during debt redemption				$ 8,300
Non-cash charge				$ 3,200
Subsequent Events [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes, Net of Unamortized Discount, Interest at 8.25%, Payable Semi-annually, Principal Due March 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage			8.25%
Senior subordinated notes due date			Mar. 1, 2018
Interest expense			$ 2,800
One-time payment of overlapping interest expense period			30 days
Subsequent Events [Member] | National Consumers Outdoors Corp [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cost of acquisition	$ 61,000
Subsequent Events [Member] | 6.125% Senior Notes Due in November 2023 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount		$ 400,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage		6.125%
Senior notes due date		2023-11
Amount annual interest expense is reduced by			$ 8,500