Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Dec. 30, 2012	Feb. 04, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	HRG
Entity Registrant Name	HARBINGER GROUP INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000109177
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		143,147,896

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Investments:
Fixed maturities	$ 16,476.6	$ 16,088.9
Equity securities	312.1	394.9
Derivative investments	156.4	200.7
Asset-backed loans	204.8	180.1
Other invested assets	66.6	53.8
Total investments	17,216.5	16,918.4
Cash and cash equivalents	1,103.7	1,470.7
Receivables, net	566.7	414.4
Inventories, net	679.2	452.6
Accrued investment income	153.0	191.6
Reinsurance recoverable	2,378.5	2,363.1
Deferred tax assets	189.0	312.7
Properties, net	328.0	221.6
Goodwill	1,421.3	694.2
Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,475.7	1,988.5
Other assets	347.2	172.6
Total assets	26,858.8	25,200.4
Insurance reserves:
Contractholder funds	15,349.0	15,290.4
Future policy benefits	3,592.3	3,614.8
Liability for policy and contract claims	99.7	91.1
Total insurance reserves	19,041.0	18,996.3
Debt	3,917.8	2,167.0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	736.2	754.2
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	163.1	232.0
Employee benefit obligations	100.2	95.1
Deferred tax liabilities	492.3	382.4
Other liabilities	416.8	655.3
Total liabilities	24,867.4	23,282.3
Commitments and contingencies
Temporary equity:
Redeemable preferred stock	323.0	319.2
Harbinger Group Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1.4	1.4
Additional paid-in capital	848.3	861.2
Accumulated deficit	(36.4)	(98.2)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	403.3	413.2
Total Harbinger Group Inc. stockholders' equity	1,216.6	1,177.6
Noncontrolling interest	451.8	421.3
Total permanent equity	1,668.4	1,598.9
Total liabilities and equity	$ 26,858.8	$ 25,200.4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Revenues:
Net consumer product sales	$ 870.3	$ 848.8
Insurance premiums	13.8	16.8
Net investment income	178.0	186.8
Net investment gains	146.5	103.9
Insurance and investment product fees and other	13.7	9.7
Total revenues	1,222.3	1,166.0
Operating costs and expenses:
Consumer products cost of goods sold	582.1	564.7
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	83.6	176.9
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	254.6	255.9
Amortization of intangibles	86.6	56.7
Total operating costs and expenses	1,006.9	1,054.2
Operating income	215.4	111.8
Interest expense	(143.1)	(55.9)
Gain from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	68.9	27.9
Other (expense) income, net	(8.7)	1.2
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	132.5	85.0
Income tax expense	64.4	39.5
Net income	68.1	45.5
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(6.0)	6.0
Net income attributable to controlling interest	74.1	39.5
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion	12.1	15.7
Net income attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$ 62.0	$ 23.8
Net income per common share attributable to controlling interest:
Basic	$ 0.31	$ 0.12
Diluted	$ 0.03	$ 0.06

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Net income	$ 68.1	$ 45.5
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	2.7	(14.9)
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments	0.3	2.1
Actuarial adjustments to pension plans	(0.3)	0.3
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Changes in unrealized investment gains before reclassification adjustment	126.3	76.3
Net reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(172.0)	(69.1)
Changes in unrealized investment gains after reclassification adjustment	(45.7)	7.2
Adjustments to intangible assets	28.0	5.3
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability	6.2	(4.4)
Net unrealized gain on investments	(11.5)	8.1
Non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment:
Changes in non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment		(0.9)
Adjustments to intangible assets		0.3
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability		0.2
Net non-credit related other than-temporary impairment		(0.4)
Net change to derive comprehensive income (loss) for the period	(8.8)	(4.8)
Comprehensive income	59.3	40.7
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest:
Net income	(6.0)	6.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1.3	(5.7)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(4.7)	0.3
Comprehensive income attributable to the controlling interest	$ 64.0	$ 40.4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 68.1	$ 45.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows:
Depreciation of properties	11.6	10.0
Amortization of intangibles	86.6	56.7
Stock-based compensation	6.5	4.5
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2.6	2.4
Amortization of debt discount	0.2	0.3
Write-off of debt issuance costs on retired debt	15.5
Write-off of debt discount on retired debt	3.0
Deferred income taxes	129.7	41.2
Cost of trading securities acquired for resale		(348.5)
Proceeds from trading securities sold		415.9
Interest credited/index credits to contractholder account balances	55.9	137.9
Amortization of fixed maturity discounts and premiums	13.2	24.5
Net recognized gains on investments and derivatives	(207.8)	(133.9)
Charges assessed to contractholders for mortality and administration	(6.8)	(3.1)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(35.7)	(39.8)
Cash transferred to reinsurer		(176.8)
Non-cash increase to cost of goods sold due to the sale of HHI Business acquisition inventory	5.2
Non-cash restructuring and related charges	4.9	0.6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	(328.2)	(41.9)
Net change in cash due to operating activities	(175.5)	(4.5)
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid
Available-for-sale	2,913.4	1,605.9
Held-to-maturity		70.9
Trading (acquired for holding)	91.0	21.4
Derivatives and other	50.3	41.5
Cost of investments acquired
Available-for-sale	(3,395.1)	(536.6)
Held-to-maturity		(30.0)
Trading (acquired for holding)		(54.1)
Derivatives and other	(45.3)	(33.8)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(1,295.9)	(183.1)
Asset-backed loans originated, net	(26.2)
Capital expenditures	(10.7)	(10.9)
Other investing activities, net	(100.0)	(0.1)
Net change in cash due to investing activities	(1,818.5)	891.1
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of new debt	2,585.0	218.4
Repayment of debt, including tender and call premiums	(917.1)	(97.2)
Revolving credit facility activity	32.0	11.4
Debt issuance costs	(62.8)	(4.0)
Purchases of subsidiary stock, net	(16.0)	(12.8)
Contractholder account deposits	491.5	611.3
Contractholder account withdrawals	(475.6)	(540.8)
Dividend paid by subsidiary to noncontrolling interest	(1.0)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(8.3)	(7.1)
Net change in cash due to financing activities	1,627.7	179.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.7)	1.6
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(367.0)	1,067.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,470.7	1,137.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,103.7	$ 2,204.8

