Cabelas 10-K 21 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Feb. 10, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Entity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CABELAS INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001267130	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	28-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	70,660,095	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2,356,703,180

Statement_of_Income

Statement of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Merchandise sales	$3,205,632	$2,778,903	$2,505,733
Financial Services revenue	375,810	319,399	291,746
Other revenue	18,135	14,380	13,687
Total revenue	3,599,577	3,112,682	2,811,166
Merchandise costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	2,027,192	1,769,161	1,613,241
Cost of other revenue	3,637	637	8
Total cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	2,030,829	1,769,798	1,613,249
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses	1,201,519	1,046,861	954,125
Impairment and restructuring charges	5,868	20,324	12,244
Operating income	361,361	275,699	231,548
Interest expense, net	-21,854	-20,123	-24,427
Other non-operating income, net	4,021	6,138	7,346
Income before provision for income taxes	343,528	261,714	214,467
Provision for income taxes	119,138	88,201	71,847
Net income	$224,390	$173,513	$142,620
Earnings per basic share	$3.18	$2.48	$2.06
Earnings per diluted share	$3.13	$2.42	$2
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	70,461,450	69,856,258	69,194,663
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	71,778,543	71,709,873	71,274,242

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$224,390	$173,513	$142,620
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,126	-1,105	-388
Unrealized gain (loss) on economic development bonds, net of taxes of $(923), $2,035, and $3,225	-2,141	3,779	5,865
Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $0, $70, and $(89)	1	137	-170
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-7,266	2,811	5,307
Comprehensive income	$217,124	$176,324	$147,927

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp1

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Taxes on unrealized loss on economic development bonds	($924)	$2,035	$3,225
Taxes on derivative adjustment	$0	$70	($89)

Statement_of_Financial_Positio

Statement of Financial Position (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$199,072	$288,750
Restricted cash of the Trust	23,191	17,292
Accounts receivable, net	42,868	46,081
Credit card loans (includes restricted credit card loans of the Trust of $3,956,230 and $3,523,133), net of allowance for loan losses of $53,110 and $65,600	3,938,630	3,497,472
Inventories	644,883	552,575
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	90,438	132,694
Income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes	47,430	54,164
Total current assets	4,986,512	4,589,028
Property and equipment, net	1,287,545	1,021,656
Economic development bonds	78,504	85,041
Other assets	44,303	52,438
Total assets	6,396,864	5,748,163
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts payable, including unpresented checks of $22,717 and $28,928	261,200	285,039
Gift instruments, credit card rewards and loyalty rewards programs	291,444	262,653
Accrued expenses	204,073	180,906
Time deposits	297,645	367,350
Current maturities of secured variable funding obligations of the Trust	50,000	325,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,418	8,402
Total current liabilities	1,112,780	1,429,350
Long-term time deposits	771,717	680,668
Secured long-term obligations of the Trust, less current maturities	2,452,250	1,827,500
Long-term debt, less current maturities	322,647	328,133
Deferred income taxes	3,118	10,571
Other long-term liabilities	128,018	95,962
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized – 10,000,000 shares; Issued – none	0	0
Class A Voting, Authorized – 245,000,000 shares;	706	705
Additional paid-in capital	346,535	351,161
Retained earnings	1,260,817	1,036,427
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-1,724	5,542
Treasury stock, at cost - none and 492,414 shares	0	-17,856
Total stockholders’ equity	1,606,334	1,375,979
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$6,396,864	$5,748,163

Statement_of_Financial_Positio1

Statement of Financial Position Parentheticals (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current Assets:	'	'
Restricted credit card loans of the Trust	$3,956,230,000	$3,523,133,000
Allowance for loan losses	53,110,000	65,600,000
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Unpresented checks	22,717,000	28,928,000
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	245,000,000	245,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	70,630,866	70,545,558
Common stock, shares outstanding	70,630,866	70,053,144
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost	$0	$492,414

Statement_of_Cash_Flows

Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Net income	$224,390	$173,513	$142,620
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	93,407	79,269	71,343
Impairment and restructuring charges	5,868	20,324	11,309
Stock-based compensation	14,969	13,733	12,911
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	-8,231	-15,472	35,073
Provision for loan losses	43,223	42,760	39,287
Other, net	-3,668	-6,222	-3,949
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	3,391	4,485	-1,265
Credit card loans originated from internal operations, net	-26,545	-39,261	-17,276
Inventories	-92,308	-57,747	14,270
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,449	6,403	-22,759
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-21,283	29,830	70,952
Gift certificates, credit card rewards, and loyalty rewards programs	28,790	35,239	24,873
Other long-term liabilities	34,115	-1,335	-5,412
Income taxes receivable	8,437	-50,890	-5,509
Net cash provided by operating activities	345,004	234,629	366,468
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Property and equipment additions	-333,009	-214,267	-126,740
Change in credit card loans originated externally, net	-457,836	-406,808	-406,863
Change in restricted cash of the Trust, net	-5,899	1,004	242
Proceeds from retirement and maturity of economic development bonds	3,473	3,151	3,057
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities	-135,000	0	-197,999
Maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities	135,435	0	197,999
Other investing changes, net	-195	4,553	-1,736
Net cash used in investing activities	-793,031	-612,367	-532,040
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'	'
Change in unpresented checks net of bank balance	-6,211	9,804	-8,103
Change in time deposits, net	21,344	65,705	469,562
Borrowings on secured obligations of the Trust	1,284,750	2,730,000	2,238,000
Repayments on secured obligations of the Trust	-935,000	-2,440,000	-2,359,400
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing	759,792	453,355	646,132
Repayments on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing	-756,769	-453,746	-646,189
Payments on long-term debt	-8,402	-8,387	-230
Exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan issuances, net	-1,061	20,706	12,869
Purchase of treasury stock	-10,053	-28,977	-20,287
Excess tax benefits from exercise of employee stock options	9,959	13,349	3,438
Other financing changes, net	0	0	-1,960
Net cash provided by financing activities	358,349	361,809	333,832
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-89,678	-15,929	168,260
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year	288,750	304,679	136,419
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of year	$199,072	$288,750	$304,679

Statement_of_Shareholders_Equi

Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock
In Thousands, except Share data
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Jan. 01, 2011	$1,024,548	$681	$306,149	$720,294	($2,576)	$0
Shares, Issued at Jan. 01, 2011	'	68,156,154	'	'	'	'
Net income	142,620	'	'	142,620	'	'
Other comprehensive income	5,307	'	'	'	5,307	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	'	'	'	'	'	-20,287
Stock-based compensation	12,484	0	12,484	0	0	'
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	'	1,485,664	'	'	'	'
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	13,206	15	12,854	0	0	337
Excess tax benefit on employee stock option exercises	3,438	0	3,438	0	0	'
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2011	1,181,316	696	334,925	862,914	2,731	-19,950
Shares, Issued at Dec. 31, 2011	'	69,641,818	'	'	'	'
Net income	173,513	'	'	173,513	'	'
Other comprehensive income	2,811	'	'	'	2,811	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	'	'	'	'	'	-28,977
Stock-based compensation	13,261	0	13,261	0	0	'
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	'	903,740	'	'	'	'
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	20,706	9	-10,374	0	0	31,071
Excess tax benefit on employee stock option exercises	13,349	0	13,349	0	0	'
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 29, 2012	1,375,979	705	351,161	1,036,427	5,542	-17,856
Shares, Issued at Dec. 29, 2012	'	70,545,558	'	'	'	'
Net income	224,390	'	'	224,390	'	'
Other comprehensive income	-7,266	'	'	'	-7,266	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	'	'	'	'	'	-10,053
Stock-based compensation	14,386	0	14,386	0	0	'
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	'	85,308	'	'	'	'
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	-1,061	1	-28,971	0	0	27,909
Excess tax benefit on employee stock option exercises	9,959	0	9,959	0	0	'
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 28, 2013	$1,606,334	$706	$346,535	$1,260,817	($1,724)	$0
Shares, Issued at Dec. 28, 2013	'	70,630,866	'	'	'	'

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Business – Cabela’s Incorporated is a retailer of hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear, offering products through its retail stores, U. S. and Canada websites, and regular and specialty catalog mailings. Cabela’s operates 50 retail stores, 46 located in 26 states and four located in Canada. World’s Foremost Bank ("WFB," "Financial Services segment," or "Cabela's CLUB"), a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of Cabela’s, is a limited purpose bank formed under the Competitive Equality Banking Act of 1987. The lending activities of WFB are limited to credit card lending and its deposit issuance is limited to time deposits of at least one hundred thousand dollars.
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cabela’s Incorporated and its
	wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Cabela’s,” “Company,” “we,” or “our”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. WFB is the primary beneficiary of the Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust and related entities (collectively referred to as the “Trust”) under the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topics 810, Consolidations, and 860, Transfers and Servicing. Accordingly, the Trust was consolidated with the consolidated balance sheets of Cabela’s as of December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 28, 2013. As the servicer and the holder of retained interests in the Trust, WFB has the powers to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trust's economic performance and the right to receive significant benefits or obligations to absorb significant losses of the Trust. The credit card loans of the Trust are recorded as restricted credit card loans and the liabilities of the Trust are recorded as secured obligations.
	Reporting Year – The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31. Unless otherwise stated, the fiscal years referred to in the notes to these consolidated financial statements are the 52 weeks ended December 28, 2013 (“2013” or “year ended 2013”), the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2012 (“2012” or “year ended 2012”), and the 52 weeks ended December 31, 2011 (“2011” or “year ended 2011”). WFB follows a calendar fiscal period so fiscal years end on December 31 with years 2011 through 2013 each consisting of 52 weeks.
	Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Revenue Recognition –Revenue is recognized for retail store sales at the time of the sale in the store and for Direct sales when the merchandise is delivered to the customer. The Company recognizes a reserve for estimated product returns based on its historical returns experience. Shipping fees charged to customers are included in merchandise sales and shipping costs are included in merchandise costs.
	Revenue from the sale of gift certificates, gift cards, and e-certificates ("gift instruments") is recognized in revenue when the gift instruments are redeemed for merchandise or services. The Company records gift instrument breakage as revenue when the probability of redemption is remote. The Company recognizes breakage on gift instruments four years after issuance based on historical redemption rates. Total gift instrument breakage was $7,461, $7,576, and $6,985 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Cabela's gift instrument liability at the end of 2013 and 2012 was $145,363 and $134,566, respectively.
	Financial Services revenue includes credit card interest and fees relating to late payments, payment assurance, foreign currency transactions, and cash advance transactions. Interest and fees are accrued in accordance with the terms of the applicable cardholder agreements on credit card loans until the date of charge-off unless placed on non-accrual and fixed payment plans. Interchange income is earned when a charge is made to a customer’s account.
	Cost of Revenue and Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses – The Company's cost of revenue primarily consists of merchandise acquisition costs, including freight-in costs, as well as shipping costs. The Company's selling, distribution, and administrative expenses consist of the costs associated with selling, marketing, warehousing, retail store replenishment, and other operating expense activities. All depreciation and amortization expense is associated with selling, distribution, and administrative activities, and accordingly, is included in this same category on the consolidated statements of operations.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash equivalents include credit card and debit card receivables from other banks, which settle within one to four business days. Receivables from other banks totaled $14,209 and $19,735 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unpresented checks, net of available cash bank balances, are classified as current liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $94,112 and $91,365 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Due to regulatory restrictions on WFB, the Company cannot use WFB's cash for non-banking operations.
	Credit Card Loans – The Financial Services segment grants individual credit card loans to its customers and is diversified in its lending with borrowers throughout the United States. Credit card loans are reported at their principal amounts outstanding plus deferred credit card origination costs, less the allowance for loan losses. As part of collection efforts, a credit card loan may be closed and placed on non-accrual or restructured in a fixed payment plan prior to charge-off. The fixed payment plans require payment of the loan within 60 months and consist of a lower interest rate, reduced minimum payment, and elimination of fees. Loans on fixed payment plans include loans in which the customer has engaged a consumer credit counseling agency to assist them in managing their debt. Customers who miss two consecutive payments once placed on a payment plan or non-accrual will resume accruing interest at the rate they had accrued at before they were placed on a plan. Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied to principal. The Financial Services segment does not record any liabilities for off-balance sheet risk of unfunded commitments through the origination of unsecured credit card loans, as it has the right to refuse or cancel these available lines of credit at any time.
	The direct credit card account origination costs associated with costs of successful credit card originations incurred in transactions with independent third parties, and certain other costs incurred in connection with credit card approvals, are deferred credit card origination costs included in credit card loans and are amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. Other account solicitation costs, including printing, list processing, and postage are expensed as solicitation occurs.
	Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the credit card loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established through a charge to the provision for loan losses and is evaluated by management for adequacy. Loans on a payment plan or non-accrual are segmented from the rest of the credit card loan portfolio into a restructured credit card loan segment before establishing an allowance for loan losses as these loans have a higher probability of loss. Management estimates losses inherent in the credit card loans segment and restructured credit card loans segment based on a model which tracks historical loss experience on delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, death, and charge-offs, net of estimated recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses a migration analysis and historical bankruptcy and death rates to estimate the likelihood that a credit card loan in the credit card loan segment will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. This analysis estimates the gross amount of principal that will be charged off over the next 12 months, net of recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses historical charge-off rates to estimate the charge-offs over the life of the restructured credit card loan, net of recoveries. This estimate is used to derive an estimated allowance for loan losses. In addition to these methods of measurement, management also considers other factors such as general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit concentration, changes in origination and portfolio management, and credit quality trends. Since the evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these factors is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, the measurement of the overall allowance is subject to estimation risk, and the amount of actual losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts.
	Credit card loans that have been modified through a fixed payment plan or placed on non-accrual are considered impaired and are collectively evaluated for impairment. The Financial Services segment charges off credit card loans and restructured credit card loans on a daily basis after an account becomes at a minimum 130 days contractually delinquent. Accounts relating to cardholder bankruptcies, cardholder deaths, and fraudulent transactions are charged off earlier. The Financial Services segment recognizes charged-off cardholder fees and accrued interest receivable in interest and fee income that is included in Financial Services revenue.
	Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. All inventories are finished goods. The reserve for inventory shrinkage, estimated based on cycle counts and physical inventories, was $6,573 and $6,029 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The reserves for returns of damaged goods, obsolescence, and slow-moving items, estimated based upon historical experience, inventory aging, and specific identification, were $5,872 and $5,602 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Vendor Allowances – Vendor allowances include price allowances, volume rebates, store opening costs reimbursements, marketing participation, and advertising reimbursements received from vendors under vendor contracts. Vendor merchandise allowances are recognized as a reduction of the costs of merchandise as sold. Vendor reimbursements of costs are recorded as a reduction to expense in the period the related cost is incurred based on actual costs incurred. Any cost reimbursements exceeding expenses incurred are recognized as a reduction of the cost of merchandise sold. Volume allowances may be estimated based on historical purchases and estimates of projected purchases.
	Deferred Catalog Costs and Advertising – Advertising production costs are expensed as the advertising occurs except for catalog costs which are amortized over the expected period of benefit estimated at three to 12 months after mailing. Unamortized catalog costs totaled $5,445 and $7,713 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising expense, including direct marketing costs (amortization of catalog costs and website marketing paid search fees), was $208,184, $201,456, and $186,142 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Advertising vendor reimbursements, netted in advertising expense disclosed above, totaled $2,623, $3,049, and $919 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Store Pre-opening Expenses – Non-capital costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred.
	Leases – The Company leases certain retail locations, distribution centers, office space, equipment and land. Assets held under capital lease are included in property and equipment. Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. At the inception of a lease, the Company determines the lease term by assuming the exercise of those renewal options that are reasonably assured because of the significant economic penalty that exists for not exercising those options. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company's sole discretion. The expected lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the depreciable life of buildings and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term.
	Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, including assets held under capital leases, on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term or, if shorter, the useful lives of the improvements. Assets held under capital lease agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. When property is fully depreciated, retired, or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income. The costs of major improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Capitalized interest on projects during the construction period totaled $4,270, $2,798, and $126 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Costs related to internally developed software are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
	Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are recorded in other assets and include non-compete agreements and goodwill. At the end of 2013 and 2012, intangible assets totaled $4,164 and $4,093, net of accumulated amortization of $2,468 and $2,178, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2013, 2012, and 2011, in connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed its annual impairment analyses of goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company did not recognize any impairment in 2013, 2012, or 2011. The Company records impairment and restructuring charges where projected discounted cash flows are less than the fair value of the reporting unit.
	Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are amortized over three to five years. Amortization expense for these intangible assets for the next five years was estimated to approximate $327 (2014), $304 (2015), $163 (2016), $75 (2017), and $0 (2018). The Company had goodwill of $3,295 and $3,535 in its consolidated balance sheet at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively, relating to an acquisition of a Canadian outdoors specialty retailer in 2007. The change in the carrying value of goodwill from 2012 was due to foreign currency translation adjustments.
	Other Property – Other property primarily consists of unimproved land not used in our merchandising business and is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Proceeds from the sale of other property are recognized in other revenue and the corresponding costs of other property sold are recognized in costs of other revenue. Other property with a carrying value of $15,109 and $23,448 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively, was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
	Government Economic Assistance – When Cabela's constructs a new retail store or retail development, the Company may receive economic assistance from local governments to fund a portion or all of the Company's associated capital costs. This assistance typically comes in the form of cash grants, land grants, and/or proceeds from the sale of economic development bonds funded by the local government. The Company has historically purchased the majority of the bonds associated with its developments. Cash grants are made available to fund land, retail store construction, and/or development infrastructure costs. Economic development bonds are typically repaid through sales and/or property taxes generated by the retail store and/or within a designated development area. Cash and land grants are recognized as deferred grant income as a reduction to the costs, or recognized fair value in the case of land grants, of the associated property and equipment. Property and equipment was reduced by deferred grant income of $289,903 and $290,734 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Deferred grant income is amortized to earnings, as a reduction of depreciation expense, over the average estimated useful life of the associated assets.
	Deferred grant income estimates, and their associated present value, are updated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their recorded amounts may not be recovered. These estimates are determined when estimation of the fair value of associated economic development bonds are performed if there are related bond investments. If it is determined that the Company will not receive the full amount remaining from the bonds, the Company will adjust the deferred grant income to appropriately reflect the change in estimate and will immediately record a cumulative additional depreciation charge that would be recognized to date as expense in the absence of the grant income. In 2012, deferred grant income was reduced by $5,030 due to other than temporary impairment losses of the same amount that were recognized on the Company's economic development bonds. These reductions in deferred grant income resulted in increases in depreciation expense of $1,309 in 2012, which have been included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. There were no impairment losses in 2013 and 2011. At the end of 2012, the cumulative amount of impairment adjustments that were made to deferred grant income, which has been recorded as a reduction of property and equipment, was $38,656. There were no other than temporary impairments in 2013 relating to economic development bonds. The Company may agree to guarantee deficiencies in tax collections which fund the repayment of economic development bonds. The Company did not guarantee any economic development bonds that it owned at the end of 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	Land grants typically include land associated with the retail store and may include other land for sale and further development. Land grants are recognized at the fair value of the land on date of grant. Deferred grant income on land grants is recognized as a reduction to depreciation expense over the estimated life of the related assets of the developments. The Company received land grants with a fair value of $2,287 in 2012 and did not receive any land grants in 2013. At December 28, 2013, we recognized a liability to repay grants related to a retail store property. The adjustment that reduced the deferred grant income of this retail store property at December 28, 2013, resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $4,931 in 2013, which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income.
	Certain grants contain covenants the Company is required to comply with regarding minimum employment levels, maintaining retail stores in certain locations, and maintaining office facilities in certain locations. For these grants the Company recognizes grant revenue as the milestones associated with the grant are met. For 2013 and 2012, the Company was in compliance with the requirements under these grants.
	Economic Development Bonds – Economic development bonds are related to the Company's government economic assistance arrangements relating to the construction of new retail stores or retail development. Economic development bonds issued by state and local municipalities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at their fair value. Fair values of bonds are estimated using discounted cash flow projections based on available market interest rates and management estimates including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments to be received by the municipalities under development zones. These fair values do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering these bonds for sale or through early redemption, or any related income tax impact. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale economic development bonds below cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings.
	On a quarterly basis, we perform various procedures to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from its economic development bonds. We revalue each economic development bond using discounted cash flow models based on available market interest rates (Level 2 inputs) and management estimates, including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments (Level 3 inputs) to be received by the municipalities under tax increment financing districts. Projected cash flows are derived from sales and property taxes. Due to the seasonal nature of the our business, fourth quarter sales are significant to projecting future cash flows under the economic development bonds. We evaluate the impact of bond payments that have been received since the most recent quarterly evaluation, including those subsequent to the end of the quarter. Typically, bond payments are received twice annually. The payments received around the end of the fourth quarter provide the Company with additional facts for its fourth quarter projections. We make inquiries of local governments and/or economic development authorities for information on any anticipated third-party development, specifically on land owned by the Company, but also on land not owned by the Company in the tax increment financing development district, and to assess any current and potential development where cash flows under the bonds may be impacted by additional development and the anticipated development is material to the estimated and recorded carrying value based on projected cash flows. We make revisions to the cash flow estimates of each bond based on the information obtained. In those instances where the expected cash flows are insufficient to recover the current carrying value of the bond, we adjust the carrying value of the individual bonds to their revised estimated fair value. The governmental entity from which the Company purchases the bonds is not liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to fund principal and interest amounts under the bonds. Should sufficient tax revenue not be generated by the subject properties, we may not receive all anticipated payments and thus will be unable to realize the full carrying values of the economic development bonds, which result in a corresponding decrease to deferred grant income.
	Credit Card and Loyalty Rewards Programs – Cabela’s CLUB Visa cardholders receive Cabela’s points based on the dollar amounts of transactions through credit cards issued by Cabela's CLUB which may be redeemed for Cabela’s products and services. Points may also be awarded for special promotions for the acquisition and retention of accounts. The dollar amount of related points are accrued as earned by the cardholder and recorded as a reduction in Financial Services revenue. In addition to the Cabela's CLUB issued credit cards, customers receive points for purchases at Cabela’s from various loyalty programs. The dollar amount of unredeemed credit card points and loyalty points was $146,081 and $128,087 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total cost incurred for all credit card rewards and loyalty programs was $198,687, $176,882, and $158,630 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Income Taxes – The Company files consolidated federal and state income tax returns with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated group follows a policy of requiring each entity to provide for income taxes in an amount equal to the income taxes that would have been incurred if each were filing separately. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. The Company establishes valuation allowances if we believe it is more likely than not that some or all of the Company's deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	Stock-Based Compensation – Compensation expense is estimated based on grant date fair value on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Costs associated with awards are included in compensation expense as a component of selling, distribution, and administrative expenses.
	Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentrations – Financial instruments which may subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company invests primarily in money market accounts or tax-free municipal bonds, with short-term maturities, limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one entity. At December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the Company did not have any cash invested in overnight funds. Concentrations of credit risk on accounts receivable are limited due to the nature of the Company's receivables.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, gift instruments (including credit card rewards and loyalty rewards programs), accrued expenses, short-term borrowings, and income taxes included in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value given the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Credit card loans (level 2) are originated with variable rates of interest that adjust with changing market interest rates so the carrying value of the credit card loans, including the carrying value of deferred credit card origination costs, less the allowance for loan losses, approximates fair value. Time deposits (level 2) are pooled in homogeneous groups, and the future cash flows of those groups are discounted using current market rates offered for similar products for purposes of estimating fair value. The fair value of the secured variable funding obligations of the Trust (level 2) approximates the carrying value since these obligations can fluctuate daily based on the short-term operational needs with advances and pay downs at par value. The estimated fair value of secured long-term obligations of the Trust is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity. The estimated fair value of long-term debt (level 2) is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity.
	Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, cash flow hedges, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale economic development bonds, net of related income taxes.
	Foreign Currency Translation – Assets and liabilities of Cabela's Canadian operations are translated into United States dollars at currency exchange rates in effect at the end of a reporting period. Gains and losses from translation into United States dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated balance sheets. Revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly currency exchange rates.
	Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common share equivalents had been issued.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	'
	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Effective February 5, 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which adds additional disclosure requirements relating to the reclassification of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This ASU was effective for the first quarter of 2013 for the Company. During 2013, this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
	On September 13, 2013, the U. S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service issued final Tangible Property Regulations (“TPR”) under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 162 and IRC Section 263(a). The regulations are not effective until tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014; however, certain portions may require a tax method change on a retroactive basis, thus requiring an IRC Section 481(a) adjustment related to fixed and real asset deferred taxes. The accounting guidance under Accounting Standards Codification 740 - Income Taxes, treats the release of these regulations as a change in tax law as of the date of issuance and require the Company to determine whether there will be an impact on its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013. Any such impact of the final tangible property regulations would affect temporary deferred taxes only and result in a consolidated balance sheet reclassification between current and deferred taxes. We have analyzed the expected impact of the TPR on the Company as of December 28, 2013, and concluded that the expected impact is minimal. We will continue to prospectively monitor the impact of any future changes to the TPR on the Company.

