Cabelas 10-K 17 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Feb. 09, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014
Entity [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CABELAS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1267130
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-15
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	27-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		71,156,618
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$2,445,315,847

Statement_of_Income

Statement of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Merchandise sales	$3,200,219	$3,205,632	$2,778,903
Financial Services revenue	430,385	375,810	319,399
Other revenue	17,046	18,135	14,380
Total revenue	3,647,650	3,599,577	3,112,682
Merchandise costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	2,058,891	2,027,192	1,769,161
Cost of other revenue	1,398	3,637	637
Total cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	2,060,289	2,030,829	1,769,798
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses	1,251,325	1,201,519	1,046,861
Impairment and restructuring charges	641	5,868	20,324
Operating income	335,395	361,361	275,699
Interest expense, net	-21,842	-21,854	-20,123
Other non-operating income, net	4,924	4,021	6,138
Income before provision for income taxes	318,477	343,528	261,714
Provision for income taxes	116,762	119,138	88,201
Net income	$201,715	$224,390	$173,513
Earnings per basic share	$2.84	$3.18	$2.48
Earnings per diluted share	$2.81	$3.13	$2.42
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	70,987,168	70,461,450	69,856,258
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	71,877,856	71,778,543	71,709,873

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net income	$201,715	$224,390	$173,513
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-14,821	-5,126	-1,105
Unrealized gain (loss) on economic development bonds, net of taxes of $2,938, $(923), and $2,035	4,839	-2,141	3,779
Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $70 in 2012	0	1	137
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,982	-7,266	2,811
Comprehensive income	$191,733	$217,124	$176,324

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp1

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Taxes on unrealized loss on economic development bonds	$2,938	($923)	$2,035
Taxes on derivative adjustment	$0	$0	$70

Statement_of_Financial_Positio

Statement of Financial Position (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$142,758	$199,072
Restricted cash of the Trust	334,812	23,191
Accounts receivable, net	62,358	42,868
Credit card loans (includes restricted credit card loans of the Trust of $4,440,520 and $3,956,230), net of allowance for loan losses of $56,572 and $53,110	4,421,185	3,938,630
Inventories	760,293	644,883
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	93,929	90,438
Income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes	122,337	47,430
Total current assets	5,937,672	4,986,512
Property and equipment, net	1,608,153	1,287,545
Economic development bonds	82,074	78,504
Other assets	47,418	44,303
Total assets	7,675,317	6,396,864
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, including unpresented checks of $38,790 and $22,717	335,969	261,200
Gift instruments, credit card rewards, and loyalty rewards programs	339,782	291,444
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	216,274	204,073
Time deposits	273,081	297,645
Current maturities of secured variable funding obligations of the Trust	480,000	50,000
Current maturities of secured long-term obligations of the Trust	467,500	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,434	8,418
Total current liabilities	2,121,040	1,112,780
Long-term time deposits	532,975	771,717
Secured long-term obligations of the Trust, less current maturities	2,579,750	2,452,250
Long-term debt, less current maturities	491,281	322,647
Long-term deferred income taxes	6,546	3,118
Other long-term liabilities	126,215	128,018
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;	711	706
Additional paid-in capital	365,973	346,535
Retained earnings	1,462,532	1,260,817
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-11,706	-1,724
Total stockholders’ equity	1,817,510	1,606,334
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$7,675,317	$6,396,864

Statement_of_Financial_Positio1

Statement of Financial Position Parentheticals (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Current Assets:
Restricted credit card loans of the Trust	$4,440,520,000	$3,956,230,000
Allowance for loan losses	56,572,000	53,110,000
Current Liabilities:
Unpresented checks	38,790,000	22,717,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	245,000,000	245,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	71,093,216	70,630,866
Common stock, shares outstanding	71,093,216	70,630,866
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	$0

Statement_of_Cash_Flows

Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$201,715	$224,390	$173,513
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	113,097	93,407	79,269
Impairment and restructuring charges	641	5,868	20,324
Stock-based compensation	17,498	14,969	13,733
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	-11,562	-8,231	-15,472
Provision for loan losses	61,922	43,223	42,760
Other, net	139	-3,668	-6,222
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
Accounts receivable	-19,468	3,391	4,485
Credit card loans originated from internal operations, net	-26,436	-26,545	-39,261
Inventories	-119,751	-92,308	-57,747
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-4,971	40,449	6,403
Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities	58,531	-21,283	29,830
Gift certificates, credit card rewards, and loyalty rewards programs	49,064	28,790	35,239
Other long-term liabilities	415	34,115	-1,335
Income taxes receivable	-62,855	8,437	-50,890
Net cash provided by operating activities	257,979	345,004	234,629
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property and equipment additions	-440,891	-333,009	-214,267
Change in credit card loans originated externally, net	-518,041	-457,836	-406,808
Change in restricted cash of the Trust, net	-311,621	-5,899	1,004
Proceeds from retirement and maturity of economic development bonds	4,765	3,473	3,151
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities	-24,999	-135,000	0
Maturities of held-to-maturity investment securities	25,205	135,435	0
Other investing changes, net	-720	-195	4,553
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,266,302	-793,031	-612,367
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Change in unpresented checks net of bank balance	16,073	-6,211	9,804
Change in time deposits, net	-263,306	21,344	65,705
Borrowings on secured obligations of the Trust	1,380,000	1,284,750	2,730,000
Repayments on secured obligations of the Trust	-355,000	-935,000	-2,440,000
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing	1,616,189	759,792	453,355
Repayments on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing	-1,431,332	-756,769	-453,746
Payments on long-term debt	-8,418	-8,402	-8,387
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	-4,982	-1,061	20,706
Purchase of treasury stock	0	-10,053	-28,977
Excess tax benefits from exercise of employee stock options	7,551	9,959	13,349
Net cash provided by financing activities	956,775	358,349	361,809
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-4,766	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-56,314	-89,678	-15,929
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year	199,072	288,750	304,679
Cash and cash equivalents, at end of year	$142,758	$199,072	$288,750