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2012

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

(1) Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Description of the Business

Harbinger Group Inc. (“HGI” and, collectively with its respective subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a diversified holding company, the outstanding common stock of which is 76.7% and 74.6% owned, respectively, as of December 30, 2012 and the date of this filing, collectively, by Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. (the “Master Fund”), Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (together, the “Principal Stockholders”), not giving effect to the conversion rights of the Company’s Series A Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) or the Series A-2 Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A-2 Preferred Stock”, together the “Preferred Stock”). Such common stock ownership by the Principal Stockholders represents a voting interest of 57.2% in relation to the existing voting rights of all HGI’s common and preferred stockholders. HGI’s shares of common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “HRG.”

HGI is focused on obtaining controlling equity stakes in companies that operate across a diversified set of industries and growing acquired businesses. As such, the Company has gained controlling interests in Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, where applicable, “Spectrum Brands”), Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“FGL”) and Salus Capital Partners, LLC (“Salus”). As of December 30, 2012, the Company’s beneficial ownership of the outstanding common stock of Spectrum Brands was 57.4%. Spectrum Brands is a global branded consumer products company which trades on the NYSE under the symbol “SPB.” FGL, a wholly-owned subsidiary, is a provider of annuity and life insurance products in the United States of America. Salus is a provider of secured asset-based loans to entities across a variety of industries.

In addition to acquiring controlling interests, HGI may make investments in debt instruments, acquire minority equity interests in companies and expand its operating businesses. The Company also owns 97.9% of Zap.Com Corporation (“Zap.Com”), a public shell company that may seek assets or businesses to acquire or may sell assets and/or liquidate.

In November, the Company announced a joint venture with EXCO Resources Inc. (“EXCO”) to create a private oil and gas limited partnership (the “EXCO/HGI Partnership”) that will purchase and operate EXCO’s producing U.S. conventional oil and gas assets, for a total consideration of $725.0 million (the “EXCO/HGI Production Partners Acquisition”). The Partnership will constitute the Company’s initial operating business in the energy sector.

In December 2012, the Company closed a secondary offering, in which the Principal Stockholders offered 20.0 million shares of common stock at a price to the public of $7.50 per share. In addition, in January 2013, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 3.0 million shares of common stock from the Principal Stockholders. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares in this offering.

In December 2012, the Company issued $700.0 aggregate principal amount 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “7.875% Notes”) and used part of the proceeds of the offering to accept for purchase $498.0 aggregate principal amount of its 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “10.625% Notes”) pursuant to a tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) for the 10.625% Notes. Additionally, the Company deposited sufficient funds in trust with the trustee under the indenture governing the 10.625% Notes in satisfaction and discharge of the remaining $2.0 aggregate principal amount of the 10.625% Notes. The remainder of the proceeds will be used for working capital by the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes, including the financing of future acquisitions and businesses.

In December, Spectrum Brands acquired the residential hardware and home improvement business (the “HHI Business”) from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (“Stanley Black & Decker”), which includes (i) the equity interests of certain subsidiaries of Stanley Black & Decker engaged in the business and (ii) certain assets of Stanley Black & Decker used or held for use in connection with the business (the “Hardware Acquisition”). The HHI Business has a broad portfolio of recognized brands names, including Kwikset, Weiser, Baldwin, National Hardware, Stanley, FANAL and Pfister, as well as patented technologies such as Smartkey, a rekeyable lockset technology, and Smart Code Home Connect. A portion of the Hardware Acquisition has not yet closed, consisting of the purchase of certain assets of Tong Lung Metal Industry Co. Ltd., a Taiwan Corporation (“TLM Taiwan”), which is involved in the production of residential locksets. For information pertaining to the Hardware Acquisition, see Note 13, Acquisitions.

Also in December 2012, Spectrum Brands Escrow Corp. issued $520.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “6.375% Notes”) and $570.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “6.625% Notes”). The 6.375% Notes and the 6.625% Notes were assumed by Spectrum Brands, in connection with the Hardware Acquisition. Spectrum Brands used the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the purchase price and related fees and expenses for the Hardware Acquisition. Spectrum Brands financed the remaining portion of the Hardware Acquisition with a new $800.0 term loan facility, of which $100.0 is in Canadian dollar equivalents (the “Term Loan”). A portion of the Term Loan proceeds were also used to refinance the former term loan facility, maturing June 17, 2016, which had an aggregate amount outstanding of $370.2 prior to refinancing. Refer to Note 6, Debt, as well as Note 13, Acquisitions, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how HGI’s management views those business activities. Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in three reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products through Spectrum Brands, (ii) Insurance through FGL and (iii) Other Financial Services. For the results of operations by segment, and other segment data, see Note 16, Segment Data.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of such information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures, including a description of significant accounting policies normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications and combinations had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 27, 2012 (the “Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the three months ended December 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent periods or the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” which amends current comprehensive income guidance. This accounting update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, comprehensive income must be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. A deferral of provisions of the guidance requiring disclosure of the income statement location were gains and losses reclassified out of comprehensive income are located was issued in December 2011. In November 2012, the FASB issued a statement of opinion to clarify their position on the reclassification disclosures, allowing disclosure of reclassification adjustments on the face of the comprehensive income statement or in the notes to the financial statements. The Company implemented the new guidance effective October 1, 2012, electing to present comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements, however the final disclosure requirements for reclassification adjustments are not effective until the second quarter of Fiscal 2013. The Company has implemented all required disclosures except the deferred reclassification provisions which will be implemented in the second quarter of Fiscal 2013.

