Weis Markets (WMK) 10-K 14 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 14, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	28-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WEIS MARKETS INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000105418	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	26,898,443	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$564
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,965	$14,381
Marketable securities	63,093	82,501
SERP investment	8,752	7,058
Accounts receivable, net	57,193	53,842
Inventories	240,452	245,243
Prepaid expenses	17,293	10,132
Total current assets	404,748	413,157
Property and equipment, net	704,985	638,634
Goodwill	35,162	35,162
Intangible and other assets, net	3,347	3,487
Total assets	1,148,242	1,090,440
Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	133,568	126,258
Accrued expenses	27,416	27,193
Accrued self-insurance	19,333	18,544
Deferred revenue, net	7,056	6,635
Income taxes payable	1,628	1,359
Deferred income taxes	4,219	3,420
Total current liabilities	193,220	183,409
Postretirement benefit obligations	17,101	15,206
Deferred income taxes	97,934	89,109
Other	5,934	7,026
Total liabilities	314,189	294,750
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, no par value, 100,800,000 shares authorized, 33,047,807 shares issued	9,949	9,949
Retained earnings	971,022	931,579
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	3,939	5,019
Shareholders' equity before treasury stock	984,910	946,547
Treasury stock at cost, 6,149,364 shares	-150,857	-150,857
Total shareholders' equity	834,053	795,690
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,148,242	$1,090,440

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Common Stock, No Par Value	$0	$0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,800,000	100,800,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	33,047,807	33,047,807
Treasury Stock, Shares	6,149,364	6,149,364

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net sales	$2,692,588	$2,701,405	$2,752,504
Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses	1,947,120	1,958,852	2,016,649
Gross profit on sales	745,468	742,553	735,855
Operating, general, and administrative expenses	634,286	615,521	621,575
Income from operations	111,182	127,032	114,280
Investment income	4,684	3,468	3,326
Other Income	0	414	0
Income before provision for income taxes	115,866	130,914	117,606
Provision for income taxes	44,145	48,403	42,022
Net income	$71,721	$82,511	$75,584
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	26,898,443	26,898,443	26,898,443
Cash dividends per share	$1.20	$1.20	$2.17
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$2.67	$3.07	$2.81

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$71,721	$82,511	$75,584
Other comprehensive (loss) income by component, net of tax:	'	'	'
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period (Net of deferred taxes of $23, $0 and $923, respectively)	-36	-9	1,391
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (Net of deferred taxes of $730, $293 and $601, respectively)	-1,044	-420	-846
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-1,080	-429	545
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$70,641	$82,082	$76,129

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, deferred taxes	$23	$0	$923
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, deferred taxes	$730	$293	$601

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance, at Dec. 25, 2010	$9,949	$864,132	$4,903	($150,857)	$728,127
Balance, shares at Dec. 25, 2010	33,047,807	'	'	6,149,364	'
Net income	'	75,584	'	'	75,584
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax	'	'	545	'	545
Dividends paid	'	-58,370	'	'	-58,370
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2011	9,949	881,346	5,448	-150,857	745,886
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	33,047,807	'	'	6,149,364	'
Net income	'	82,511	'	'	82,511
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax	'	'	-429	'	-429
Dividends paid	'	-32,278	'	'	-32,278
Balance, at Dec. 29, 2012	9,949	931,579	5,019	-150,857	795,690
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2012	33,047,807	'	'	6,149,364	'
Net income	'	71,721	'	'	71,721
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax	'	'	-1,080	'	-1,080
Dividends paid	'	-32,278	'	'	-32,278
Balance, at Dec. 28, 2013	$9,949	$971,022	$3,939	($150,857)	$834,053
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2013	33,047,807	'	'	6,149,364	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$71,721	$82,511	$75,584
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	51,068	44,153	53,185
Amortization	7,207	6,498	6,198
Loss (gain) on disposition/impairment of fixed assets	55	-1,407	-576
Gain on sale of marketable securities	-1,775	-713	-1,447
Gain on sale of intangible assets	-780	0	0
Gain on acquisition of business	0	-414	0
Deferred income taxes	10,377	15,611	16,723
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Inventories	4,791	-17,936	4,830
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses	-10,512	-2,569	-1,664
Income taxes recoverable	0	1,226	1,486
Accounts payable and other liabilities	9,546	-5,045	2,119
Income taxes payable	269	1,359	0
Other	665	687	-4,029
Net cash provided by operating activities	142,632	123,961	152,409
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-128,055	-109,774	-110,517
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	4,451	2,542	2,097
Purchase of marketable securities	-12,635	-13,790	-81,885
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	1,150	0	8,620
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities	30,170	19,941	16,019
Acquisition of business	0	-6,116	0
Purchase of intangible assets	-937	-439	-121
Proceeds from the sale of intangible assets	780	0	0
Change in SERP investment	-1,694	-165	-122
Net cash used in investing activities	-106,770	-107,801	-165,909
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Dividends paid	-32,278	-32,278	-58,370
Net cash used in financing activities	-32,278	-32,278	-58,370
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,584	-16,118	-71,870
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	14,381	30,499	102,369
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$17,965	$14,381	$30,499

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2013

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Significant Accounting Policies

'

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies utilized in preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

(a)  Description of Business

Weis Markets, Inc. is a Pennsylvania business corporation formed in 1924.  The Company is engaged principally in the retail sale of food in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.  There was no material change in the nature of the Company's business during fiscal 2013.

(b)  Definition of Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December.  Fiscal 2013 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 28, 2013.  Fiscal 2012 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 29, 2012.  Fiscal 2011 was comprised of 53 weeks, ending on December 31, 2011.  References to years in this annual report relate to fiscal years.

(c)  Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(d)  Use of Estimates

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(e)  Reclassifications

The Company has reclassified 2012 balances related to its “SERP investment” (consisting of level 1 mutual funds) out of “Cash and cash equivalents” in the 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet for a total of $7.1 million.  The opening cash impact on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows was $6.8 million and the changes to investing activities in 2012 and 2011, respectively, were immaterial.

(f)  Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains its cash balances in the form of core checking accounts and money market accounts.  The Company maintains cash deposits with banks that at times exceed applicable insurance limits.  The Company reduces its exposure to credit risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy.

The Company considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Investment amounts classified as cash equivalents as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 totaled $7.2 million and $992,000, respectively.

(g)  Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of municipal bonds and equity securities.  The Company invests primarily in high-grade marketable debt securities.  The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market price based on national markets.  Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.  A decline in the fair value below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security.  Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned.  Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities.

(h)  Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,882,000 and $1,526,000 as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  The reserve balance relates to amounts due from pharmacy third party providers, retail customer returned checks, manufacturing customers and vendors.  The Company maintains an allowance for the amount of receivables deemed to be uncollectible and calculates this amount based upon historical collection activity adjusted for current conditions.  Customer electronic payments accepted at the point of sale are classified as accounts receivable until collected.

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(i)  Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, using both the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and average cost methods.  The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using LIFO and the Company’s fresh inventories are valued using average cost.  The Company evaluates inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in its facilities.  Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts and to provide for estimated shortages from the last physical count to the financial statement date.

