Weis Markets (WMK) 10-K 15 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Mar. 15, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	WEIS MARKETS INC
Trading Symbol	wmk
Entity Central Index Key	105,418
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,898,443
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 464,000,000
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,305	$ 14,653
Marketable securities	63,665	67,171
SERP investment	14,476	11,154
Accounts receivable, net	82,877	96,170
Inventories	279,509	276,783
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,435	16,310
Income taxes recoverable	2,047	1,625
Total current assets	483,314	483,866
Property and equipment, net	886,243	878,195
Goodwill	52,330	52,330
Intangible and other assets, net	19,852	16,913
Total assets	1,441,739	1,431,304
Current:
Accounts payable	216,252	199,159
Accrued expenses	33,403	50,947
Accrued self-insurance	17,470	19,330
Deferred revenue, net	7,217	6,730
Total current liabilities	274,342	276,166
Long-term debt	34,988	64,476
Postretirement benefit obligations	18,409	15,277
Accrued self-insurance	20,140	21,353
Deferred income taxes	87,422	119,445
Other	13,594	7,865
Total liabilities	448,895	504,582
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, no par value, 100,800,000 shares authorized, 33,047,807 shares issued, 26,898,443 shares outstanding	9,949	9,949
Retained earnings	1,127,872	1,062,778
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	5,880	4,852
Shareholders' equity before treasury stock	1,143,701	1,077,579
Treasury stock at cost, 6,149,364 shares	(150,857)	(150,857)
Total shareholders' equity	992,844	926,722
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,441,739	$ 1,431,304

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,800,000	100,800,000
Common stock, shares issued	33,047,807	33,047,807
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,898,443	26,898,443
Treasury stock, shares	6,149,364	6,149,364

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,466,807	$ 3,136,720	$ 2,876,748
Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses	2,540,348	2,264,565	2,090,016
Gross profit on sales	926,459	872,155	786,732
Operating, general and administrative expenses	850,034	773,830	695,953
Income from operations	76,425	98,325	90,779
Investment income and interest expense	2,598	2,457	1,552
Gain on bargain purchase	0	23,879	0
Income before provision for income taxes	79,023	124,661	92,331
Provision for income taxes	(19,391)	37,499	33,001
Net income	$ 98,414	$ 87,162	$ 59,330
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	26,898,443	26,898,443	26,898,443
Cash dividends per share	$ 1.20	$ 1.20	$ 1.20
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 3.66	$ 3.24	$ 2.21

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 98,414	$ 87,162	$ 59,330
Other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period (Net of deferred taxes of $19, $239 and $37, respectively)	(43)	348	(52)
Accumulated change in effective tax rate	1,042
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (Net of deferred taxes of $11, $180 and $11, respectively)	29	(257)	(16)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,028	91	(68)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$ 99,442	$ 87,253	$ 59,262

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gains arising during period, deferred taxes	$ 19	$ 239	$ 37
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, deferred taxes	$ 11	$ 180	$ 11

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance, at Dec. 27, 2014	$ 9,949	$ 980,842	$ 4,829	$ (150,857)	$ 844,763
Balance, shares at Dec. 27, 2014	33,047,807			6,149,364
Net income	$ 0	59,330	0	$ 0	59,330
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments and tax	0	0	(68)	0	(68)
Dividends paid	0	(32,278)	0	0	(32,278)
Balance, at Dec. 26, 2015	$ 9,949	1,007,894	4,761	$ (150,857)	871,747
Balance, shares at Dec. 26, 2015	33,047,807			6,149,364
Net income	$ 0	87,162	0	$ 0	87,162
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments and tax	0	0	91	0	91
Dividends paid	0	(32,278)	0	0	(32,278)
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 9,949	1,062,778	4,852	$ (150,857)	$ 926,722
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	33,047,807			6,149,364
Treasury Stock, Shares					6,149,364
Net income	$ 0	98,414	0	$ 0	$ 98,414
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments and tax	0	0	(14)	0	(14)
Other comprehensive income tax reform adjustment	0	(1,042)	1,042	0	0
Dividends paid	0	(32,278)	0	0	(32,278)
Balance, at Dec. 30, 2017	$ 9,949	$ 1,127,872	$ 5,880	$ (150,857)	$ 992,844
Balance, shares at Dec. 30, 2017	33,047,807			6,149,364
Treasury Stock, Shares					6,149,364

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 98,414	$ 87,162	$ 59,330
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	85,415	76,862	70,114
(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets	(700)	1,353	(54)
Impairment of fixed assets	0	894	0
(Gain) loss on sale of marketable securities	40	(437)	(27)
Gain on sale of intangible assets	0	(200)	0
Gain on acquisition of business	0	(23,879)	0
Deferred income taxes	(31,993)	5,703	(212)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventories	(2,726)	(38,102)	10,242
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses	9,598	(5,096)	(17,127)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	7,742	46,131	14,403
Income taxes	(422)	41	(1,054)
Other	446	1,161	1,118
Net cash provided by operating activities	165,814	151,593	136,733
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(95,857)	(142,144)	(90,210)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	2,246	442	1,929
Purchase of marketable securities	(12,612)	(40,858)	(31,329)
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	8,442	1,335	3,201
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities	7,272	62,566	9,171
Acquisition of business	0	(63,632)	0
Purchase of intangible assets	(3,565)	(2,568)	(2,649)
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets	0	200	0
Change in SERP investment	(3,322)	(2,075)	42
Net cash used in investing activities	(97,396)	(186,734)	(109,845)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(29,488)
Proceeds from long-term debt		64,476
Dividends paid	(32,278)	(32,278)	(32,278)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(61,766)	32,198	(32,278)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,652	(2,943)	(5,390)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	14,653	17,596	22,986
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 21,305	$ 14,653	$ 17,596

Consolidated Statements Of Cas9

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ 13,000	$ 31,000	$ 30,200
Interest paid	$ 973	$ 141