Cabelas_Master_Credit_Card_Tru

Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust [Abstract]	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Valuation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	CABELA'S MASTER CREDIT CARD TRUST
	The Financial Services segment utilizes the Trust for the purpose of routinely securitizing credit card loans and issuing beneficial interest to investors. The Trust issues variable funding facilities and long-term notes (collectively referred to herein as "secured obligations of the Trust"), each of which has an undivided interest in the assets of the Trust. The Financial Services segment must retain a minimum 20 day average of 5% of the loans in the securitization trust which ranks pari passu with the investors' interests in the Trust. In addition, the Financial Services segment owns notes issued by the Trust from some of the securitizations, which in some cases may be subordinated to other notes issued. The consolidated assets of the Trust are subject to credit, payment, and interest rate risks on the transferred credit card loans. The secured obligations contain legal isolation requirements which would protect the assets pledged as collateral for the securitization investors as well as protect Cabela's and WFB from any liability from default on the secured obligations of the Trust.
	To protect the holders of the secured obligations of the Trust (the "investors"), the securitization structures include certain features that could result in earlier-than-expected repayment of the securities, which could cause the Financial Services segment to sustain a loss of one or more of its retained interests and could prompt the need to seek alternative sources of funding. The primary investor protection feature relates to the availability and adequacy of cash flows in the securitized pool of loans to meet contractual requirements, the insufficiency of which triggers early repayment of the securities. The Financial Services segment refers to this as the early amortization feature. Investors are allocated cash flows derived from activities related to the accounts comprising the securitized pool of loans, the amounts of which reflect finance charges collected, certain fee assessments collected, allocations of interchange, and recoveries on charged-off accounts. These cash flows are considered to be restricted under the governing documents to pay interest to investors, servicing fees, and to absorb the investor's share of charge-offs occurring within the securitized pool of loans. Any cash flows remaining in excess of these requirements are reported to investors as excess spread. An excess spread of less than zero percent for a contractually specified period, generally a three-month average, would trigger an early amortization event. Such an event could result in the Financial Services segment incurring losses related to its retained interests. In addition, if the retained interest in the loans of the Financial Services segment falls below the 5% minimum 20 day average and the Financial Services segment fails to add new accounts to the securitized pool of loans, an early amortization event would be triggered.
	Another feature, which is applicable to secured obligations of the Trust, is one in which excess cash flows generated by the transferred loans are held at the Trust for the benefit of the investors. This cash reserve account funding is triggered when the three-month average excess spread rate of the Trust decreases to below 4.50% with increasing funding requirements as excess spread levels decline below preset levels or as contractually required by the governing documents. Similar to early amortization, this feature also is designed to protect the investors' interests from loss thus making the cash restricted. Upon scheduled maturity or early amortization of a securitization, the Financial Services segment is required to remit principal payments received on the securitized pool of loans to the Trust which are restricted for the repayment of the investors' principal note. The investors have no recourse to the other assets of the Financial Services segment for failure of debtors to pay other than for breaches of certain customary representations, warranties, and covenants. These representations, warranties, covenants, and the related indemnities do not protect the Trust or third party investors against credit-related losses on the loans. Credit card loans performed within established guidelines and no events which could trigger an early amortization occurred during the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	The following table presents the components of the consolidated assets and liabilities of the Trust at the years ended:
		2013		2012
	Consolidated assets:
	Restricted credit card loans, net of allowance of $52,820 and $65,090	$	3,903,410	$	3,458,043
	Restricted cash	23,191		17,292
	Total	$	3,926,601	$	3,475,335
	Consolidated liabilities:
	Secured variable funding obligations	$	50,000	$	325,000
	Secured long-term obligations	2,452,250		1,827,500
	Interest due to third party investors	1,904		1,424
	Total	$	2,504,154	$	2,153,924

Credit_Card_Loans_and_Allowanc

Credit Card Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Credit Card Loans AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES [Abstract]	'
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	CREDIT CARD LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
	The following table reflects the composition of the credit card loans at the years ended:
		2013			2012
	Restricted credit card loans of the Trust (restricted for repayment of secured obligations of the Trust)	$	3,956,230		$	3,523,133
	Unrestricted credit card loans	29,619			34,356
	Total credit card loans	3,985,849			3,557,489
	Allowance for loan losses	(53,110		)	(65,600		)
	Deferred credit card origination costs	5,891			5,583
	Credit card loans, net	$	3,938,630		$	3,497,472
	Allowance for Loan Losses:
	The following table reflects the activity in the allowance for loan losses by credit card segment for the years ended:
					2013									2012
		Credit Card Loans			Restructured Credit Card Loans			Total Credit Card Loans			Credit Card Loans			Restructured Credit Card Loans			Total Credit Card Loans
	Balance, beginning of year	$	42,600		$	23,000		$	65,600		$	44,350		$	29,000		$	73,350
	Provision for loan losses	47,809			(4,586		)	43,223			40,963			1,797			42,760
	Charge-offs	(58,736		)	(14,223		)	(72,959		)	(56,122		)	(12,712		)	(68,834		)
	Recoveries	12,987			4,259			17,246			13,409			4,915			18,324
	Net charge-offs	(45,749		)	(9,964		)	(55,713		)	(42,713		)	(7,797		)	(50,510		)
	Balance, end of year	$	44,660		$	8,450		$	53,110		$	42,600		$	23,000		$	65,600
	The restructured credit card loans decreased to $42,967 at December 28, 2013, compared to $53,700 at December 29, 2012. As a result of these declining loan balances and improvements in recoveries, the allowance for loan losses on the restructured credit card loans segment was decreased by $7,000 during 2013. The remaining decrease of $7,550 in the allowance for loan losses on the restructured credit card loans segment was based on analysis relating to historical trends in actual charge-offs, and additional performance data, resulting in an allowance of $8,450 at December 28, 2013, compared to $23,000 at December 29, 2012.
	Credit Quality Indicators, Delinquent, and Non-Accrual Loans:
	The Financial Services segment segregates the loan portfolio into loans that have been restructured and other credit card loans in order to facilitate the estimation of the losses inherent in the portfolio as of the reporting date. The Financial Services segment uses the scores of Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”), a widely-used tool for assessing an individual's credit rating, as the primary credit quality indicator. The FICO score is an indicator of quality, with the risk of loss increasing as an individual's FICO score decreases.
	The Financial Services segment considers a loan to be delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the payment due date. The aging method is based on the number of completed billing cycles during which a customer has failed to make a required payment.
	The table below provides information on current, non-accrual, past due, and restructured credit card loans by class using the respective fourth quarter FICO score at the years ended:
		FICO Score of Credit Card Loans Segment									Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1)
	December 28, 2013:	691 and Below			692-758			759 and Above						Total
	Credit card loan status:
	Current	$	527,202		$	1,299,982		$	2,047,424		$	34,444		$	3,909,052
	1 to 29 days past due	20,702			13,421			12,953			3,962			51,038
	30-59 days past due	7,013			1,229			296			1,641			10,179
	60 or more days past due	12,445			184			31			2,920			15,580
	Total past due	40,160			14,834			13,280			8,523			76,797
	Total credit card loans	$	567,362		$	1,314,816		$	2,060,704		$	42,967		$	3,985,849
	90 days or more past due and still accruing	$	6,637		$	36		$	17		$	1,381		$	8,071
	Non-accrual	—			—			—			5,381			5,381
		FICO Score of Credit Card Loans Segment									Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1)
	December 29, 2012:	691 and Below			692-758			759 and Above						Total
	Credit card loan status:
	Current	$	453,894		$	1,134,840		$	1,856,587		$	44,193		$	3,489,514
	1 to 29 days past due	17,901			11,558			10,094			4,304			43,857
	30-59 days past due	6,060			1,004			203			1,811			9,078
	60 or more days past due	11,416			189			43			3,392			15,040
	Total past due	35,377			12,751			10,340			9,507			67,975
	Total credit card loans	$	489,271		$	1,147,591		$	1,866,927		$	53,700		$	3,557,489
	90 days or more past due and still accruing	$	6,118		$	38		$	4		$	1,481		$	7,641
	Non-accrual	—			—			—			5,985			5,985
	-1	Specific allowance for loan losses of $8,450 and $23,000 at December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively, are included in allowance for loan losses.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consisted of the following at the years ended:
		Depreciable Life in Years
			2013			2012
	Land and improvements	Up to 20	$	216,826		$	185,916
	Buildings and improvements	7 to 40	780,116			640,666
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	3 to 15	643,394			551,904
	Assets held under capital lease	Up to 30	15,611			13,255
	Property and equipment		1,655,947			1,391,741
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(550,101		)	(473,847		)
			1,105,846			917,894
	Construction in progress		181,699			103,762
			$	1,287,545		$	1,021,656

Securities

Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SECURITIES
	Economic development bonds, which are classified as available-for-sale, consisted of the following at the years ended:
				Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses
		Amortized Cost						Fair Value
	December 28, 2013	$	71,072	$	7,432	$	—	$	78,504
	December 29, 2012	$	74,545	$	10,496	$	—	$	85,041
	The carrying value and fair value of these securities classified by estimated maturity based on expected future cash flows at the end of 2013 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2014	$	1,777	$	2,048
	2015	2,348		2,717
	2016	2,709		3,115
	2017	2,827		3,221
	2018	3,247		3,675
	2019 - 2023	23,463		26,287
	2024 and thereafter	34,701		37,441
		$	71,072	$	78,504
	Interest earned on the securities totaled $4,103, $4,931, and $6,143 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. There were no realized gains or losses on these securities in 2013, 2012, or 2011.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS
	Prepaid expenses and other assets (current and long-term) consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2013		2012
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Financial Services segment - accrued interest and other receivables	$	48,086	$	39,842
	Financial Services segment - Visa interchange funding	—		50,929
	Other	42,352		41,923
		$	90,438	$	132,694
	Other assets:
	Other property	$	15,109	$	23,448
	Long-term notes and other receivables	10,972		10,723
	Financial Services segment - deferred financing costs	8,195		6,950
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	4,164		4,093
	Other	5,863		7,224
		$	44,303	$	52,438

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	ACCRUED EXPENSES
	Accrued expenses consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2013		2012
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	$	77,743	$	67,612
	Accrued property, sales, and other taxes	31,133		29,505
	Deferred revenue and accrued sales returns	28,794		29,275
	Accrued interest	8,718		8,516
	Accrued credit card fees	6,510		6,237
	Other	51,175		39,761
		$	204,073	$	180,906

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
	Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2013		2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest	$	73,922	$	44,948
	Deferred rent expense and tenant allowances	39,546		34,290
	Deferred grant income	12,586		14,324
	Other long-term liabilities	1,964		2,400
		$	128,018	$	95,962

Time_Deposits

Time Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Time Deposits [Abstract]	'
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	TIME DEPOSITS
	The Financial Services segment accepts time deposits only in amounts of at least one hundred thousand dollars. All time deposits are interest bearing. The aggregate amount of time deposits, net of brokered fees, by maturity was as follows at the years ended:
		2013			2012
	2013	$	—		$	367,350
	2014	297,645			297,628
	2015	273,385			199,314
	2016	216,619			152,078
	2017	26,110			26,164
	2018	20,911			5,484
	Thereafter	234,692			—
		1,069,362			1,048,018
	Less current maturities	(297,645		)	(367,350		)
	Deposits classified as non-current liabilities	$	771,717		$	680,668
	Time deposits include brokered institutional certificates of deposit, net of fees, totaling $1,062,312 and $1,032,817 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Borrowings_of_Financial_Servic

Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	BORROWINGS OF FINANCIAL SERVICES SEGMENT
	The Trust issues fixed and floating (variable) rate term securitizations, which are considered secured obligations backed by restricted credit card loans. A summary of the secured fixed and variable rate long-term obligations of the Trust by series, the expected maturity dates, and the respective weighted average interest rates are presented in the following tables at the years ended:
	December 28, 2013:
	Series	Expected	Fixed Rate Obligations		Interest Rate		Variable Rate Obligations		Interest Rate		Total Obligations		Interest Rate
		Maturity Date
	Series 2010-I	Jan-15	$	—	—	%	$	255,000	1.62	%	$	255,000	1.62	%
	Series 2010-II	Sep-15	127,500		2.29		85,000		0.87		212,500		1.72
	Series 2011-II	Jun-16	155,000		2.39		100,000		0.77		255,000		1.75
	Series 2011-IV	Oct-16	165,000		1.9		90,000		0.72		255,000		1.48
	Series 2012-I	Feb-17	275,000		1.63		150,000		0.7		425,000		1.3
	Series 2012-II	Jun-17	300,000		1.45		125,000		0.65		425,000		1.21
	Series 2013-I	Feb-23	327,250		2.71		—		—		327,250		2.71
	Series 2013-II	Aug-18	100,000		2.17		197,500		0.82		297,500		1.27
	Secured long-term obligations of the Trust		$	1,449,750			$	1,002,500			$	2,452,250
	December 29, 2012:
	Series	Expected	Fixed Rate Obligations		Interest Rate		Variable Rate Obligations		Interest Rate		Total Obligations		Interest Rate
		Maturity Date
	Series 2010-I	Jan-15	$	—	—	%	$	255,000	1.66	%	$	255,000	1.66	%
	Series 2010-II	Sep-15	127,500		2.29		85,000		0.91		212,500		1.74
	Series 2011-II	Jun-16	155,000		2.39		100,000		0.81		255,000		1.77
	Series 2011-IV	Oct-16	165,000		1.9		90,000		0.76		255,000		1.5
	Series 2012-I	Feb-17	275,000		1.63		150,000		0.74		425,000		1.32
	Series 2012-II	Jun-17	300,000		1.45		125,000		0.69		425,000		1.23
	Secured long-term obligations of the Trust		$	1,022,500			$	805,000			$	1,827,500
	The Trust sold asset-backed notes of $385,000 (Series 2013-I) and $350,000 (Series 2013-II) on March 7, 2013, and August 15, 2013, respectively. The Series 2013-I securitization transaction included the issuance of $327,250 of Class A notes and three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $57,750. The Series 2013-II securitization transaction included the issuance of $297,500 of Class A notes and three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $52,500. The Financial Services segment retained each of the subordinated classes of notes which were eliminated in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Each class of notes issued in the Series 2013-I securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately ten years and a contractual maturity of approximately thirteen years. Each class of notes issued in the Series 2013-II securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately five years and a contractual maturity of approximately eight years. These securitization transactions were used to fund the growth in restricted credit card loans.
	The Trust also issues variable funding facilities which are considered secured obligations backed by restricted credit card loans. The Trust renewed one variable funding facility in the amount of $300,000 on March 26, 2013, extending the commitment for an additional two years. At December 28, 2013, the Trust had three variable funding facilities with $875,000 in total capacity and $50,000 outstanding. The variable funding facilities are scheduled to mature in September 2014, March 2015, and March 2016. Each of these variable funding facilities includes an option to renew subject to certain terms and conditions. Variable rate note interest is priced at a benchmark rate, London Interbank Offered Rate, or commercial paper rate, plus a spread, which ranges from 0.50% to 0.85%. The variable rate notes provide for a fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% on the unused portion of the facilities. During the years ended December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the daily average balance outstanding on these notes was $26,328 and $142,077, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.77% and 0.78%, respectively.
	The Financial Services segment has unsecured federal funds purchase agreements with two financial institutions. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $85,000. There were no amounts outstanding at December 28, 2013, or December 29, 2012. During 2013 and 2012, the daily average balance outstanding was $228 and $462, respectively, with a weighted average rate of 0.75%

Revolving_Credit_Facilities

Revolving Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES
	The Company has a credit agreement providing for a $415,000 revolving credit facility that expires on November 2, 2016. The unsecured $415,000 revolving credit facility permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $100,000 and swing line loans up to $20,000. This credit facility may be increased to $500,000 subject to certain terms and conditions.
	At December 28, 2013, there was $2,932 outstanding under our credit agreement, and no amounts were outstanding at December 29, 2012. During 2013 and 2012, the daily average principal balance outstanding on the lines of credit was $130,729 and $43,141, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 1.44% and 1.61%, respectively. Letters of credit and standby letters of credit totaling $17,378 and $22,143, respectively, were outstanding at the end of 2013 and 2012. The daily average outstanding amount of total letters of credit during 2013 and 2012 was $20,536 and $15,418, respectively.
	During the term of the facility, we are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee, which ranges from 0.15% to 0.30% of the average daily unused principal balance on the line of credit. Interest on advances on this credit facility is equal to the alternate base rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin, as defined. The applicable margin is the percentage rate that is applicable at such time with respect to advances as set forth in the pricing schedule, a stratified interest rate schedule based on the Company's leverage ratio, as defined. The alternate base rate is equal to the highest of:
	•	the lead lender’s prime rate,
	•	the sum of the federal funds rate in effect for the day plus one-half of one percent, and
	•	the Eurocurrency rate, as defined, plus 1.50%.
	The credit agreement requires that Cabela’s comply with certain financial and other customary covenants, including:
	•	a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined) of no less than 2.00 to 1 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters (as defined);
	•	a leverage ratio (as defined) of no more than 3.00 to 1 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter; and
	•	a minimum consolidated net worth standard (as defined).
	At December 28, 2013, we were in compliance with the financial covenant requirements of our $415,000 credit agreement with a fixed charge coverage ratio of 9.51 to 1, a leverage ratio of 0.85 to 1, and a consolidated net worth that was $522,468 in excess of the minimum.
	The credit agreement includes a dividend provision limiting the amount that Cabela’s could pay to stockholders, which at December 28, 2013, was not in excess of $229,377. The credit agreement also has a provision permitting acceleration by the lenders in the event there is a change in control, as defined. In addition, the credit agreement contains cross default provisions to other outstanding debt. In the event that the Company fails to comply with these covenants, a default is triggered. In the event of default, all outstanding letters of credit and all principal and outstanding interest would immediately become due and payable. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements at December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012. We anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements through at least the next 12 months.
	Effective August 28, 2013, the Company entered into an unsecured $20,000 Canadian ("CAD") revolving credit facility for its operations in Canada. This revolving credit facility replaced our $15,000 CAD unsecured revolving credit facility, which was terminated January 31, 2013. Borrowings are payable on demand with interest payable monthly. The credit facility permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $10,000 CAD in the aggregate, which reduce the overall credit limit available under the credit facility. There were no amounts outstanding at December 28, 2013, or December 29, 2012.
	Advances made pursuant to the $415,000 credit agreement are classified as long-term debt. This agreement does not contain limitations regarding the pay downs of revolving loans advanced; therefore, advances made prior to November 2, 2015, pursuant to this agreement are considered long-term in nature.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Long Term Debt and Capital Leases [Abstract]	'
Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES
	Long-term debt and capital leases consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2013			2012
	Unsecured revolving credit facility	$	2,932		$	—
	Unsecured notes due 2016 with interest at 5.99%	215,000			215,000
	Unsecured senior notes due 2017 with interest at 6.08%	60,000			60,000
	Unsecured senior notes due 2014-2018 with interest at 7.20%	40,714			48,857
	Capital lease obligations payable through 2036	12,419			12,678
	Total debt	331,065			336,535
	Less current portion of debt	(8,418		)	(8,402		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	322,647		$	328,133
	Certain of the long-term debt agreements contain various covenants and restrictions such as the maintenance of minimum debt coverage, net worth, and financial ratios. The significant financial ratios and net worth requirements in the long-term debt agreements are 1) a limitation of funded debt to be less than 60% of consolidated total capitalization; 2) cash flow fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, of no less than 2.0 to 1 as of the last day of any quarter; and 3) a minimum consolidated adjusted net worth (as defined).
	In addition, the debt agreements contain cross default provisions to our outstanding credit facilities. In the event that the Company failed to comply with these covenants, a default would trigger and all principal and outstanding interest would immediately be due and payable. At December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the unsecured notes. We anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance with all financial covenants under our unsecured notes through at least the next 12 months.
	The Company has a lease agreement for our distribution facility in Wheeling, West Virginia. The lease term is through June 2036. The monthly installments are $83 and the lease contains a bargain purchase option at the end of the lease term. We accounted for this lease as a capital lease and recorded the additional leased asset at the present value of the future minimum lease payments using a 5.9% implicit rate. The additional leased asset was recorded at $5,649 and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 years.
	Aggregate expected maturities of long-term debt and scheduled capital lease payments for the years shown are as follows:
		Scheduled Capital Lease Payments			Long-Term Debt Maturities
	2014	$	1,000		$	8,143
	2015	1,000			8,143
	2016	1,000			226,075
	2017	1,000			68,143
	2018	1,000			8,142
	Thereafter	17,500			—
		22,500			318,646
	Capital lease amount representing interest	(10,081		)
	Present value of net scheduled lease payments	$	12,419		12,419
	Total long-term debt and capital leases				$	331,065

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C

Impairment and Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Impairment and Restructuring Charges [Abstract]	'
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	Impairment and restructuring charges consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013		2012		2011
	Impairment losses relating to:
	Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income	$	4,931	$	1,309	$	6,538
	Property, equipment, and other assets	937		1,321		154
	Other property	—		17,694		4,617
		5,868		20,324		11,309
	Restructuring charges for severance and related benefits	—		—		935
	Total	$	5,868	$	20,324	$	12,244
	Long-lived assets of the Company are evaluated for possible impairment (i) whenever events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable and (ii) at least annually for recurring fair value measurements and for those assets not subject to amortization. In 2013, 2012, and 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of our economic development bonds, property (including existing store locations and future retail store sites), equipment, goodwill, other property, and other intangible assets.
	Retail Store Properties:
	In November 2006, the Company entered into agreements providing for financial incentives, including, among other benefits, the receipt of land for a nominal amount and an incentive of $5,000 upon completion of a new retail store. In exchange, the Company agreed to open the retail store within one year, and to refrain from opening another retail store within a defined radius restriction area for a five year period. We opened this retail store in November 2007.
	In November 2011, after attempting to negotiate a release of the radius restriction, the Company filed a declaratory judgment action to challenge the validity and enforceability of the radius restriction. In April 2012, we opened another retail store within the radius restriction associated with the 2007 store. On June 18, 2013, a U. S. district court (the "Court") ruled that the radius restriction was enforceable, but requested additional briefing on the remaining outstanding issues. On July 30, 2013, the Court reversed its decision and denied the defendant's first motion for summary judgment, finding that although the Company had breached the radius restriction, the defendant had not established its right to recovery. The defendant filed a motion for reconsideration of the Court’s July 30, 2013, ruling and the Company filed its own motion for summary judgment. These motions were heard on October 31, 2013. At this hearing, the Court again reversed its decision and granted the defendant's motion for reconsideration of the Court’s July 30, 2013, ruling, granted the defendant's motion for summary judgment, and denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment. This ruling resulted in the Court ordering the Company to repay the $5,000 incentive. In addition, trial by jury was set to determine the award related to the real property received by the Company in 2007. Trial was held beginning January 27, 2014, and on January 31, 2014, a jury determined that the Company pay $8,625 to the defendant relating to the real property we received in 2007. On February 4, 2014, the Court entered a judgment against the Company in the amount of $13,625. At December 28, 2013, pursuant to this judgment, the Company recognized a liability of $14,125, including an estimated amount for legal fees and costs, in its consolidated balance sheet. We intend to appeal the Court's ruling.
	The recognition of this liability at December 28, 2013, to repay these grants resulted in the Company recording an increase to the carrying amount of the related retail store property through a reduction in deferred grant income by the amount repayable, plus legal and other costs. The cumulative additional depreciation that would have been recognized through December 28, 2013, as an expense in the absence of the grant was recognized in 2013 as depreciation expense. Therefore, the adjustment that reduced the deferred grant income of this retail store property at December 28, 2013, resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $4,931 in 2013, which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. This impairment loss was recorded to the Retail segment.
	In 2013, we also recognized an impairment loss totaling $937 related to the store closure of our former Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, retail site. The impairment loss of $937 included leasehold improvements write-offs as well as lease cancellation and restoration costs. This impairment loss was recorded to the Retail segment ($820) and the Corporate Overhead and Other segment ($117).
	Local economic trends, government regulations, and other restrictions where we own properties may impact management projections that could change undiscounted cash flows in future periods which could trigger possible future write downs.
	Other Property:
	In 2004, the Company acquired property near Denver, Colorado ("the Colorado Property”) with the intent to build a Cabela’s retail store at that location. The appraised value of the Colorado Property at that time was based on the projected cash flows from the Company’s prospective retail store development. In the second quarter ended June 2011, we made a decision not to locate a retail store on the Colorado Property, nor to further develop the Colorado Property, but to dispose of it, and instead to build two retail stores in different locations in the greater Denver area. We publicly announced this decision in July 2011. As a result, we classified the Colorado Property as other property in the Corporate Overhead and Other segment. Shortly after we publicly announced that we would not develop a retail store on the Colorado Property, we received a letter of intent from a developer offering to purchase the property. The letter of intent provided evidence of the fair value of the Colorado Property, which, at the time, resulted in an impairment loss of $3,348 that was recognized in the third quarter of 2011. The developer’s purchase offer expired in 2012, and the Company continued to market the property for sale and sought an appraisal. In January 2013, we received an appraisal report on the Colorado Property. This appraisal report concluded that the carrying value of the Colorado Property was higher than the estimated fair value, resulting in an additional impairment loss of $14,946, which was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2012. After the impairment loss was recognized, the carrying value of the Colorado Property was $5,820 at the end of 2012. The 2013 appraisal was based on the sales comparison approach to estimate the “as-is” fee simple market value of the subject property (Level 2 inputs). The appraiser determined that the highest and best use of the Colorado Property was as raw land, because the demographics, excess retail space, and the economy in the geographic area would no longer support a value high enough to justify the cost of developing the property.
	At December 2013 and 2012, we classified all of our unimproved land not used in our merchandising business as "other property" and included the carrying value of $15,109 and $23,448 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively, in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. We intend to sell any of our remaining other property as soon as any such sale could be economically feasible, and we continue to monitor such property for impairment.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company also recognized an impairment loss on a second property on an arms-length sales contract of adjoining land anticipated to close in mid-2013 (Level 2 inputs). Subsequently, this tract of land was sold in December 2013. In 2011, we wrote down the carrying value of certain other properties based on signed agreements for their sale. We recognized impairment losses totaling $17,694 and $4,617 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. There were no impairment losses related to other property in 2013.
	Local economic trends, government regulations, and other restrictions where we own properties may impact management projections that could change undiscounted cash flows in future periods which could trigger possible future write downs.
	Economic Development Bonds:
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, we received information on a project that the development would be delayed thus reducing the amount expected to be received and delaying the timing of projected cash flows. Therefore, the fair value of this economic development bond was determined to be below carrying value, with the decline in fair value deemed to be other than temporary. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we received information on three projects that development was either delayed or that actual tax revenues were lower than estimated, thus reducing the amount expected to be received and delaying the timing of projected cash flows. Accordingly, the discounted cash flows indicated that the fair values of these three economic development bonds were below carrying value, with the decline in fair value deemed to be other than temporary.
	These fair value adjustments totaling $5,030 and $24,314 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, reduced the carrying value of the economic development bond portfolio at the end of 2012 and 2011 and resulted in corresponding reductions in deferred grant income. These reductions in deferred grant income resulted in increases in depreciation expense of $1,309 and $6,538 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, which have been included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. The discounted cash flow models for our other bonds did not result in other than temporary impairments. At the end of 2012 and 2011, the cumulative amount of impairment adjustments that were made to deferred grant income, which has been recorded as a reduction of property and equipment, was $38,656 and $33,626, respectively. These impairment adjustments made to deferred grant income resulted from events or changes in circumstances that indicated the amount of deferred grant income may not be recovered or realized in cash through collection, sales, or other proceeds from the economic development bonds. There were no other than temporary impairments in 2013 relating to economic development bonds.
	Each quarter, we evaluate the projected underlying cash flows of our economic development bonds to determine if the carrying amount of any such bonds, including interest accrued under the bonds, can be recovered. To the extent the expected cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount, the bonds are assessed for impairment. Deficiencies in projected discounted cash flows below the recorded carrying amount of the economic development bonds evidences that we do not expect to recover the cost basis. Consequently, the valuation results in an other than temporary impairment. Trends and management projections could change undiscounted cash flows in future periods which could trigger possible future write downs.
	In 2011, the Company incurred charges totaling $935 for severance and related benefits primarily from outplacement costs and a voluntary retirement plan. These charges were recorded to the Corporate Overhead and Other segment.