Impairment Testing

Also effective October 1, 2012, the Company implemented new guidance intended to simplify how the Company tests for impairments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The guidance will allow the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company will no longer be required to calculate, respectively for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the fair value of a reporting unit, or the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset, unless the Company determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The Company will apply this new guidance upon its annual impairment analysis of its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, in August 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In December 2011, the FASB issued amended disclosure requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under US GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standards are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on the disclosures included in our consolidated financial statements.

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012
Description of the Business	*Description of the Business* Harbinger Group Inc. (“HGI” and, collectively with its respective subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a diversified holding company, the outstanding common stock of which is 76.7% and 74.6% owned, respectively, as of December 30, 2012 and the date of this filing, collectively, by Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd. (the “Master Fund”), Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (together, the “Principal Stockholders”), not giving effect to the conversion rights of the Company’s Series A Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) or the Series A-2 Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A-2 Preferred Stock”, together the “Preferred Stock”). Such common stock ownership by the Principal Stockholders represents a voting interest of 57.2% in relation to the existing voting rights of all HGI’s common and preferred stockholders. HGI’s shares of common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “HRG.” HGI is focused on obtaining controlling equity stakes in companies that operate across a diversified set of industries and growing acquired businesses. As such, the Company has gained controlling interests in Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, where applicable, “Spectrum Brands”), Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“FGL”) and Salus Capital Partners, LLC (“Salus”). As of December 30, 2012, the Company’s beneficial ownership of the outstanding common stock of Spectrum Brands was 57.4%. Spectrum Brands is a global branded consumer products company which trades on the NYSE under the symbol “SPB.” FGL, a wholly-owned subsidiary, is a provider of annuity and life insurance products in the United States of America. Salus is a provider of secured asset-based loans to entities across a variety of industries. In addition to acquiring controlling interests, HGI may make investments in debt instruments, acquire minority equity interests in companies and expand its operating businesses. The Company also owns 97.9% of Zap.Com Corporation (“Zap.Com”), a public shell company that may seek assets or businesses to acquire or may sell assets and/or liquidate. In November, the Company announced a joint venture with EXCO Resources Inc. (“EXCO”) to create a private oil and gas limited partnership (the “EXCO/HGI Partnership”) that will purchase and operate EXCO’s producing U.S. conventional oil and gas assets, for a total consideration of $725.0 million (the “EXCO/HGI Production Partners Acquisition”). The Partnership will constitute the Company’s initial operating business in the energy sector. In December 2012, the Company closed a secondary offering, in which the Principal Stockholders offered 20.0 million shares of common stock at a price to the public of $7.50 per share. In addition, in January 2013, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 3.0 million shares of common stock from the Principal Stockholders. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares in this offering. In December 2012, the Company issued $700.0 aggregate principal amount 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “7.875% Notes”) and used part of the proceeds of the offering to accept for purchase $498.0 aggregate principal amount of its 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the “10.625% Notes”) pursuant to a tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) for the 10.625% Notes. Additionally, the Company deposited sufficient funds in trust with the trustee under the indenture governing the 10.625% Notes in satisfaction and discharge of the remaining $2.0 aggregate principal amount of the 10.625% Notes. The remainder of the proceeds will be used for working capital by the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes, including the financing of future acquisitions and businesses. In December, Spectrum Brands acquired the residential hardware and home improvement business (the “HHI Business”) from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (“Stanley Black & Decker”), which includes (i) the equity interests of certain subsidiaries of Stanley Black & Decker engaged in the business and (ii) certain assets of Stanley Black & Decker used or held for use in connection with the business (the “Hardware Acquisition”). The HHI Business has a broad portfolio of recognized brands names, including Kwikset, Weiser, Baldwin, National Hardware, Stanley, FANAL and Pfister, as well as patented technologies such as Smartkey, a rekeyable lockset technology, and Smart Code Home Connect. A portion of the Hardware Acquisition has not yet closed, consisting of the purchase of certain assets of Tong Lung Metal Industry Co. Ltd., a Taiwan Corporation (“TLM Taiwan”), which is involved in the production of residential locksets. For information pertaining to the Hardware Acquisition, see Note 13, Acquisitions. Also in December 2012, Spectrum Brands Escrow Corp. issued $520.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “6.375% Notes”) and $570.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “6.625% Notes”). The 6.375% Notes and the 6.625% Notes were assumed by Spectrum Brands, in connection with the Hardware Acquisition. Spectrum Brands used the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the purchase price and related fees and expenses for the Hardware Acquisition. Spectrum Brands financed the remaining portion of the Hardware Acquisition with a new $800.0 term loan facility, of which $100.0 is in Canadian dollar equivalents (the “Term Loan”). A portion of the Term Loan proceeds were also used to refinance the former term loan facility, maturing June 17, 2016, which had an aggregate amount outstanding of $370.2 prior to refinancing. Refer to Note 6, Debt, as well as Note 13, Acquisitions, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how HGI’s management views those business activities. Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in three reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products through Spectrum Brands, (ii) Insurance through FGL and (iii) Other Financial Services. For the results of operations by segment, and other segment data, see Note 16, Segment Data.
Basis of Presentation	*Basis of Presentation* The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of such information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures, including a description of significant accounting policies normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications and combinations had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 27, 2012 (the “Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the three months ended December 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent periods or the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.
Presentation of Comprehensive Income	Presentation of Comprehensive Income In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” which amends current comprehensive income guidance. This accounting update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, comprehensive income must be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. A deferral of provisions of the guidance requiring disclosure of the income statement location were gains and losses reclassified out of comprehensive income are located was issued in December 2011. In November 2012, the FASB issued a statement of opinion to clarify their position on the reclassification disclosures, allowing disclosure of reclassification adjustments on the face of the comprehensive income statement or in the notes to the financial statements. The Company implemented the new guidance effective October 1, 2012, electing to present comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements, however the final disclosure requirements for reclassification adjustments are not effective until the second quarter of Fiscal 2013. The Company has implemented all required disclosures except the deferred reclassification provisions which will be implemented in the second quarter of Fiscal 2013.
Impairment Testing	Impairment Testing Also effective October 1, 2012, the Company implemented new guidance intended to simplify how the Company tests for impairments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The guidance will allow the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company will no longer be required to calculate, respectively for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the fair value of a reporting unit, or the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset, unless the Company determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The Company will apply this new guidance upon its annual impairment analysis of its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, in August 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities In December 2011, the FASB issued amended disclosure requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under US GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standards are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on the disclosures included in our consolidated financial statements.
Financial Instruments	The Company’s measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which may include the Company’s own credit risk. The Company’s estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (“entry price”). The Company categorizes financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows: Level 1 — Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date. Level 2 — Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads and yield curves. Level 3 — Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lower level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. However, Level 3 fair value investments may include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 inputs, observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
Earnings Per Share	The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies with complex capital structures, such as having two (or more) classes of securities that participate in declared dividends to calculate earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) utilizing the two-class method. As the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends with common stock on an as-converted basis, the Preferred Stock has the right to participate in undistributed earnings and must therefore be considered under the two-class method.