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	No te 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. The Company’s operations are reported as a single reportable segment. There was no material change in the nature of the Company's business during fiscal 2017 .  (b) Definition of Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal 2017 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 30, 2017 . Fiscal 2016 was comprised of 53 weeks, ending on December 31, 2016 . Fiscal 2015 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 26, 2015 . 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) 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $341,000 and $ 7 14,000 , respectively.  (f) 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.  (g) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,946,000 and $1,455,000 as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The reserve balance relates to amounts due from pharmacy third party providers, retail customer returned checks, manufacturing customers, vendors and tenants. 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)  (h) Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value , using both the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and average cost methods. The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using LIFO. Under this method, inventory is stated a t cost, which is determined by applying a cost-to-retail to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value. 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.  (i) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on the cost of buildings and improvements and equipment using the straight-line method.  Leasehold improvements are 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.”  (j) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests when indicators of impairment are identified. 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.  The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:     December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  Accumulated Accumulated  (dollars in thousands) Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net  Liquor Licenses $ 11,121 $ - $ 11,121 $ 8,423 $ - $ 8,423  Lease Acquisitions 10,960 3,902 7,058 10,960 2,984 7,976  Customer Lists 1,162 175 987 295 21 274  Total $ 23,243 $ 4,077 $ 19,166 $ 19,678 $ 3,005 $ 16,673  Intangible assets with a definite useful life are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 30 years for lease acquisitions and up to 10 years for customer lists . Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approx imately $1.0 million in 2018, $1.0 million in 2019, $1.0 million in 2020, $975,000 in 2021 and $732,000 in 2022. As of December 30, 2017 , the Company’s intangible assets with indefinite lives consisted of goodwill and Pennsylvania liquor licenses. Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)  (k) 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 completes an impairment test annually. The Company also 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 current market values or expected discounted future cash flows.  With respect to owned property and equipment associated with closed stores, the value of the property and equipment would be adjusted to reflect recoverable values if current economic conditions and estimated fair values of the property was less than the net book value.  In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment , the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $894,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016 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 a property was less than the recoverable value. 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.  (l) 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 closi ng commitments. As of December 30, 2017 , the remaining closed store has a lease term of approximately eight months, and the liabilities associated with the closed store lease are paid over the term of the lease. Closed store lease liabilities totaled $39,000 and $105,000 as of December 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company estimates the lease liabilities, net of estimated sublease income, using the undiscounted rent payments of closed stores. Other exit costs include estimated real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and utility costs to be incurred after the store closes over the remaining lease term. Store closings are generally completed within one year after the decision to close. Adjustments to closed store liabilities and other exit costs 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 changes become known. Any excess store closing liability remaining upon settlement of the obligation is reversed to income in the period that such settlement is determined. Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs, or that is no longer needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period. Inventory write-downs, if any, in connection with store closings are classified in cost of sales. Costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores are expensed as incurred.  The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:   Closed Store  (dollars in thousands) Obligations  Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 212  Additions 0  Payments (33)  Adjustments (74)  Balance at December 31, 2016 105  Additions 0  Payments 0  Adjustments (66)  Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 39 Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)  (m) Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and associate medical benefit claims. The self-insurance liability for most of the medical benefit claims is determined based on historical data and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The other self-insurance liabilities including workers’ compensation are determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company was liable for associate health claims up to an annual maximum of $2,000,000 per member prior to March 1, 2014 and an unlimited amount per member as of and after March 1, 2014. As of March 1, 2014, the Company purchased stop loss insurance which carries a $500,000 specific deductible with a $250,000 aggregating deductible. 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 . Significant assumptions used in the development of the actuarial estimates include reliance on the Company’s historical claims data including average monthly claims and average lag time between incurrence and reporting of the claim.  (n) 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. The Company reviews the tax positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns to determine whether and to what extent a benefit can be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and other disclosures related to uncertain tax positions. To the extent interest and penalties would be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense.  (o) Earnings Per Share Earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  (p) 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 due to products being returned quickly and the relatively low unit cost.  (q) Cost of Sales, Including Warehousing and Distribution Expenses “Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses” consists of direct product costs (net of discounts and allowances), distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations.  (r) Vendor Allowances Vendor allowances related 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 offsetting costs incurred. 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. Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)  (r) Vendor Allowances (continued) Vendor allowances recorded as credits in cost of sales totaled $114.1 million in 2017 , $ 123.9 million in 2016 and $97.0 million in 2015 . Vendor paid cooperative advertising credits totaled $19.2 million in 2017 , $ 19.1 million in 2016 and $17.1 million in 2015 . These credits were netted against advertising costs within “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” The Company had accounts receivable due from vendors of $1.0 million and $852,000 for earned advertising credits and $13. 1 million and $10.7 million for earned promotional discounts as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company had $9.8 million and $4.0 million in unearned income included in accrued liabilities for unearned vendor programs under long-term contracts for display and shelf space allocation as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.  (s) 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, depreciation, leasehold amortization and costs for outside provided services.  (t) Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expense, before vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, of $31.0 million in 2017 , $ 26.3 million in 2016 and $23.1 million in 2015 in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”  (u) Rental and Commission 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.  The Company provides a variety of services to its customers, including but not limited to lottery, money orders, third-party gift cards, and third-party bill pay services. Commission income earned from these services are recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”  (v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , as amended by several subsequent ASU’s, which establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued a one-year deferral of the effective date of this new guidance resulting in it now being effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2018. The Company has evaluated the impact of adoption of the ASU. The Company’s assessment of the new guidance has identified customer loyalty programs and gift cards affected by the new guidance. The effects related to these transactions will not effect the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as any effect as a result of the adoption is not material. The Company has determined that the adoption of the ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s point of sale product sales. The Company will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method beginning December 31, 2017. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . ASU 2016-01 generally requires that equity investments (excluding equity method investments) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will likely have an impact on the net income reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, but will not impact the Company’s comprehensive income or shareholders’ equity. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with the cumulative effect of the adoption made to the balance sheet as of the date of adoption. Adoption will result in a reclassification of the related accumulated unrealized appreciation, net of applicable deferred income taxes, currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, resulting in no impact on the Company’s shareholders’ equity.  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by their leases with lease terms more than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU and expects the adoption to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)  (v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards (continued) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04 Liabilities – Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20) Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products . ASU 2016-04 requires that an entity must disclose the methodology and specific judgements made in applying the breakage recognized. ASU 2016-04 will become effective for the financial statements issued for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has evaluated the effect of the adoption of the ASU and determined there will not be a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-04 beginning December 31, 2017.  In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 clarifies the treatment of the deferred tax adjustments on temporary differences that arose from items of income or loss that were originally recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) by reclassifying the stranded tax effect to retained earnings. The Company early adopted this ASU for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2017.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Note 2 Marketable Securities The Company’s marketable securities are all classified as available-for-sale within “Current Assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 municipal 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 advisory 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.  The Company accrues interest on its bond portfolio throughout the life of each bond held. Dividends from the equity securities are recognized as received. Both interest and dividends are recognized in “Investment income and interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Note 2 Marketable Securities (continued) Marketable securities, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , consisted of:      Gross Gross  (dollars in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  December 30, 2017 Cost Holding Gains Holding Losses Value  Available-for-sale:  Level 1  Equity securities $ 1,198 $ 7,634 $ - $ 8,832  Level 2  Municipal bonds 54,278 671 (116) 54,833  $ 55,476 $ 8,305 $ (116) $ 63,665      Gross Gross  (dollars in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  December 31, 2016 Cost Holding Gains Holding Losses Value  Available-for-sale:  Level 1  Equity securities $ 1,198 $ 8,162 $ - $ 9,360  Level 2  Municipal bonds 57,739 531 (459) 57,811  $ 58,937 $ 8,693 $ (459) $ 67,171  Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale at December 30, 2017 , were as follows:    Amortized Fair  (dollars in thousands) Cost Value  Available-for-sale:  Due within one year $ 12,535 $ 12,585  Due after one year through five years 22,421 22,655  Due after five years through ten years 19,322 19,593  Equity securities 1,198 8,832  $ 55,476 $ 63,665  SERP Investments The Company also maintains a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan and a non-qualified pharmacist deferred compensation plan for certain of its associates which allows them to defer income to future periods. Participants in the plans earn a return on their deferrals based on mutual fund investments. The Company chooses to invest in the underlying mutual fund investments to offset the liability associated with the non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Such investments are reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as “SERP investment,” are classified as trading securities and are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs with gains and losses included in “Investment income and interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The changes in the underlying liability to the associates are recorded in “Operating, general and administrative expenses .”