(j)  Property and Equipment

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company changed its accounting policy for property and equipment.  Property and equipment continue to be recorded at cost.  Prior to January 1, 2012, the Company provided for depreciation of buildings and improvements and equipment using accelerated methods.  Effective January 1, 2012, the Company changed its method of depreciation for this group of assets from the accelerated methods to straight-line.  Management deemed the change preferable because the straight-line method will more accurately reflect the pattern of usage and the expected benefits of such assets.  Management also considered that the change will provide greater consistency with the depreciation methods used by other companies in the Company's industry.  The change was accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle.  The net book value of assets acquired prior to January 1, 2012 with useful lives remaining will be depreciated using the straight-line method prospectively.  If the Company had continued using accelerated methods, depreciation expense would have been $11.5 million greater in 2012.  Had accelerated methods continued to be used, after considering the impact of income taxes, the effect would decrease net income by $6.8 million or $.25 per share in 2012.

Leasehold improvements are unaffected by the change noted above.  Leasehold improvements continue to be amortized using the straight line method over the terms of the leases or the useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.

Maintenance and repairs are expensed and renewals and betterments are capitalized.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on the disposition is credited or charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

(k)  Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized until their useful life is determined to be no longer indefinite and are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment for each reporting unit, on an annual basis and between annual tests in certain circumstances.

To derive the fair value of the Company’s sole reporting unit, the Company uses an income approach along with an analysis of its stock value.  Under the income approach, fair value of a reporting unit is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company.  Estimated future cash flows are based on the Company’s internal projection model.  The stock value evaluation consists of measuring the average market capitalization of the Company against its total asset value of its sole reporting unit.  The Company completes its impairment test in the third quarter of each fiscal year.  See Note 1(l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s impairment of long-lived assets.

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(k)  Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)

The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following:

28-Dec-13

29-Dec-12

Accumulated

Accumulated

(dollars in thousands)

Gross

Amortization

Net

Gross

Amortization

Net

Non-Compete Agreements

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

1,200

$

1,120

$

80

Lease Acquisitions

3,654

2,235

1,419

5,330

2,961

2,369

Liquor Licenses

1,879

65

1,814

942

22

920

Customer Lists

120

6

114

120

2

118

Total

$

5,653

$

2,306

$

3,347

$

7,592

$

4,105

$

3,487

Intangible assets with a definite useful life are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 15 to 30 years.  Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately $250,000 in 2014, $250,000 in 2015, $250,000 in 2016, $250,000 in 2017 and $250,000 in 2018.  As of December 28, 2013, the Company has no intangible assets, other than goodwill, with indefinite lives.

(l)  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates the period of depreciation or amortization for long-lived assets to determine whether current circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives.  The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  An impairment loss would be recorded for the excess of net book value over the fair value of the asset impaired.  The fair value is estimated based on expected discounted future cash flows.

With respect to owned property and equipment associated with closed stores, the value of the property and equipment is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on the Company’s prior history of disposing of similar assets and current economic conditions.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2013 for the impairment of long-lived assets, including equipment and leasehold improvements. The charge was a result of management determining that the net book value of four properties was impaired. This charge was included as a component of "Operating, general and administrative expenses."

The results of impairment tests are subject to management’s estimates and assumptions of projected cash flows and operating results.  The Company believes that, based on current conditions, materially different reported results are not likely to result from long-lived asset impairments.  However, a change in assumptions or market conditions could result in a change in estimated future cash flows and the likelihood of materially different reported results.

(m)  Store Closing Costs

The Company provides for closed store liabilities relating to the estimated post-closing lease liabilities and related other exit costs associated with the store closing commitments.  Currently, closed stores have remaining lease terms ranging from one to five years, and the liabilities associated with these closed store leases are paid over the terms of the lease.  Closed store lease liabilities totaled $1,193,000 and $635,000 as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  The Company estimates the lease liabilities, net of estimated sublease income, using the undiscounted rent payments of closed stores.  Adjustments to closed store liabilities primarily relate to changes in sublease income and actual exit costs differing from original estimates.  Adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known.  Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs, or that no longer is needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period.

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(m)  Store Closing Costs (continued)

The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:

Future Lease

(dollars in thousands)

Obligations

Balance at December 31, 2011

$

756

Additions

198

Payments

-248

Adjustments

-71

Balance at December 29, 2012

635

Additions

680

Payments

-33

Adjustments

-89

Balance at December 28, 2013

$

1,193

(n)  Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and associate medical benefit claims.  Self-insurance costs are accrued based upon the aggregate of the liability for reported claims and an estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported.  The Company was liable for associate health claims up to an annual maximum of $750,000 per member prior to March 1, 2012, $1,250,000 per member prior to March 1, 2013, $2,000,000 per member prior to March 1, 2014 and an unlimited amount per member as of March 1, 2014.  The Company is liable for workers' compensation claims up to $2,000,000 per claim.  Property and casualty insurance coverage is maintained with outside carriers at deductible or retention levels ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000.

(o)  Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

(p)  Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

(q)  Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of products to the Company’s customers is recognized at the point of sale.  Discounts provided to customers at the point of sale through the Weis Club Preferred Shopper loyalty program are recognized as a reduction in sales as products are sold.  Periodically, the Company will run a point based sales incentive program that rewards customers with future sales discounts.  The Company makes reasonable and reliable estimates of the amount of future discounts based upon historical experience and its customer data tracking software.  Sales are reduced by these estimates over the life of the program.  Discounts to customers at the point of sale provided by vendors, usually in the form of paper coupons, are not recognized as a reduction in sales provided the discounts are redeemable at any retailer that accepts those discounts.  The Company records “Deferred revenue” for the sale of gift cards and revenue is recognized in “Net sales” at the time of customer redemption for products.  Gift card breakage income is recognized in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” based upon historical redemption patterns and represents the balance of gift cards for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote.  Sales tax is excluded from “Net sales.”  The Company charges sales tax on all taxable customer purchases and remits these taxes monthly to the appropriate taxing jurisdiction.  Merchandise return activity is immaterial to revenues.

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(r)  Cost of Sales, Including Warehousing and Distribution Expenses

“Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses” consists of direct product (net of discounts and allowances), distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations.

(s)  Vendor Allowances

Vendor allowances that relate to the Company's buying and merchandising activities are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as they are earned, in accordance with the underlying agreement.  Off-invoice and bill-back allowances are used to reduce direct product costs upon the receipt of goods.  Promotional rebates and credits are accounted for as a reduction in the cost of inventory and recognized when the related inventory is sold.  Volume incentive discounts are realized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time it is deemed probable and reasonably estimable that the incentive target will be reached.  Long-term contract incentives, which require an exclusive vendor relationship, are allocated over the life of the contract.  Promotional allowance funds for specific vendor-sponsored programs are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales as the program occurs and the funds are earned per the agreement.  Cash discounts for prompt payment of invoices are realized in cost of sales as invoices are paid.  Warehouse and back-haul allowances provided by suppliers for distributing their product through the Company’s distribution system are recorded in cost of sales as the required performance is completed.  Warehouse rack and slotting allowances are recorded in cost of sales when new items are initially set up in the Company's distribution system, which is when the related expenses are incurred and performance under the agreement is complete.  Swell allowances for damaged goods are realized in cost of sales as provided by the supplier, helping to offset product shrink losses also recorded in cost of sales.