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended						1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended					1 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 EXCO/HGI Partnership [Member] USD ($)	Feb. 07, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member]	Dec. 14, 2012 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2012 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Former term loan facility [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Zap Com Corporation [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020 [Member]	Nov. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022 [Member]	Nov. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] CAD	Nov. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] CAD	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Former term loan facility [Member] USD ($)
Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of common stock outstanding collectively held by principal stockholders	76.70%				74.60%
Voting interest	57.20%
Company' s beneficial ownership of outstanding common stock										57.40%
Percentage of ownership interest acquired									97.90%
Total consideration				$ 725.0
Secondary offering, Principal Stockholders offered shares	20.0
Secondary offering, Principal Stockholders offered common stock price	$ 7.50
Secondary offering, underwriters exercised their option to purchase		3.0
Long-term debt						700.0						520.0		570.0	800.0	100.0	800.0	100.0
Purchase of 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due on 2015							498.0
Discharge of remaining 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due on 2015							2.0
Long-term debt, interest rate						7.875%	10.625%				6.375%	6.375%	6.625%	6.625%
Long-term Debt	$ 3,925.9		$ 2,165.0					$ 370.2											$ 370.2
Debt maturity date								Jun. 17, 2016							Dec. 17, 2019	Dec. 17, 2019			Jun. 17, 2016

Investments - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Total investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 16,242.2	$ 15,846.3
Total investment, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,069.4	1,156.1
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(21.4)	(30.6)
Total investment, Gross Unrealized Losses	(95.1)	(84.0)
Total investment, Estimated Fair Value	17,216.5	16,918.4
Total investments, Carrying Value	17,216.5	16,918.4
Derivative investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	141.4	142.1
Derivative investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	35.3	67.0
Derivative investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(20.3)	(8.4)
Derivative investments, Estimated Fair Value	156.4	200.7
Derivative investments, Carrying Value	156.4	200.7
Asset-backed loans, Cost or Amortized Cost	204.8	180.1
Asset-backed loans, Gross Unrealized Gains
Asset-backed loans, Gross Unrealized Losses
Asset-backed loans, Estimated Fair Value	204.8	180.1
Asset-backed loans, Carrying Value	204.8	180.1
Equity securities [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	355.5	429.3
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11.7	11.9
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(55.1)	(46.3)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	312.1	394.9
Total investments, Carrying Value	312.1	394.9
Equity securities [Member] \| Available-for-sale [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	253.8	237.5
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11.7	11.9
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1.7)	(1.3)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	263.8	248.1
Total investments, Carrying Value	263.8	248.1
Equity securities [Member] \| Held for trading [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	101.7	191.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(53.4)	(45.0)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	48.3	146.8
Total investments, Carrying Value	48.3	146.8
Other invested assets [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	66.6	53.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	66.6	53.8
Total investments, Carrying Value	66.6	53.8
Other invested assets [Member] \| U.S. Treasuries and certificate of deposit, held-to-maturity [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	33.9	35.0
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	33.9	35.0
Total investments, Carrying Value	33.9	35.0
Other invested assets [Member] \| Policy loans and other invested assets [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	32.7	18.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	32.7	18.8
Total investments, Carrying Value	32.7	18.8
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	15,473.9	15,041.0
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,022.4	1,077.2
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(19.7)	(29.3)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	16,476.6	16,088.9
Total investments, Carrying Value	16,476.6	16,088.9
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,263.6	1,010.9
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	27.8	18.6
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.7)	(1.6)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	1,290.7	1,027.9
Total investments, Carrying Value	1,290.7	1,027.9
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	526.4	520.0
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	39.0	36.2
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1.8)	(2.4)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	563.6	553.8
Total investments, Carrying Value	563.6	553.8
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Corporates [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	9,161.3	10,211.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	724.1	807.2
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(11.2)	(10.0)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	9,874.2	11,009.0
Total investments, Carrying Value	9,874.2	11,009.0
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Hybrids [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	422.1	519.0
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	21.1	18.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1.7)	(9.6)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	441.5	528.2
Total investments, Carrying Value	441.5	528.2
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Municipals [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,039.3	1,083.2
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	136.2	141.9
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1.2)	(1.1)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	1,174.3	1,224.0
Total investments, Carrying Value	1,174.3	1,224.0
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	135.8	149.5
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	4.5	5.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.3)	(0.3)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	140.0	155.0
Total investments, Carrying Value	140.0	155.0
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	914.1	629.1
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	57.9	35.8
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(2.8)	(4.3)
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	969.2	660.6
Total investments, Carrying Value	969.2	660.6
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] \| U.S. Government securities [Member]
Equity Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	2,011.3	917.5
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11.8	12.9
Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity Securities, Estimated Fair Value	2,023.1	930.4
Total investments, Carrying Value	$ 2,023.1	$ 930.4