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 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
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
Net income	201,715
Other comprehensive income	-9,982				-9,982
Stock-based compensation	16,874	0	16,874	0	0
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards		462,350
Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards	-4,982	5	-4,987	0	0	0
Excess tax benefit on employee stock option exercises	7,551	0	7,551	0	0
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 27, 2014	$1,817,510	$711	$365,973	$1,462,532	($11,706)	$0
Shares, Issued at Dec. 27, 2014		71,093,216

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 64 retail stores, 57 located in 31 states and seven 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 significant 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 for all reporting periods of Cabela's in this report. 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 follows a 52/53 week fiscal year-end cycle. Unless otherwise stated, the fiscal years referred to in the notes to these consolidated financial statements are the 52 weeks ended December 27, 2014 (“2014” or “year ended 2014”), the 52 weeks ended December 28, 2013 (“2013” or “year ended 2013”), and the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2012 (“2012” or “year ended 2012”). WFB follows a calendar fiscal period so each fiscal year ends on December 31st.
	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 $8,526, $7,461, and $7,576 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Cabela's gift instrument liability at the end of 2014 and 2013 was $174,764 and $145,363, respectively.
	The dollar amount of related points associated with the Company's loyalty rewards programs for Cabela's CLUB issued credit cards are accrued as earned by the cardholder, principally from transactions with unrelated parties, and recorded as a reduction in Financial Services segment revenue. When these points are accrued as earned by the cardholder, the Company estimates the cost of such points with the difference between the value of the unredeemed points earned and the estimated cost of the points included in other revenue (recognized in the Corporate Overhead and Other segment). The net amount related to points in other revenue totaled $8,269, $7,139, and $7,158 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Redemption of these points was recognized as revenue in merchandise sales at fair value, along with the related cost of sales. Merchandise sales recognized from the redemption of points was $200,933, $188,634, and $164,530 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Costs incurred under our loyalty rewards programs recognized as a reduction in Financial Services segment revenue was $210,190, $198,687, and $176,882 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Financial Services revenue includes credit card interest and fees relating to late payments, payment assurance, 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 category in 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 $22,345 and $14,209 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unpresented checks, net of available cash bank balances, are classified as current liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $49,294 and $94,112 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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 models which track 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 and physical counts, was $9,368 and $6,573 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. The reserves for returns of damaged goods, obsolescence, and slow-moving items, estimated based upon historical experience, inventory aging, and specific identification, were $7,641 and $5,872 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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 $2,952 and $5,445 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Advertising expense, including direct marketing costs (amortization of catalog costs and website marketing paid search fees), was $236,431, $208,184, and $201,456 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Advertising vendor reimbursements, netted in advertising expense discussed above, totaled $3,564, $2,623, and $3,049 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 statements 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 $7,788, $4,270, and $2,798 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 2014 and 2013, goodwill and intangible assets totaled $3,565 and $4,164, net of accumulated amortization of $2,523 and $2,468, respectively. During the fourth quarters of 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company completed impairment analyses of its goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company did not recognize any impairments on intangible assets in 2014, 2013, or 2012. The Company records impairment charges when projected discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the reporting unit.
	Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, totaled $542 at the end of 2014 and are amortized over the next three years as follows: $304 (2015), $163 (2016), and $75 (2017). The Company had goodwill of $3,023 and $3,295 in its consolidated balance sheets at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively, relating to an acquisition of a Canadian outdoors specialty retailer in 2007. The change in the carrying value of goodwill from 2013 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 $17,900 and $15,109 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively, was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	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 $283,432 and $289,903 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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, at that time, will 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 an increase in depreciation expense of $1,309 in 2012, which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. There were no impairment losses in 2014 and 2013. At the end of 2012, the cumulative amount of impairment adjustments that were made to deferred grant income, which was recorded as a reduction of property and equipment, was $38,656. There were no other than temporary impairments in 2014 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 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	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 did not receive any land grants in 2014 or 2013. At December 28, 2013, the Company recognized a liability to repay grants related to a retail store property. The adjustments that reduced the deferred grant income of this retail store property resulted in an increase in expense of $831 and $4,931 in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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 2014 and 2013, 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 $165,018 and $146,081 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the Cabela's CLUB points issued never expire. The total cost incurred for all credit card rewards and loyalty programs was $210,190, $198,687, and $176,882 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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. The Company had $915 and $32,885 invested in overnight funds at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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 and other liabilities, 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 with comparable maturities. 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 with comparable maturities.
	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. 27, 2014
Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In adopting ASU 2014-09, companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. Under the current implementation time line, the Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement and has not yet selected a transition method and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Cabelas_Master_Credit_Card_Tru

Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 owns notes issued by the Trust from some of the securitizations, which in some cases may be subordinated to other notes issued.
	The following table presents the components of the consolidated assets and liabilities of the Trust at the years ended:
		2014		2013
	Consolidated assets:
	Restricted credit card loans, net of allowance of $56,280 and $52,820	$	4,384,240	$	3,903,410
	Restricted cash	334,812		23,191
	Total	$	4,719,052	$	3,926,601
	Consolidated liabilities:
	Secured variable funding obligations	$	480,000	$	50,000
	Secured long-term obligations	3,047,250		2,452,250
	Interest due to third party investors	2,256		1,904
	Total	$	3,529,506	$	2,504,154