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 3 Inventories Merchandise inventories, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were valued as follows:     (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  LIFO $ 221,777 $ 223,294  Average cost 57,732 53,489  $ 279,509 $ 276,783  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 $78,005,000 and $79,128,000 higher than as reported on the above methods as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Note 4 Property and Equipment Property and equipment, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , consisted of:     Useful Life  (dollars in thousands) ( in years) 2017 2016  Land $ 129,878 $ 134,813  Buildings and improvements 10 -60 693,898 655,487  Equipment 3 -12 1,054,986 1,033,967  Leasehold improvements 5 -20 212,109 205,506  Total, at cost 2,090,871 2,029,773  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,204,628 1,151,578  $ 886,243 $ 878,195

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Lease Commitments [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	Note 5 Lease Commitments At December 30, 2017 , the Company leased approximately 54% of its open store facilities under operating leases that expire at various dates through 2033 . 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. Additionally, the Company has operating leases for certain transportation and other equipment.  Rent expense and income on all leases consisted of:     (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Minimum annual rentals $ 46,804 $ 38,632 $ 34,794  Contingent rentals 432 431 452  Lease or sublease income (7,612) (7,212) (7,069)  $ 39,624 $ 31,851 $ 28,177   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 30, 2017 .      (dollars in thousands) Leases Subleases  2018 $ 43,820 $ (3,278)  2019 40,665 (3,075)  2020 33,100 (2,800)  2021 26,893 (2,397)  2022 21,124 (2,054)  Thereafter 79,892 (8,693)  $ 245,494 $ (22,297)  The Company did not have a liability accrued as of December 31, 2017 and as of December 31, 2016, 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. 30, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Note 6 Retirement Plans The Company has a qualified retirement savings plan, the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, covering substantially all full-time associates. The plan has a contributory component as well as a noncontributory profit-sharing component for certain associates. The noncontributory component covers eligible associates which included certain salaried associates, store management and administrative support personnel. The Company also has three non-qualified supplemental retirement plans covering highly compensated employees of the Company. The Company’s policy is to fund retirement plan costs as accrued, with the exception of the deferred compensation plan. Employer contributions to the qualified retirement plan are made at the sole discretion of the Company.  Retirement plan costs:     (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Retirement savings plan 3,343 3,593 3,161  Deferred compensation plan 813 788 (318)  Supplemental executive retirement plan 1,920 909 484  Deferred compensation plan for pharmacists 705 284 (165)  $ 6,781 $ 5,574 $ 3,162  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. Currently, there are no active officers in the plan. The expected payments under the plan provisions were determined through actuarial calculations dependent on the age of the recipient, using an assumed discount rate. The plan is unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis. The recorded liability at December 30, 2017 is $4,914,000 , which is based on expected payments to be made over the remaining lives of the beneficiaries. This amount is included in “Accrued expenses” and “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The expected payment amounts are approximately $1,013,000 for 2018 and for the years thereafter dependent on the lives of the beneficiaries.  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 $14,508,000 and $11,176,000 at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and is included in “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company has no other postretirement benefit plans.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 26, 2015 $ 4,761   Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 348  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (257)  Net current period other comprehensive loss 91  Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 4,852   Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (43)  Accumulated change in effective tax rate 1,042  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 29  Net current period other comprehensive income 1,028  Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 30, 2017 $ 5,880  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 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 .    Amounts Reclassified from  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to the  Consolidated Statements of Income  (dollars in thousands) Location 2017 2016 2015  Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities  Investment income and interest expense $ (40) $ 437 $ 27  Provision for income taxes 11 (180) (11)  Total amount reclassified, net of tax $ (29) $ 257 $ 16 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 8 Income Taxes The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of:    (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Current:  Federal $ 10,630 $ 25,908 $ 29,888  State 1,972 5,888 3,325  Deferred:  Federal (34,659) 6,020 (188)  State 2,666 (317) (24)  $ (19,391) $ 37,499 $ 33,001  The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate 35% in 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively. Ending deferred tax liability has been computed at the federal statutory rate of 21% due to the Tax Reform.    (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Income taxes at federal statutory rate $ 27,658 $ 43,631 $ 32,316  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 1,306 2,413 1,112  Deferred tax on gain on bargain purchase - (8,358) -  Nondeductible employee-related expenses 1,828 - -  2017 tax reform (49,336) - -  Other (847) (187) (427)  Provision for income taxes (effective tax rate (24.5)% , 30.1% and 35.7% , respectively) $ (19,391) $ 37,499 $ 33,001  The effective income tax rate was (24.5)%, 30.1% and 35.7% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the ”Tax Reform”). The Tax Reform significantly impacted the Company’s effective income tax rate by reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and allowing immediate expensing of qualified assets placed into service after September 27, 2017. Other elements of the Tax Reform have minor impacts, however the above mentioned decreased deferred income tax by $ 49.3 million. The effective income tax rate decreased in 2016 due to the impact of the bargain purchase gain on the 38 locations being included in the overall gain calculation and not in income tax expense. The effective tax rate excluding the bargain purchase gain was 37.2%  Cash paid for federal income taxes was $12.0 million , $27.3 million and $28.0 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 respectively. Cash paid for state income taxes was $1. 0 million, $3.7 million and $2.2 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 respectively.  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , are:    (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  Deferred tax assets:  Accounts receivable $ 542 $ 586  Compensated absences 848 1,076  Employment incentives 388 9,826  Employee benefit plans 5,581 9,243  General liability insurance 2,991 4,359  Postretirement benefit obligations 5,365 6,484  Net operating loss carryforwards 7,745 5,600  Other 4,373 2,224  Total deferred tax assets 27,833 39,398  Deferred tax liabilities:  Inventories (8,026) (7,619)  Unrealized gains on marketable securities (2,310) (3,382)  Nondeductible accruals and other (5,160) (7,517)  Depreciation (99,759) (140,325)  Total deferred tax liabilities (115,255) (158,843)  Net deferred tax liability $ (87,422) $ (119,445)  Note 8 Income Taxes (continued) The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:     (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 3,124 $ 1,264  Increases based on tax positions related to the current year 1,567 1,563  Additions for tax positions of prior year - 297  Reductions for tax positions of prior years - -  Settlements - -  Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes - -  Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 4,691 $ 3,124  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $1,567,000 in 2017, $1,860,000 in 2016 and $1,264,000 in 2015 . 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 201 4 to 2017 . The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $98.1 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. 30, 2017
Acquisition of Business [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 9 Acquisition of Business Fiscal 2017 Acquisitions There were no acquisitions for fiscal 2017.  Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions On August 1, 2016, the Company purchased five Mars Super Market stores located in Maryland. Weis Markets, Inc. acquired these locations and their operations in an effort to expand its presence in the Baltimore County region. The results of operations of the former Mars Super Market acquisition are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. The five former Mars Super Market stores contributed $91.5 million and $38.0 million to sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The cash purchase price paid was $24.6 million for the property, equipment, inventories, prepaid expenses and goodwill related to this purchase. The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method. The fair value of intangibles was determined based on the discounted cash flow model and property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals. Weis Markets, Inc. assumed two lease obligations in the acquisition of the former Mars Super Market stores and entered into two new lease agreements. Goodwill of $ 13.3 million has been recorded, based upon the expected benefits to be derived from new management business strategy and cost synergies. The $13.3 million of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets as follows.  The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are reported below.     5 Mars Super Market Stores  (dollars in thousands) August 1, 2016  Inventories $ 1,267  Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 248  Property and equipment 7,305  Goodwill 13,255  Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest, net 2,495  Total fair value of assets acquired $ 24,570  Note 9 Acquisition of Business (continued) Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions (continued) In September 2016, the Company began its acquisition of 38 former Food Lion, LLC stores. Within eight weeks, ending in October 2016, Weis Markets acquired 21 Maryland, 13 Virginia and 4 Delaware former Food Lion, LLC stores. The results of operations of the 38 former Food Lion, LLC stores are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method. The fair value of intangibles was determined based on the discounted cash flow model and property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals. The acquired locations were part of a FTC forced diversiture in the approval process of the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group, which resulted in a below fair value purchase price consideration. The cash purchase price paid was $29.4 million for the property, equipment, inventories, prepaid expenses and liabilities. Weis Markets, Inc. assumed thirty lease obligations and ownership of eight locations. The Company recognized a gain of $ 23.9 million on the purchase of the 38 former Food Lion, LLC stores. The 38 acquired Food Lion, LLC locations contributed $369.2 million and $92.5 million to sales in 2017 and 2016 , respectively .  The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are reported below.     38 Food Lion, LLC Stores  (dollars in thousands) Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, 2016  Assets $  Current:  Accounts receivable, net 146  Inventories 7,614  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,044  Total current assets 8,804  Property and equipment, net 60,735  Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest 4,583  Total assets 74,122   Liabilities  Current:  Accrued expenses (428)  Total current liabilities (428)  Other - unfavorable leasehold interest (3,738)  Deferred tax liability (16,663)  Total liabilities (20,829)   Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 53,293   Gain on bargain purchase $ 23,879 Note 9 Acquisition of Business (continued) Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions (continued) On October 30, 2016, Weis Markets acquired a former Nell’s Family Market store located in East Berlin, PA from C&S Wholesale Grocers. The results of operations of the former Nell’s Family Market acquisition are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acqu isition. The purchase price was $13.0 million , of which $3.4 million is payable over a 4 year term for the property, equipment, inventory, prepaid expenses and liabilities. The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method. The fair value of intangibles was determined based on the discounted cash flow model and property and equipment were determined based on external appraisals. The former Nell’s Family Market contributed $17.6 million and $3.0 million to sales in 2017 and 2016 , respectively . Goodwill of $3.9 million has been recorded, based upon the expected benefits to be derived from new management business strategy and cost synergies. The $3.9 million of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.  The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are reported below.     Nell's Family Market Store  (dollars in thousands) October 30, 2016  Assets $  Current:  Inventories 401  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 39  Total current assets 440  Property and equipment, net 8,625  Goodwill 3,913  Intangible and other assets, net 23  Total assets 13,001   Liabilities  Current:  Accrued expenses (3)  Total current liabilities (3)   Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 12,998  The pro forma information includes historical results of operations of the 38 former Food Lion Supermarket and 5 former Mars Super Market stores but does not include efficiencies, cost reductions, synergies or investments in lower prices for the Company’s customers expected to result from the acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the 38 former Food Lion Supermarket and the 5 former Mars Super Market stores been acquired at the beginning of 2015. Pro forma results of sales, assuming the acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of 2015, are included in the following table. The Company does not have reliable information to provide additional pro forma disclosures.    (dollars in thousands)  For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017, 2017 2016 2015  December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 (52 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)  Store sales $ 3,460,484 $ 3,563,145 $ 3,424,414  Fiscal 2015 Acquisitions The Company paid $7.9 million for the property and equipment related to the purchase of a store in Hanover, Pennsylvania on August 31, 2015 from C&S Wholesale Grocers to expand current market share. The purchase price was allocated between land, building and equipment of $1.9 million, $5.9 million and $112,000 , respectively, in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies for business combinations. No Goodwill was recognized. 