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost	$ 15,473.9
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	16,476.6
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	1,263.7
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	1,290.7
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	526.5
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	563.6
Structured hybrids [Member]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	83.6
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	84.0
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	135.8
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	140.0
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	914.2
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	969.3
Non-structured Hybrids [Member] \| Corporate [Member] \| Municipal [Member] \| U.S. Government securities [Member]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	622.0
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	4,175.7
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	3,419.4
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	4,333.0
Subtotal, Amortized Cost	12,550.1
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	624.7
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	4,263.1
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	3,690.8
Due after ten years, Fair Value	4,850.4
Subtotal, Fair Value	$ 13,429.0

Investments - Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012 Securities	Sep. 30, 2012 Securities
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	158	100
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer	62	56
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position	220	156
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 278.1	$ 681.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(9.1)	(11.9)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	1,096.3	323.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(12.3)	(18.7)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	1,374.4	1,004.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(21.4)	(30.6)
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	7.6	169.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(0.1)	(1.0)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	186.9	7.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(0.6)	(0.6)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	194.5	177.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(0.7)	(1.6)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	7.1	0.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(1.7)	(0.8)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	14.4	10.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(0.1)	(1.6)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	21.5	11.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(1.8)	(2.4)
Corporates [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	98.4	411.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(2.3)	(8.1)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	709.5	45.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(8.9)	(1.9)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	807.9	456.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(11.2)	(10.0)
Hybrids [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	40.1	13.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(1.6)	(0.4)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	6.4	107.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(0.1)	(9.2)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	46.5	121.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(1.7)	(9.6)
Municipals [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months		71.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months		(1.1)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	103.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(1.2)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	103.7	71.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(1.2)	(1.1)
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	6.5	1.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(0.2)	(0.2)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	3.3	6.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(0.1)	(0.1)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	9.8	7.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(0.3)	(0.3)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	77.9	12.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(2.1)	(0.3)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	65.4	101.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(0.7)	(4.0)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	143.3	114.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	(2.8)	(4.3)
Equities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	40.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	(1.1)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	6.7	44.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	(0.6)	(1.3)
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	47.2	44.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (1.7)	$ (1.3)

Investments - Reconciliation of Other than Temporary Impairment on Fixed Maturity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2.7	$ 0.7
Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized		1.5
Balance at the end of the period	$ 2.7	$ 2.2

Investments - Other-than-Temporary Impairments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in net income:
Total other-than-temporary impairments	$ 0.5	$ 13.2
Corporates [Member]
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in net income:
Total other-than-temporary impairments		0.7
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in net income:
Total other-than-temporary impairments	0.5	2.8
Hybrids [Member]
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in net income:
Total other-than-temporary impairments		$ 9.7

Investments - Portfolio of Asset-Backed Loans and Other Invested Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	$ 207.4	$ 181.5
Less: Allowance for credit losses	2.6	1.4
Total asset-backed loans, net	204.8	180.1
Wholesale [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	101.9	77.2
Apparel [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	49.1	70.1
Jewelry [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	23.0	27.9
Other [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	$ 33.4	$ 6.3

Investments - Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Allowance for credit losses:
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1.4
Provision for credit losses	1.2
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance at end of period	$ 2.6

Investments - Schedule of Credit Quality of Asset-Based Loan Portfolio (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	$ 207.4	$ 181.5
Total asset-backed loans, percent	100.00%	100.00%
Asset-based loans, by credit quality Rating 1 [Member] \| Credit Rating AAA/AA/A [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	18.1	75.8
Total asset-backed loans, percent	8.70%	41.70%
Asset-based loans, by credit quality Rating 2 [Member] \| Credit Rating BBB [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	165.9	94.9
Total asset-backed loans, percent	80.00%	52.30%
Asset-based loans, by credit quality Rating 3 [Member] \| Credit Rating B [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans		10.8
Total asset-backed loans, percent		6.00%
Asset-based loans, by credit quality Rating 4 [Member] \| Credit Rating B [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans
Total asset-backed loans, percent
Asset-based loans, by credit quality Rating 5 [Member] \| Credit Rating CCC [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	23.4
Total asset-backed loans, percent	11.30%
Not Rated [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans
Total asset-backed loans, percent

Investments - Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 182.1	$ 189.9
External investment expense	(4.1)	(3.1)
Net investment income	178.0	186.8
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	167.6	187.2
Equity available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	4.7	2.6
Policy loans [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	0.3	0.3
Invested cash and short-term investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	0.8	0.1
Other investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 8.7	$ (0.3)

Investments - Net Investment Gains (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Net realized gains before other-than-temporary impairments	$ 172.5	$ 81.9
Gross other-than-temporary impairments	(0.5)	(13.2)
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments included in other comprehensive income		0.9
Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	172.0	68.7
Realized gains on equity securities		0.3
Net realized gains on securities	172.0	69.0
Realized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments	15.6	(15.5)
Unrealized (losses) gains on certain derivative instruments	(41.2)	50.3
Change in fair value of derivatives	(25.6)	34.8
Realized gains on other invested assets	0.1	0.1
Net investment gains	$ 146.5	$ 103.9

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	$ 156,400,000	$ 200,700,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	2,400,000	3,200,000
Total liability derivatives	2.1	3.1
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Commodity swap and option agreements [Member] \| Receivables, net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	1,100,000	1,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Commodity swap and option agreements [Member] \| Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	700,000	1,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] \| Receivables, net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	600,000	1,200,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] \| Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	2.1	3.1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	158,800,000	203,900,000
Total liability derivatives	1,690.7	1,793.7
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	163.1	232.0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] \| Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	5.7	4.0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] \| Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	2.8	2.9
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Call options [Member] \| Derivative investments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	152,500,000	200,700,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| FIA embedded derivatives [Member] \| Contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	1,517.0	1,550.8
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Futures contracts [Member] \| Derivative investments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	3,900,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] \| Futures contracts [Member] \| Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives		$ 0.9