Credit_Card_Loans_and_Allowanc

Credit Card Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014			2013
	Restricted credit card loans of the Trust (restricted for repayment of secured obligations of the Trust)	$	4,440,520		$	3,956,230
	Unrestricted credit card loans	31,614			29,619
	Total credit card loans	4,472,134			3,985,849
	Allowance for loan losses	(56,572		)	(53,110		)
	Deferred credit card origination costs	5,623			5,891
	Credit card loans, net	$	4,421,185		$	3,938,630
	Allowance for Loan Losses:
	The following table reflects the activity in the allowance for loan losses by credit card segment for the years ended:
					2014									2013
		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	$	44,660		$	8,450		$	53,110		$	42,600		$	23,000		$	65,600
	Provision for loan losses	52,135			9,787			61,922			47,809			(4,586		)	43,223
	Charge-offs	(62,150		)	(14,718		)	(76,868		)	(58,736		)	(14,223		)	(72,959		)
	Recoveries	14,187			4,221			18,408			12,987			4,259			17,246
	Net charge-offs	(47,963		)	(10,497		)	(58,460		)	(45,749		)	(9,964		)	(55,713		)
	Balance, end of year	$	48,832		$	7,740		$	56,572		$	44,660		$	8,450		$	53,110
	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 financial metric for assessing an individual's credit rating, as the primary credit quality indicator, with the risk of loss increasing as an individual's FICO score decreases.
	The tables below provide 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 27, 2014:	691 and Below			692-758			759 and Above						Total
	Credit card loan status:
	Current	$	618,961		$	1,455,292		$	2,279,309		$	28,831		$	4,382,393
	1 to 29 days past due	24,712			18,121			15,853			2,837			61,523
	30 to 59 days past due	7,722			1,453			775			1,485			11,435
	60 or more days past due	13,829			363			48			2,543			16,783
	Total past due	46,263			19,937			16,676			6,865			89,741
	Total credit card loans	$	665,224		$	1,475,229		$	2,295,985		$	35,696		$	4,472,134
	90 days or more past due and still accruing	$	7,561		$	44		$	13		$	1,076		$	8,694
	Non-accrual	—			—			—			5,118			5,118
		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 to 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
	-1	Specific allowance for loan losses of $7,740 and $8,450 at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively, are included in allowance for loan losses.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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
			2014			2013
	Land and improvements	Up to 20	$	257,788		$	216,826
	Buildings and improvements	7 to 40	978,568			780,116
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	3 to 15	741,880			643,394
	Assets held under capital lease	Up to 30	13,101			15,611
	Property and equipment		1,991,337			1,655,947
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(642,123		)	(550,101		)
			1,349,214			1,105,846
	Construction in progress		258,939			181,699
			$	1,608,153		$	1,287,545

Securities

Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
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:
		2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Financial Services segment - accrued interest and other receivables	$	50,838	$	48,086
	Other	43,091		42,352
		$	93,929	$	90,438
	Other assets:
	Other property	$	17,900	$	15,109
	Long-term notes and other receivables	10,412		10,972
	Financial Services segment - deferred financing costs	8,745		8,195
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,565		4,164
	Other	6,796		5,863
		$	47,418	$	44,303
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 27, 2014	$	66,865	$	15,209	$	—	$	82,074
	December 28, 2013	$	71,072	$	7,432	$	—	$	78,504
	Estimated maturities based on expected future cash flows for the economic development bonds at the end of 2014 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2015	$	2,084	$	2,843
	2016	2,727		3,585
	2017	2,781		3,532
	2018	3,275		4,114
	2019	3,760		4,684
	2020 - 2024	25,039		30,930
	2025 and thereafter	27,199		32,386
		$	66,865	$	82,074
	Interest earned on the securities totaled $3,954, $4,103, and $4,931 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. There were no realized gains or losses on these securities in 2014, 2013, or 2012.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Ass

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014		2013
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
	Financial Services segment - accrued interest and other receivables	$	50,838	$	48,086
	Other	43,091		42,352
		$	93,929	$	90,438
	Other assets:
	Other property	$	17,900	$	15,109
	Long-term notes and other receivables	10,412		10,972
	Financial Services segment - deferred financing costs	8,745		8,195
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,565		4,164
	Other	6,796		5,863
		$	47,418	$	44,303

Accrued_Expenses_and_other_lia

Accrued Expenses and other liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following at the years ended:
		2014		2013
	Unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest	$	48,123	$	—
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	35,495		77,743
	Accrued property, sales, and other taxes	35,087		31,133
	Deferred revenue and accrued sales returns	31,162		28,794
	Legal judgment liability and accrued professional fees	16,510		14,954
	Accrued interest	8,727		8,718
	Other	41,170		42,731
		$	216,274	$	204,073

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014		2013
	Unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest	$	67,867	$	73,922
	Deferred rent expense and tenant allowances	45,122		39,546
	Deferred grant income	11,776		12,586
	Other long-term liabilities	1,450		1,964
		$	126,215	$	128,018

Time_Deposits

Time Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014			2013
	2014	$	—		$	297,645
	2015	273,081			273,385
	2016	215,691			216,619
	2017	26,056			26,110
	2018	20,930			20,911
	2019	37,186			—
	Thereafter	233,112			234,692
		806,056			1,069,362
	Less current maturities	(273,081		)	(297,645		)
	Deposits classified as non-current liabilities	$	532,975		$	771,717
	Time deposits include brokered institutional certificates of deposit, net of fees, totaling $802,076 and $1,062,312 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Borrowings_of_Financial_Servic

Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 27, 2014:
	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		1.61	%	$	255,000		1.61	%
	Series 2010-II	Sep-15	127,500			2.29		85,000			0.86		212,500			1.72
	Series 2011-II	Jun-16	155,000			2.39		100,000			0.76		255,000			1.75
	Series 2011-IV	Oct-16	165,000			1.9		90,000			0.71		255,000			1.48
	Series 2012-I	Feb-17	275,000			1.63		150,000			0.69		425,000			1.3
	Series 2012-II	Jun-17	300,000			1.45		125,000			0.64		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			0.81		297,500			1.27
	Series 2014-I	Mar-17	—			—		255,000			0.51		255,000			0.51
	Series 2014-II	Jul-19	—			—		340,000			0.61		340,000			0.61
	Secured long-term obligations of the Trust		1,449,750					1,597,500					3,047,250
	Less current maturities		(127,500		)			(340,000		)			(467,500		)
	Secured long-term obligations of the Trust, less current maturities		$	1,322,250				$	1,257,500				$	2,579,750
	* The Series 2010-I notes were repaid in full on January 15, 2015.
	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
	The Trust sold asset-backed notes of $300,000 (Series 2014-I) and $400,000 (Series 2014-II) on March 25, 2014, and July 16, 2014, respectively. The Series 2014-I securitization transaction included the issuance of $255,000 Class A notes, which accrue interest at a floating rate equal to the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.35% per year, and three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $45,000. The Series 2014-II securitization transaction included the issuance of $340,000 Class A notes, which accrue interest at a floating rate equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 0.45% per year, and three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $60,000. 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 2014-I securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately three years and a contractual maturity of approximately six years. Each class of notes issued in the Series 2014-II securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately five years and a contractual maturity of approximately eight years. These securitization transactions will be used to fund the growth in restricted credit card loans, maturities of time deposits, and future obligations of the Trust.
	The Trust also issues variable funding facilities which are considered secured obligations backed by restricted credit card loans. The Trust renewed one of its variable funding facilities on March 27, 2014, for an additional three years and increased the commitment from $350,000 to $500,000. At December 27, 2014, the Trust had three variable funding facilities with $1,025,000 in total capacity and $480,000 outstanding which was classified as current maturities of secured variable funding obligations of the Trust on the consolidated balance sheet since the Company intends to repay this obligation in full within the next 12 months. The variable funding facilities are scheduled to mature in March of 2015, 2016, and 2017. 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, LIBOR, 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 2014 and 2013, the daily average balance outstanding on these notes was $29,603 and $26,328, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.76% and 0.77%, 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 27, 2014, or December 28, 2013. During 2014, there was no daily average balance outstanding. During 2013, the daily average balance outstanding was $228, with a weighted average rate of