Interest_Expense_Income_Net

Interest (Expense) Income, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET [Abstract]	'
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET
	Interest expense, net of interest income, consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	(26,159	)	$	(22,969	)	$	(24,580	)
	Capitalized interest	4,270			2,798			126
	Interest income	35			48			27
		$	(21,854	)	$	(20,123	)	$	(24,427	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	For financial reporting purposes, income before taxes includes the following components:
		2013				2012				2011
	Federal	$	244,878			$	164,433			$	127,662
	Foreign	98,650				97,281				86,805
		$	343,528			$	261,714			$	214,467
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	105,241			$	79,997			$	19,969
	State	7,714				7,397				2,650
	Foreign	14,414				16,279				14,155
		127,369				103,673				36,774
	Deferred:
	Federal	(8,497		)		(16,145		)		32,932
	State	(49		)		121				2,365
	Foreign	315				552				(224		)
		(8,231		)		(15,472		)		35,073
		$	119,138			$	88,201			$	71,847
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate was as follows for the years ended:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1.5			1.9			1.6
	Other nondeductible items	0.2			0.7			0.2
	Tax exempt interest income	(0.4	)		(0.5	)		(0.7	)
	Rate differential on foreign income	(4.3	)		(3.8	)		(4.5	)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits	2.9			0.4			1.1
	Deferred income tax rate change	0.1			0.4			0.8
	Other, net	(0.3	)		(0.4	)		—
	Effective income tax rate	34.7	%		33.7	%		33.5	%
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred compensation	$	12,504			$	11,367
	Deferred revenue	5,137				5,429
	Reserve for returns	5,988				5,777
	Accrued expenses	27,970				21,928
	Gift certificates liability	8,794				7,331
	Allowance for loans losses and doubtful accounts	20,600				24,962
	Loyalty rewards programs	36,597				31,881
	Other	5,505				3,277
		123,095				111,952
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	11,608				10,610
	Property and equipment	75,988				61,138
	Inventories	3,172				2,080
	Credit card loan fee deferral	32,296				32,390
	U.S. income tax on foreign earnings	—				8,973
	Economic development bonds	743				3,674
	Other	58				3,012
		123,865				121,877
	Net deferred tax (asset) liability	770				9,925
	Less current deferred income taxes	(2,348		)		(646		)
	Long-term deferred income taxes	$	3,118			$	10,571
	The Company has not provided United States income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that we consider to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States as of the end of year 2013. If these foreign earnings were to be repatriated in the future, the related United States tax liability may be reduced by any foreign income taxes previously paid on these earnings. As of the year ended 2013, the cumulative amount of earnings upon which United States income taxes have not been provided was approximately $152,000. If those earnings were not considered indefinitely invested the Company estimates that an additional income tax expense of approximately $30,000 would be recorded.
	As of December 28, 2013, cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $95,964. Our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside the United States for capital expansion. Based on the Company's current projected capital needs and the current amount of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries, we do not anticipate incurring any material tax costs beyond our accrued tax position in connection with any repatriation, but we may be required to accrue for unanticipated additional tax costs in the future if our expectations or the amount of cash held by our foreign subsidiaries change.
	The Company paid a total sum of $53,418 in prior years as deposits for federal taxes related to prior period uncertain tax positions in 2012 and 2011. The deposits were classified as a current asset netted within income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes in the consolidated balance sheet.
	The reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, the balance of which was classified as other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, was as follows for the years ended:
		2013				2012				2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$	39,252			$	37,608			$	43,198
	Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(3,428		)		(2,369		)		(12,705		)
	Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	15,759				49				855
	Gross increases related to current period tax positions	13,217				4,964				6,260
Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	—				(1,000		)		—
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$	64,800			$	39,252			$	37,608
The Company's policy is to accrue interest expense, and penalties as appropriate, on estimated unrecognized tax benefits as a charge to interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. We recorded a net credit to interest expense of $592 in 2012 and net interest expense of $3,425 and $798 in 2013 and 2011, respectively. The net credit in 2012 was due to the gross decrease of certain unrecognized tax benefits. No penalties were accrued. The liability for estimated interest on unrecognized tax benefits totaling $9,122 and $5,696 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively, was included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $15,537.
The Company's tax years 2007 through 2011 are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). In late 2012, the IRS issued a revenue agent report summarizing its determination of the adjustments required to the 2007 and 2008 income tax returns. We disagree with the adjustments made by the IRS in their revenue agent report and are currently appealing the adjustments. We expect the appeals process for the 2007 and 2008 tax years to be completed within the next 12 months. We do not expect the examination and related appeal for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 tax years to be completed within the next 12 months. We have reserved for potential adjustments to the provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by the tax authorities and we believe that the final outcome of these examinations or agreements will not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Since the Company is routinely under audit by various taxing authorities, and the Company expects to resolve the tax issues at appeals for the 2007 and 2008 examination years in 2014, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change during the next 12 months. However, we do not expect the change, if any, to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations within the next 12 months.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and various states. The tax years 2007 through 2012 remain open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which Cabela’s is subject.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company leases various buildings, computer and other equipment, and storage space under operating leases which expire on various dates through January 2041. Rent expense on these leases as well as other month to month rentals was $14,319, $13,605, and $9,541 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments under operating leases at December 28, 2013:
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2014	$	16,035
	2015	20,956
	2016	20,489
	2017	20,098
	2018	26,516
	Thereafter	269,619
		$	373,713
	The Company leases nine of its retail store sites. Certain of these leases include tenant allowances that are amortized over the life of the lease. During 2013, we received $4,969 in tenant allowances. In 2012, no tenant allowances were received. We expect to receive $3,500 in tenant allowances in 2014. Certain leases require the Company to pay contingent rental amounts based on a percentage of sales, in addition to real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other operating expenses associated with the leased premises. These leases have terms which include renewal options ranging from 10 to 70 years.
	The Company has entered into real estate purchase, construction, and/or economic development agreements for various new retail store site locations. At December 28, 2013, the Company had total estimated cash commitments of approximately $384,400 outstanding for projected expenditures connected with the development, construction, and completion of new retail stores. This does not include any amounts for contractual obligations associated with retail store locations where the Company is in the process of certain negotiations. We expect to fund these estimated capital expenditures over the next 12 months with funds from operations.
	Under various grant programs, state or local governments provide funding for certain costs associated with developing and opening a new retail store. The Company generally receives grant funding in exchange for commitments, such as assurance of agreed employment and wage levels at the retail store or that the retail store will remain open, made by the Company to the state or local government providing the funding. The commitments typically phase out over approximately five to 10 years. If the Company failed to maintain the commitments during the applicable period, the funds received may have to be repaid or other adverse consequences may arise, which could affect the Company's cash flows and profitability. At December 28, 2013, the total amount of grant funding subject to a specific contractual remedy was $43,536. At December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the amount the Company had recorded in liabilities relating to these grants was $22,536 and $7,257, respectively.
	The Company operates an open account document instructions program, which provides for Cabela's-issued letters of credit. We had obligations to pay participating vendors $48,409 and $55,455 at December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively.
	The Financial Services segment enters into financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business through the origination of unsecured credit card loans. Unsecured credit card accounts are commitments to extend credit and totaled $25,255,000 and $20,976,000 at December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively. These commitments are in addition to any current outstanding balances of a cardholder. Unsecured credit card loans involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The principal amounts of these instruments reflect the Financial Services segment’s maximum related exposure. The Financial Services segment has not experienced and does not anticipate that all customers will exercise the entire available line of credit at any given point in time. The Financial Services segment has the right to reduce or cancel the available lines of credit at any time.
	Visa Litigation Settlement – In June 2005, a number of entities, each purporting to represent a class of retail merchants, sued Visa and several member banks, and other credit card associations, alleging, among other things, that Visa and its member banks have violated United States antitrust laws by conspiring to fix the level of interchange fees. On July 13, 2012, the parties to this litigation announced that they had entered into a memorandum of understanding, which subject to certain conditions, including court approval, obligates the parties to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the claims brought by the class members. On December 13, 2013, the settlement received final court approval. The settlement agreement requires, among other things, (i) the distribution to class merchants of an amount equal to 10 basis points of default interchange across all credit rate categories for a period of eight consecutive months, which otherwise would have been paid to issuers like WFB, (ii) Visa to change its rules to allow merchants to charge a surcharge on credit card transactions subject to a cap, and (iii) Visa to meet with merchant buying groups that seek to negotiate interchange rates collectively. To date, WFB has not been named as a defendant in any credit card industry lawsuits. Based on the information in the proposed settlement, management determined that the 10 basis point reduction of default interchange across all credit rate categories for the period of eight consecutive months from July 29, 2013, through March 28, 2014, would result in a reduction of interchange income of approximately $12,500 in the Financial Services segment. Therefore, a liability of $12,500 was recorded as of December 29, 2012, to accrue for this settlement.
	In 2013, certain plaintiffs opted out of the proposed settlement resulting in the Company re-evaluating the impact of the 10 basis point reduction of default interchange to the Financial Services segment. Also, Visa has issued interchange reduction reports to WFB through November 2013 resulting in assessments of $4,646. Based on re-evaluations due to opt-outs and analysis of the merchant charge volume based on the Visa interchange reduction reports, we determined that the estimated effect for this settlement should be reduced by $3,167 as of December 28, 2013. Therefore, the remaining liability balance for this settlement was $4,687 at December 28, 2013.
	Litigation and Claims – The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. These actions include commercial, intellectual property, employment, regulatory, and product liability claims. Some of these actions involve complex factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties. The activities of WFB are subject to complex federal and state laws and regulations. WFB's regulators are authorized to conduct compliance examinations and impose penalties for violations of these laws and regulations and, in some cases, to order WFB to pay restitution. The Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of the actions brought against it. Accordingly, adverse developments, settlements, or resolutions may occur and have a material effect on the Company's results of operations for the period in which such development, settlement, or resolution occurs. However, the Company does not believe that the outcome of any current legal proceeding would have a material effect on its results of operations, cash flows, or financial position taken as a whole.
	On January 6, 2011, the Company received a Commissioner's charge from the Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") alleging that the Company has discriminated against non-Whites on the basis of their race and national origin in recruitment and hiring. The Company is disputing these allegations, and the EEOC currently is in the early stages of its investigation. At the present time, the Company is unable to form a judgment regarding a favorable or unfavorable outcome regarding this matter or the potential range of loss in the event of an unfavorable outcome.
	Self-Insurance – The Company is self-insured for health claims and workers’ compensation claims up to a certain stop loss amount per individual. We have a liability for health claims submitted and for those claims incurred prior to year end but not yet reported totaling $4,839 and $3,856 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. We also have a liability for workers’ compensation claims submitted and for those claims incurred prior to year end but not yet reported totaling $5,513 and $4,064 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. These liabilities are included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.
	The liabilities for health and workers’ compensation claims incurred but not reported are based upon internally developed calculations. These estimates are regularly evaluated for adequacy based on the most current information available, including historical claim payments, expected trends, and industry factors

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement

Regulatory Capital Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Text Block]	'
	REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
	WFB is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Nebraska State Department of Banking and Finance to ensure capital adequacy. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, WFB must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of WFB’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. WFB’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgment by the regulators with respect to components, risk weightings, and other factors.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized WFB as "well-capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as "well-capitalized" WFB must maintain certain amounts and ratios (defined in the regulations) as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed WFB's category.
		Actual				Capital Requirements to be Classified Adequately-Capitalized				Capital Requirements to be Classified Well-Capitalized
		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	2013:00:00
	Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	511,617	12.5	%	$	327,218	8	%	$	409,022	10	%
	Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	460,465		11.3		163,609		4		245,413		6
	Tier I Capital to Average Assets	460,465		11.1		165,341		4		206,677		5
	2012:00:00
	Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	440,927	12	%	$	295,081	8	%	$	368,852	10	%
	Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	394,580		10.7		147,541		4		221,311		6
	Tier I Capital to Average Assets	394,580		11.2		140,664		4		175,830		5

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
STOCK OPTION PLANS, STOCK BASED COMPENSATION, AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Stock-Based Compensation – The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $14,969, $13,733, and $12,911 in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Compensation expense related to the Company's stock-based payment awards is recognized in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Compensation cost for awards is recognized using a straight-line amortization method over the vesting period. At December 28, 2013, the total unrecognized deferred stock-based compensation balance for all equity awards issued, net of expected forfeitures, was $20,193, net of tax, which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
	The fair value of options granted was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected volatility for 2013, 2012, and 2011 was based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock. The fair value of options in the years presented was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		2013				2012				2011
	Risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve	0.76		%		0.84		%		1.52 to 2.16%
	Dividend yield	—				—				—
	Expected volatility	47		%		48		%		46		%
	Weighted average expected life (in years)	5.9				4.7				5
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$	22.6			$	15.72			$	11.3
	Employee Stock Plans – Effective June 5, 2013, the shareholders of the Company approved the Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Stock Plan (the "2013 Stock Plan"). The 2013 Stock Plan replaces the Cabela's Incorporated 2004 Stock Plan (the "2004 Stock Plan") and provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options ("NSOs"), stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance units, restricted stock, and restricted stock units to employees and consultants. Non-employee directors are eligible to receive any type of award offered under the 2013 Stock Plan except incentive stock options. Awards granted under the 2013 Stock Plan have a term of no greater than ten years from the grant date and become exercisable under the vesting schedule determined at the time of grant. As of December 28, 2013, the maximum number of shares available for awards under the 2013 Stock Plan was 3,949,030 .
	As of December 28, 2013, there were 3,410,394 awards outstanding under the 2004 Plan and 50,970 awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan. No future grants of awards will be made under the 2004 Plan. To the extent available, we will issue treasury shares for the exercise of stock options before issuing new shares.
	Option Awards. During 2013, there were 206,870 NSOs granted to employees under the 2004 Plan at an exercise price of $50.91 per share and 30,000 NSOs granted to non-employee directors at an exercise price of $67.69 per share. These options have an eight-year term and vest over four years for employees and one year for non-employee directors. In addition, the Company issued 64,000 premium-priced NSOs to its President and Chief Executive Officer under the 2004 Plan at an exercise price of $58.55 (which was equal to 115% of the closing price of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 1, 2013). The premium-priced NSOs vest in three equal annual installments beginning on March 2, 2017, and expire on March 2, 2021.
	Nonvested Stock and Stock Unit Awards. During 2013, the Company issued 344,345 units of nonvested stock under the 2004 Plan to employees at a weighted average fair value of $50.87 per unit. During 2013, the Company issued 20,600 units of nonvested stock under the 2013 Stock Plan to employees at a fair value of $69.98 per unit. These nonvested stock units vest evenly over four years on the grant date anniversary based on the passage of time. On March 2, 2013, the Company also issued 55,400 units of performance-based restricted stock units under the 2004 Plan to certain executives at a fair value of $50.91 per unit. These performance-based restricted stock units will begin vesting in four equal installments on March 2, 2014, since the performance criteria were achieved.
	On June 6, 2013, the Company granted 370 units of nonvested stock to a non-employee director of WFB under the 2013 Stock Plan at a fair value of $67.69 per unit. These nonvested stock units vest over one year.
	Restricted Stock Awards. In 2008, there were 111,324 shares of restricted stock issued to two executives under the 2004 Plan. The stock price on the date of grant was $10.48 per share resulting in a fair value of $1,167 of deferred compensation which was amortized to compensation expense over a five-year period ending June 2013. Compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards, which was included in total stock-based compensation expense, was $117 in 2013, and $233 in each year 2012 and 2011.
	The following table summarizes award activity during 2013 for the Company's two stock plans:
					All Awards							Non-Vested Awards
		Awards Available for Grant						Weighted Average Exercise Price							Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
					Number of Awards (1)							Number of Awards (1)
	Outstanding, beginning of year	1,940,486			3,719,474			$	14.55			1,524,943			$	21.67
	Granted	(721,585	)		721,585			22.55				721,585			39.7
	Vested	—			(468,941	)						(714,601	)		18.05
	Exercised	—			(450,640	)		18.15
	Forfeited (2)	60,114			(60,114	)		6.47				(59,854	)		32.61
	Outstanding, end of year (3)	1,279,015			3,461,364			17.87				1,472,073			31.93
	-1	Excludes restricted stock awards issued in July 2008.
	-2	Options forfeited under the 2013 Plan are immediately available for grant.
	-3	Total awards outstanding under the Company's stock plans at the end of 2013 were comprised of 2,591,497 of NSOs, 799,871 of nonvested stock awards, and 69,996 of performance based stock awards.
	The following table provides information relating to the Company's equity share-based payment awards at December 28, 2013:
																	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
					Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Fair Value				Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Number of Awards
	Vested and exercisable	1,989,291			$	17.74			$	7.59			$	95,294			2.69
	Non-vested	1,472,073			18.05				31.93				70,111				6.55
	Total outstanding	3,461,364			17.87				17.94				$	165,405			4.33
	Expected to vest after December 28, 2013	3,301,750			17.99								$	157,378			4.23
	The aggregate intrinsic value of awards exercised was $54,755, $53,198, and $26,775 during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $12,899, $10,721, and $11,759 in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Based on the Company's closing stock price of $65.64 as of December 28, 2013, the total number of in-the-money awards exercisable as of December 28, 2013, was 1,989,291.
	The equity share-based payment awards outstanding and exercisable as of December 28, 2013, were in the following exercise price ranges:
	Awards Outstanding											Awards Exercisable
										Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
						Weighted Average Exercise Price									Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Exercise Price		Number									Number
	$ 0.00 to $11.28		1,167,485			$	2.03			5.71		296,893			$	8
	$11.29 to $22.56		1,480,879			18.04				2.21		1,478,379			18.03
	$22.57 to $33.84		214,675			26.54				5.08		144,081			26.37
	$33.85 to $45.12		299,090			36.26				6.06		69,938			34.98
	$45.13 to $56.40		205,235			50.91				7.18		—			—
	$56.41 to $67.69		94,000			61.47				7.26		—			—
			3,461,364			17.87				4.33		1,989,291			17.74
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan – Effective June 5, 2013, the shareholders of the Company approved the Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2013 ESPP") which replaces the Cabela's Incorporated 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan for all awards granted on or after August 1, 2013. During 2013, there were 62,880 shares issued - 29,815 shares under the 2013 Plan and 33,065 shares under the 2004 Plan. At December 28, 2013, there were 1,970,185 shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance under the 2013 ESPP.
	401(k) Savings Plan – All employees are eligible to defer up to 80% of their wages in Cabela’s 401(k) savings plan, subject to certain limitations. The Company matches 100% of eligible employee deferrals up to 4% of eligible wages. For eligible employees hired prior to January 1, 2009, we may also contribute a 2% discretionary matching contribution. Total expense for employer contributions was $10,920, $9,709, and $9,187 in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
	Preferred Stock – The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock having a par value of $0.01 per share. None of the shares of the authorized preferred stock have been issued. The board of directors is authorized to issue these shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval in different classes and series and, with respect to each class or series, to determine the dividend rate, the redemption provisions, conversion provisions, liquidation preference, and other rights, privileges, and restrictions. The issuance of any preferred stock could have the effect of diluting the voting power of the holders of common stock, restricting dividends on the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock, or delaying or preventing a change in control without further action by the stockholders.
	Class A Voting Common Stock – The holders of Cabela's Class A common stock are entitled to receive ratably dividends, if any, the board of directors may declare from time to time from funds legally available therefore, subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock that the Company may issue in the future. The holders of Cabela's Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matter to be voted upon by stockholders.
	Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of company affairs, the holders of Cabela's Class A common stock are entitled to all assets remaining after payment to creditors and subject to prior distribution rights of any shares of preferred stock that the Company may issue in the future. All of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
	Retained Earnings – The most significant restrictions on the payment of dividends are contained within the covenants under the Company's revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela’s. At December 28, 2013, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $229,377 available for dividends. However, the Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related taxes, are as follows for the years ended:
		2013				2012
	Accumulated net unrealized holding gains on economic development bonds	$	4,682			$	6,823
	Accumulated net unrealized holding loss on derivatives	—				(1		)
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	(6,406		)		(1,280		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(1,724	)		$	5,542
	Treasury Stock – The Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program on August 23, 2011, that provides for share repurchases on an ongoing basis to offset dilution resulting from equity awards under the Company's current or future equity compensation plans. These shares can be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company's discretion, subject to market conditions, customary blackout periods, and other factors. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any outstanding shares of its common stock, and the program may be limited or terminated at any time. On February 14, 2013, the Company announced its intent to repurchase up to 750,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions through February 2014. As of December 28, 2013, there were 181,179 shares repurchased (which includes 17,439 shares withheld to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of certain restricted shares). At December 28, 2013, there were 586,260 shares remaining to be purchased. The Company announced on February 13, 2014, its intent to repurchase up to 650,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions through February 2015. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we will repurchase.
	The following table reconciles the Company's treasury stock activity for the years ended:
		2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	492,414			800,935
	Purchase of treasury stock at a cost of $10,053 and $28,977 (1)	181,179			816,057
	Treasury shares issued on exercise of stock options and share-based payment awards	(673,593	)		(1,124,578	)
	Balance, end of year	—			492,414
	-1	Reflects common stock withheld (under the terms of grants pursuant to a stock compensation plan) totaling 17,439 shares and 16,057 shares, respectively, to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of restricted shares on July 7, 2013 and 2012.
Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances [Text Block]	'
	Retained Earnings – The most significant restrictions on the payment of dividends are contained within the covenants under the Company's revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela’s. At December 28, 2013, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $229,377 available for dividends. However, the Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table reconciles the weighted average number of shares utilized in the earnings per share calculations for the years ended:
		2013	2012	2011
	Common shares – basic	70,461,450	69,856,258	69,194,663
	Effect of incremental dilutive securities:
	Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans	1,317,093	1,853,615	2,079,579
	Common shares – diluted	71,778,543	71,709,873	71,274,242
	Stock options outstanding and nonvested stock units issued considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation	30,000	—	228,545