Derivative Financial Instruments - Pretax Impact of Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges on the Accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Within AOCI (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ (0.1)	$ 0.4
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(0.5)	(2.4)
Consumer products cost of goods sold [Member] \| Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(0.2)	(0.8)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(0.1)	(0.4)
Consumer products cost of goods sold [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(0.4)	1.3
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(0.5)	(1.2)
Interest expense [Member] \| Interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		(0.7)
Net consumer products sales [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	0.5	(0.1)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 0.1	$ (0.1)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,103.7	$ 1,470.7	$ 2,204.8	$ 1,137.4
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	156.4	200.7
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	204.8	180.1
Derivatives, Liabilities
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	163.1	232.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,103.7	1,470.7
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	41.0	41.0
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	204.8	180.1
Total financial assets	18,363.6	18,433.3
Liabilities
Total debt	4,138.3	2,328.8
Derivatives, Liabilities
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	163.1	232.0
Redeemable preferred stock, excluding equity conversion feature	377.8	368.9
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	12,442.7	12,271.9
Total financial liabilities	18,649.5	16,763.3
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| U.S. Government securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,023.1	930.4
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	0.6	1.2
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments	10.6	10.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Commodity swap and option agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	1.8	2.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	156.4	200.7
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Available-for-sale embedded derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale	263.8	248.1
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments	1,517.0	1,550.8
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Future contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments		0.9
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,290.7	1,027.9
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	563.6	553.8
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Corporates [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	9,874.2	11,009.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	441.5	528.2
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Municipals [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,174.3	1,224.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	140.0	155.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	969.2	660.6
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,103.7	1,470.7
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	41.0	41.0
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	204.8	180.1
Total financial assets	18,363.6	18,433.3
Liabilities
Total debt	3,917.8	2,167.0
Derivatives, Liabilities
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	163.1	232.0
Redeemable preferred stock, excluding equity conversion feature	323.0	319.2
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	13,832.0	13,739.6
Total financial liabilities	19,763.5	18,019.5
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| U.S. Government securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,023.1	930.4
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	0.6	1.2
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments	10.6	10.0
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Commodity swap and option agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	1.8	2.0
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	156.4	200.7
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Available-for-sale embedded derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale	263.8	248.1
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments	1,517.0	1,550.8
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Future contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments		0.9
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,290.7	1,027.9
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	563.6	553.8
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Corporates [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	9,874.2	11,009.0
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	441.5	528.2
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Municipals [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,174.3	1,224.0
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	140.0	155.0
Recurring [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member] \| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	969.2	660.6
Recurring [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - trading	48.3	146.8
Recurring [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - trading	48.3	146.8
Recurring [Member] \| Fixed maturities securities [Member] \| Fair Value [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasuries and certificate of deposit, held-to-maturity	33.9	35.0
Recurring [Member] \| Fixed maturities securities [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasuries and certificate of deposit, held-to-maturity	33.9	35.0
Recurring [Member] \| Policy loans [Member] \| Fair Value [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Policy loans and other invested assets	32.7	18.8
Recurring [Member] \| Policy loans [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Policy loans and other invested assets	32.7	18.8
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,103.7	1,468.4
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets	3,175.1	2,545.6
Liabilities
Total debt		524.0
Derivatives, Liabilities
Total financial liabilities		524.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Government securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,023.1	930.4
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - trading	48.3	146.8
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		2.3
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets	14,637.5	15,482.8
Liabilities
Total debt	4,138.3	1,804.8
Derivatives, Liabilities
Total financial liabilities	4,148.9	1,815.7
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	0.6	1.2
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments	10.6	10.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Commodity swap and option agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	1.8	2.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivative investments	156.4	200.7
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Available-for-sale embedded derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale	263.8	248.1
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Future contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments		0.9
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,285.4	1,012.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	557.5	548.8
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Corporates [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	9,618.1	10,873.7
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	436.5	519.4
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Municipals [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,174.3	1,224.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	140.0	155.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	969.2	660.6
Recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Fixed maturities securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasuries and certificate of deposit, held-to-maturity	33.9	35.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	41.0	41.0
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	204.8	180.1
Total financial assets	551.0	404.9
Derivatives, Liabilities
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	163.1	232.0
Redeemable preferred stock, excluding equity conversion feature	377.8	368.9
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	12,442.7	12,271.9
Total financial liabilities	14,500.6	14,423.6
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative investments	1,517.0	1,550.8
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	5.3	15.9
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	6.1	5.0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Corporates [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	256.1	135.3
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	5.0	8.8
Recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Policy loans [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Policy loans and other invested assets	$ 32.7	$ 18.8

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Percentage of male contractholder	50.00%
Percentage of female contractholder	50.00%
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	$ (14.1)	$ (10.3)
Corporates [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	0.1	(10.4)
Municipals [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3		$ 0.1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended														3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Dec. 30, 2012 Asset-backed securities [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Asset-backed securities [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Corporates [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Corporates [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Hybrids [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Hybrids [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Municipals [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Municipals [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Contingent purchase price reduction receivable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Contingent purchase price reduction receivable [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2012 Available-for-sale embedded derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 206.0	$ 546.5	$ 15.9	$ 374.5	$ 5.0	$ 135.3	$ 159.7	$ 8.8	$ 5.2			$ 3.8	$ 41.0	$ 41.0	$ 3.3
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	(0.2)	(0.1)				(0.2)	(0.1)
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	(2.1)	(5.6)	(0.1)	(4.6)	0.1	(2.0)	(0.9)	(0.1)	(0.1)
Purchases	134.2	38.8		38.8	1.0	133.2
Sales	(9.6)	(7.0)				(9.6)	(7.0)
Settlements	(0.7)	(10.9)		(8.0)		(0.7)	(2.8)					(0.1)
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	(14.1)	(10.3)	(10.5)			0.1	(10.4)	(3.7)			0.1
Balance at End of Period	313.5	551.4	5.3	400.7	6.1	256.1	138.5	5.0	5.1		0.1	3.7	41.0	41.0	3.3
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,782.8	1,472.1														1,550.8	1,396.3	232.0	75.4	0.4
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	(102.7)	30.8														(33.8)	58.7	(68.9)	(27.9)
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI
Purchases
Sales
Settlements
Net Transfer in (Out) of Level 3
Balance at End of Period	$ 1,680.1	$ 1,502.9														$ 1,517.0	$ 1,455.0	$ 163.1	$ 47.5	$ 0.4