Summary of Quarterly Results

Summary of Quarterly Results	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Results	Note 10 Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Thirteen Weeks Ended  April 1,2017 July 1, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 30, 2017  Net sales $ 852,229 $ 876,569 $ 854,261 $ 883,748  Gross profit on sales 229,796 239,879 222,839 233,945  Net income 11,836 18,475 4,449 63,654 *  Basic and diluted earnings per share $ .44 $ .69 $ .16 $ 2.37 __________________ * The quarter ended December 30, 2017 includes the tax benefit of $ 49.3 million as a result of revaluing the Company’s net deferred tax liability using the enacted Federal tax rate of 21% under the Tax Reform.    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Thirteen Weeks Ended Fourteen Weeks Ended  March 26, 2016 June 25, 2016 September 24, 2016 December 31, 2016  Net sales $ 738,204 $ 730,433 $ 742,986 $ 925,097  Gross profit on sales 207,112 201,938 204,864 258,241  Gain on bargain purchase - - - 23,879  Net income 20,129 15,265 10,628 41,140  Basic and diluted earnings per share $ .75 $ .57 $ .40 $ 1.52

Fair Value Information

Fair Value Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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. The Company’s SERP investments are classified as trading securities and are carried at fair value using Level 1 inputs. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value as interest rates on this debt agreement approximates current market rates.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 12 Commitments and 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 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.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Note 13 Long-Term Debt On September 1 , 2016 Weis Markets entered into a revolving credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100.0 million with an additional discretionary amount available of $50.0 million. As of December 30, 2017 , $3 5.0 million of the available $100.0 million was borrowed from the credit facility. The loan will bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at the one month LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin rate of 0.65% until its Maturity on September 1, 2019 . The loan was used to fund the recent acquisitions and the Company’s working c apital requirements. The only financial covenant in the credit facility requires the Company’s minimum EBITDA to be at least $75.0 million. The Credit Agreement is also being utilized by the Company for letters of credit. As of December 30, 2017 , the Company had $18.2 million, of the available $100.0 million from the credit facility, committed to outstanding letters of credit. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support performance, payment, deposit or surety obligations of the Company. The Company does not anticipate drawing on any of them.  Interest expense related to long-term debt was $946,000 and $242,000 for 2017 and 2016 , respectively .

Subsequent Related Party Transa

Subsequent Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Subsequent Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Subsequent Related Party Transactions	Note 14 Subsequent Related Party Transactions On January 16, 2018, the Company purchased a parcel of land from Central Properties, Inc in which Jonathan H. Weis and his immediate family members have beneficial ownership interest . The purchase price of $1.1 million was approved by the Company’s Executive Committee in accordance with Company policy and regulatory guidelines.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts:   SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS WEIS MARKETS, INC. (dollars in thousands)      Col. A Col. B Col. C Col. D Col. E  Additions  Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at  Beginning Costs and Accounts Deductions End of  Description of Period Expenses Describe Describe (1) Period  Fiscal Year ended December 30, 2017:  Deducted from asset accounts:  Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 1,455 $ 2,176 $ --- $ 1,685 $ 1,946   Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2016:  Deducted from asset accounts:  Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 1,967 $ 1,145 $ --- $ 1,657 $ 1,455   Fiscal Year ended December 26, 2015:  Deducted from asset accounts:  Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 1,578 $ 1,438 $ --- $ 1,049 $ 1,967  (1) Deductions are uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Summary Of Significant Accoun25