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	The following table sets forth non-cash financing and investing activities and other cash flow information for the years ended:
		2013			2012			2011
	Non-cash financing and investing activities:
	Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	$	36,707		$	23,225		$	7,483
	Contribution of land received	—			2,287			—
	Other than temporary impairment of economic development bonds	—			5,030			24,314
	Impairment of deferred grant income	(4,931		)	(5,030		)	(24,314		)
	Other cash flow information:
	Interest paid (2)	$	78,261		$	78,841		$	94,440
	Capitalized interest	(4,270		)	(2,798		)	(126		)
	Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$	73,991		$	76,043		$	94,314
	Income taxes, net of refunds	$	83,118		$	136,959		$	44,778
	-1	Accrued property and equipment additions are recognized in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the year they are paid.
	-2	Includes interest from the Financial Services segment totaling $63,363, $54,301, and $70,867 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	The Company has three reportable segments: Retail, Direct, and Financial Services. The Retail segment sells products and services through the Company's retail stores. The Direct segment sells products through our e-commerce websites (Cabelas.com and Cabelas.ca) and direct mail catalogs. The Financial Services segment issues co-branded credit cards. For the Retail segment, operating costs consist primarily of labor, advertising, depreciation, and occupancy costs of retail stores. For the Direct segment, operating costs consist primarily of direct marketing costs (e-commerce advertising and catalog costs) and order processing costs. For the Financial Services segment, operating costs consist primarily of advertising and promotion, license fees, third party services for processing credit card transactions, salaries, and other general and administrative costs.
	Revenues included in Corporate Overhead and Other are primarily made up of amounts received from outfitter services, real estate rental income, land sales, and fees earned through the Company's travel business and other complementary business services. Corporate Overhead and Other expenses include unallocated shared-service costs, operations of various ancillary subsidiaries such as real estate development and travel, and segment eliminations. Unallocated shared-service costs include receiving, distribution, and storage costs of inventory, merchandising, and quality assurance costs, as well as corporate headquarters occupancy costs.
	Segment assets are those directly used in or clearly allocable to an operating segment’s operations. For the Retail segment, assets include inventory in the retail stores, land, buildings, fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Goodwill totaling $3,295 and $3,535 at December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively, was included in the Retail segment. The change in the carrying value of goodwill between years was due to foreign currency adjustments. For the Direct segment, assets primarily include fixed assets and deferred catalog costs. Assets for the Financial Services segment include cash, credit card loans, restricted cash, receivables, fixtures, and other assets. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $94,112 and $91,365 at December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively. Assets for the Corporate Overhead and Other segment include corporate headquarters and facilities, merchandise distribution inventory, shared technology infrastructure and related information technology systems, corporate cash and cash equivalents, economic development bonds, prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other corporate long-lived assets. Depreciation, amortization, and property and equipment expenditures are recognized in each respective segment. Intercompany revenue between segments was eliminated in consolidation.
	Under an Intercompany Agreement, the Financial Services segment pays to the Retail and Direct segments a fixed license fee equal to 70 basis points on all originated charge volume of the Cabela's CLUB Visa credit card portfolio. In addition, among other items, the agreement requires the Financial Services segment to reimburse the Retail and Direct segments for certain operating and promotional costs.
	Financial information by segment is presented below for the following years:
														Corporate Overhead and Other
											Financial Services
	Fiscal Year 2013:		Retail				Direct											Total
	Merchandise sales		$	2,232,018			$	973,614			$	—		$	—			$	3,205,632
	Non-merchandise revenue:
	Financial Services		—				—				375,810			—				375,810
	Other		1,304				—				—			16,831				18,135
	Total revenue		$	2,233,322			$	973,614			$	375,810		$	16,831			$	3,599,577
	Operating income (loss)		$	428,361			$	157,227			$	104,402		$	(328,629	)		$	361,361
	Operating income as a percentage of revenue		19.2		%		16.1		%		27.8		%	N/A				10		%
	Depreciation and amortization		$	54,882			$	7,579			$	1,545		$	29,401			$	93,407
	Assets		1,327,047				208,525				4,135,014			726,278				6,396,864
	Property and equipment additions including accrued amounts		288,521				149				1,332			57,954				347,956
	Fiscal Year 2012:
	Merchandise sales		$	1,847,960			$	930,943			$	—		$	—			$	2,778,903
	Non-merchandise revenue:
	Financial Services		—				—				319,399			—				319,399
	Other		1,622				—				—			12,758				14,380
	Total revenue		$	1,849,582			$	930,943			$	319,399		$	12,758			$	3,112,682
	Operating income (loss)		$	345,040			$	155,237			$	74,182		$	(298,760	)		$	275,699
	Operating income as a percentage of revenue		18.7		%		16.7		%		23.2		%	N/A				8.9		%
	Depreciation and amortization		$	46,997			$	7,361			$	1,277		$	23,634			$	79,269
	Assets		1,048,747				171,461				3,730,438			797,517				5,748,163
	Property and equipment additions including accrued amounts		181,676				1,172				3,757			43,404				230,009
	Fiscal Year 2011:
	Merchandise sales		$	1,548,899			$	956,834			$	—		$	—			$	2,505,733
	Non-merchandise revenue:																	—
	Financial Services		—				—				291,746			—				291,746
	Other		1,543				—				—			12,144				13,687
	Total revenue		$	1,550,442			$	956,834			$	291,746		$	12,144			$	2,811,166
	Operating income (loss)		$	263,010			$	172,163			$	59,032		$	(262,657	)		$	231,548
	Operating income as a percentage of revenue		17		%		18		%		20.2		%	N/A				8.2		%
	Depreciation and amortization		$	41,506			$	6,677			$	987		$	22,173			$	71,343
	Assets		878,557				153,758				3,353,263			748,193				5,133,771
	Property and equipment additions including accrued amounts		87,670				6,335				5,640			21,094				120,739
	The components and amounts of total revenue for the Financial Services segment were as follows for the years ended:
		2013				2012				2011
	Interest and fee income	$	343,353			$	301,699			$	277,242
	Interest expense	(63,831		)		(54,092		)		(70,303		)
	Provision for loan losses	(43,223		)		(42,760		)		(39,287		)
	Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses	236,299				204,847				167,652
	Non-interest income:
	Interchange income	344,979				292,151				267,106
	Other non-interest income	7,530				12,364				13,620
	Total non-interest income	352,509				304,515				280,726
	Less: Customer rewards costs	(212,998		)		(189,963		)		(156,632		)
	Financial Services revenue	$	375,810			$	319,399			$	291,746
	Our products are principally marketed to individuals within the United States. Net sales generated in other geographic markets, primarily Canada, have collectively been less than 5% of consolidated net merchandise sales in each year. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. No single product or service accounted for a significant percentage of the Company's consolidated revenue.
	The following table sets forth the percentage of our merchandise revenue contributed by major product categories for our Retail and Direct segments and in total for the last three years.
			Retail									Direct								Total
			2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011			2013		2012		2011
	Product Category:
	Hunting Equipment		51	%		49.5	%		45.7	%		41.2	%	37.1	%		33.4	%		48	%	45.3	%	41.1	%
	General Outdoors		26.8			28.7			30.7			29.1		32			32.7			27.5		29.8		31.5
	Clothing and Footwear		22.2			21.8			23.6			29.7		30.9			33.9			24.5		24.9		27.4
	Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%	100	%		100	%		100	%	100	%	100	%

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value represents the estimated price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. In determining fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses various methods, including discounted cash flow projections based on available market interest rates and data, and management estimates of future cash payments. Judgment is required in interpreting certain market data to develop the estimates of fair value and, accordingly, any changes in assumptions or methods may affect the fair value estimates. Financial instrument assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
	•	Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices.
	•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs corroborated by little, if any, market data.
	Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies utilizing significant inputs that are primarily unobservable from objective sources. At December 28, 2013, the financial instruments carried on our consolidated balance sheets subject to fair value measurements consisted of economic development bonds and were classified as Level 3 for valuation purposes. For 2013, 2012, and 2011, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3.
	The Company's recurring financial instruments classified as Level 3 for valuation purposes consists of economic development bonds. The table below presents changes in fair value of the economic development bonds measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of year	$	85,041		$	86,563		$	104,231
	Total gains or losses:
	Included in earnings - realized	—			—			13
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - unrealized	(3,064		)	5,814			9,078
	Valuation adjustments	—			(5,030		)	(24,314		)
	Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
	Purchases	—			—			601
	Issuances	—			—			—
	Settlements	(3,473		)	(2,306		)	(3,046		)
	Total	(3,473		)	(2,306		)	(2,445		)
	Balance, end of year	$	78,504		$	85,041		$	86,563
	Fair values of the Company's economic development bonds were estimated using discounted cash flow projection estimates. These estimates are based on available market interest rates and the estimated amounts and timing of expected future payments to be received from municipalities under tax development zones, which we consider to be unobservable inputs (Level 3). These fair values do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering these bonds for sale or through early redemption, or any related income tax impact. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale economic development bonds below cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings. In 2012 and 2011, we determined that the fair value of the bonds was below carrying value, with the decline in fair value deemed to be other than temporary, which resulted in fair value adjustments totaling $5,030 and $24,314 at the end of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accordingly, deferred grant income was reduced by $5,030 and $24,314 for the respective years due to other than temporary impairment losses of the same amounts that were recognized on the economic development bonds. These reductions in deferred grant income resulted in increases in depreciation expense of $1,309 and $6,538 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, which have been included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. At the end of 2010, none of the bonds with a fair value below carrying value were deemed to have other than a temporary impairment. At December 28, 2013, there were no other than temporary fair value adjustments of economic development bonds and no adjustments of deferred grant income in 2013.
	On a quarterly basis, we perform various procedures to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from our economic development bonds. We revalue each economic development bond using discounted cash flow models based on available market interest rates (Level 2 inputs) and management estimates, including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments (Level 3 inputs) to be received by the municipalities under tax increment financing districts. Projected cash flows are derived from sales and property taxes. Based on our analysis, in those instances where the expected cash flows are insufficient to recover the current carrying value of the bond, we adjust the carrying value of the individual bonds to their revised estimated fair value. The governmental entity from which the Company purchases the bonds is not liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to fund principal and interest amounts under the bonds. Should sufficient tax revenue not be generated by the subject properties, the Company may not receive all anticipated payments and thus will be unable to realize the full carrying values of the economic development bonds, which result in a corresponding decrease to deferred grant income.
	Long-lived assets other than goodwill and other intangible assets, which generally are tested separately for impairment on an annual basis, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The calculation for an impairment loss compares the carrying value of the asset to that asset's estimated fair value, which may be based on estimated future discounted cash flows or unobservable market prices. We recognize an impairment loss if the asset's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Frequently our impairment loss calculations contain multiple uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting cash flows under different scenarios. We have consistently applied our accounting methodologies that we use to assess impairment loss. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.
	We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment, other property, goodwill and intangibles whenever indicators of impairment exist using significant unobservable inputs. This evaluation included existing store locations and future retail store sites. Impairment losses consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013			2012			2011
	Carrying value of other property and other assets	$	49,343		$	30,669		$	36,954
	Fair value of related assets	43,475			11,654			32,183
	Impairment losses	$	5,868		$	19,015		$	4,771
	The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, gift instruments (including credit card and loyalty rewards programs), accrued expenses, and income taxes receivable and payable included in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value given the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The secured variable funding obligations of the Trust, which include variable rates of interest that adjust daily, can fluctuate daily based on the short-term operational needs of the Financial Services segment with advances and pay downs at par value. Therefore, the carrying value of the secured variable funding obligations of the Trust approximates fair value.
	The table below presents the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets for the years indicated. The fair values of all financial instruments listed below were estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies utilizing observable inputs (Level 2).
		2013						2012
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value
	Financial Assets:
	Credit card loans, net	$	3,938,630		$	3,938,630		$	3,497,472		$	3,497,472
	Financial Liabilities:
	Time deposits	1,069,362			1,070,831			1,048,018			1,086,411
	Secured long-term obligations of the Trust	2,452,250			2,405,494			1,827,500			1,807,083
	Long-term debt	331,065			363,848			336,535			373,120
	Credit Card Loans. Credit card loans are originated with variable rates of interest that adjust with changing market interest rates, so the carrying value of the credit card loans, including the carrying value of deferred credit card origination costs, less the allowance for loan losses, approximates fair value. This valuation does not include the value that relates to estimated cash flows generated from new loans over the life of the cardholder relationship. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value of the credit card loans does not represent the underlying value of the established cardholder relationship.
	Time Deposits. Time deposits are pooled in homogeneous groups, and the future cash flows of those groups are discounted using current market rates offered for similar products for purposes of estimating fair value. For all periods presented, we have consistently applied our discounting methodologies to estimated future cash flows in determining estimated fair value for time deposits.
	Secured Long-Term Obligations of the Trust. The estimated fair value of secured long-term obligations of the Trust is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity. For all periods presented, we have consistently applied our discounting methodologies to estimated future cash flows in determining estimated fair value for secured long-term obligations of the Trust.
	Long-Term Debt. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity. For all periods presented, we have consistently applied our discounting methodologies to estimated future cash flows in determining estimated fair value for long-term debt.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	'
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
	The following table sets forth unaudited financial and operating data in each quarter for years 2013 and 2012:
		2013 by Quarter								2012 by Quarter
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Total revenue	$	802,497	$	756,805	$	850,828	$	1,189,447	$	623,504	$	627,254	$	741,178	$	1,120,746
	Operating income (1)	79,115		66,935		76,603		138,708		46,576		57,828		67,113		104,182
	Net income	49,847		44,545		49,886		80,112		28,826		33,870		42,785		68,032
	Earnings per share:
	Basic (2)	0.71		0.63		0.71		1.13		0.42		0.48		0.61		0.97
	Diluted (2)	0.7		0.62		0.7		1.12		0.4		0.47		0.6		0.95
	(1) Includes impairment losses recorded by quarter for each year as follows:	$	—	$	937	$	—	$	4,931	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	20,324
	(2) Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented and, therefore, may not sum to the totals for the year.
	Revenue is typically higher in the Company's third and fourth quarters than in the first and second quarters due to holiday buying patterns and hunting season openings across the United States. The Company's quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of these events and a variety of other factors, and operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Schedule_II

Schedule II	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule II [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	CABELA’S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In Thousands)
		Beginning of Year Balance		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts				Deductions			End of Year Balance
	Year Ended December 28, 2013:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	$	1,178	$	2,871	$	—			$	(2,841	)	$	1,208
	Reserve for sales returns	21,971		—		2,646			(1)	—			24,617
	Reserve on notes receivable	4,263		—		—				—			4,263
	Allowance for credit card loan losses	65,600		43,223		—				(55,713		)	53,110
	Year Ended December 29, 2012:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances (2)	$	4,772	$	1,800	$	—			$	(5,394	)	$	1,178
	Reserve for sales returns	19,507		—		2,464			(1)	—			21,971
	Reserve on notes receivable	4,263		—		—				—			4,263
	Allowance for credit card loan losses	73,350		42,760		—				(50,510		)	65,600
	Year Ended December 31, 2011:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances (2)	$	3,416	$	7,728	$	—			$	(6,372	)	$	4,772
	Reserve for sales returns	21,808		—		(2,301		)	(1)	—			19,507
	Reserve on notes receivable	3,604		659		—				—			4,263
	Allowance for credit card loan losses	90,900		39,287		—				(56,837		)	73,350
	(1) Represents the net increase (decrease) in the reserve based upon the Company's evaluation of anticipated merchandise sales returns. These adjustments were recognized in merchandise sales in the Company's consolidated statements of income.
	(2) The Company has recast the prior period presentation of the allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances to conform with current period presentation. Prior period charges and deductions were presented net in "Charged to Costs and Expenses" in the amount of $(3,594) and $1,356 for 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary1