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Including FGL's DAC and VOBA Balances (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Balance, Goodwill	$ 694.2
Acquisitions (Note 13), Goodwill	726.1
Effect of translation, Goodwill	1.0
Balance, Goodwill	1,421.3
Balance, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	841.1
Acquisitions (Note 13), Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	330.0
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation	1.8
Balance at December 30, 2012	1,034.1
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	28.0
Effect of translation	4.6
Amortization of Intangible Assets	86.6	56.7
Balance at December 30, 2012	2,475.7
Effect of translation, Indefinite Lived intangible assets	2.8
Balance, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	1,173.9
Balance at September 30, 2012	873.9
Acquisitions (Note 13)	175.5
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation	1.8
Balance at December 30, 2012	1,034.1
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	28.0
Effect of translation	4.6
Amortization of Intangible Assets	86.6	56.7
Balance at December 30, 2012	2,475.7
Balance at September 30, 2012	1,988.5
Acquisitions (Note 13)	505.5
Deferrals	35.7
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation	1.8
Balance at December 30, 2012	1,034.1
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	28.0
Effect of translation	4.6
Amortization of Intangible Assets	86.6	56.7
Balance at December 30, 2012	2,475.7
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	28.0
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Deferrals
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill
Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset	(17.1)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	(105.6)
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset	(17.1)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	(105.6)
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset	(17.1)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	(105.6)
Amortization of Goodwill
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization
Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Intangible Assets	7.6
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Intangible Assets	7.6
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Intangible Assets	7.6
Amortization of Goodwill
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization
Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Intangible Assets	11.4
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Intangible Assets	11.4
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Intangible Assets	11.4
Amortization of Goodwill
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization
Reclassifications [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Definite Lived Intangible Asset
Amortization of Goodwill
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization
VOBA [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation
Balance at December 30, 2012	76.6
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	31.2
Amortization of Intangible Assets	58.9	36.5
Balance at September 30, 2012	104.3
Acquisitions (Note 13)
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation
Balance at December 30, 2012	76.6
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	31.2
Amortization of Intangible Assets	58.9	36.5
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation
Balance at December 30, 2012	76.6
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	31.2
Amortization of Intangible Assets	58.9	36.5
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	31.2
VOBA [Member] \| Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	73.5
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	73.5
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	73.5
VOBA [Member] \| Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5.3
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5.3
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5.3
VOBA [Member] \| Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	9.3
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	9.3
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	9.3
VOBA [Member] \| Reclassifications [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets
DAC [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation
Balance at December 30, 2012	191.1
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	(3.2)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	10.6	5.6
Balance at September 30, 2012	169.2
Acquisitions (Note 13)
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation
Balance at December 30, 2012	191.1
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	(3.2)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	10.6	5.6
Deferrals	35.7
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation
Balance at December 30, 2012	191.1
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	(3.2)
Amortization of Intangible Assets	10.6	5.6
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	(3.2)
DAC [Member] \| Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	15.0
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	15.0
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	15.0
DAC [Member] \| Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.3
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.3
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.3
DAC [Member] \| Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.1
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.1
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2.1
DAC [Member] \| Reclassifications [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Deferrals
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill
Goodwill [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Deferrals
Less: Components of amortization:
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	$ 1,218.8	$ 1,038.0
Accumulated Amortization	184.7	164.1
Net	1,034.1	873.9
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	875.5	796.2
Accumulated Amortization	127.0	113.0
Net	748.5	683.2
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	20 years
Trade names [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	165.9	150.8
Accumulated Amortization	31.9	28.3
Net	134.0	122.5
Technology assets [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Cost	177.4	91.0
Accumulated Amortization	25.8	22.8
Net	$ 151.6	$ 68.2
Minimum [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Customer relationships [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	15 years
Minimum [Member] \| Trade names [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Technology assets [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] \| Customer relationships [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] \| Trade names [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	12 years
Maximum [Member] \| Technology assets [Member]
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Intangible assets, Amortizable Life	17 years

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Amortization Expense of Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangibles	$ 86.6	$ 56.7
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangibles	10.4	9.6
Trade names [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangibles	3.6	3.1
Technology assets [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to intangibles	$ 3.1	$ 1.9

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA and DAC in Future Fiscal Periods (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	$ 78.5
2014	78.5
2015	78.5
2016	78.5
2017	78.5
VOBA [Member]
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	28.6
2014	53.9
2015	48.3
2016	43.7
2017	36.4
Thereafter	174.1
DAC [Member]
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	15.4
2014	26.7
2015	27.2
2016	25.9
2017	24.3
Thereafter	$ 125.5

Debt - Summary of Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 14, 2012 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]	Dec. 14, 2012 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Former term loan facility [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 HGI [Member] 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 HGI [Member] 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 HGI [Member] 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Former term loan facility [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 9.5% Senior Secured Notes, due June 15, 2018 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 9.5% Senior Secured Notes, due June 15, 2018 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Other notes and obligations [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Other notes and obligations [Member]	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Capitalized lease obligations [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Capitalized lease obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 3,925.9	$ 2,165.0			$ 370.2	$ 700.0		$ 500.0	$ 799.1	$ 370.2	$ 950.0	$ 950.0	$ 300.0	$ 300.0	$ 520.0	$ 570.0	$ 32.0		$ 26.3	$ 18.1	$ 28.5	$ 26.7
Original issuance (discounts) premiums on debt, net	(8.1)	2.0
Total Debt	3,917.8	2,167.0
Less current maturities	29.2	16.4
Non-current portion of debt	$ 3,917.8	$ 2,167.0
Long-term debt, interest rate			7.875%	10.625%		7.875%	10.625%	10.625%	4.60%	5.10%	9.50%	9.50%	6.75%	6.75%	6.375%	6.625%	3.80%	4.30%	8.60%	10.90%	6.20%	6.20%