Revolving_Credit_Facilities

Revolving Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES
	On June 18, 2014, the Company amended its credit agreement which now provides for an unsecured $775,000 revolving credit facility and permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $75,000 and swing line loans up to $30,000. The credit agreement formerly provided for a $415,000 revolving credit facility with the issuance of letters of credit up to $100,000 and a $20,000 limit on swing line loans. The credit facility may be increased to $800,000 subject to certain terms and conditions. The term of the credit facility, which formerly expired on November 2, 2016, expires on June 18, 2019.
	There was $180,000 and $2,932 outstanding under our credit agreements at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively. During 2014 and 2013, the daily average principal balance outstanding on the line of credit was $255,499 and $130,729, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 1.42% and 1.44%, respectively. Letters of credit and standby letters of credit totaling $20,064 and $17,378, respectively, were outstanding at the end of 2014 and 2013. The daily average outstanding amount of total letters of credit during 2014 and 2013 was $21,746 and $20,536, respectively.
	During the term of the $775,000 revolving credit facility, the Company is required to pay a quarterly commitment fee, which ranges from 0.15% to 0.25% (previously 0.30% before the credit agreement was amended) of the average daily unused principal balance on the line of credit. Interest on each base rate advance is equal to the alternate base rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin; and interest on each Eurocurrency advance is equal to the Eurocurrency base rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for both base rate and Eurocurrency advances 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 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) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter (previously "at all times" before the credit agreement was amended).
	At December 27, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenant requirements of its $775,000 credit agreement with a fixed charge coverage ratio of 8.50 to 1, a leverage ratio of 1.20 to 1, and a consolidated net worth that was $633,430 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 27, 2014, was not in excess of $226,699. 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 its credit agreements at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013. 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.
	The Company also has an unsecured $20,000 Canadian ("CAD") revolving credit facility for its operations in Canada. Borrowings are payable on demand with interest payable monthly. This credit facility permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $10,000 CAD in the aggregate, which reduces the overall available credit limit. There were no amounts outstanding at December 27, 2014, or December 28, 2013.
	Advances made pursuant to the $775,000 credit agreement are classified as long-term debt. This agreement does not contain requirements regarding the pay down of revolving loans advanced; therefore, advances made prior to June 18, 2018, 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. 27, 2014
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:
		2014			2013
	Unsecured revolving credit facility	$	180,000		$	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 2015-2018 with interest at 7.20%	32,571			40,714
	Capital lease obligations payable through 2036	12,144			12,419
	Total debt	499,715			331,065
	Less current portion of debt	(8,434		)	(8,418		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	491,281		$	322,647
	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 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, 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
	2015	$	1,000		$	8,143
	2016	1,000			223,143
	2017	1,000			68,143
	2018	1,000			8,142
	2019	1,000			180,000
	Thereafter	16,500			—
		21,500			487,571
	Capital lease amount representing interest	(9,356		)
	Present value of net scheduled lease payments	$	12,144		12,144
	Total long-term debt and capital leases				$	499,715

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C

Impairment and Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014		2013		2012
	Impairment losses relating to:
	Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income	$	—	$	4,931	$	1,309
	Property, equipment, and other assets	—		937		1,321
	Other property	—		—		17,694
		—		5,868		20,324
	Restructuring charges for severance and related benefits	641		—		—
	Total	$	641	$	5,868	$	20,324
	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 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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.
	Canada Distribution Center:
	On June 11, 2014, the Company announced the transition to a third-party logistics provider for distribution needs in Canada. Therefore, we expect to close our distribution center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in March 2015. The third-party logistics provider began processing a portion of our Canada merchandise in a Calgary, Alberta, distribution center in October 2014. Accordingly, in fiscal year 2014, the Company recognized a restructuring charge related to employee severance agreements and termination benefits totaling $641. This restructuring charge was recognized in the Corporate Overhead and Other segment.
	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 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. The Company is currently in the process of appealing the Court's ruling.
	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 27, 2014, 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 recognized in the Retail segment.
	On March 21, 2014, through a supplemental judgment, the Court ordered that the Company pay interest in the amount of $1,062 to the defendant. At December 27, 2014, the Company's liability relating to this judgment totaled $15,707. The increase to this liability 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 additional amounts accrued, plus legal and other costs. The additional depreciation adjustment that reduced the deferred grant income of this retail store property resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $831 that was recognized in the three months ended March 29, 2014. This increase in depreciation expense was included in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income and was recognized in the Retail segment. There was no additional depreciation expense adjustments recognized after March 29, 2014.
	In 2013, we also recognized an impairment loss totaling $937 related to the store closure of our former Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, retail site. This impairment loss included leasehold improvements write-offs as well as lease cancellation and restoration costs. This impairment loss was recognized in 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 and 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. 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.
	We classify all of our unimproved land not used in our merchandising business as "other property" and include the carrying value, which totaled $17,900 and $15,109 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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). We recognized impairment losses totaling $17,694 in 2012. There were no impairment losses related to other property in 2014 or 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, which resulted in a fair value adjustment of $5,030 at the end of 2012. Accordingly, deferred grant income was reduced by $5,030 due to an other than temporary impairment loss of the same amount that was recognized on this economic development bond. This reduction in deferred grant income resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $1,309 in 2012, which was 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, the cumulative amount of the impairment adjustment that was made to deferred grant income totaled $38,656 and was recorded as a reduction of property and equipment. There were no other than temporary fair value adjustments of economic development bonds and no adjustments of deferred grant income related to economic development bonds in 2014 or 2013.
	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.