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	'
	Nature of Business – Cabela’s Incorporated is a retailer of hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear, offering products through its retail stores, U. S. and Canada websites, and regular and specialty catalog mailings. Cabela’s operates 50 retail stores, 46 located in 26 states and four located in Canada. World’s Foremost Bank ("WFB," "Financial Services segment," or "Cabela's CLUB"), a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of Cabela’s, is a limited purpose bank formed under the Competitive Equality Banking Act of 1987. The lending activities of WFB are limited to credit card lending and its deposit issuance is limited to time deposits of at least one hundred thousand dollars.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cabela’s Incorporated and its
	wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Cabela’s,” “Company,” “we,” or “our”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. WFB is the primary beneficiary of the Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust and related entities (collectively referred to as the “Trust”) under the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topics 810, Consolidations, and 860, Transfers and Servicing. Accordingly, the Trust was consolidated with the consolidated balance sheets of Cabela’s as of December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 28, 2013. As the servicer and the holder of retained interests in the Trust, WFB has the powers to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trust's economic performance and the right to receive significant benefits or obligations to absorb significant losses of the Trust. The credit card loans of the Trust are recorded as restricted credit card loans and the liabilities of the Trust are recorded as secured obligations.
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Reporting Year – The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31. Unless otherwise stated, the fiscal years referred to in the notes to these consolidated financial statements are the 52 weeks ended December 28, 2013 (“2013” or “year ended 2013”), the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2012 (“2012” or “year ended 2012”), and the 52 weeks ended December 31, 2011 (“2011” or “year ended 2011”). WFB follows a calendar fiscal period so fiscal years end on December 31 with years 2011 through 2013 each consisting of 52 weeks.
Credit Card Origination Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Credit Card Loans – The Financial Services segment grants individual credit card loans to its customers and is diversified in its lending with borrowers throughout the United States. Credit card loans are reported at their principal amounts outstanding plus deferred credit card origination costs, less the allowance for loan losses. As part of collection efforts, a credit card loan may be closed and placed on non-accrual or restructured in a fixed payment plan prior to charge-off. The fixed payment plans require payment of the loan within 60 months and consist of a lower interest rate, reduced minimum payment, and elimination of fees. Loans on fixed payment plans include loans in which the customer has engaged a consumer credit counseling agency to assist them in managing their debt. Customers who miss two consecutive payments once placed on a payment plan or non-accrual will resume accruing interest at the rate they had accrued at before they were placed on a plan. Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied to principal. The Financial Services segment does not record any liabilities for off-balance sheet risk of unfunded commitments through the origination of unsecured credit card loans, as it has the right to refuse or cancel these available lines of credit at any time.
	The direct credit card account origination costs associated with costs of successful credit card originations incurred in transactions with independent third parties, and certain other costs incurred in connection with credit card approvals, are deferred credit card origination costs included in credit card loans and are amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. Other account solicitation costs, including printing, list processing, and postage are expensed as solicitation occurs.
Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Other Property – Other property primarily consists of unimproved land not used in our merchandising business and is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. Proceeds from the sale of other property are recognized in other revenue and the corresponding costs of other property sold are recognized in costs of other revenue. Other property with a carrying value of $15,109 and $23,448 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively, was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are recorded in other assets and include non-compete agreements and goodwill. At the end of 2013 and 2012, intangible assets totaled $4,164 and $4,093, net of accumulated amortization of $2,468 and $2,178, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2013, 2012, and 2011, in connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed its annual impairment analyses of goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company did not recognize any impairment in 2013, 2012, or 2011. The Company records impairment and restructuring charges where projected discounted cash flows are less than the fair value of the reporting unit.
	Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are amortized over three to five years. Amortization expense for these intangible assets for the next five years was estimated to approximate $327 (2014), $304 (2015), $163 (2016), $75 (2017), and $0 (2018). The Company had goodwill of $3,295 and $3,535 in its consolidated balance sheet at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively, relating to an acquisition of a Canadian outdoors specialty retailer in 2007. The change in the carrying value of goodwill from 2012 was due to foreign currency translation adjustments.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cost of Revenue and Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses – The Company's cost of revenue primarily consists of merchandise acquisition costs, including freight-in costs, as well as shipping costs. The Company's selling, distribution, and administrative expenses consist of the costs associated with selling, marketing, warehousing, retail store replenishment, and other operating expense activities. All depreciation and amortization expense is associated with selling, distribution, and administrative activities, and accordingly, is included in this same category on the consolidated statements of operations.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Revenue Recognition –Revenue is recognized for retail store sales at the time of the sale in the store and for Direct sales when the merchandise is delivered to the customer. The Company recognizes a reserve for estimated product returns based on its historical returns experience. Shipping fees charged to customers are included in merchandise sales and shipping costs are included in merchandise costs.
	Revenue from the sale of gift certificates, gift cards, and e-certificates ("gift instruments") is recognized in revenue when the gift instruments are redeemed for merchandise or services. The Company records gift instrument breakage as revenue when the probability of redemption is remote. The Company recognizes breakage on gift instruments four years after issuance based on historical redemption rates. Total gift instrument breakage was $7,461, $7,576, and $6,985 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Cabela's gift instrument liability at the end of 2013 and 2012 was $145,363 and $134,566, respectively.
	Financial Services revenue includes credit card interest and fees relating to late payments, payment assurance, foreign currency transactions, and cash advance transactions. Interest and fees are accrued in accordance with the terms of the applicable cardholder agreements on credit card loans until the date of charge-off unless placed on non-accrual and fixed payment plans. Interchange income is earned when a charge is made to a customer’s account.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash equivalents include credit card and debit card receivables from other banks, which settle within one to four business days. Receivables from other banks totaled $14,209 and $19,735 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unpresented checks, net of available cash bank balances, are classified as current liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $94,112 and $91,365 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Due to regulatory restrictions on WFB, the Company cannot use WFB's cash for non-banking operations.
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the credit card loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established through a charge to the provision for loan losses and is evaluated by management for adequacy. Loans on a payment plan or non-accrual are segmented from the rest of the credit card loan portfolio into a restructured credit card loan segment before establishing an allowance for loan losses as these loans have a higher probability of loss. Management estimates losses inherent in the credit card loans segment and restructured credit card loans segment based on a model which tracks historical loss experience on delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, death, and charge-offs, net of estimated recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses a migration analysis and historical bankruptcy and death rates to estimate the likelihood that a credit card loan in the credit card loan segment will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. This analysis estimates the gross amount of principal that will be charged off over the next 12 months, net of recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses historical charge-off rates to estimate the charge-offs over the life of the restructured credit card loan, net of recoveries. This estimate is used to derive an estimated allowance for loan losses. In addition to these methods of measurement, management also considers other factors such as general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit concentration, changes in origination and portfolio management, and credit quality trends. Since the evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these factors is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, the measurement of the overall allowance is subject to estimation risk, and the amount of actual losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts.
	Credit card loans that have been modified through a fixed payment plan or placed on non-accrual are considered impaired and are collectively evaluated for impairment. The Financial Services segment charges off credit card loans and restructured credit card loans on a daily basis after an account becomes at a minimum 130 days contractually delinquent. Accounts relating to cardholder bankruptcies, cardholder deaths, and fraudulent transactions are charged off earlier. The Financial Services segment recognizes charged-off cardholder fees and accrued interest receivable in interest and fee income that is included in Financial Services revenue.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. All inventories are finished goods. The reserve for inventory shrinkage, estimated based on cycle counts and physical inventories, was $6,573 and $6,029 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The reserves for returns of damaged goods, obsolescence, and slow-moving items, estimated based upon historical experience, inventory aging, and specific identification, were $5,872 and $5,602 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Cost of Sales, Vendor Allowances, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Vendor Allowances – Vendor allowances include price allowances, volume rebates, store opening costs reimbursements, marketing participation, and advertising reimbursements received from vendors under vendor contracts. Vendor merchandise allowances are recognized as a reduction of the costs of merchandise as sold. Vendor reimbursements of costs are recorded as a reduction to expense in the period the related cost is incurred based on actual costs incurred. Any cost reimbursements exceeding expenses incurred are recognized as a reduction of the cost of merchandise sold. Volume allowances may be estimated based on historical purchases and estimates of projected purchases.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Deferred Catalog Costs and Advertising – Advertising production costs are expensed as the advertising occurs except for catalog costs which are amortized over the expected period of benefit estimated at three to 12 months after mailing. Unamortized catalog costs totaled $5,445 and $7,713 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising expense, including direct marketing costs (amortization of catalog costs and website marketing paid search fees), was $208,184, $201,456, and $186,142 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Advertising vendor reimbursements, netted in advertising expense disclosed above, totaled $2,623, $3,049, and $919 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Start-up Activities, Cost Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Store Pre-opening Expenses – Non-capital costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Leases – The Company leases certain retail locations, distribution centers, office space, equipment and land. Assets held under capital lease are included in property and equipment. Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. At the inception of a lease, the Company determines the lease term by assuming the exercise of those renewal options that are reasonably assured because of the significant economic penalty that exists for not exercising those options. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company's sole discretion. The expected lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the depreciable life of buildings and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, including assets held under capital leases, on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term or, if shorter, the useful lives of the improvements. Assets held under capital lease agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. When property is fully depreciated, retired, or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income. The costs of major improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Capitalized interest on projects during the construction period totaled $4,270, $2,798, and $126 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Costs related to internally developed software are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Economic Development Bonds – Economic development bonds are related to the Company's government economic assistance arrangements relating to the construction of new retail stores or retail development. Economic development bonds issued by state and local municipalities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at their fair value. Fair values of bonds are estimated using discounted cash flow projections based on available market interest rates and management estimates including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments to be received by the municipalities under development zones. These fair values do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering these bonds for sale or through early redemption, or any related income tax impact. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale economic development bonds below cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings.
	On a quarterly basis, we perform various procedures to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from its economic development bonds. We revalue each economic development bond using discounted cash flow models based on available market interest rates (Level 2 inputs) and management estimates, including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments (Level 3 inputs) to be received by the municipalities under tax increment financing districts. Projected cash flows are derived from sales and property taxes. Due to the seasonal nature of the our business, fourth quarter sales are significant to projecting future cash flows under the economic development bonds. We evaluate the impact of bond payments that have been received since the most recent quarterly evaluation, including those subsequent to the end of the quarter. Typically, bond payments are received twice annually. The payments received around the end of the fourth quarter provide the Company with additional facts for its fourth quarter projections. We make inquiries of local governments and/or economic development authorities for information on any anticipated third-party development, specifically on land owned by the Company, but also on land not owned by the Company in the tax increment financing development district, and to assess any current and potential development where cash flows under the bonds may be impacted by additional development and the anticipated development is material to the estimated and recorded carrying value based on projected cash flows. We make revisions to the cash flow estimates of each bond based on the information obtained. In those instances where the expected cash flows are insufficient to recover the current carrying value of the bond, we adjust the carrying value of the individual bonds to their revised estimated fair value. The governmental entity from which the Company purchases the bonds is not liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to fund principal and interest amounts under the bonds. Should sufficient tax revenue not be generated by the subject properties, we may not receive all anticipated payments and thus will be unable to realize the full carrying values of the economic development bonds, which result in a corresponding decrease to deferred grant income.
Revenue Recognition, Loyalty Programs [Policy Text Block]	'
	Credit Card and Loyalty Rewards Programs – Cabela’s CLUB Visa cardholders receive Cabela’s points based on the dollar amounts of transactions through credit cards issued by Cabela's CLUB which may be redeemed for Cabela’s products and services. Points may also be awarded for special promotions for the acquisition and retention of accounts. The dollar amount of related points are accrued as earned by the cardholder and recorded as a reduction in Financial Services revenue. In addition to the Cabela's CLUB issued credit cards, customers receive points for purchases at Cabela’s from various loyalty programs. The dollar amount of unredeemed credit card points and loyalty points was $146,081 and $128,087 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total cost incurred for all credit card rewards and loyalty programs was $198,687, $176,882, and $158,630 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes – The Company files consolidated federal and state income tax returns with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated group follows a policy of requiring each entity to provide for income taxes in an amount equal to the income taxes that would have been incurred if each were filing separately. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. The Company establishes valuation allowances if we believe it is more likely than not that some or all of the Company's deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Stock-Based Compensation – Compensation expense is estimated based on grant date fair value on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Costs associated with awards are included in compensation expense as a component of selling, distribution, and administrative expenses.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentrations – Financial instruments which may subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The Company invests primarily in money market accounts or tax-free municipal bonds, with short-term maturities, limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one entity. At December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the Company did not have any cash invested in overnight funds. Concentrations of credit risk on accounts receivable are limited due to the nature of the Company's receivables.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, gift instruments (including credit card rewards and loyalty rewards programs), accrued expenses, short-term borrowings, and income taxes included in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value given the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Credit card loans (level 2) are originated with variable rates of interest that adjust with changing market interest rates so the carrying value of the credit card loans, including the carrying value of deferred credit card origination costs, less the allowance for loan losses, approximates fair value. Time deposits (level 2) are pooled in homogeneous groups, and the future cash flows of those groups are discounted using current market rates offered for similar products for purposes of estimating fair value. The fair value of the secured variable funding obligations of the Trust (level 2) approximates the carrying value since these obligations can fluctuate daily based on the short-term operational needs with advances and pay downs at par value. The estimated fair value of secured long-term obligations of the Trust is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity. The estimated fair value of long-term debt (level 2) is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	Comprehensive Income – Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, cash flow hedges, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale economic development bonds, net of related income taxes.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Foreign Currency Translation – Assets and liabilities of Cabela's Canadian operations are translated into United States dollars at currency exchange rates in effect at the end of a reporting period. Gains and losses from translation into United States dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated balance sheets. Revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly currency exchange rates.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common share equivalents had been issue
Government Economic Assistance [Policy Text Block]	'
	Government Economic Assistance – When Cabela's constructs a new retail store or retail development, the Company may receive economic assistance from local governments to fund a portion or all of the Company's associated capital costs. This assistance typically comes in the form of cash grants, land grants, and/or proceeds from the sale of economic development bonds funded by the local government. The Company has historically purchased the majority of the bonds associated with its developments. Cash grants are made available to fund land, retail store construction, and/or development infrastructure costs. Economic development bonds are typically repaid through sales and/or property taxes generated by the retail store and/or within a designated development area. Cash and land grants are recognized as deferred grant income as a reduction to the costs, or recognized fair value in the case of land grants, of the associated property and equipment. Property and equipment was reduced by deferred grant income of $289,903 and $290,734 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Deferred grant income is amortized to earnings, as a reduction of depreciation expense, over the average estimated useful life of the associated assets.
	Deferred grant income estimates, and their associated present value, are updated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their recorded amounts may not be recovered. These estimates are determined when estimation of the fair value of associated economic development bonds are performed if there are related bond investments. If it is determined that the Company will not receive the full amount remaining from the bonds, the Company will adjust the deferred grant income to appropriately reflect the change in estimate and will immediately record a cumulative additional depreciation charge that would be recognized to date as expense in the absence of the grant income. In 2012, deferred grant income was reduced by $5,030 due to other than temporary impairment losses of the same amount that were recognized on the Company's economic development bonds. These reductions in deferred grant income resulted in increases in depreciation expense of $1,309 in 2012, which have been included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. There were no impairment losses in 2013 and 2011. At the end of 2012, the cumulative amount of impairment adjustments that were made to deferred grant income, which has been recorded as a reduction of property and equipment, was $38,656. There were no other than temporary impairments in 2013 relating to economic development bonds. The Company may agree to guarantee deficiencies in tax collections which fund the repayment of economic development bonds. The Company did not guarantee any economic development bonds that it owned at the end of 2013, 2012, or 2011.
	Land grants typically include land associated with the retail store and may include other land for sale and further development. Land grants are recognized at the fair value of the land on date of grant. Deferred grant income on land grants is recognized as a reduction to depreciation expense over the estimated life of the related assets of the developments. The Company received land grants with a fair value of $2,287 in 2012 and did not receive any land grants in 2013. At December 28, 2013, we recognized a liability to repay grants related to a retail store property. The adjustment that reduced the deferred grant income of this retail store property at December 28, 2013, resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $4,931 in 2013, which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income.
	Certain grants contain covenants the Company is required to comply with regarding minimum employment levels, maintaining retail stores in certain locations, and maintaining office facilities in certain locations. For these grants the Company recognizes grant revenue as the milestones associated with the grant are met. For 2013 and 2012, the Company was in compliance with the requirements under these grants.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
		Depreciable Life in Years
			2013			2012
	Land and improvements	Up to 20	$	216,826		$	185,916
	Buildings and improvements	7 to 40	780,116			640,666
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	3 to 15	643,394			551,904
	Assets held under capital lease	Up to 30	15,611			13,255
	Property and equipment		1,655,947			1,391,741
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(550,101		)	(473,847		)
			1,105,846			917,894
	Construction in progress		181,699			103,762
			$	1,287,545		$	1,021,656

Securities_Tables

Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Economic development bonds, which are classified as available-for-sale, consisted of the following at the years ended:
				Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses
		Amortized Cost						Fair Value
	December 28, 2013	$	71,072	$	7,432	$	—	$	78,504
	December 29, 2012	$	74,545	$	10,496	$	—	$	85,041
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The carrying value and fair value of these securities classified by estimated maturity based on expected future cash flows at the end of 2013 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2014	$	1,777	$	2,048
	2015	2,348		2,717
	2016	2,709		3,115
	2017	2,827		3,221
	2018	3,247		3,675
	2019 - 2023	23,463		26,287
	2024 and thereafter	34,701		37,441
		$	71,072	$	78,504

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Accrued expenses consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2013		2012
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	$	77,743	$	67,612
	Accrued property, sales, and other taxes	31,133		29,505
	Deferred revenue and accrued sales returns	28,794		29,275
	Accrued interest	8,718		8,516
	Accrued credit card fees	6,510		6,237
	Other	51,175		39,761
		$	204,073	$	180,906

Time_Deposits_Tables

Time Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Time Deposits [Abstract]	'
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	TIME DEPOSITS
	The Financial Services segment accepts time deposits only in amounts of at least one hundred thousand dollars. All time deposits are interest bearing. The aggregate amount of time deposits, net of brokered fees, by maturity was as follows at the years ended:
		2013			2012
	2013	$	—		$	367,350
	2014	297,645			297,628
	2015	273,385			199,314
	2016	216,619			152,078
	2017	26,110			26,164
	2018	20,911			5,484
	Thereafter	234,692			—
		1,069,362			1,048,018
	Less current maturities	(297,645		)	(367,350		)
	Deposits classified as non-current liabilities	$	771,717		$	680,668
	Time deposits include brokered institutional certificates of deposit, net of fees, totaling $1,062,312 and $1,032,817 at the end of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas1