Debt - Summary of Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012
ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, expiration date	May 24, 2017

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] Term Loan amendments [Member] ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Spectrum Brands [Member] ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 HGI [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 6.375% Notes and 6.625% Notes [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member]	Dec. 14, 2012 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member] HGI [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 10.625% Senior Secured Notes, due November 15, 2015 [Member] HGI [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2012 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member] HGI [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] CAD	Dec. 30, 2012 Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2012 Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2012 Term Loan, due December 17, 2019 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] CAD	Dec. 30, 2012 Former term loan facility [Member] USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 Former term loan facility [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 Former term loan facility [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member]	Nov. 30, 2012 6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012 6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member]	Nov. 30, 2012 6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022 [Member] Spectrum Brands [Member] USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate									10.625%	10.625%	10.625%		7.875%	7.875%	4.60%							5.10%		6.375%	6.375%	6.375%	6.625%	6.625%	6.625%
Long-term debt										$ 498.0			$ 700.0			$ 800.0	100.0	$ 800.0	$ 800.0	100.0						$ 520.0			$ 570.0
Discharge of remaining outstanding									2.0	2.0
Cash charges on Interest Expense							58.9
Cash charges for fees and expenses							45.7
Cash charges related to the Satisfaction and Discharge							0.2
Non-cash charges for the write down/write-off of debt issuance costs and discount/premium							13.0
Long-term debt, percentage												99.36%
Original issuance discounts on debt, net												4.5
Other assets	347.2	172.6		43.6										19.2
Redemption price of debt instrument to percentage of principal amount														100.00%
Debt instrument principal amount redemption percentage														35.00%
Proceeds from repurchase of equity, percentage														107.875%
Original maturity date														90
Redemption percentage of aggregate debt outstanding														65.00%
Debt maturity date																Dec. 17, 2019	Dec. 17, 2019				Jun. 17, 2016		Jun. 17, 2016
Long-term Debt	3,925.9	2,165.0									500.0			700.0	799.1						370.2	370.2	370.2	520.0			570.0
Adjustment to increase interest expense																		5.5
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal held by registered holders								25.00%
Asset based lending revolving credit facility, before increase			300.0
Asset based lending revolving credit facility			400.0
Extended Maturity Date			May 24, 2017
Aggregate borrowing availability						133.3
Net of lender reserves						7.9
Letter of credit outstanding						25.4
Interest expenses					$ 2.4

Defined Benefit Plans - Components of Consolidated Net Periodic Benefit and Deferred Compensation Benefit Costs and Contributions Made (Detail) (Net periodic benefit cost [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Net periodic benefit cost [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 0.8	$ 0.6
Interest cost	2.6	2.2
Expected return on assets	(2.5)	(1.5)
Recognized net actuarial loss	0.5
Employee contributions
Net periodic benefit expense	1.4	1.3
Contributions made during period	$ 0.7	$ 0.9

Reinsurance - Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct, Insurance Premiums	$ 72.4	$ 76.2
Assumed, Insurance Premiums	12.1	12.2
Ceded, Insurance Premiums	(70.7)	(71.6)
Net Insurance Premiums	13.8	16.8
Direct, Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves	139.6	237.7
Assumed, Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves	6.5	8.5
Ceded, Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves	(62.5)	(69.3)
Net Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves	$ 83.6	$ 176.9

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 30, 2012	Oct. 17, 2011	Apr. 08, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Fair value of insurance transferred assets			$ 580.7	$ 535.8
Pre-tax gain on reinsurance transactions deferred		18.0
FGL cedes fund on withheld basis	10.00%
Nomura [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve financing facility		295.0
Upfront structuring fee		$ 2.8

Stock Compensation - Consolidated Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$ 6.5	$ 4.5
Related tax benefit	0.3
Noncontrolling interest	1.4	2.0
Net	$ 4.8	$ 2.5

Stock Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012
HGI [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Options	2,285
Granted, options	1,498
Ending balance, Options	3,783
Stock options vested and exercisable, Options	812
Expected to vest, Options	2,971
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 4.96
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.52
Ending balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 6.37
Stock options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 6.13
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 6.43
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 1.77
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 3.53
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 2.46
Stock options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 2.35
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 2.50
FGL [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance, Options	201
Granted, options
Ending balance, Options	201
Stock options vested and exercisable, Options
Expected to vest, Options	179
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 38.20
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Ending balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 38.20
Stock options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 38.20
Beginning balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 3.90
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Ending balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 3.90
Stock options vested and exercisable, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Expected to vest, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 3.90

Stock Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to recognized, years	2 years 8 months 27 days
Total unrecognized compensation cost expected to recognized	$ 25.1
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock option awards	9 years 5 months 16 days
Granted, Shares		704
Dividend equivalent vesting provision	0.7
Weighted average period of non-vested awards	1 year 10 months 2 days
Restricted stock units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Remaining shares are restricted stock grants		687
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value		18.9
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units		2 years
Time-based restricted stock units vesting over one year [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, Shares		17
HGI [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, options	1,498
HGI [Member] \| Stock option awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, options	1,498	75
Stock option awards grant date total fair value	5.3	0.1
HGI [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, options	3,227	68
Stock option awards grant date total fair value	27.5	0.3
HGI [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, options		22
Stock option awards grant date total fair value		0.1
HGI [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Stock option awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period	12 months
HGI [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period	7 months
HGI [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period		7 months
HGI [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Stock option awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period	36 months
HGI [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period	36 months
HGI [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period		12 months
HGI [Member] \| HGI's executive bonus plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period	12 months
HGI [Member] \| HGI's executive bonus plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Vesting period	36 months
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	574
Remaining shares are restricted stock grants	552
Granted, Grant Date Fair Value	$ 25.6
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units	1 year
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Time-based restricted stock units vesting over one year [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	22
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Performance based restricted stock units vesting over one year [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	90
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Performance based restricted stock units vesting over two year [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	462
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units	1 year
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units	2 years