Vendor allowances recorded as credits in cost of sales totaled $76.4 million in 2013, $75.1 million in 2012 and $66.5 million in 2011.  Vendor paid cooperative advertising credits totaled $16.0 million in 2013, $16.4 million in 2012 and $18.2 million in 2011.  These credits were netted against advertising costs within “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”  The Company had accounts receivable due from vendors of $440,000 and $609,000 for earned advertising credits and $5.8 million and $4.6 million for earned promotional discounts as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  The Company had $911,000 and $861,000 in unearned income included in accrued liabilities for unearned vendor programs under long-term contracts for display and shelf space allocation as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.

(t)  Operating, General and Administrative Expenses

Business operating costs including expenses generated from administration and purchasing functions, are recorded in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Business operating costs include items such as wages, benefits, utilities, repairs and maintenance, advertising costs and credits, rent, insurance, equipment depreciation, leasehold amortization and costs for outside provided services.

(u)  Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.  The Company recorded advertising expense, before vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, of $23.5 million in 2013, $23.5 million in 2012 and $24.7 million in 2011 in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

(v)  Rental Income

The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities.  Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”  All leases are operating leases, as disclosed in Note 5.

(w)  Current Relevant Accounting Standards

In February 2013, FASB issued additional authoritative guidance on comprehensive income and the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  This guidance requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts.  This new guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  Adoption of this new guidance required additional disclosures and presentation of items impacting other comprehensive income but did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	Note 2  Marketable Securities
	The Company’s marketable securities are all classified as available-for-sale.  FASB has established three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1  Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2  Observable inputs, other than Level 1 inputs in active markets, that are observable either directly
	or indirectly; and
	Level 3  Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity
	to develop its own assumptions.
	The Company’s marketable securities valued using Level 1 inputs include highly liquid equity securities, for which quoted market prices are available.  The Company’s bond portfolio is valued using Level 2 inputs.  The Company’s bonds are valued using a combination of pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, cash flow models with yield curves and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.
	For Level 2 investment valuation, the Company utilizes standard pricing procedures of its investment brokerage firm(s) which include various third party pricing services.  These procedures also require specific price monitoring practices as well as pricing review reports, valuation oversight and pricing challenge procedures to maintain the most accurate representation of investment fair market value.  In addition, the Company engaged an independent firm to value a sample of the Company’s municipal bond holdings in order to validate the investment’s assigned fair value.
	Marketable securities, as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, consisted of:
				Gross		Gross
	(dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	28-Dec-13	Cost		Holding Gains		Holding Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Level 1
	Equity securities	$	970	$	7,239	$	-	$	8,209
	Level 2
	Municipal bonds		55,431		686		-1,233		54,884
		$	56,401	$	7,925	$	-1,233	$	63,093
				Gross		Gross
	(dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	29-Dec-12	Cost		Holding Gains		Holding Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Level 1
	Equity securities	$	1,136	$	7,714	$	-	$	8,850
	Level 2
	Municipal bonds		72,840		1,308		-497		73,651
		$	73,976	$	9,022	$	-497	$	82,501
	Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale at December 28, 2013, were as follows:
			Amortized		Fair
	(dollars in thousands)		Cost		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due within one year	$	2,304	$	2,221
	Due after one year through five years		39,678		39,470
	Due after five years through ten years		13,449		13,193
	Equity securities		970		8,209
		$	56,401	$	63,093

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 3  Inventories
	Merchandise inventories, as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, were valued as follows:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	LIFO	$	187,178	$	187,847
	Average cost		53,274		57,396
		$	240,452	$	245,243
	Management believes the use of the LIFO method for valuing certain inventories represents the most appropriate matching of costs and revenues in the Company’s circumstances.  If all inventories were valued on the average cost method, which approximates current cost, total inventories would have been $79,022,000 and $78,330,000 higher than as reported on the above methods as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  During 2013, the Company had certain decrements in its LIFO pools, which had an insignificant impact on the cost of sales.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Property and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Note 4  Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, consisted of:
		Useful Life
	(dollars in thousands)	(in years)		2013		2012
	Land		$	97,906	$	97,810
	Buildings and improvements	Oct-60		527,789		508,253
	Equipment	12-Mar		874,008		817,822
	Leasehold improvements	20-May		184,995		168,879
	Total, at cost			1,684,698		1,592,764
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			979,713		954,130
			$	704,985	$	638,634

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Lease Commitments [Abstract]	'
Lease Commitments	'
	Note 5  Lease Commitments
	At December 28, 2013, the Company leased approximately 50% of its open store facilities under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2029.  These leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals; however, several provide for minimum annual rentals plus contingent rentals as a percentage of annual sales and a number of leases require the Company to pay for all or a portion of insurance, real estate taxes, water and sewer rentals, and repairs, the cost of which is charged to the related expense category rather than being accounted for as rent expense.  Most of the leases contain multiple renewal options, under which the Company may extend the lease terms from 5 to 20 years.  Rents on operating leases, including agreements with step rents, are charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.
	Rent expense and income on all leases consisted of:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Minimum annual rentals	$	32,817	$	30,141	$	30,970
	Contingent rentals		386		134		512
	Lease or sublease income		-6,452		-6,352		-6,704
		$	26,751	$	23,923	$	24,778
	Note 5  Lease Commitments (continued)
	The following is a schedule by years of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and total minimum sublease and lease rental income to be received that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 28, 2013.
	(dollars in thousands)		Leases		Subleases
	2014	$	33,651	$	-3,258
	2015		32,252		-3,139
	2016		28,505		-2,487
	2017		24,330		-1,807
	2018		22,115		-1,208
	Thereafter		82,207		-2,378
		$	223,060	$	-14,277
	The Company has $521,000 accrued as of December 28, 2013 and had $99,000 accrued as of December 29, 2012, for future minimum rental payments due on previously closed stores, reduced by the estimated sublease income to be received.  The future minimum rental payments required under operating leases and estimated sublease income for these locations are included in the above schedule.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	Note 6  Retirement Plans
	The Company has a contributory retirement savings plan, the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, covering substantially all full-time associates.  The Company had a noncontributory profit-sharing plan, the Weis Markets, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, covering eligible associates which included certain salaried associates, store management and administrative support personnel.  Effective December 1, 2009, the Weis Markets, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan was merged into the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan.  The Company also has three supplemental retirement plans covering highly compensated employees of the Company.  The Company’s policy is to fund all qualified retirement plan costs as accrued, but not supplemental retirement costs.  Employer contributions to the qualified retirement plans are made at the sole discretion of the Company.
	Retirement plan costs:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Retirement savings plan	$	1,715	$	1,560	$	1,242
	Profit-sharing plan		1,750		1,650		1,650
	Deferred compensation plan		126		291		-26
	Supplemental retirement plan		2,025		1,105		111
	Pharmacist deferred compensation plan		178		198		-17
		$	5,794	$	4,804	$	2,960
	The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for the payment of specific amounts of annual retirement benefits to certain officers or their beneficiaries over an actuarially computed normal life expectancy.  The benefits are determined through actuarial calculations dependent on the age of the recipient, using an assumed discount rate.  The Company deems the discount rate to be consistent over time with the rate of return on equity for the Company due to funding the total liability with company assets.  The plan is unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis.  The projected benefit obligations are equal to the liability for pension benefits included in “Accrued expenses” and “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Note 6  Retirement Plans (continued)
	Change in the benefit obligations:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	7,726	$	7,487
	Interest cost		575		557
	Benefit payments		-51		-51
	Actuarial gain		-450		-267
		$	7,800	$	7,726
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	2013		2012
	Discount rate	7.50%		7.50%
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Interest cost	$	575	$	557	$	564
	Amount of recognized gain		501		318		821
	Estimated future benefit payments:
	(dollars in thousands)		Benefits
	2014	$	51
	2015		1,758
	2016		1,758
	2017		1,758
	2018		1,758
	2019 – 2023		8,790
	The Company also maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan and a non-qualified pharmacist deferred compensation plan for certain of its associates.  These plans are designed to provide retirement benefits and salary deferral opportunities because of limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and the Regulations implemented by the Internal Revenue Service.  These plans are unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis.  Participants in these plans are excluded from participation in the profit sharing portion of the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan once their yearly earnings exceed the IRS highly compensated threshold.  The Board of Directors annually determines the amount of the allocation to the plans at its sole discretion.  The allocation among the various plan participants is made in both flat dollar amounts and in relationship to their compensation.  Plan participants are 100% vested in their accounts after six years of service with the Company.  Benefits are distributed among participants upon reaching the applicable retirement age.  Substantial risk of benefit forfeiture does exist for participants in these plans.  The present value of accumulated benefits amounted to $9,352,000 and $7,531,000 at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, and is included in “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company has no other postretirement benefit plans.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 7  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	All balances in accumulated other comprehensive income are related to available-for-sale marketable securities.  The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.
			Unrealized Gains
			on Available-for-Sale
	(dollars in thousands)		Marketable Securities
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 31, 2011	$	5,448
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		-9
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-420
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		-429
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 29, 2012	$	5,019
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		-36
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-1,044
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		-1,080
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 28, 2013	$	3,939
	The following table sets forth the effects on net income of the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
			Gains (Losses) Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to the
			Consolidated Statements of Income
	(dollars in thousands)	Location		2013		2012		2011
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities
		Investment income	$	1,774	$	713	$	1,447
		Provision for income taxes		-730		-293		-601
	Total amount reclassified, net of tax		$	1,044	$	420	$	846