Interest_Expense_Income_Net

Interest (Expense) Income, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense	$	(29,648	)	$	(26,159	)	$	(22,969	)
	Capitalized interest	7,788			4,270			2,798
	Interest expense, net	(21,860		)	(21,889		)	(20,171		)
	Interest income	18			35			48
		$	(21,842	)	$	(21,854	)	$	(20,123	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES
	For financial reporting purposes, income before taxes includes the following components:
		2014				2013				2012
	Federal	$	276,041			$	244,878			$	164,433
	Foreign	42,436				98,650				97,281
		$	318,477			$	343,528			$	261,714
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	114,420			$	105,241			$	79,997
	State	7,032				7,714				7,397
	Foreign	6,872				14,414				16,279
		128,324				127,369				103,673
	Deferred:
	Federal	(14,024		)		(8,497		)		(16,145		)
	State	2,477				(49		)		121
	Foreign	(15		)		315				552
		(11,562		)		(8,231		)		(15,472		)
		$	116,762			$	119,138			$	88,201
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate was as follows for the years ended:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2			1.5			1.9
	Other nondeductible items	0.4			0.2			0.7
	Tax exempt interest income	(0.7	)		(0.4	)		(0.5	)
	Rate differential on foreign income	0.4			(4.3	)		(3.8	)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits	(1.4	)		2.9			0.4
	Deferred income tax rate change	0.5			0.1			0.4
	Other, net	0.5			(0.3	)		(0.4	)
	Effective income tax rate	36.7	%		34.7	%		33.7	%
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred compensation	$	14,016			$	12,504
	Deferred revenue	4,755				5,137
	Reserve for returns	6,148				5,988
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	12,523				27,970
	Gift certificates liability	10,392				8,794
	Allowance for loans losses and doubtful accounts	22,093				20,600
	Loyalty rewards programs	61,146				36,597
	Other	13,761				5,505
	Total deferred tax assets	144,834				123,095
	Valuation allowance	(1,692		)		—
	Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	143,142				123,095
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	10,888				11,608
	Property and equipment	76,917				75,988
	Inventories	3,265				3,172
	Credit card loan fee deferral	38,743				32,296
	U.S. income tax on foreign earnings	964				—
	Economic development bonds	3,681				743
	Other	830				58
	Total deferred tax liabilities	135,288				123,865
	Net deferred tax (asset) liability	(7,854		)		770
	Less current deferred income taxes	(14,400		)		(2,348		)
	Long-term deferred income tax liabilities	$	6,546			$	3,118
	The Company has not provided United States income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on the portion of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that the Company considers to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States as of the end of year 2014. 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 2014, the cumulative amount of earnings upon which United States income taxes have not been provided was approximately $166,000. If those earnings were not considered indefinitely invested, the Company estimates that an additional income tax expense of approximately $33,000 would be recorded.
	As of December 27, 2014, cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $74,069. 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.
	At December 27, 2014, our foreign subsidiary in Canada had a net operating loss carry forward of $8,330 with a related tax benefit of $2,199 that expires between 2033 and 2034. Due to the uncertainty of the ultimate realization of this net operating loss, the subsidiary's benefits and associated deferred tax liabilities of $507 have been fully offset by a valuation allowance of $1,692.
	In the three months ended September 27, 2014, the Company paid a deposit of $50,000 for federal taxes related to prior period uncertain tax positions. In addition, the Company paid a total of $53,418 in prior years as deposits for federal taxes related to prior period uncertain tax positions in 2012 and 2011, for a total of $103,418 in deposits outstanding. These deposits were classified as a current asset included in income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes in the consolidated balance sheet.
	The reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits was as follows for the years ended:
		2014				2013				2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$	64,800			$	39,252			$	37,608
	Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(4,686		)		(3,428		)		(2,369		)
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	29,281				15,759				49
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	12,501				13,217				4,964
Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	(17		)		—				(1,000		)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$	101,879			$	64,800			$	39,252
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 net interest expense of $4,989 and $3,425 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a net credit to interest expense of $592 in 2012. 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 totaled $14,111 at the end of 2014 with $1,806 included in current liabilities (accrued expenses and other liabilities) and $12,305 included in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet, compared to $9,122 at the end of 2013 that was included in other long-term liabilities. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $11,016.
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 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. At the end of 2014, unrecognized tax benefits totaling $46,317 and $55,562 were included in current liabilities (accrued expenses and other liabilities) and in other long-term liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheet, compared to $64,800 at the end of 2013 that was included in other long-term liabilities.
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 2015, 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 2013 remain open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which Cabela’s is subject.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 $19,716, $14,319, and $13,605 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments under operating leases at December 27, 2014:
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2015	$	23,045
	2016	23,143
	2017	22,708
	2018	29,260
	2019	21,911
	Thereafter	283,667
		$	403,734
	The Company leases six retail stores and owns 18 stores subject to ground leases. Certain of these leases include tenant allowances that are amortized over the life of the lease. During 2014 and 2013, we received tenant allowances totaling $3,750 and $4,969, respectively. 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 27, 2014, the Company estimated it had total cash commitments of approximately $523,500 outstanding for projected expenditures related to the development, construction, and completion of new retail stores, a new distribution center, and corporate expansion. This amount excludes any estimated costs associated with new stores where the Company does not have a commitment as of December 27, 2014. We expect to fund these estimated capital expenditures over the next 12 months with funds from operations and borrowings.
	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 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, the total amount of grant funding subject to a specific contractual remedy was $44,112 and $43,536, respectively. No grant funding subject to contractual remedy was received in 2014 or 2013. At December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, the amount the Company had recorded in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets relating to these grants was $22,887 and $22,536, 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 $43,105 and $48,409 at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, 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 $30,491,000 and $25,255,000 at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, 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, obligated 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 required, 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.
	At December 28, 2013, the remaining liability related to the settlement was $4,687, reflecting the reduction of 10 basis points of interchange fees, adjustments relating to plaintiff opt-outs of the settlement, and reevaluation of the merchant charge volume based on Visa interchange reduction assessments. The remaining liability was settled in the first half of 2014; therefore, at December 27, 2014, there was no remaining liability for this settlement.
	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. For example, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") conducted compliance examinations in 2009, 2011, and 2013 and found that certain practices of WFB were improper. As a result of these compliance examinations, the FDIC issued consent orders and WFB was required to take corrective action and pay restitution and civil money penalties. WFB has resolved all consent order requirements and is not currently subject to any consent orders. 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 proceedings 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. Although the Company disputes these allegations, the Company recently entered into preliminary settlement negotiations with the EEOC to resolve this matter. At the present time, the Company believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss related to the EEOC matter, but given the early stage of the settlement negotiations, the lack of any specific monetary demand from the EEOC, and the ongoing nature and complexity of this matter, the Company cannot reasonably estimate any loss or range of loss that may arise from this matter. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued a liability related to the EEOC matter. Although the Company does not presently believe that the EEOC matter will have a material adverse effect on its business, given the inherent uncertainties in this situation, the Company can provide no assurance that this matter will not be material to its business in the future.
	Self-Insurance – The Company is self-insured for health claims and workers’ compensation claims up to a certain stop loss amount per individual. We recognized a liability for health claims incurred prior to year end but not yet reported totaling $4,713 and $4,839 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. We also recognized a liability for workers’ compensation claims incurred prior to year end but not yet reported totaling $3,698 and $5,513 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. These reserves are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	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. 27, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013, 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
	2014:00:00
	Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	527,873	11.3	%	$	372,851	8	%	$	466,064	10	%
	Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	471,301		10.1		186,425		4		279,638		6
	Tier I Capital to Average Assets	471,301		10.3		183,481		4		229,351		5
	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