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Long Term Debt and Capital Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Aggregate expected maturities of long-term debt and scheduled capital lease payments for the years shown are as follows:
		Scheduled Capital Lease Payments			Long-Term Debt Maturities
	2014	$	1,000		$	8,143
	2015	1,000			8,143
	2016	1,000			226,075
	2017	1,000			68,143
	2018	1,000			8,142
	Thereafter	17,500			—
		22,500			318,646
	Capital lease amount representing interest	(10,081		)
	Present value of net scheduled lease payments	$	12,419		12,419
	Total long-term debt and capital leases				$	331,065
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt and capital leases consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2013			2012
	Unsecured revolving credit facility	$	2,932		$	—
	Unsecured notes due 2016 with interest at 5.99%	215,000			215,000
	Unsecured senior notes due 2017 with interest at 6.08%	60,000			60,000
	Unsecured senior notes due 2014-2018 with interest at 7.20%	40,714			48,857
	Capital lease obligations payable through 2036	12,419			12,678
	Total debt	331,065			336,535
	Less current portion of debt	(8,418		)	(8,402		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	322,647		$	328,133

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C1

Impairment and Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Impairment and Restructuring Charges [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Impairment and restructuring charges consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013		2012		2011
	Impairment losses relating to:
	Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income	$	4,931	$	1,309	$	6,538
	Property, equipment, and other assets	937		1,321		154
	Other property	—		17,694		4,617
		5,868		20,324		11,309
	Restructuring charges for severance and related benefits	—		—		935
	Total	$	5,868	$	20,324	$	12,244

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	For financial reporting purposes, income before taxes includes the following components:
		2013				2012				2011
	Federal	$	244,878			$	164,433			$	127,662
	Foreign	98,650				97,281				86,805
		$	343,528			$	261,714			$	214,467
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	105,241			$	79,997			$	19,969
	State	7,714				7,397				2,650
	Foreign	14,414				16,279				14,155
		127,369				103,673				36,774
	Deferred:
	Federal	(8,497		)		(16,145		)		32,932
	State	(49		)		121				2,365
	Foreign	315				552				(224		)
		(8,231		)		(15,472		)		35,073
		$	119,138			$	88,201			$	71,847
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate was as follows for the years ended:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1.5			1.9			1.6
	Other nondeductible items	0.2			0.7			0.2
	Tax exempt interest income	(0.4	)		(0.5	)		(0.7	)
	Rate differential on foreign income	(4.3	)		(3.8	)		(4.5	)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits	2.9			0.4			1.1
	Deferred income tax rate change	0.1			0.4			0.8
	Other, net	(0.3	)		(0.4	)		—
	Effective income tax rate	34.7	%		33.7	%		33.5	%
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	'
	The reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, the balance of which was classified as other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, was as follows for the years ended:
		2013				2012				2011
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$	39,252			$	37,608			$	43,198
	Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(3,428		)		(2,369		)		(12,705		)
	Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	15,759				49				855
	Gross increases related to current period tax positions	13,217				4,964				6,260
	Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	—				(1,000		)		—
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$	64,800			$	39,252			$	37,608

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments under operating leases at December 28, 2013:
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2014	$	16,035
	2015	20,956
	2016	20,489
	2017	20,098
	2018	26,516
	Thereafter	269,619
		$	373,713

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans1

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding [Table Text Block]	'
									Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Number of Awards
	Vested and exercisable	1,989,291	$	17.74	$	7.59	$	95,294	2.69
	Non-vested	1,472,073	18.05		31.93		70,111		6.55
	Total outstanding	3,461,364	17.87		17.94		$	165,405	4.33
	Expected to vest after December 28, 2013	3,301,750	17.99				$	157,378	4.23

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide1

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	.
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	Class A Voting Common Stock – The holders of Cabela's Class A common stock are entitled to receive ratably dividends, if any, the board of directors may declare from time to time from funds legally available therefore, subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock that the Company may issue in the future. The holders of Cabela's Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matter to be voted upon by stockholders.
	Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of company affairs, the holders of Cabela's Class A common stock are entitled to all assets remaining after payment to creditors and subject to prior distribution rights of any shares of preferred stock that the Company may issue in the future. All of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Preferred Stock [Text Block]	'
	Preferred Stock – The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock having a par value of $0.01 per share. None of the shares of the authorized preferred stock have been issued. The board of directors is authorized to issue these shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval in different classes and series and, with respect to each class or series, to determine the dividend rate, the redemption provisions, conversion provisions, liquidation preference, and other rights, privileges, and restrictions. The issuance of any preferred stock could have the effect of diluting the voting power of the holders of common stock, restricting dividends on the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock, or delaying or preventing a change in control without further action by the stockholders.
Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances [Text Block]	'
	Retained Earnings – The most significant restrictions on the payment of dividends are contained within the covenants under the Company's revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela’s. At December 28, 2013, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $229,377 available for dividends. However, the Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		2013	2012	2011
	Common shares – basic	70,461,450	69,856,258	69,194,663
	Effect of incremental dilutive securities:
	Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans	1,317,093	1,853,615	2,079,579
	Common shares – diluted	71,778,543	71,709,873	71,274,242
	Stock options outstanding and nonvested stock units issued considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation	30,000	—	228,545

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary2

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
				Reserve for Inventory Shrinkage [Member]	Reserve for Inventory Shrinkage [Member]	Inventory Obsolescence Reserve [Member]	Inventory Obsolescence Reserve [Member]
Deferred Grant Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Grant Income	$289,903	$290,734	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Grant Income Reduction	0	5,030	24,314	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Deferred Grant Income Reduction	'	38,656	33,626	'	'	'	'
Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income	'	1,309	6,538	'	'	'	'
Credit Card Origination Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Costs, Credit Card Origination Costs, Amount	146,081	128,087	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Costs, Credit Card Origination Costs, Amortization	198,687	176,882	158,630	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and Due from Banks	14,209	19,735	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalent at Subsidiary	94,112	91,365	'	'	'	'	'
Inventory Reserves [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Inventory Valuation Reserves	'	'	'	6,573	6,029	5,872	5,602
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Advertising Costs	5,445	7,713	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising Expense	208,184	201,456	186,142	'	'	'	'
Reimbursement Revenue	2,623	3,049	919	'	'	'	'
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period	4,270	2,798	126	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	4,164	4,093	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	2,468	2,178	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	327	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	304	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	163	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	75	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	3,295	3,535	'	'	'	'	'
Other [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net	15,109	23,448	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gift Card Liability, Current	145,363	134,566	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards, Breakage	7,461	7,576	6,985	'	'	'	'
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Received	0	2,287	0	'	'	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Financial Incentives	$4,931	$1,309	$6,538	'	'	'	'

Cabelas_Master_Credit_Card_Tru1

Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated assets:	'	'
Restricted credit card loans, net of allowance of $52,820 and $65,090	$3,903,410	$3,458,043
Restricted cash	23,191	17,292
Total	3,926,601	3,475,335
Consolidated liabilities:	'	'
Secured variable funding obligations	50,000	325,000
Secured long-term obligations	2,452,250	1,827,500
Interest due to third party investors	1,904	1,424
Total	$2,504,154	$2,153,924

Cabelas_Master_Credit_Card_Tru2

Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust Parentheticals (Details) (Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust [Member], USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$52,820	$65,090

Credit_Card_Loans_and_Allowanc1

Credit Card Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted credit card loans of the Trust (restricted for repayment of secured obligations of the Trust)	$3,956,230	$3,523,133	'
Unrestricted credit card loans	29,619	34,356	'
Total credit card loans	3,985,849	3,557,489	'
Allowance for loan losses	-53,110	-65,600	-73,350
Credit card loans, net	3,938,630	3,497,472	'
Balance, beginning of year	-65,600	-73,350	-90,900
Provision for loan losses	-43,223	-42,760	-39,287
Net charge-offs	0	0	0
Balance, end of year	-53,110	-65,600	-73,350
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	43,223	42,760	39,287
Credit Card Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net	5,891	5,583	'
Performing Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	-44,660	-42,600	'
Balance, beginning of year	-42,600	-44,350	'
Provision for loan losses	-47,809	-40,963	'
Charge-offs	-58,736	-56,122	'
Recoveries	12,987	13,409	'
Net charge-offs	-45,749	-42,713	'
Balance, end of year	-44,660	-42,600	'
Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	-8,450	-23,000	'
Balance, beginning of year	-23,000	-29,000	'
Provision for loan losses	-4,586	-1,797	'
Charge-offs	-14,223	-12,712	'
Recoveries	4,259	4,915	'
Net charge-offs	-9,964	-7,797	'
Balance, end of year	-8,450	-23,000	'
Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses	-53,110	-65,600	'
Balance, beginning of year	-65,600	-73,350	'
Provision for loan losses	-43,223	-42,760	'
Charge-offs	-72,959	-68,834	'
Recoveries	17,246	18,324	'
Net charge-offs	-55,713	-50,510	'
Balance, end of year	-53,110	-65,600	'
Change in Allowance on Restructured Credit Card Loans Due to Declining Loan Balances [Member] | Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	7,000	'	'
Change in Allowance on Restructured Credit Card Loans Due to Historical Charge-Off Trends [Member] | Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	7,550	'	'
Restructured Credit Card Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total credit card loans	$42,967	$53,700	'

Credit_Card_Loans_and_Allowanc2

Credit Card Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Schedule of Credit Card Balances by FICO Score (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	$3,985,849	$3,557,489
Loans and Leases Receivable, Consumer, Allowance	8,450	23,000
Current	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	3,909,052	3,489,514
1 to 29 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	51,038	43,857
30-59 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	10,179	9,078
60 or more days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	15,580	15,040
Total past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	76,797	67,975
90 days or more past due and still accruing	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	8,071	7,641
Non-accrual	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	5,381	5,985
691 and Below	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	567,362	489,271
691 and Below | Current	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	527,202	453,894
691 and Below | 1 to 29 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	20,702	17,901
691 and Below | 30-59 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	7,013	6,060
691 and Below | 60 or more days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	12,445	11,416
691 and Below | Total past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	40,160	35,377
691 and Below | 90 days or more past due and still accruing	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	6,637	6,118
691 and Below | Non-accrual	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	0	0
692-758	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	1,314,816	1,147,591
692-758 | Current	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	1,299,982	1,134,840
692-758 | 1 to 29 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	13,421	11,558
692-758 | 30-59 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	1,229	1,004
692-758 | 60 or more days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	184	189
692-758 | Total past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	14,834	12,751
692-758 | 90 days or more past due and still accruing	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	36	38
692-758 | Non-accrual	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	0	0
759 and Above	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	2,060,704	1,866,927
759 and Above | Current	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	2,047,424	1,856,587
759 and Above | 1 to 29 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	12,953	10,094
759 and Above | 30-59 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	296	203
759 and Above | 60 or more days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	31	43
759 and Above | Total past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	13,280	10,340
759 and Above | 90 days or more past due and still accruing	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	17	4
759 and Above | Non-accrual	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	0	0
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1)	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	42,967	53,700
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | Current	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	34,444	44,193
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 1 to 29 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	3,962	4,304
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 30-59 days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	1,641	1,811
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 60 or more days past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	2,920	3,392
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | Total past due	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	8,523	9,507
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 90 days or more past due and still accruing	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	1,381	1,481
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | Non-accrual	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Card Receivables	$5,381	$5,985

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land and improvements	$216,826	$185,916
Buildings and improvements	780,116	640,666
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	643,394	551,904
Assets held under capital lease	15,611	13,255
Property and equipment	1,655,947	1,391,741
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-550,101	-473,847
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,105,846	917,894
Construction in progress	181,699	103,762
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross	$1,287,545	$1,021,656

Securities_Available_for_sale_

Securities Available for sale securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$2,048	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two, Fair Value	2,717	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Three, Fair Value	3,115	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Four, Fair Value	3,221	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five, Fair Value	3,675	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	26,287	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	37,441	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	78,504	85,041	86,563	104,231
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Basis	1,777	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two, Amortized Cost Basis	2,348	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Three, Amortized Cost Basis	2,709	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Four, Amortized Cost Basis	2,827	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five, Amortized Cost Basis	3,247	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	23,463	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	34,701	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	71,072	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	71,072	74,545	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7,432	10,496	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0	'	'
Investment Income, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Investment Income, Interest	$4,103	$4,931	$6,143	'

Securities_Parentheticals_Deta

Securities Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Securities, Net	$0	$0	$0

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:	'	'
Financial Services segment - accrued interest and other receivables	$48,086	$39,842
Financial Services segment - Visa interchange funding	0	50,929
Other	42,352	41,923
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	90,438	132,694
Other assets:	'	'
Other property	15,109	23,448
Long-term notes and other receivables	10,972	10,723
Financial Services segment - deferred financing costs	8,195	6,950
Goodwill and other intangible assets	4,164	4,093
Other	5,863	7,224
Other Assets	$44,303	$52,438

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	$77,743	$67,612
Accrued property, sales, and other taxes	31,133	29,505
Deferred revenue and accrued sales returns	28,794	29,275
Accrued interest	8,718	8,516
Accrued credit card fees	6,510	6,237
Other	51,175	39,761
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$204,073	$180,906

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Long-Term Liabilities:	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest	$73,922	$44,948
Deferred rent expense and tenant allowances	39,546	34,290
Deferred grant income	12,586	14,324
Other long-term liabilities	1,964	2,400
Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	$128,018	$95,962

Time_Deposits_Details

Time Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value	$1,062,312	$1,032,817
Time Deposit Maturities, Next Twelve Months	297,645	367,350
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Two	273,385	297,628
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Three	216,619	199,314
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Four	26,110	152,078
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Five	20,911	26,164
Time Deposit Maturities, after Year Five	234,692	5,484
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More, Domestic	1,069,362	1,048,018
Time Deposits Maturities, after Next Twelve Months	$771,717	$680,668

Borrowings_of_Financial_Servic1

Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	$331,065	$336,535
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,418	8,402
Long-term debt, less current maturities	322,647	328,133
Secured Debt, Variable Funding Facility, March 23, 2012 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300,000	'
Secured Debt, Variable Funding Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	875,000	'
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	50,000	'
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount	26,328	142,077
Series 2013-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	385,000	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Feb-23	'
Long-term Obligations	327,250	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.71%	'
Series 2013-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	350,000	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Aug-18	'
Long-term Obligations	297,500	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.27%	'
Series 2010-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Jan-15	15-Jan-15
Long-term Obligations	255,000	255,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.62%	1.66%
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.85%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.40%	'
Series 2011-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Sep-15	15-Sep-15
Long-term Obligations	212,500	212,500
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.72%	1.74%
Series 2011-IV	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Jun-16	15-Jun-16
Long-term Obligations	255,000	255,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.75%	1.77%
Federal Funds Purchased [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	85,000	'
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount	228	462
Series 2012-I [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Oct-16	15-Oct-16
Long-term Obligations	255,000	255,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.48%	1.50%
Series 2012-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Feb-17	15-Feb-17
Long-term Obligations	425,000	425,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.30%	1.32%
Series 2012-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Jun-17	15-Jun-17
Long-term Obligations	425,000	425,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.21%	1.23%
Note Class A [Member] | Series 2013-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Issued	327,250	'
Note Class A [Member] | Series 2013-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Issued	297,500	'
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,449,750	1,022,500
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2013-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	327,250	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.71%	'
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2013-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	100,000	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.17%	'
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2010-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	0	0
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2011-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	127,500	127,500
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.29%	2.29%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2011-IV	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	155,000	155,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.39%	2.39%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2012-I [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	165,000	165,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.90%	1.90%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2012-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	275,000	275,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.63%	1.63%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2012-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	300,000	300,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.45%	1.45%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,002,500	805,000
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2013-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	0	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.00%	'
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2013-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	197,500	'
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.82%	'
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2010-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	255,000	255,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.62%	1.66%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2011-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	85,000	85,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.87%	0.91%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2011-IV	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	100,000	100,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.77%	0.81%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2012-I [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	90,000	90,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.72%	0.76%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2012-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	150,000	150,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.70%	0.74%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2012-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	125,000	125,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.65%	0.69%
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Series 2013-I	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Issued	57,750	'
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Series 2013-II	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Issued	52,500	'
Secured Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Obligations	2,452,250	1,827,500
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$2,452,250	$1,827,500

Borrowings_of_Financial_Servic2

Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Secured Debt, Variable Funding Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.77%	0.78%
Federal Funds Purchased [Member]	'	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.75%	0.75%
Amounts Outstanding on Federal Funds Purchase Agreements	0	0

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_De

Revolving Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
			CANADA	CANADA	Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]	Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount that Line of Credit Facility may be Increased to	$500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	2,932	0	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount	130,729	43,141	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	1.44%	1.61%	'	'	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	48,409	55,455	'	'	17,378	22,143
Letter of Credit, Average Outstanding Amount	20,536	15,418	'	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments	229,377	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	415,000	'	20,000	15,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases	20,000	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	$100,000	'	$10,000	'	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas2

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$2,932	$0
Unsecrured notes due 2016 with interest at 5.99%	215,000	215,000
Unsecured senior notes due 2017 with interest at 6.08%	60,000	60,000
Unsecured senior notes due 2012-2018 with interest at 7.20%	40,714	48,857
Capital Lease Obligations	12,419	12,678
Current maturities of long-term debt	-8,418	-8,402
Long-term debt, less current maturities	322,647	328,133
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	1,000	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	1,000	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	1,000	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years	1,000	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years	1,000	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	17,500	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	22,500	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	-10,081	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	12,419	'
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	8,143	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	8,143	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	226,075	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	68,143	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	8,142	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	0	'
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	318,646	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	12,419	'
Long-term Debt	331,065	336,535
Wheeling Lease Agreement	'	'
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	83	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.90%	'
Capital Lease Obligations	$5,649	'

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C2

Impairment and Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 29, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Nov. 30, 2006

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Oct. 01, 2011

Corporate Segment [Member]

Other Segments [Member]

Colorado Property [Member]

Colorado Property [Member]

Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,931,000

$1,309,000

$6,538,000

'

'

'

'

'

Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,309,000

6,538,000

'

'

'

'

'

Property, equipment, and other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