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Summary Of 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. The Company’s operations are reported as a single reportable segment. There was no material change in the nature of the Company's business during fiscal 2017 .
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 2017 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 30, 2017 . Fiscal 2016 was comprised of 53 weeks, ending on December 31, 2016 . Fiscal 2015 was comprised of 52 weeks, ending on December 26, 2015 . 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]	(e) 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $341,000 and $ 7 14,000 , respectively.
Marketable Securities [Policy Text Block]	(f) 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]	(g) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,946,000 and $1,455,000 as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The reserve balance relates to amounts due from pharmacy third party providers, retail customer returned checks, manufacturing customers, vendors and tenants. 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]	(h) Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value , using both the last-in, first-out (LIFO) and average cost methods. The Company’s center store and pharmacy inventories are valued using LIFO. Under this method, inventory is stated a t cost, which is determined by applying a cost-to-retail to each similar merchandise category’s ending retail value. 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]	(i) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on the cost of buildings and improvements and equipment using the straight-line method.  Leasehold improvements are 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]	(j) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests when indicators of impairment are identified. 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.  The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:     December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  Accumulated Accumulated  (dollars in thousands) Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net  Liquor Licenses $ 11,121 $ - $ 11,121 $ 8,423 $ - $ 8,423  Lease Acquisitions 10,960 3,902 7,058 10,960 2,984 7,976  Customer Lists 1,162 175 987 295 21 274  Total $ 23,243 $ 4,077 $ 19,166 $ 19,678 $ 3,005 $ 16,673  Intangible assets with a definite useful life are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 30 years for lease acquisitions and up to 10 years for customer lists . Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is approx imately $1.0 million in 2018, $1.0 million in 2019, $1.0 million in 2020, $975,000 in 2021 and $732,000 in 2022. As of December 30, 2017 , the Company’s intangible assets with indefinite lives consisted of goodwill and Pennsylvania liquor licenses.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]	(k) 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 completes an impairment test annually. The Company also 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 current market values or expected discounted future cash flows.  With respect to owned property and equipment associated with closed stores, the value of the property and equipment would be adjusted to reflect recoverable values if current economic conditions and estimated fair values of the property was less than the net book value.  In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification No. 360, Property, Plant and Equipment , the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $894,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016 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 a property was less than the recoverable value. 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]	(l) 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 closi ng commitments. As of December 30, 2017 , the remaining closed store has a lease term of approximately eight months, and the liabilities associated with the closed store lease are paid over the term of the lease. Closed store lease liabilities totaled $39,000 and $105,000 as of December 30 , 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company estimates the lease liabilities, net of estimated sublease income, using the undiscounted rent payments of closed stores. Other exit costs include estimated real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and utility costs to be incurred after the store closes over the remaining lease term. Store closings are generally completed within one year after the decision to close. Adjustments to closed store liabilities and other exit costs 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 changes become known. Any excess store closing liability remaining upon settlement of the obligation is reversed to income in the period that such settlement is determined. Store closing liabilities are reviewed quarterly to ensure that any accrued amount that is not a sufficient estimate of future costs, or that is no longer needed for its originally intended purpose, is adjusted to income in the proper period. Inventory write-downs, if any, in connection with store closings are classified in cost of sales. Costs to transfer inventory and equipment from closed stores are expensed as incurred.  The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:   Closed Store  (dollars in thousands) Obligations  Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 212  Additions 0  Payments (33)  Adjustments (74)  Balance at December 31, 2016 105  Additions 0  Payments 0  Adjustments (66)  Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 39 
Self-Insurance [Policy Text Block]	(m) Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for a majority of its workers’ compensation, general liability, vehicle accident and associate medical benefit claims. The self-insurance liability for most of the medical benefit claims is determined based on historical data and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported. The other self-insurance liabilities including workers’ compensation are determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company was liable for associate health claims up to an annual maximum of $2,000,000 per member prior to March 1, 2014 and an unlimited amount per member as of and after March 1, 2014. As of March 1, 2014, the Company purchased stop loss insurance which carries a $500,000 specific deductible with a $250,000 aggregating deductible. 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 . Significant assumptions used in the development of the actuarial estimates include reliance on the Company’s historical claims data including average monthly claims and average lag time between incurrence and reporting of the claim.
Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]	(n) 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. The Company reviews the tax positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns to determine whether and to what extent a benefit can be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and other disclosures related to uncertain tax positions. To the extent interest and penalties would be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts are accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense.
Earnings Per Share [Policy Text Block]	(o) Earnings Per Share Earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.
Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]	(p) 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 due to products being returned quickly and the relatively low unit cost. 
Cost of Sales, Including Warehousing and Distribution Expenses [Policy Text Block]	(q) Cost of Sales, Including Warehousing and Distribution Expenses “Cost of sales, including warehousing and distribution expenses” consists of direct product costs (net of discounts and allowances), distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations.
Vendor Allowances [Policy Text Block]	(r) Vendor Allowances Vendor allowances related 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 offsetting costs incurred. 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. Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)  (r) Vendor Allowances (continued) Vendor allowances recorded as credits in cost of sales totaled $114.1 million in 2017 , $ 123.9 million in 2016 and $97.0 million in 2015 . Vendor paid cooperative advertising credits totaled $19.2 million in 2017 , $ 19.1 million in 2016 and $17.1 million in 2015 . These credits were netted against advertising costs within “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” The Company had accounts receivable due from vendors of $1.0 million and $852,000 for earned advertising credits and $13. 1 million and $10.7 million for earned promotional discounts as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company had $9.8 million and $4.0 million in unearned income included in accrued liabilities for unearned vendor programs under long-term contracts for display and shelf space allocation as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.
Operating, General and Administrative Expenses [Policy Text Block]	 (s) 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, depreciation, leasehold amortization and costs for outside provided services.
Advertising Costs [Policy Text Block]	(t) Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expense, before vendor paid cooperative advertising credits, of $31.0 million in 2017 , $ 26.3 million in 2016 and $23.1 million in 2015 in “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”
Rental and Commission Income [Policy Text Block]	(u) Rental and Commission 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.  The Company provides a variety of services to its customers, including but not limited to lottery, money orders, third-party gift cards, and third-party bill pay services. Commission income earned from these services are recorded when earned as a component of “Operating, general and administrative expenses.”
Current Relevant Accounting Standards	(v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , as amended by several subsequent ASU’s, which establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued a one-year deferral of the effective date of this new guidance resulting in it now being effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2018. The Company has evaluated the impact of adoption of the ASU. The Company’s assessment of the new guidance has identified customer loyalty programs and gift cards affected by the new guidance. The effects related to these transactions will not effect the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as any effect as a result of the adoption is not material. The Company has determined that the adoption of the ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s point of sale product sales. The Company will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method beginning December 31, 2017. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . ASU 2016-01 generally requires that equity investments (excluding equity method investments) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will likely have an impact on the net income reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, but will not impact the Company’s comprehensive income or shareholders’ equity. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with the cumulative effect of the adoption made to the balance sheet as of the date of adoption. Adoption will result in a reclassification of the related accumulated unrealized appreciation, net of applicable deferred income taxes, currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, resulting in no impact on the Company’s shareholders’ equity.  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by their leases with lease terms more than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU and expects the adoption to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)  (v) Current Relevant Accounting Standards (continued) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04 Liabilities – Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20) Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products . ASU 2016-04 requires that an entity must disclose the methodology and specific judgements made in applying the breakage recognized. ASU 2016-04 will become effective for the financial statements issued for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has evaluated the effect of the adoption of the ASU and determined there will not be a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-04 beginning December 31, 2017.  In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 clarifies the treatment of the deferred tax adjustments on temporary differences that arose from items of income or loss that were originally recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) by reclassifying the stranded tax effect to retained earnings. The Company early adopted this ASU for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2017.