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 8  Income Taxes
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	26,994	$	30,258	$	24,518
	State		6,774		2,534		781
	Deferred:
	Federal		8,184		12,107		12,731
	State		2,193		3,504		3,992
		$	44,145	$	48,403	$	42,022
	The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate (35% in 2013, 2012 and 2011) to the provision for income taxes is:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Income taxes at federal statutory rate	$	40,553	$	45,820	$	41,151
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		5,828		3,925		2,558
	Other		-2,236		-1,342		-1,687
	Provision for income taxes (effective tax rate 38.1%,  37.0% and 35.7%, respectively)	$	44,145	$	48,403	$	42,022
	Cash paid for income taxes was $26,350,000,  $27,500,000 and $21,000,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, are:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	585	$	426
	Compensated absences		403		510
	Long term employment incentives		2,785		2,891
	Employee benefit plans		4,221		3,784
	General liability insurance		1,223		1,113
	Postretirement benefit obligations		7,037		6,255
	Net operating loss carryforwards		5,736		6,535
	Total deferred tax assets		21,990		21,514
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Inventories		-6,809		-6,241
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities		-2,753		-3,506
	Nondeductible accruals and other		-4,745		-1,995
	Depreciation		-109,836		-102,301
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-124,143		-114,043
	Net deferred tax liability	$	-102,153	$	-92,529
	Current deferred liability - net	$	-4,219	$	-3,420
	Noncurrent deferred liability - net		-97,934		-89,109
	Net deferred tax liability	$	-102,153	$	-92,529
	Note 8  Income Taxes (continued)
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	225	$	161
	Increases based on tax positions related to the current year		-		-
	Additions for tax positions of prior year		-		64
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-		-
	Settlements		-225		-
	Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes		-		-
	Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	-	$	225
	During 2013, the Company completed a final settlement with a state taxing authority resulting in a $225,000 state tax benefit net of Federal income taxes.  During 2012 the Company completed a final settlement with a state taxing authority resulting in a $64,000 state tax benefit net of Federal income taxes.
	The Company’s U.S. Federal income tax filings have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service through 2008.  The Company or one of its subsidiaries files tax returns in various states.  The tax years subject to examination in Pennsylvania, where the majority of the Company's revenues are generated, are 2010 to 2013.
	The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $88 million available for state income tax purposes.  The net operating losses will begin to expire starting in 2027.  The Company expects to fully utilize these net operating loss carryforwards.

Acquisition_of_Business

Acquisition of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Acquisition of Business [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Business	'
	Note 9  Acquisition of Business
	Fiscal 2013 Acquisitions
	There were no acquisitions for fiscal 2013.
	Fiscal 2012 Acquisitions
	On June 11, 2012, Weis Markets, Inc. acquired three former Genuardi’s stores located in Conshohocken, Doylestown and Norristown, Pennsylvania from Safeway Inc.  Weis Markets, Inc. acquired the store locations and operations of these three former Genuardi’s stores in an effort to establish its retail presence in the Delaware Valley.  The results of operations of the three former Genuardi’s stores are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.  The three former Genuardi’s stores contributed $22.1 million to sales in 2012.
	The cash purchase price paid to Safeway Inc. was $6.1 million.  The Company recognized a gain of $414,000 on the bargain purchase.  The purchased assets include inventories, equipment and intangible assets.  Weis Markets, Inc. assumed all three lease obligations of the former Genuardi’s stores.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition.
	(dollars in thousands)		11-Jun-12
	Inventories	$	1,116
	Equipment		5,294
	Intangible assets		120
	Total assets acquired	$	6,530
	Fiscal 2011 Acquisitions
	There were no acquisitions for fiscal 2011.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results

Summary of Quarterly Results	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]	'
Summary of Quarterly Results	'
	Note 10  Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
	Quarterly financial data for 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-13		29-Jun-13		Sep. 28, 2013		Dec. 28, 2013
	Net sales	$	682,712	$	662,072	$	661,412	$	686,392
	Gross profit on sales		191,127		190,322		182,763		181,256
	Net income		20,129		24,179		11,692		15,721
	Basic and diluted earnings per share		.75		.90		.43		.59
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	Thirteen Weeks Ended
		31-Mar-12		30-Jun-12		Sep. 29, 2012		Dec. 29, 2012
	Net sales	$	661,610	$	677,097	$	668,391	$	694,307
	Gross profit on sales		183,125		187,599		181,276		190,553
	Net income		20,026		23,204		17,178		22,103
	Basic and diluted earnings per share		.74		.86		.64		.83

Fair_Value_Information

Fair Value Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value Information [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Information	'
	Note 11  Fair Value Information
	The carrying amounts for cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.  The fair values of the Company’s marketable securities, as disclosed in Note 2, are based on quoted market prices and institutional pricing guidelines for those securities not classified as Level 1 securities.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Note 12  Contingencies
	The Company is involved in various legal actions arising out of the normal course of business.  The Company also accrues for tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated, based on past experience.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2013

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Description of Business [Policy Text Block]

'

(a)  Description of Business

Weis Markets, Inc. is a Pennsylvania business corporation formed in 1924.  The Company is engaged principally in the retail sale of food in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.  There was no material change in the nature of the Company's business during fiscal 2013.