937,000

1,321,000

154,000

'

820,000

117,000

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net

15,109,000

'

'

'

23,448,000

'

'

'

15,109,000

23,448,000

'

'

'

'

5,820,000

'

Other property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

17,694,000

4,617,000

'

'

'

14,946,000

3,348,000

Asset Impairment Charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,868,000

20,324,000

11,309,000

'

'

'

'

'

Severance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

935,000

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charges for severance and related benefits

4,931,000

0

937,000

0

20,324,000

0

0

0

5,868,000

20,324,000

12,244,000

'

'

'

'

'

Financial Incentives Received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

Financial Incentives, Accrued Liability

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement Value of the Property

8,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Litigation Liability

14,125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

5,030,000

24,314,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative Deferred Grant Income Reduction

'

'

'

'

$38,656,000

'

'

'

'

$38,656,000

$33,626,000

'

'

'

'

'

Interest_Expense_Income_Net_De

Interest (Expense) Income, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest expense	($26,159)	($22,969)	($24,580)
Capitalized interest	4,270	2,798	126
Interest income	35	48	27
Interest Income (Expense), Net	($21,854)	($20,123)	($24,427)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal	$244,878,000	$164,433,000	$127,662,000
Foreign	98,650,000	97,281,000	86,805,000
Total	343,528,000	261,714,000	214,467,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	105,241,000	79,997,000	19,969,000
State	7,714,000	7,397,000	2,650,000
Foreign	14,414,000	16,279,000	14,155,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	127,369,000	103,673,000	36,774,000
Federal	-8,497,000	-16,145,000	32,932,000
State	-49,000	121,000	2,365,000
Foreign	315,000	552,000	-224,000
Deferred income taxes	-8,231,000	-15,472,000	35,073,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	119,138,000	88,201,000	71,847,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory federal rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1.50%	1.90%	1.60%
Other nondeductible items	0.20%	0.70%	0.20%
Tax exempt interest income	-0.40%	-0.50%	-0.70%
Rate differential on foreign income	-4.30%	-3.80%	-4.50%
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	2.90%	0.40%	1.10%
Deferred income tax rate change	0.10%	0.40%	0.80%
Other, net	-0.30%	-0.40%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	34.70%	33.70%	33.50%
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred compensation	12,504,000	11,367,000	'
Deferred revenue	5,137,000	5,429,000	'
Reserve for returns	5,988,000	5,777,000	'
Accrued expenses	27,970,000	21,928,000	'
Gift certificates liability	8,794,000	7,331,000	'
Allowance for loans losses and doubtful accounts	20,600,000	24,962,000	'
Loyalty rewards programs	36,597,000	31,881,000	'
Other	5,505,000	3,277,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	123,095,000	111,952,000	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	11,608,000	10,610,000	'
Property and equipment	75,988,000	61,138,000	'
Inventories	3,172,000	2,080,000	'
Credit card loan fee deferral	32,296,000	32,390,000	'
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings	0	8,973,000	'
Economic development bonds	743,000	3,674,000	'
Other	58,000	3,012,000	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities	123,865,000	121,877,000	'
Net deferred tax (asset) liability	770,000	9,925,000	'
Less current deferred income taxes	-2,348,000	-646,000	'
Long-term deferred income taxes	3,118,000	10,571,000	'
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	39,252,000	37,608,000	43,198,000
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	-3,428,000	-2,369,000	-12,705,000
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	15,759,000	49,000	855,000
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	13,217,000	4,964,000	6,260,000
Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	0	-1,000,000	0
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	64,800,000	39,252,000	37,608,000
Income Taxes	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefit, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Credit	'	592,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	3,425,000	'	798,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	9,122,000	5,696,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	15,537,000	'	'
Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries	152,000,000	'	'
Income Tax Potential, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings	30,000,000	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalent Held by Foreign Subsidiary	95,964,000	'	'
Income Tax Deposit on Prior Period Uncertain Tax Positions	$53,418	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	$16,035	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	20,956	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	20,489	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	20,098	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	26,516	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	269,619	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	373,713	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	14,319	13,605	9,541
Tenant Allowance	'	'	'
Payments for (Proceeds from) Tenant Allowance	4,969	0	'
Lease Incentive Receivable, Current	3,500	'	'
Other Commitments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	384,400	'	'
Committments to Extend Credit	25,255,000	20,976,000	'
Grant Funding Subject to Contractual Remedies	43,536	'	'
Grant Funding Subject to Contractual Remedies, Liability Recorded	22,536	7,257	'
Letters of Credit, Outstanding Amount	48,409	55,455	'
Loss Contingency [Abstract]	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current	'	12,500	'
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	4,646	'	'
Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease)	3,167	'	'
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	4,687	'	'
Self Insurance [Abstract]	'	'	'
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Disability, Accident and Health	4,839	3,856	'
Workers' Compensation Liability, Current	$5,513	$4,064	'

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement1

Regulatory Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	'	'
Capital	$511,617	$440,927
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	12.50%	12.00%
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	327,218	295,081
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	8.00%	8.00%
Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	409,022	368,852
Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Risk Weighted Assets	10.00%	10.00%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	'	'
Tier One Risk Based Capital	460,465	394,580
Tier One Risk Based Capital to Risk Weighted Assets	11.30%	10.70%
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	163,609	147,541
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	4.00%	4.00%
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	245,413	221,311
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Risk Weighted Assets	6.00%	6.00%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets	'	'
Tier One Leverage Capital	460,465	394,580
Tier One Leverage Capital to Average Assets	11.10%	11.20%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	165,341	140,664
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Average Assets	4.00%	4.00%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	$206,677	$175,830
Tier One Leverage Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Average Assets	5.00%	5.00%

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans2

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 27, 2008
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.76%	0.84%	'	'
Share-based Compensation	$14,969,000	$13,733,000	$12,911,000	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	20,193,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'	'	'
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	'
Expected volatility	47.00%	48.00%	46.00%	'
Weighted average expected life (in years)	'5 years 10 months 24 days	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$22.60	$15.72	$11.30	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Fair Value of Shares Issued	'	'	'	1,167
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	233,000	233,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,461,364	3,719,474	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	54,755,000	53,198,000	26,775,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	12,899,000	10,721,000	11,759,000	'
Closing Stock Price of one share of Cabela's Stock	$65.64	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,989,291	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,279,015	1,940,486	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.15	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	60,114	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	-60,114	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.47	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-59,854	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$32.61	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	62,880	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	10,920,000	9,709,000	9,187,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$14.55	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,472,073	1,524,943	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	$21.67	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-714,601	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.05	'	'	'
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$39.70	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	721,585	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	721,585	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.55	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-450,640	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Period Increase (Decrease)	-721,585	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-468,941	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$50.87	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	799,871	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	344,345	'	'	'
Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	50,970	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	3,949,030	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	29,815	'	'	'
Cabela's Incorporated 2004 Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,410,394	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	33,065	'	'	'
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	2,591,497	'	'	'
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	206,870	'	'	'
Employee Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,970,185	'	'	'
All Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'2 years 8 months 9 days	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,461,364	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,989,291	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.87	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,472,073	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.05	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$31.93	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	$70,111,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 6 months 18 days	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.74	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Fair Value	$7.59	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	95,294,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Fair Value	$17.94	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	165,405,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'4 years 3 months 29 days	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	3,301,750	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.99	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$157,378,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'4 years 2 months 23 days	'	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	'	'	'	$10.48
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	'	'	'	111,324
Director [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$67.69	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	370	'	'	'
Director [Member] | Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	30,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$67.69	'	'	'
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.91	'	'	'
Management [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$50.91	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	69,996	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	55,400	'	'	'
Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Stock Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$69.98	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	20,600	'	'	'
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	64,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$58.55	'	'	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans3

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Share Based Payment Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 27, 2008	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
				Restricted Stock [Member]	Employee Stock [Member]	Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	All Plans [Member]	Stock Options [Member]	Chief Executive Officer [Member]
									Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$0	$233	$233	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.15	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	60,114	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	60,114	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.47	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	714,601	'	'	'	'	468,941	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	59,854	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	'	'	'	111,324	'	721,585	'	206,870	64,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	$22.55	'	'	$58.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,989,291	'	'	'	'	'	1,989,291	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	$17.74	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	$7.59	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	95,294	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years 8 months 9 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'	'	'	'	'4 years 2 months 23 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,472,073	1,524,943	'	'	'	'	1,472,073	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	$21.67	'	'	'	'	$31.93	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	$70,111,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'	'	'	'	'6 years 6 months 18 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,461,364	3,719,474	'	'	'	'	3,461,364	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	$18.05	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	165,405	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'	'	'	'	'4 years 3 months 29 days	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$14.55	'	'	'	'	$17.87	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	$17.94	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,301,750	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	$17.99	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	$157,378	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$32.61	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,279,015	1,940,486	'	'	1,970,185	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	'	'	'	721,585	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.60	$15.72	$11.30	$10.48	'	$39.70	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Period Increase (Decrease)	'	'	'	'	'	721,585	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.05	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.76%	0.84%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans4

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Exercise Price Range (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
			Exercise Price Range, $0.00 to $11.28 [Member]	Exercise Price Range, $6.75 to $13.48 [Member]	Exercise Price Range, $13.49 to $20.23 [Member]	Exercise Price Range, $20.24 to $26.97 [Member]	Exercise Price Range, $26.98 to $33.71 [Member]	Exercise Price Range, $33.72 to $40.45 [Member]	All Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,461,364	3,719,474	1,167,485	1,480,879	214,675	299,090	205,235	94,000	3,461,364
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$14.55	$2.03	$18.04	$26.54	$36.26	$50.91	$61.47	$17.87
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'5 years 8 months 16 days	'2 years 2 months 16 days	'5 years 0 months 29 days	'6 years 0 months 22 days	'7 years 2 months 5 days	'7 years 3 months 4 days	'4 years 3 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,989,291	'	296,893	1,478,379	144,081	69,938	0	0	1,989,291
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	$8	$18.03	$26.37	$34.98	$0	$0	$17.74

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans5

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$0	$233	$233
Risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve	0.76%	0.84%	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve	'	'	1.52%
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve	'	'	2.16%

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide2

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 13, 2014	Feb. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	586,260	'	650,000	750,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	181,179	816,057	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	17,439	16,057	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued	$673,593	$1,124,578	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	0	492,414	'	'	800,935
Retained earnings	$229,377,000	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide3

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated net unrealized holding loss on derivatives	$0	($1)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	-6,406	-1,280
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1,724	5,542
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Accumulated net unrealized holding gains on economic development bonds	$4,682	$6,823

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide4

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions Treasury Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 13, 2014	Feb. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	586,260	'	650,000	750,000	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	0	492,414	'	'	800,935
Purchase of treasury stock at a cost of $10,053 and $28,977 (1)	181,179	816,057	'	'	'
Treasury shares issued on exercise of stock options and share-based payment awards	($673,593)	($1,124,578)	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	17,439	16,057	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common shares – basic	70,461,450	69,856,258	69,194,663
Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans	1,317,093	1,853,615	2,079,579
Common shares – diluted	71,778,543	71,709,873	71,274,242
Stock options outstanding and nonvested stock units issued considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation	30,000	0	228,545

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-cash financing and investing activities:	'	'	'
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	$36,707	$23,225	$7,483
Contribution of land received	0	2,287	0
Other than temporary impairment of economic development bonds	0	-5,030	-24,314
Impairment of deferred grant income	-4,931	-5,030	-24,314
Other cash flow information:	'	'	'
Interest paid (2)	78,261	78,841	94,440
Capitalized interest	-4,270	-2,798	-126
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	73,991	76,043	94,314
Income taxes, net of refunds	83,118	136,959	44,778
Interest Paid by Subsidiary [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest Paid By Subsidiary	$63,363	$54,301	$70,867

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$3,295	'	'	'	$3,535	'	'	'	$3,295	$3,535	'
Cash and Cash Equivalent at Subsidiary	94,112	'	'	'	91,365	'	'	'	94,112	91,365	'
Merchandise sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,205,632	2,778,903	2,505,733
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	1,189,447	850,828	756,805	802,497	1,120,746	741,178	627,254	623,504	3,599,577	3,112,682	2,811,166
Financial Services Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	375,810	319,399	291,746
Other revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,135	14,380	13,687
Total revenue	1,189,447	850,828	756,805	802,497	1,120,746	741,178	627,254	623,504	3,599,577	3,112,682	2,811,166
Operating Income (Loss)	138,708	76,603	66,935	79,115	104,182	67,113	57,828	46,576	361,361	275,699	231,548
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	8.90%	8.20%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	93,407	79,269	71,343
Assets	6,396,864	'	'	'	5,748,163	'	'	'	6,396,864	5,748,163	5,133,771
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	347,956	230,009	120,739
Interest and fee income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	343,353	301,699	277,242
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-63,831	-54,092	-70,303
Provision for loan losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-43,223	-42,760	-39,287
Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	236,299	204,847	167,652
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interchange income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	344,979	292,151	267,106
Other non-interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,530	12,364	13,620
Total non-interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	352,509	304,515	280,726
Less: Customer rewards costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-212,998	-189,963	-156,632
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
451110 Sporting Goods Stores [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,232,018	1,847,960	1,548,899
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,233,322	1,849,582	1,550,442
Financial Services Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Other revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,304	1,622	1,543
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,233,322	1,849,582	1,550,442
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	428,361	345,040	263,010
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19.20%	18.70%	17.00%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	54,882	46,997	41,506
Assets	1,327,047	'	'	'	1,048,747	'	'	'	1,327,047	1,048,747	878,557
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	288,521	181,676	87,670
454390 Other Direct Selling Establishments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	973,614	930,943	956,834
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	973,614	930,943	956,834
Financial Services Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Other revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	973,614	930,943	956,834
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	157,227	155,237	172,163
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16.10%	16.70%	18.00%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,579	7,361	6,677
Assets	208,525	'	'	'	171,461	'	'	'	208,525	171,461	153,758
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	149	1,172	6,335
551111 Offices of Bank Holding Companies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	375,810	319,399	291,746
Financial Services Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	375,810	319,399	291,746
Other revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	375,810	319,399	291,746
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	104,402	74,182	59,032
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27.80%	23.20%	20.20%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,545	1,277	987
Assets	4,135,014	'	'	'	3,730,438	'	'	'	4,135,014	3,730,438	3,353,263
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,332	3,757	5,640
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,831	12,758	12,144
Financial Services Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Other revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,831	12,758	12,144
Total revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,831	12,758	12,144
Operating Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-328,629	-298,760	-262,657
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,401	23,634	22,173
Assets	726,278	'	'	'	797,517	'	'	'	726,278	797,517	748,193
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$57,954	$43,404	$21,094
Direct Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Retail Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Hunting Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48.00%	45.30%	41.10%
Hunting Equipment [Member] | Direct Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	41.20%	37.10%	33.40%
Hunting Equipment [Member] | Retail Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	51.00%	49.50%	45.70%
General Outdoor [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27.50%	29.80%	31.50%
General Outdoor [Member] | Direct Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29.10%	32.00%	32.70%
General Outdoor [Member] | Retail Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26.80%	28.70%	30.70%
Clothing and Footwear [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24.50%	24.90%	27.40%
Clothing and Footwear [Member] | Direct Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29.70%	30.90%	33.90%
Clothing and Footwear [Member] | Retail Sales [Domain]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merchandise Revenue Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22.20%	21.80%	23.60%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$78,504	$85,041	$86,563	$104,231
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	0	0	13	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-3,064	5,814	9,078	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax	0	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities	0	0	601	'
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Debt	0	0	0	'
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities	-3,473	-2,306	-3,046	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements	-3,473	-2,306	-2,445	'
Credit card loans (includes restricted credit card loans of the Trust of $3,142,151 and $2,775,768), net of allowance for loan losses of $73,350 and $90,900	3,938,630	3,497,472	'	'
Time deposits	1,069,362	1,048,018	'	'
Long-term Debt	331,065	336,535	'	'
Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	3,938,630	'	'	'
Deposits, Fair Value Disclosure	1,070,831	1,086,411	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	363,848	373,120	'	'
Deferred Grant Income Reduction	0	-5,030	-24,314	'
Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income	'	1,309	6,538	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-2,141	3,779	5,865	'
Asset Impairment Charges	5,868	20,324	11,309	'
Secured Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	2,452,250	1,827,500	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,405,494	$1,807,083	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Estima

Fair Value Measurements Estimates of Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$937	$1,321	$154
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	$0	$17,694	$4,617

Fair_Value_Measurements_Impair

Fair Value Measurements Impairment Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying Value, Land Held For Sale and Other Assets	$49,343	$30,669	$36,954
Fair Value, Land Held For Sale and Other Assets	43,475	11,654	32,183
Asset Impairment Charges	5,868	20,324	11,309
Land Held For Sale and Other Assets [Domain]	'	'	'
Asset Impairment Charges	$5,868	$19,015	$4,771

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$1,189,447	$850,828	$756,805	$802,497	$1,120,746	$741,178	$627,254	$623,504	$3,599,577	$3,112,682	$2,811,166
Operating income	138,708	76,603	66,935	79,115	104,182	67,113	57,828	46,576	361,361	275,699	231,548
Net Income, by quarter	80,112	49,886	44,545	49,847	68,032	42,785	33,870	28,826	224,390	173,513	142,620
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.13	$0.71	$0.63	$0.71	$0.97	$0.61	$0.48	$0.42	$3.18	$2.48	$2.06
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.12	$0.70	$0.62	$0.70	$0.95	$0.60	$0.47	$0.40	$3.13	$2.42	$2
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$4,931	$0	$937	$0	$20,324	$0	$0	$0	$5,868	$20,324	$12,244

Schedule_II_Details

Schedule II (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	$65,600	$73,350	$90,900
Provision for loan losses	-43,223	-42,760	-39,287
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Net	0	0	0
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Period Increase (Decrease)	-55,713	-50,510	-56,837
Balance, end of year	53,110	65,600	73,350
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	1,178	4,772	3,416
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	2,871	1,800	7,728
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	-2,841	5,394	-6,372
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances (2)	1,208	1,178	4,772
Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	21,971	19,507	21,808
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	2,646	2,464	-2,301
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0	0
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances (2)	24,617	21,971	19,507
Allowance for Notes Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	4,263	4,263	3,604
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	0	0	659
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0	0
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances (2)	$4,263	$4,263	$4,263