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 $17,498, $14,969, and $13,733 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 27, 2014, the total unrecognized deferred stock-based compensation balance for all equity awards issued, net of expected forfeitures, was $26,656, 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 2014, 2013, and 2012 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:
		2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve	1.52		%		0.76		%		0.84		%
	Dividend yield	—				—				—
	Expected volatility	46		%		47		%		48		%
	Weighted average expected life (in years)	5.9				5.9				4.7
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$	27.83			$	22.6			$	15.72
	Employee Stock Plans – The Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Stock Plan (the "2013 Stock Plan"), which replaced the Company's 2004 Stock Plan, 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 27, 2014, the maximum number of shares available for awards under the 2013 Stock Plan was 3,337,974.
	As of December 27, 2014, there were 2,716,690 awards outstanding under the 2004 Plan and 662,026 awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan. To the extent available, we will issue treasury shares for the exercise of stock options before issuing new shares.
	Option Awards. During 2014, there were 194,905 NSOs granted to employees under the 2013 Plan at an exercise price of $66.32 per share and 40,000 NSOs granted to non-employee directors at a weighted average exercise price of $61.53 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 2013 Plan at an exercise price of $76.27 (which was equal to 115% of the closing price of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 28, 2014). The premium-priced NSOs vest in three equal annual installments beginning on March 2, 2017, and expire on March 2, 2022.
	Nonvested Stock and Stock Unit Awards. During 2014, the Company issued 291,705 units of nonvested stock under the 2013 Plan to employees at a weighted average fair value of $66.28 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, 2014, the Company also issued 51,050 units of performance-based restricted stock units under the 2013 Plan to certain executives at a fair value of $66.32 per unit. These performance-based restricted stock units will begin vesting in four equal annual installments on March 2, 2015, since the performance criteria were achieved.
	On June 5, 2014, the Company granted 409 units of nonvested stock to a non-employee director of WFB under the 2013 Stock Plan at a fair value of $61.23 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 2012. There was no compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards in 2014.
	The following table summarizes award activity during 2014 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							Number of Awards
	Outstanding, beginning of year	3,949,030			3,461,364			$	17.87			1,472,073			$	31.93
	Granted	(642,069	)		642,069			31.57				642,069			48.31
	Vested	—			(333,027	)						(549,345	)		29
	Exercised	—			(286,770	)		18.09
	Forfeited (1)	31,013			(104,920	)		15.08				(101,557	)		41.59
	Outstanding, end of year (2)	3,337,974			3,378,716			22.34				1,463,240			39.63
	-1	Options forfeited under the 2013 Plan are immediately available for grant.
	-2	Total awards outstanding under the Company's stock plans at the end of 2014 were comprised of 2,571,299 of NSOs, 724,367 of nonvested stock awards, and 83,050 of performance based stock awards.
	The following table provides information relating to the Company's equity share-based payment awards at December 27, 2014:
																	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
					Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Fair Value				Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Number of Awards
	Vested and exercisable	1,915,476			$	20.07			$	8.83			$	60,594			2.29
	Non-vested	1,463,240			25.3				39.63				43,496				6.9
	Total outstanding	3,378,716			22.34				22.17				$	104,090			4.29
	Expected to vest after December 27, 2014	3,248,759			22.57								$	99,482			4.22
	The aggregate intrinsic value of awards exercised was $40,717, $54,755, and $53,198 during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $15,933, $12,899, and $10,721 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Based on the Company's closing stock price of $51.45 as of December 27, 2014, the total number of in-the-money awards exercisable as of December 27, 2014, was 1,885,476.
	The equity share-based payment awards outstanding and exercisable as of December 27, 2014, 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 $12.71		1,097,480			$	2.13			5.88		299,466			$	7.8
	$12.72 to $25.42		1,235,967			18.22				1.49		1,235,967			18.22
	$25.43 to $38.13		402,471			31.38				4.63		300,744			30.09
	$38.14 to $50.84		64,000			40.45				5.18		—			—
	$50.85 to $63.55		288,718			53.68				6.31		49,299			50.91
	$63.56 to $76.27		290,080			68.61				7.54		30,000			67.69
			3,378,716			22.34				4.29		1,915,476			20.07
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan – During 2014, there were 74,054 shares issued under the Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2013 ESPP"). At December 27, 2014, there were 1,896,131 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 $8,247, $10,920, and $9,709 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 by the Company to stockholders are contained within the covenants under its revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela’s. In 2014, WFB paid $60,000 in dividends to Cabela's. At December 27, 2014, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $226,699 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 Loss – The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related taxes, are as follows for the years ended:
		2014				2013
	Accumulated net unrealized holding gains on economic development bonds	$	9,521			$	4,682
	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	(21,227		)		(6,406		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(11,706	)		$	(1,724	)
	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 13, 2014, the Company announced its intent to repurchase up to 650,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions through February 2015. There were no shares repurchased in 2014; therefore, 650,000 shares were available to be purchased at December 27, 2014, under the February 2014 repurchase program. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that the Company will repurchase.
	The following table reconciles the Company's treasury stock activity for the years ended:
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	—			492,414
	Purchase of treasury stock at a cost of $10,053(1)	—			181,179
	Treasury shares issued on exercise of stock options and share-based payment awards	—			(673,593	)
	Balance, end of year	—			—
	-1	Reflects common stock withheld (under the terms of grants pursuant to a stock compensation plan) totaling 17,439 shares to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of restricted shares on July 7, 2013.
Restrictions on Dividends, Loans and Advances [Text Block]	Retained Earnings – The most significant restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Company to stockholders are contained within the covenants under its revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela’s. In 2014, WFB paid $60,000 in dividends to Cabela's. At December 27, 2014, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $226,699 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. 27, 2014
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:
		2014	2013	2012
	Common shares – basic	70,987,168	70,461,450	69,856,258
	Effect of incremental dilutive securities:
	Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans	890,688	1,317,093	1,853,615
	Common shares – diluted	71,877,856	71,778,543	71,709,873
	Stock options outstanding considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation	389,080	30,000	—