Summary of Significant Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:     December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  Accumulated Accumulated  (dollars in thousands) Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net  Liquor Licenses $ 11,121 $ - $ 11,121 $ 8,423 $ - $ 8,423  Lease Acquisitions 10,960 3,902 7,058 10,960 2,984 7,976  Customer Lists 1,162 175 987 295 21 274  Total $ 23,243 $ 4,077 $ 19,166 $ 19,678 $ 3,005 $ 16,673 
Schedule Of Costs For Closed Stores	The following table summarizes accrual activity for future lease obligations of stores that were closed in the normal course of business:   Closed Store  (dollars in thousands) Obligations  Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 212  Additions 0  Payments (33)  Adjustments (74)  Balance at December 31, 2016 105  Additions 0  Payments 0  Adjustments (66)  Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 39 

Marketable Securities (Tables)

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Schedule Of Marketable Securities	Marketable securities, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , consisted of:      Gross Gross  (dollars in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  December 30, 2017 Cost Holding Gains Holding Losses Value  Available-for-sale:  Level 1  Equity securities $ 1,198 $ 7,634 $ - $ 8,832  Level 2  Municipal bonds 54,278 671 (116) 54,833  $ 55,476 $ 8,305 $ (116) $ 63,665      Gross Gross  (dollars in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  December 31, 2016 Cost Holding Gains Holding Losses Value  Available-for-sale:  Level 1  Equity securities $ 1,198 $ 8,162 $ - $ 9,360  Level 2  Municipal bonds 57,739 531 (459) 57,811  $ 58,937 $ 8,693 $ (459) $ 67,171 
Schedule Of Maturities Of Marketable Securities	Maturities of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale at December 30, 2017 , were as follows:    Amortized Fair  (dollars in thousands) Cost Value  Available-for-sale:  Due within one year $ 12,535 $ 12,585  Due after one year through five years 22,421 22,655  Due after five years through ten years 19,322 19,593  Equity securities 1,198 8,832  $ 55,476 $ 63,665 

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Merchandise Inventories	Merchandise inventories, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were valued as follows:     (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  LIFO $ 221,777 $ 223,294  Average cost 57,732 53,489  $ 279,509 $ 276,783 

Property and Equipment (Table)

Property and Equipment (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment	Property and equipment, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , consisted of:     Useful Life  (dollars in thousands) ( in years) 2017 2016  Land $ 129,878 $ 134,813  Buildings and improvements 10 -60 693,898 655,487  Equipment 3 -12 1,054,986 1,033,967  Leasehold improvements 5 -20 212,109 205,506  Total, at cost 2,090,871 2,029,773  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,204,628 1,151,578  $ 886,243 $ 878,195 

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Lease Commitments [Abstract]
Schedule Of Rent Expense	   (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Minimum annual rentals $ 46,804 $ 38,632 $ 34,794  Contingent rentals 432 431 452  Lease or sublease income (7,612) (7,212) (7,069)  $ 39,624 $ 31,851 $ 28,177 
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments	   (dollars in thousands) Leases Subleases  2018 $ 43,820 $ (3,278)  2019 40,665 (3,075)  2020 33,100 (2,800)  2021 26,893 (2,397)  2022 21,124 (2,054)  Thereafter 79,892 (8,693)  $ 245,494 $ (22,297) 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans	   (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Retirement savings plan 3,343 3,593 3,161  Deferred compensation plan 813 788 (318)  Supplemental executive retirement plan 1,920 909 484  Deferred compensation plan for pharmacists 705 284 (165)  $ 6,781 $ 5,574 $ 3,162 

Accumulated Other Comprehensi32

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	   Unrealized Gains  on Available-for-Sale  (dollars in thousands) Marketable Securities  Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 26, 2015 $ 4,761   Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 348  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (257)  Net current period other comprehensive loss 91  Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 4,852   Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (43)  Accumulated change in effective tax rate 1,042  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 29  Net current period other comprehensive income 1,028  Accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 30, 2017 $ 5,880 
Schedule Of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	   Amounts Reclassified from  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to the  Consolidated Statements of Income  (dollars in thousands) Location 2017 2016 2015  Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities  Investment income and interest expense $ (40) $ 437 $ 27  Provision for income taxes 11 (180) (11)  Total amount reclassified, net of tax $ (29) $ 257 $ 16 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	   (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Current:  Federal $ 10,630 $ 25,908 $ 29,888  State 1,972 5,888 3,325  Deferred:  Federal (34,659) 6,020 (188)  State 2,666 (317) (24)  $ (19,391) $ 37,499 $ 33,001 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	   (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016 2015  Income taxes at federal statutory rate $ 27,658 $ 43,631 $ 32,316  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 1,306 2,413 1,112  Deferred tax on gain on bargain purchase - (8,358) -  Nondeductible employee-related expenses 1,828 - -  2017 tax reform (49,336) - -  Other (847) (187) (427)  Provision for income taxes (effective tax rate (24.5)% , 30.1% and 35.7% , respectively) $ (19,391) $ 37,499 $ 33,001 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	   (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  Deferred tax assets:  Accounts receivable $ 542 $ 586  Compensated absences 848 1,076  Employment incentives 388 9,826  Employee benefit plans 5,581 9,243  General liability insurance 2,991 4,359  Postretirement benefit obligations 5,365 6,484  Net operating loss carryforwards 7,745 5,600  Other 4,373 2,224  Total deferred tax assets 27,833 39,398  Deferred tax liabilities:  Inventories (8,026) (7,619)  Unrealized gains on marketable securities (2,310) (3,382)  Nondeductible accruals and other (5,160) (7,517)  Depreciation (99,759) (140,325)  Total deferred tax liabilities (115,255) (158,843)  Net deferred tax liability $ (87,422) $ (119,445) 
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	   (dollars in thousands) 2017 2016  Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 3,124 $ 1,264  Increases based on tax positions related to the current year 1,567 1,563  Additions for tax positions of prior year - 297  Reductions for tax positions of prior years - -  Settlements - -  Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes - -  Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 4,691 $ 3,124 

Acquisition of Business (Tables

Acquisition of Business (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Pro Forma Information	  (dollars in thousands)  For the Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2017, 2017 2016 2015  December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 (52 weeks) (53 weeks) (52 weeks)  Store sales $ 3,460,484 $ 3,563,145 $ 3,424,414 
Mars Super Market [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	   5 Mars Super Market Stores  (dollars in thousands) August 1, 2016  Inventories $ 1,267  Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 248  Property and equipment 7,305  Goodwill 13,255  Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest, net 2,495  Total fair value of assets acquired $ 24,570 
Food Lion, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	   38 Food Lion, LLC Stores  (dollars in thousands) Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, 2016  Assets $  Current:  Accounts receivable, net 146  Inventories 7,614  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,044  Total current assets 8,804  Property and equipment, net 60,735  Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest 4,583  Total assets 74,122   Liabilities  Current:  Accrued expenses (428)  Total current liabilities (428)  Other - unfavorable leasehold interest (3,738)  Deferred tax liability (16,663)  Total liabilities (20,829)   Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 53,293   Gain on bargain purchase $ 23,879 
Nell's Family Market [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	   Nell's Family Market Store  (dollars in thousands) October 30, 2016  Assets $  Current:  Inventories 401  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 39  Total current assets 440  Property and equipment, net 8,625  Goodwill 3,913  Intangible and other assets, net 23  Total assets 13,001   Liabilities  Current:  Accrued expenses (3)  Total current liabilities (3)   Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 12,998 