Definition of Fiscal Year [Policy Text Block]

'

(b)  Definition of Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December.  Fiscal 2013 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 28, 2013.  Fiscal 2012 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 29, 2012.  Fiscal 2011 was comprised of 53 weeks, ending on December 31, 2011.  References to years in this annual report relate to fiscal years.

Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block]

'

(c)  Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block]

'

(d)  Use of Estimates

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]

'

(e)  Reclassifications

The Company has reclassified 2012 balances related to its “SERP investment” (consisting of level 1 mutual funds) out of “Cash and cash equivalents” in the 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet for a total of $7.1 million.  The opening cash impact on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows was $6.8 million and the changes to investing activities in 2012 and 2011, respectively, were immaterial.

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]

'

(f)  Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains its cash balances in the form of core checking accounts and money market accounts.  The Company maintains cash deposits with banks that at times exceed applicable insurance limits.  The Company reduces its exposure to credit risk by maintaining such deposits with high quality financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy.

The Company considers investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Investment amounts classified as cash equivalents as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 totaled $7.2 million and $992,000, respectively.

Marketable Securities [Policy Text Block]

'

(g)  Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of municipal bonds and equity securities.  The Company invests primarily in high-grade marketable debt securities.  The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market price based on national markets.  Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.  A decline in the fair value below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security.  Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned.  Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities.

Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]

'

(h)  Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,882,000 and $1,526,000 as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  The reserve balance relates to amounts due from pharmacy third party providers, retail customer returned checks, manufacturing customers and vendors.  The Company maintains an allowance for the amount of receivables deemed to be uncollectible and calculates this amount based upon historical collection activity adjusted for current conditions.  Customer electronic payments accepted at the point of sale are classified as accounts receivable until collected.

Inventories [Policy Text Block]

'

(i)  Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, using both the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and average cost methods.  The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using LIFO and the Company’s fresh inventories are valued using average cost.  The Company evaluates inventory shortages throughout the year based on actual physical counts in its facilities.  Allowances for inventory shortages are recorded based on the results of these counts and to provide for estimated shortages from the last physical count to the financial statement date.

Property and Equipment [Policy Text Block]

'

(j)  Property and Equipment

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company changed its accounting policy for property and equipment.  Property and equipment continue to be recorded at cost.  Prior to January 1, 2012, the Company provided for depreciation of buildings and improvements and equipment using accelerated methods.  Effective January 1, 2012, the Company changed its method of depreciation for this group of assets from the accelerated methods to straight-line.  Management deemed the change preferable because the straight-line method will more accurately reflect the pattern of usage and the expected benefits of such assets.  Management also considered that the change will provide greater consistency with the depreciation methods used by other companies in the Company's industry.  The change was accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle.  The net book value of assets acquired prior to January 1, 2012 with useful lives remaining will be depreciated using the straight-line method prospectively.  If the Company had continued using accelerated methods, depreciation expense would have been $11.5 million greater in 2012.  Had accelerated methods continued to be used, after considering the impact of income taxes, the effect would decrease net income by $6.8 million or $.25 per share in 2012.

Leasehold improvements are unaffected by the change noted above.  Leasehold improvements continue to be amortized using the straight line method over the terms of the leases or the useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.

Maintenance and repairs are expensed and renewals and betterments are capitalized.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on the disposition is credited or charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]

'

(k)  Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized until their useful life is determined to be no longer indefinite and are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment for each reporting unit, on an annual basis and between annual tests in certain circumstances.

To derive the fair value of the Company’s sole reporting unit, the Company uses an income approach along with an analysis of its stock value.  Under the income approach, fair value of a reporting unit is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company.  Estimated future cash flows are based on the Company’s internal projection model.  The stock value evaluation consists of measuring the average market capitalization of the Company against its total asset value of its sole reporting unit.  The Company completes its impairment test in the third quarter of each fiscal year.  See Note 1(l) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s impairment of long-lived assets.

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(k)  Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)

The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following:

28-Dec-13

29-Dec-12

Accumulated

Accumulated

(dollars in thousands)

Gross

Amortization

Net

Gross

Amortization

Net

Non-Compete Agreements

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

1,200

$

1,120

$

80

Lease Acquisitions

3,654

2,235

1,419

5,330

2,961

2,369

Liquor Licenses

1,879

65

1,814

942

22

920

Customer Lists

120

6

114

120

2

118

Total

$

5,653

$

2,306

$

3,347

$

7,592

$

4,105

$

3,487

Intangible assets with a definite useful life are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 15 to 30 years.  Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approximately $250,000 in 2014, $250,000 in 2015, $250,000 in 2016, $250,000 in 2017 and $250,000 in 2018.  As of December 28, 2013, the Company has no intangible assets, other than goodwill, with indefinite lives.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]

'

(l)  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates the period of depreciation or amortization for long-lived assets to determine whether current circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives.  The Company reviews its property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  An impairment loss would be recorded for the excess of net book value over the fair value of the asset impaired.  The fair value is estimated based on expected discounted future cash flows.

With respect to owned property and equipment associated with closed stores, the value of the property and equipment is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on the Company’s prior history of disposing of similar assets and current economic conditions.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2013 for the impairment of long-lived assets, including equipment and leasehold improvements. The charge was a result of management determining that the net book value of four properties was impaired. This charge was included as a component of "Operating, general and administrative expenses."

The results of impairment tests are subject to management’s estimates and assumptions of projected cash flows and operating results.  The Company believes that, based on current conditions, materially different reported results are not likely to result from long-lived asset impairments.  However, a change in assumptions or market conditions could result in a change in estimated future cash flows and the likelihood of materially different reported results.

Store Closing Costs [Policy Text Block]

'

(m)  Store Closing Costs

The Company provides for closed store liabilities relating to the estimated post-closing lease liabilities and related other exit costs associated with the store closing commitments.  Currently, closed stores have remaining lease terms ranging from one to five years, and the liabilities associated with these closed store leases are paid over the terms of the lease.  Closed store lease liabilities totaled $1,193,000 and $635,000 as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  The Company estimates the lease liabilities, net of estimated sublease income, using the undiscounted rent payments of closed stores.  Adjustments to closed store liabilities primarily relate to changes in sublease income and actual exit costs differing from original estimates.  Adjustments are made for changes in estimates in the period in which the change becomes known.  Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs, or that no longer is needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period.