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Non-cash financing and investing activities:
	Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	$	40,255		$	36,707		$	23,225
	Contribution of land received	—			—			2,287
	Other than temporary impairment of economic development bonds	—			—			5,030
	Depreciation adjustment reducing deferred grant income	(831		)	(4,931		)	(5,030		)
	Other cash flow information:
	Interest paid (2)	$	80,311		$	78,261		$	78,841
	Capitalized interest	(7,788		)	(4,270		)	(2,798		)
	Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$	72,523		$	73,991		$	76,043
	Income taxes, net of refunds	$	145,196		$	83,118		$	136,959
	-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 $64,009, $63,363, and $54,301 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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. 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.
	The following summarizes the primary operating costs by segment:
	•	Retail – labor, advertising, depreciation, and retail store related occupancy costs.
	•	Direct – direct marketing costs (e-commerce advertising and catalog costs) and order processing costs.
	•	Financial Services – advertising and promotion, license fees, third party services for processing credit card transactions, employee compensation and benefits, and other general and administrative costs.
	•	Corporate Overhead and Other – 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. Depreciation, amortization, and property and equipment expenditures are recognized in each respective segment. Major assets by segment include:
	•	Retail – inventory in the retail stores; land, buildings, fixtures, and leasehold improvements; and goodwill. The amount of goodwill in the Retail segment totaled $3,023 and $3,295 at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively. The change in the carrying value of goodwill between periods was due to foreign currency adjustments.
	•	Direct – fixed assets and deferred catalog costs.
	•	Financial Services – cash, credit card loans, restricted cash, receivables, fixtures, and other assets. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $49,294 and $94,112 at December 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	•	Corporate Overhead and Other – 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.
	Under an Intercompany Agreement, the Financial Services segment pays to the Retail and Direct segments a fixed license fee that includes 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 promotional costs, which are recorded as a reduction to Financial Services segment revenue and as a reduction to merchandise costs associated with the Retail and Direct segments. Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, this reimbursement from our Financial Services segment to our Retail and Direct segments for certain promotional costs has been adjusted to eliminate in consolidation. Prior periods have not been adjusted.
	Also, if the total risk-based capital ratio of WFB is greater than 13% at any quarter end, the Financial Services segment must pay an additional license fee to the Retail and Direct business segments equal to 50% of the amount that the total risk-based capital ratio exceeds 13%. At March 31, 2014, the total risk-based capital ratio of WFB exceeded this 13% threshold; therefore, an additional license fee of $10,945 was paid in April 2014 by the Financial Services segment to the Retail ($6,676) and Direct ($4,269) segments and was classified in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses.
	Financial information by segment is presented below for the following years:
														Corporate Overhead and Other
											Financial Services
	Fiscal Year 2014:		Retail				Direct											Total
	Merchandise sales		$	2,348,481			$	851,738			$	—		$	—			$	3,200,219
	Non-merchandise revenue:
	Financial Services		—				—				415,574			—				415,574
	Other		2,204				—				—			14,842				17,046
	Total revenue before intersegment eliminations		2,350,685				851,738				415,574			14,842				3,632,839
	Intersegment revenue eliminated in consolidation		—				—				14,811			—				14,811
	Total revenue as reported		$	2,350,685			$	851,738			$	430,385		$	14,842			$	3,647,650
	Operating income (loss)		$	417,655			$	112,717			$	111,650		$	(306,627	)		$	335,395
	Operating income as a percentage of revenue		17.8		%		13.2		%		26.9		%	N/A				9.2		%
	Depreciation and amortization		$	68,005			$	4,915			$	1,554		$	38,623			$	113,097
	Assets		1,585,219				297,763				4,912,491			879,844				7,675,317
	Property and equipment additions including accrued amounts		307,495				161				1,964			126,016				435,636
	Fiscal Year 2013:
	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
	The components and amounts of total revenue for the Financial Services segment were as follows for the years ended:
		2014				2013				2012
	Interest and fee income	$	400,948			$	343,353			$	301,699
	Interest expense	(64,167		)		(63,831		)		(54,092		)
	Provision for loan losses	(61,922		)		(43,223		)		(42,760		)
	Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses	274,859				236,299				204,847
	Non-interest income:
	Interchange income	366,633				344,979				292,151
	Other non-interest income	3,338				7,530				12,364
	Total non-interest income	369,971				352,509				304,515
	Less: Customer rewards costs	(214,445		)		(212,998		)		(189,963		)
	Financial Services revenue	$	430,385			$	375,810			$	319,399
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
		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
Product Category:
Hunting Equipment		47.1	%		51	%		49.5	%		37.1	%	41.2	%		37.1	%		44.3	%	48	%	45.3	%
General Outdoors		29.6			26.8			28.7			32		29.1			32			30.3		27.5		29.8
Clothing and Footwear		23.3			22.2			21.8			30.9		29.7			30.9			25.4		24.5		24.9
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%	100	%		100	%		100	%	100	%	100	%