Summary of Quarterly Results (T

Summary of Quarterly Results (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	   (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Thirteen Weeks Ended  April 1,2017 July 1, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 30, 2017  Net sales $ 852,229 $ 876,569 $ 854,261 $ 883,748  Gross profit on sales 229,796 239,879 222,839 233,945  Net income 11,836 18,475 4,449 63,654 *  Basic and diluted earnings per share $ .44 $ .69 $ .16 $ 2.37 __________________ * The quarter ended December 30, 2017 includes the tax benefit of $ 49.3 million as a result of revaluing the Company’s net deferred tax liability using the enacted Federal tax rate of 21% under the Tax Reform.    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Thirteen Weeks Ended Fourteen Weeks Ended  March 26, 2016 June 25, 2016 September 24, 2016 December 31, 2016  Net sales $ 738,204 $ 730,433 $ 742,986 $ 925,097  Gross profit on sales 207,112 201,938 204,864 258,241  Gain on bargain purchase - - - 23,879  Net income 20,129 15,265 10,628 41,140  Basic and diluted earnings per share $ .75 $ .57 $ .40 $ 1.52

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Mar. 01, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fiscal Period Duration		364 days	371 days	364 days
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 714	$ 341	$ 714
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	1,455	1,946	1,455
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	894	$ 0	894	$ 0
Closed stores, remaining lease term		8 months
Closed store lease liabilities	105	$ 39	105
Self Insurance, Maximum of Workers Compensation Claims Liability per Associate per Claim		2,000
Stop loss insurance specific deductible					$ 500
Stop loss insurance aggregating deductible					$ 250
Cost of Goods Sold, Vendor Allowances		114,100	123,900	97,000
Vendor Paid Cooperative Advertising Credits		19,200	19,100	17,100
Accounts Receivable, Earned Advertising Credits	852	1,000	852
Accounts Receivable, Earned Promotional Discounts	10,700	13,100	10,700
Unearned Income for Vendor Programs	$ 4,000	9,800	4,000
Advertising Expense		31,000	$ 26,300	$ 23,100
Between March 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Self Insurance, Annual Maximum of Health Claims Liability per Associate		2,000
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and Casualty Insurance, Deductible		1,000
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and Casualty Insurance, Deductible		$ 100

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 4,077	$ 3,005
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	23,243	19,678
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	19,166	16,673
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	975
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	732
Liquor Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	11,121	8,423
Lease Acquisitions [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	10,960	10,960
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	3,902	2,984
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	7,058	7,976
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,162	295
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	175	21
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 987	$ 274
Maximum [Member] | Lease Acquisitions [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Costs For Closed Stores) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Closed store lease liabilities, Beginning Balance	$ 105
Closed store lease liabilities, Ending Balance	39	$ 105
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Closed store lease liabilities, Beginning Balance	105	212
Additions	0	0
Payments	0	(33)
Adjustments	(66)	(74)
Closed store lease liabilities, Ending Balance	$ 39	$ 105

Marketable Securities (Schedule

Marketable Securities (Schedule Of Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 55,476	$ 58,937
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	8,305	8,693
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	(116)	(459)
Fair Value	63,665	67,171
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,198	1,198
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	7,634	8,162
Fair Value	8,832	9,360
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	54,278	57,739
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	671	531
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	(116)	(459)
Fair Value	$ 54,833	$ 57,811

Marketable Securities (Schedu40

Marketable Securities (Schedule Of Maturities of Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due within one year	$ 12,535
Fair Value, Due within one year	12,585
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	22,421
Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	22,655
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	19,322
Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	19,593
Amortized Cost, Equity securities	1,198
Fair Value, Equity securities	8,832
Amortized Cost	55,476	$ 58,937
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value, Total	$ 63,665	$ 67,171

Inventories (Merchandise Invent

Inventories (Merchandise Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
LIFO	$ 221,777	$ 223,294
Average Cost	57,732	53,489
Inventories	279,509	276,783
Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value	$ 78,005	$ 79,128

Property and Equipment (Schedul

Property and Equipment (Schedule Of Property, Plant And Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 2,090,871	$ 2,029,773
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,204,628	1,151,578
Property and equipment, net	886,243	878,195
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	129,878	134,813
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	693,898	655,487
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	1,054,986	1,033,967
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 212,109	$ 205,506
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	60 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	12 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	20 years

Lease Commitments (Narrative) (

Lease Commitments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of facilities under operating lease	54.00%
Lease Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2033
Accrued Rent	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years

Lease Commitments (Schedule Of

Lease Commitments (Schedule Of Rent Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Lease Commitments [Abstract]
Minimum annual rentals	$ 46,804	$ 38,632	$ 34,794
Contingent rentals	432	431	452
Lease or sublease income	(7,612)	(7,212)	(7,069)
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net, Total	$ 39,624	$ 31,851	$ 28,177

Lease Commitments (Schedule O45

Lease Commitments (Schedule Of Future Minimum Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Lease Commitments [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 43,820
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	40,665
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	33,100
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	26,893
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	21,124
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	79,892
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	245,494
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current	(3,278)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years	(3,075)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years	(2,800)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years	(2,397)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years	(2,054)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	(8,693)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total	$ (22,297)

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (D

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Number of supplemental retirement plans	3
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 4,914
Retirement Plans, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$ 14,508	$ 11,176
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Requisite Service Period	6 years
2,018	$ 1,013

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of C

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Costs Of Retirement Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Expense	$ 6,781	$ 5,574	$ 3,162
Retirement savings plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Expense	3,343	3,593	3,161
Deferred compensation plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Expense	813	788	(318)
Supplemental executive retirement plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Expense	1,920	909	484
Deferred compensation plan for pharmacists [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension Expense	$ 705	$ 284	$ (165)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi48

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated change in effective tax rates	$ 0
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance, beginning balance	4,852	$ 4,761
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(43)	348
Accumulated change in effective tax rates	1,042
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	29	(257)
Net current period other comprehensive income	1,028	91
Accumulated other comprehensive income balance, ending balance	$ 5,880	$ 4,852

Accumulated Other Comprehensi49

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule Of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	[1]	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment income and interest expense										$ 2,598	$ 2,457	$ 1,552
Provision for income taxes										19,391	(37,499)	(33,001)
Net income	$ 63,654		$ 4,449	$ 18,475	$ 11,836	$ 41,140	$ 10,628	$ 15,265	$ 20,129	98,414	87,162	59,330
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Investment income and interest expense										(40)	437	27
Provision for income taxes										11	(180)	(11)
Net income										$ (29)	$ 257	$ 16
[1]	The quarter ended December 30, 2017 includes the tax benefit of $49.3 million as a result of revaluing the Company's net deferred tax liability using the enacted Federal tax rate of 21% under the Tax Reform.