Note 1   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

(m)  Store Closing Costs (continued)

The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:

Future Lease

(dollars in thousands)

Obligations

Balance at December 31, 2011

$

756

Additions

198

Payments

-248

Adjustments

-71

Balance at December 29, 2012

635

Additions

680

Payments

-33

Adjustments

-89

Balance at December 28, 2013

$

1,193

Self-Insurance [Policy Text Block]

'

(n)  Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and associate medical benefit claims.  Self-insurance costs are accrued based upon the aggregate of the liability for reported claims and an estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported.  The Company was liable for associate health claims up to an annual maximum of $750,000 per member prior to March 1, 2012, $1,250,000 per member prior to March 1, 2013, $2,000,000 per member prior to March 1, 2014 and an unlimited amount per member as of March 1, 2014.  The Company is liable for workers' compensation claims up to $2,000,000 per claim.  Property and casualty insurance coverage is maintained with outside carriers at deductible or retention levels ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000.

Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]

'

(o)  Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Earnings Per Share [Policy Text Block]

'

(p)  Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]

'

(q)  Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of products to the Company’s customers is recognized at the point of sale.  Discounts provided to customers at the point of sale through the Weis Club Preferred Shopper loyalty program are recognized as a reduction in sales as products are sold.  Periodically, the Company will run a point based sales incentive program that rewards customers with future sales discounts.  The Company makes reasonable and reliable estimates of the amount of future discounts based upon historical experience and its customer data tracking software.  Sales are reduced by these estimates over the life of the program.  Discounts to customers at the point of sale provided by vendors, usually in the form of paper coupons, are not recognized as a reduction in sales provided the discounts are redeemable at any retailer that accepts those discounts.  The Company records “Deferred revenue” for the sale of gift cards and revenue is recognized in “Net sales” at the time of customer redemption for products.  Gift card breakage income is recognized in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” based upon historical redemption patterns and represents the balance of gift cards for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote.  Sales tax is excluded from “Net sales.”  The Company charges sales tax on all taxable customer purchases and remits these taxes monthly to the appropriate taxing jurisdiction.  Merchandise return activity is immaterial to revenues.

Cost of Sales, Including Warehousing and Distribution Expenses [Policy Text Block]

'

(r)  Cost of Sales, Including Warehousing and Distribution Expenses

“Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses” consists of direct product (net of discounts and allowances), distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations.

Vendor Allowances [Policy Text Block]

'

(s)  Vendor Allowances

Vendor allowances that relate to the Company's buying and merchandising activities are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as they are earned, in accordance with the underlying agreement.  Off-invoice and bill-back allowances are used to reduce direct product costs upon the receipt of goods.  Promotional rebates and credits are accounted for as a reduction in the cost of inventory and recognized when the related inventory is sold.  Volume incentive discounts are realized as a reduction of cost of sales at the time it is deemed probable and reasonably estimable that the incentive target will be reached.  Long-term contract incentives, which require an exclusive vendor relationship, are allocated over the life of the contract.  Promotional allowance funds for specific vendor-sponsored programs are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales as the program occurs and the funds are earned per the agreement.  Cash discounts for prompt payment of invoices are realized in cost of sales as invoices are paid.  Warehouse and back-haul allowances provided by suppliers for distributing their product through the Company’s distribution system are recorded in cost of sales as the required performance is completed.  Warehouse rack and slotting allowances are recorded in cost of sales when new items are initially set up in the Company's distribution system, which is when the related expenses are incurred and performance under the agreement is complete.  Swell allowances for damaged goods are realized in cost of sales as provided by the supplier, helping to offset product shrink losses also recorded in cost of sales.

Vendor allowances recorded as credits in cost of sales totaled $76.4 million in 2013, $75.1 million in 2012 and $66.5 million in 2011.  Vendor paid cooperative advertising credits totaled $16.0 million in 2013, $16.4 million in 2012 and $18.2 million in 2011.  These credits were netted against advertising costs within “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”  The Company had accounts receivable due from vendors of $440,000 and $609,000 for earned advertising credits and $5.8 million and $4.6 million for earned promotional discounts as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.  The Company had $911,000 and $861,000 in unearned income included in accrued liabilities for unearned vendor programs under long-term contracts for display and shelf space allocation as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.

Operating, General and Administrative Expenses [Policy Text Block]

'

(t)  Operating, General and Administrative Expenses

Business operating costs including expenses generated from administration and purchasing functions, are recorded in “Operating, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Business operating costs include items such as wages, benefits, utilities, repairs and maintenance, advertising costs and credits, rent, insurance, equipment depreciation, leasehold amortization and costs for outside provided services.

Advertising Costs [Policy Text Block]

'

(u)  Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.  The Company recorded advertising expense, before vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, of $23.5 million in 2013, $23.5 million in 2012 and $24.7 million in 2011 in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”

Rental Income [Policy Text Block]

'

(v)  Rental Income

The Company leases or subleases space to tenants in owned, vacated and open store facilities.  Rental income is recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”  All leases are operating leases, as disclosed in Note 5.

Current Relevant Accounting Standards [Policy Text Block]

'

(w)  Current Relevant Accounting Standards

In February 2013, FASB issued additional authoritative guidance on comprehensive income and the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  This guidance requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts.  This new guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012.  Adoption of this new guidance required additional disclosures and presentation of items impacting other comprehensive income but did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following:
				28-Dec-13						29-Dec-12
				Accumulated						Accumulated
	(dollars in thousands)		Gross	Amortization			Net		Gross	Amortization			Net
	Non-Compete Agreements	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	1,200	$	1,120	$	80
	Lease Acquisitions		3,654		2,235		1,419		5,330		2,961		2,369
	Liquor Licenses		1,879		65		1,814		942		22		920
	Customer Lists		120		6		114		120		2		118
	Total	$	5,653	$	2,306	$	3,347	$	7,592	$	4,105	$	3,487
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:
				Future Lease
	(dollars in thousands)			Obligations
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	756
	Additions			198
	Payments			-248
	Adjustments			-71
	Balance at December 29, 2012			635
	Additions			680
	Payments			-33
	Adjustments			-89
	Balance at December 28, 2013		$	1,193

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Marketable securities, as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, consisted of:
				Gross		Gross
	(dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	28-Dec-13	Cost		Holding Gains		Holding Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Level 1
	Equity securities	$	970	$	7,239	$	-	$	8,209
	Level 2
	Municipal bonds		55,431		686		-1,233		54,884
		$	56,401	$	7,925	$	-1,233	$	63,093
				Gross		Gross
	(dollars in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
	29-Dec-12	Cost		Holding Gains		Holding Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Level 1
	Equity securities	$	1,136	$	7,714	$	-	$	8,850
	Level 2
	Municipal bonds		72,840		1,308		-497		73,651
		$	73,976	$	9,022	$	-497	$	82,501
Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale [Table Text Block]	'
	Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale at December 28, 2013, were as follows:
			Amortized		Fair
	(dollars in thousands)		Cost		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due within one year	$	2,304	$	2,221
	Due after one year through five years		39,678		39,470
	Due after five years through ten years		13,449		13,193
	Equity securities		970		8,209
		$	56,401	$	63,093

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Merchandise Inventories [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	LIFO	$	187,178	$	187,847
	Average cost		53,274		57,396
		$	240,452	$	245,243

Property_and_Equipment_Table

Property and Equipment (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Property and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
		Useful Life
	(dollars in thousands)	(in years)		2013		2012
	Land		$	97,906	$	97,810
	Buildings and improvements	Oct-60		527,789		508,253
	Equipment	12-Mar		874,008		817,822
	Leasehold improvements	20-May		184,995		168,879
	Total, at cost			1,684,698		1,592,764
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			979,713		954,130
			$	704,985	$	638,634

Lease_Commitments_Tables

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Minimum annual rentals	$	32,817	$	30,141	$	30,970
	Contingent rentals		386		134		512
	Lease or sublease income		-6,452		-6,352		-6,704
		$	26,751	$	23,923	$	24,778
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		Leases		Subleases
	2014	$	33,651	$	-3,258
	2015		32,252		-3,139
	2016		28,505		-2,487
	2017		24,330		-1,807
	2018		22,115		-1,208
	Thereafter		82,207		-2,378
		$	223,060	$	-14,277

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block]	'
	Retirement plan costs:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Retirement savings plan	$	1,715	$	1,560	$	1,242
	Profit-sharing plan		1,750		1,650		1,650
	Deferred compensation plan		126		291		-26
	Supplemental retirement plan		2,025		1,105		111
	Pharmacist deferred compensation plan		178		198		-17
		$	5,794	$	4,804	$	2,960
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	Change in the benefit obligations:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	7,726	$	7,487
	Interest cost		575		557
	Benefit payments		-51		-51
	Actuarial gain		-450		-267
		$	7,800	$	7,726
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	'
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	2013		2012
	Discount rate	7.50%		7.50%
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Interest cost	$	575	$	557	$	564
	Amount of recognized gain		501		318		821
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		Benefits
	2014	$	51
	2015		1,758
	2016		1,758
	2017		1,758
	2018		1,758
	2019 – 2023		8,790

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
			Unrealized Gains
			on Available-for-Sale
	(dollars in thousands)		Marketable Securities
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 31, 2011	$	5,448
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		-9
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-420
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		-429
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 29, 2012	$	5,019
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		-36
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-1,044
	Net current period other comprehensive loss		-1,080
	Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 28, 2013	$	3,939
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
			Gains (Losses) Reclassified from
			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to the
			Consolidated Statements of Income
	(dollars in thousands)	Location		2013		2012		2011
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities
		Investment income	$	1,774	$	713	$	1,447
		Provision for income taxes		-730		-293		-601
	Total amount reclassified, net of tax		$	1,044	$	420	$	846

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	26,994	$	30,258	$	24,518
	State		6,774		2,534		781
	Deferred:
	Federal		8,184		12,107		12,731
	State		2,193		3,504		3,992
		$	44,145	$	48,403	$	42,022
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012		2011
	Income taxes at federal statutory rate	$	40,553	$	45,820	$	41,151
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		5,828		3,925		2,558
	Other		-2,236		-1,342		-1,687
	Provision for income taxes (effective tax rate 38.1%,  37.0% and 35.7%, respectively)	$	44,145	$	48,403	$	42,022
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	585	$	426
	Compensated absences		403		510
	Long term employment incentives		2,785		2,891
	Employee benefit plans		4,221		3,784
	General liability insurance		1,223		1,113
	Postretirement benefit obligations		7,037		6,255
	Net operating loss carryforwards		5,736		6,535
	Total deferred tax assets		21,990		21,514
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Inventories		-6,809		-6,241
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities		-2,753		-3,506
	Nondeductible accruals and other		-4,745		-1,995
	Depreciation		-109,836		-102,301
	Total deferred tax liabilities		-124,143		-114,043
	Net deferred tax liability	$	-102,153	$	-92,529
	Current deferred liability - net	$	-4,219	$	-3,420
	Noncurrent deferred liability - net		-97,934		-89,109
	Net deferred tax liability	$	-102,153	$	-92,529
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		2013		2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	225	$	161
	Increases based on tax positions related to the current year		-		-
	Additions for tax positions of prior year		-		64
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-		-
	Settlements		-225		-
	Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes		-		-
	Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	-	$	225

Acquisition_of_Business_Tables

Acquisition of Business (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Acquisition of Business [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands)		11-Jun-12
	Inventories	$	1,116
	Equipment		5,294
	Intangible assets		120
	Total assets acquired	$	6,530

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results_T

Summary of Quarterly Results (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-13		29-Jun-13		Sep. 28, 2013		Dec. 28, 2013
	Net sales	$	682,712	$	662,072	$	661,412	$	686,392
	Gross profit on sales		191,127		190,322		182,763		181,256
	Net income		20,129		24,179		11,692		15,721
	Basic and diluted earnings per share		.75		.90		.43		.59
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	Thirteen Weeks Ended
		31-Mar-12		30-Jun-12		Sep. 29, 2012		Dec. 29, 2012
	Net sales	$	661,610	$	677,097	$	668,391	$	694,307
	Gross profit on sales		183,125		187,599		181,276		190,553
	Net income		20,026		23,204		17,178		22,103
	Basic and diluted earnings per share		.74		.86		.64		.83

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
SERP Investment	'	$8,752,000	$7,058,000	'	$6,800,000
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	'	7,200,000	992,000	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	'	1,882,000	1,526,000	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	2,100,000	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance, Maximum of Workers Compensation Claims Liability per Associate per Claim	'	2,000,000	'	'	'
Cost of Goods Sold, Vendor Allowances	'	76,400,000	75,100,000	66,500,000	'
Vendor Paid Cooperative Advertising Credits	'	16,000,000	16,400,000	18,200,000	'
Accounts Receivable, Earned Advertising Credits	'	440,000	609,000	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Earned Promotional Discounts	'	5,800,000	4,600,000	'	'
Unearned Income for Vendor Programs	'	911,000	861,000	'	'
Advertising Expense	'	23,500,000	23,500,000	24,700,000	'
Depreciation Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	'	'	-11,500,000	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	'	'	-6,800,000	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share	'	'	($0.25)	'	'
Prior to March 1, 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance, Annual Maximum of Health Claims Liability per Associate	'	750,000	'	'	'
Between March 1, 2012 to March 1, 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance, Annual Maximum of Health Claims Liability per Associate	'	1,250,000	'	'	'
Between March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Self Insurance, Annual Maximum of Health Claims Liability per Associate	'	2,000,000	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property and Casualty Insurance, Deductible	'	1,000,000	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property and Casualty Insurance, Deductible	'	$100,000	'	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Non-Compete Agreements [Member]	Lease Acquisitions [Member]	Lease Acquisitions [Member]	Liquor Licenses [Member]	Liquor Licenses [Member]	Customer Lists [Member]	Customer Lists [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross	$5,653	$7,592	$1,200	$3,654	$5,330	$1,879	$942	$120	$120	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	2,306	4,105	1,120	2,235	2,961	65	22	6	2	'	'
Net	3,347	3,487	80	1,419	2,369	1,814	920	114	118	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'30 years	'15 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	250	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	250	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	250	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	250	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$250	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Changes in Future Closed Store Lease Obligations) (Details) (Facility Closing [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Facility Closing [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Closed store lease liabilities, Beginning Balance	$635	$756
Additions	680	198
Payments	-33	-248
Adjustments	-89	-71
Closed store lease liabilities, Ending Balance	$1,193	$635