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective tax rate		(24.50%)	30.10%	35.70%
2017 tax reform		$ (49,336)
Effective tax rate, excluding bargain purchase gain			37.20%
Operating Loss Carryforwards		98,100
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		$ 1,567	$ 1,860	$ 1,264
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal tax rate	21.00%
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date		Dec. 31, 2027
Earliest Tax Year [Member] | PENNSYLVANIA
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2,014
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Internal Revenue Service income tax examination, year		2,008
Latest Tax Year [Member] | PENNSYLVANIA
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2,017
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes Paid		$ 12,000	27,300	28,000
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes Paid		$ 1,000	$ 3,700	$ 2,200

Income Taxes (Schedule of Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 10,630	$ 25,908	$ 29,888
Current State Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,972	5,888	3,325
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(34,659)	6,020	(188)
Deferred State Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	2,666	(317)	(24)
Provision for income taxes	$ (19,391)	$ 37,499	$ 33,001

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes at federal statutory rate	$ 27,658	$ 43,631	$ 32,316
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1,306	2,413	1,112
Deferred tax on gain on bargain purchase	0	(8,358)	0
Nondeductible employee-related expenses	1,828
2017 tax reform	(49,336)
Other	(847)	(187)	(427)
Provision for income taxes	$ (19,391)	$ 37,499	$ 33,001
Effective tax rate	(24.50%)	30.10%	35.70%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	$ 542	$ 586
Compensated absences	848	1,076
Employment incentives	388	9,826
Employee benefit plans	5,581	9,243
General liability insurance	2,991	4,359
Postretirement benefit obligations	5,365	6,484
Net operating loss carryforwards	7,745	5,600
Other	4,373	2,224
Total deferred tax assets	27,833	39,398
Inventories	(8,026)	(7,619)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	(2,310)	(3,382)
Nondeductible accruals and other	(5,160)	(7,517)
Depreciation	(99,759)	(140,325)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(115,255)	(158,843)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (87,422)	$ (119,445)

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 3,124	$ 1,264
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	1,567	1,563
Additions for tax positions of prior year	0	297
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessment of taxes	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 4,691	$ 3,124

Acquisition of Business (Narrat

Acquisition of Business (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2016USD ($)store	Aug. 01, 2016USD ($)store	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2016USD ($)storesite	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Purchase price									$ 0	$ 63,632	$ 0
Gain on bargain purchase						$ 23,879			0	23,879	$ 0
Goodwill				$ 52,330		$ 52,330	$ 52,330	$ 52,330	52,330	$ 52,330
Mars Super Market [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Sales								$ 38,000	91,500
Number of stores acquired | store		5
Purchase price		$ 24,600
Goodwill		$ 13,255
Number of lease obligations assumed		2
Number of new lease agreements due to acquisition		2
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes		$ 13,300
Food Lion, LLC [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Sales							$ 92,500		369,200
Number of stores acquired | store					38
Number of owned stores acquired | site					8
Purchase price					$ 29,400
Gain on bargain purchase	$ 23,879
Number of lease obligations assumed					30
Food Lion, LLC [Member] | MARYLAND
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of stores acquired | store					21
Food Lion, LLC [Member] | DELAWARE
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of stores acquired | store					4
Food Lion, LLC [Member] | VIRGINIA
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of stores acquired | store					13
Nell's Family Market [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Sales				$ 3,000					$ 17,600
Number of stores acquired | store	1
Purchase price	$ 13,000
Purchase price payable	3,400
Purchase price payable, term									4 years
Goodwill	3,913				$ 3,913
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 3,900				$ 3,900
C&S Wholesale Grocers [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Purchase price			$ 7,900
Goodwill			0
Land			1,900
Buildings			5,900
Equipment			$ 112

Acquisition of Business (Summar

Acquisition of Business (Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed - Mars Super Market Stores) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 52,330	$ 52,330
Mars Super Market [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventories			$ 1,267
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses			248
Property and equipment			7,305
Goodwill			13,255
Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest, net			2,495
Total fair value of assets acquired			$ 24,570

Acquisition of Business (Summ57

Acquisition of Business (Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed - Food Lion) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 52,330	$ 52,330	$ 52,330
Gain on bargain purchase		$ 23,879	$ 0	$ 23,879	$ 0
Food Lion, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 146
Inventories	7,614
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,044
Total current assets	8,804
Property and equipment, net	60,735
Intangibles - favorable leasehold interest	4,583
Total fair value of assets acquired	74,122
Accrued expenses	(428)
Total current liabilities	(428)
Other - unfavorable leasehold interest	(3,738)
Deferred tax liability	(16,663)
Total liabilities	(20,829)
Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	53,293
Gain on bargain purchase	$ 23,879

Acquisition of Business (Summ58

Acquisition of Business (Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed - Nell's Family Market Store) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 52,330	$ 52,330
Nell's Family Market [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventories			$ 401
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			39
Total current assets			440
Property and equipment, net			8,625
Goodwill			3,913
Intangible and other assets, net			23
Total fair value of assets acquired			13,001
Accrued expenses			(3)
Total current liabilities			(3)
Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilties assumed			$ 12,998

Acquisition of Business (Schedu

Acquisition of Business (Schedule Of Pro Forma Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Acquisition of Business [Abstract]
Store Sales	$ 3,460,484	$ 3,563,145	$ 3,424,414

Summary of Quarterly Results (D

Summary of Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Net sales	$ 883,748		$ 854,261	$ 876,569	$ 852,229	$ 925,097	$ 742,986	$ 730,433	$ 738,204		$ 3,466,807	$ 3,136,720	$ 2,876,748
Gross profit on sales	233,945		222,839	239,879	229,796	258,241	204,864	201,938	207,112		926,459	872,155	786,732
Gain on bargain purchase						23,879					0	23,879	0
Net income	$ 63,654	[1]	$ 4,449	$ 18,475	$ 11,836	$ 41,140	$ 10,628	$ 15,265	$ 20,129		$ 98,414	$ 87,162	$ 59,330
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 2.37		$ 0.16	$ 0.69	$ 0.44	$ 1.52	$ 0.40	$ 0.57	$ 0.75		$ 3.66	$ 3.24	$ 2.21
2017 tax reform											$ (49,336)
Federal tax rate											35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Federal tax rate										21.00%
[1]	The quarter ended December 30, 2017 includes the tax benefit of $49.3 million as a result of revaluing the Company's net deferred tax liability using the enacted Federal tax rate of 21% under the Tax Reform.

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 01, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 946	$ 242
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.65%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$ 35,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Sep. 1, 2019
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Minimum EBITDA	$ 75,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 18,200
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description	The only financial covenant in the credit facility requires the Company's minimum EBITDA to be at least $75.0 million.
Line of Credit [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 50,000

Sunsequent Related Party Transa

Sunsequent Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 16, 2018USD ($)
Jonathan H. Weis [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of land	$ 1.1

Valuation and Qualifying Acco63

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance For Uncollectible Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 1,455	$ 1,967	$ 1,578
Charged to Costs and Expenses		2,176	1,145	1,438
Deductions	[1]	1,685	1,657	1,049
Balance at End of Period		$ 1,946	$ 1,455	$ 1,967
[1]	Deductions are uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.