Marketable_Securities_Availabl

Marketable Securities (Available For Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$56,401	$73,976
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	7,925	9,022
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-1,233	-497
Fair Value	63,093	82,501
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	970	1,136
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	7,239	7,714
Fair Value	8,209	8,850
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	55,431	72,840
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	686	1,308
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-1,233	-497
Fair Value	$54,884	$73,651

Marketable_Securities_Maturiti

Marketable Securities (Maturities of Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized Cost, Due within one year	$2,304	'
Fair Value, Due within one year	2,221	'
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	39,678	'
Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	39,470	'
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	13,449	'
Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	13,193	'
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	970	'
Fair Value, Equity securities	8,209	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis, Total	56,401	73,976
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value, Total	$63,093	$82,501

Inventories_Merchandise_Invent

Inventories (Merchandise Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
LIFO Inventory Amount	$187,178	$187,847
Weighted Average Cost Inventory Amount	53,274	57,396
Inventories	240,452	245,243
Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value	$79,022	$78,330

Property_and_Equipment_Schedul

Property and Equipment (Schedule of Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Land [Member]

Land [Member]

Building and Building Improvements [Member]

Building and Building Improvements [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Leasehold Improvements [Member]

Leasehold Improvements [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Building and Building Improvements [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Leasehold Improvements [Member]

Building and Building Improvements [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Leasehold Improvements [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

$1,684,698

$1,592,764

$97,906

$97,810

$527,789

$508,253

$874,008

$817,822

$184,995

$168,879

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

979,713

954,130

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, net

$704,985

$638,634

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 years

'12 years

'20 years

'10 years

'3 years

'5 years

Lease_Commitments_Narrative_De

Lease Commitments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Lease Expiration Date	'	'	31-Dec-29	'
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	'	'	'20 years	'5 years
Accrued Rent	$521	$99	'	'

Lease_Commitments_Rent_Expense

Lease Commitments (Rent Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum annual rentals	$32,817	$30,141	$30,970
Contingent rentals	386	134	512
Lease or sublease income	-6,452	-6,352	-6,704
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net, Total	$26,751	$23,923	$24,778

Lease_Commitments_Future_Minim

Lease Commitments (Future Minimum Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$33,651
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	32,252
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	28,505
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	24,330
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	22,115
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	82,207
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	223,060
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current	-3,258
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years	-3,139
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years	-2,487
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years	-1,807
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years	-1,208
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	-2,378
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total	($14,277)

Retirement_Plans_Narrative_Det

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'	'
Retirement Plans, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$9,352	$7,531

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Pl

Retirement Plans (Retirement Plan Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension Expense	$5,794	$4,804	$2,960
Retirement savings plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension Expense	1,715	1,560	1,242
Profit-sharing plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension Expense	1,750	1,650	1,650
Deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension Expense	126	291	-26
Supplemental retirement plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension Expense	2,025	1,105	111
Pharmacist deferred compensation plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension Expense	$178	$198	($17)

Retirement_Plans_Change_in_Ben

Retirement Plans (Change in Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$7,726	$7,487	'
Interest cost	575	557	564
Benefit payments	-51	-51	'
Actuarial gain	-450	-267	'
Benefit obligations at end of year	$7,800	$7,726	$7,487

Retirement_Plans_Assumptions_U

Retirement Plans (Assumptions Used) (Details)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	7.50%	7.50%

Retirement_Plans_Components_of

Retirement Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest cost	$575	$557	$564
Amount of recognized gain	$501	$318	$821

Retirement_Plans_Estimated_fut

Retirement Plans (Estimated future benefit payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
2014	$51
2015	1,758
2016	1,758
2017	1,758
2018	1,758
2019-2023	$8,790

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance, beginning	$5,019	$5,448
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-36	-9
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-1,044	-420
Net current period other comprehensive loss	-1,080	-429
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance, ending	$3,939	$5,019

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,684	$3,468	$3,326
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44,145	-48,403	-42,022
Total amount reclassified, net of tax	15,721	11,692	24,179	20,129	22,103	17,178	23,204	20,026	71,721	82,511	75,584
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,774	713	1,447
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-730	-293	-601
Total amount reclassified, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,044	$420	$846

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes Paid	$26,350,000	$27,500,000	$21,000,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$88,000,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date	31-Dec-27	'	'
Pennsylvania [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Year	'2013	'	'
Pennsylvania [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Open Tax Year	'2010	'	'

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Inc

Income Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$26,994	$30,258	$24,518
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	6,774	2,534	781
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	8,184	12,107	12,731
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	2,193	3,504	3,992
Provision for income taxes	$44,145	$48,403	$42,022

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income taxes at federal statutory rate	$40,553	$45,820	$41,151
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	5,828	3,925	2,558
Other	-2,236	-1,342	-1,687
Provision for income taxes	$44,145	$48,403	$42,022
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	38.10%	37.00%	35.70%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable	$585	$426
Compensated absences	403	510
Long term employment incentives	2,785	2,891
Employee benefit plans	4,221	3,784
General liability insurance	1,223	1,113
Postretirement benefit obligations	7,037	6,255
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,736	6,535
Total deferred tax assets	21,990	21,514
Inventories	-6,809	-6,241
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	-2,753	-3,506
Nondeductible accruals and other	-4,745	-1,995
Depreciation	-109,836	-102,301
Total deferred tax liabilities	-124,143	-114,043
Net deferred tax liability	-102,153	-92,529
Current deferred tax liability - net	-4,219	-3,420
Noncurrent deferred tax liability - net	($97,934)	($89,109)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$225	$161
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	0	0
Additions for tax positions of prior year	0	64
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	0
Settlements	-225	0
Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$0	$225

Acquisition_of_Business_Narrat

Acquisition of Business (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	$686,392	$661,412	$662,072	$682,712	$694,307	$668,391	$677,097	$661,610	$2,692,588	$2,701,405	$2,752,504
Purchase price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	6,116	0
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	414	0
Former Genuardi's Stores [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11-Jun-12	'	'
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$22,100	'
Number of stores acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'	'

Acquisition_of_Business_Alloca

Acquisition of Business (Allocation of Purchase Price) (Details) (Former Genuardi's Stores [Member], USD $)	Jun. 11, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Former Genuardi's Stores [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Inventories	$1,116
Equipment	5,294
Intangible assets	120
Total assets acquired	$6,530

Summary_of_Quarterly_Financial

Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$686,392	$661,412	$662,072	$682,712	$694,307	$668,391	$677,097	$661,610	$2,692,588	$2,701,405	$2,752,504
Gross profit on sales	181,256	182,763	190,322	191,127	190,553	181,276	187,599	183,125	745,468	742,553	735,855
Net income	$15,721	$11,692	$24,179	$20,129	$22,103	$17,178	$23,204	$20,026	$71,721	$82,511	$75,584
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$0.59	$0.43	$0.90	$0.75	$0.83	$0.64	$0.86	$0.74	$2.67	$3.07	$2.81