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 27, 2014, 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 2014, 2013, and 2012, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3.
	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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	78,504		$	85,041		$	86,563
	Total gains or losses:
	Included in earnings - realized	—			—			—
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - unrealized	7,777			(3,064		)	5,814
	Valuation adjustments	—			—			(5,030		)
	Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
	Purchases	558			—			—
	Issuances	—			—			—
	Settlements	(4,765		)	(3,473		)	(2,306		)
	Total	(4,207		)	(3,473		)	(2,306		)
	Balance, end of year	$	82,074		$	78,504		$	85,041
	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, we determined that the fair value of a bond was below carrying value, with the decline in fair value deemed to be other than temporary, which resulted in a fair value adjustment of $5,030 at the end of 2012. Accordingly, deferred grant income was reduced by $5,030 due to an other than temporary impairment loss of the same amount that was recognized on this economic development bond. This reduction in deferred grant income resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $1,309 in 2012, which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. There were no other than temporary fair value adjustments of economic development bonds and no adjustments of deferred grant income related to economic development bonds in 2014 or 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. Please refer to Note 1 "Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the section entitled "Economic Development Bonds" for information on our procedures used to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from our economic development bonds.
	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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Carrying value of other property and other assets	$	—		$	49,343		$	30,669
	Fair value of related assets	—			43,475			11,654
	Impairment losses	$	—		$	5,868		$	19,015
	In 2014, we recognized an increase in depreciation expense of $831 that was included in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income and recognized in the Retail segment. Please refer to Note 14 "Impairment and Restructuring Charges" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under the section entitled "Retail Store Properties" for additional information on this transaction.
	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.
	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 other liabilities, 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).
		2014						2013
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value
	Financial Assets:
	Credit card loans, net	$	4,421,185		$	4,421,185		$	3,938,630		$	3,938,630
	Financial Liabilities:
	Time deposits	806,056			857,327			1,069,362			1,070,831
	Secured long-term obligations of the Trust	3,047,250			3,014,446			2,452,250			2,405,494
	Long-term debt	499,715			521,212			331,065			363,848
	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. 27, 2014
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 2014 and 2013:
		2014 by Quarter								2013 by Quarter
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Total revenue	$	725,823	$	761,201	$	886,002	$	1,274,624	$	802,497	$	756,805	$	850,828	$	1,189,447
	Operating income (1)	40,853		71,991		93,915		128,636		79,115		66,935		76,603		138,708
	Net income	25,749		43,517		53,839		78,610		49,847		44,545		49,886		80,112
	Earnings per share:
	Basic (2)	0.36		0.61		0.76		1.11		0.71		0.63		0.71		1.13
	Diluted (2)	0.36		0.61		0.75		1.1		0.7		0.62		0.7		1.12
	(1) Includes impairment and restructuring charges recognized by quarter as follows:	$	—	$	641	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	937	$	—	$	4,931
	(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 the opening of hunting seasons 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. 27, 2014
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 27, 2014:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	$	1,208	$	2,476	$	—	$	(2,715	)	$	969
	Reserve for sales returns (1)	24,617		—		233,192		(231,369		)	26,440
	Reserve on notes receivable	4,263		—		—		—			4,263
	Allowance for credit card loan losses	53,110		61,922		—		(58,460		)	56,572
	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 (1)	21,971		—		193,176		(190,530		)	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	$	4,772	$	1,800	$	—	$	(5,394	)	$	1,178
	Reserve for sales returns (1)	19,507		—		174,854		(172,390		)	21,971
	Reserve on notes receivable	4,263		—		—		—			4,263
	Allowance for credit card loan losses	73,350		42,760		—		(50,510		)	65,600
	-1	Represents the allowance for sales returns estimated at the time merchandise sales are recognized based upon the Company's evaluation of anticipated merchandise sales returns. These adjustments were recognized as a reduction in merchandise sales in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	The Series 2010-I notes of the Trust totaling $255,000 were repaid in full on January 15, 2015. These notes were repaid primarily from restricted cash of the Trust.

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary1

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 64 retail stores, 57 located in 31 states and seven 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 significant 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 for all reporting periods of Cabela's in this report. 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 follows a 52/53 week fiscal year-end cycle. Unless otherwise stated, the fiscal years referred to in the notes to these consolidated financial statements are the 52 weeks ended December 27, 2014 (“2014” or “year ended 2014”), the 52 weeks ended December 28, 2013 (“2013” or “year ended 2013”), and the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2012 (“2012” or “year ended 2012”). WFB follows a calendar fiscal period so each fiscal year ends on December 3
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 $17,900 and $15,109 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively, was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
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 2014 and 2013, goodwill and intangible assets totaled $3,565 and $4,164, net of accumulated amortization of $2,523 and $2,468, respectively. During the fourth quarters of 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company completed impairment analyses of its goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company did not recognize any impairments on intangible assets in 2014, 2013, or 2012. The Company records impairment charges when projected discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the reporting unit.
	Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, totaled $542 at the end of 2014 and are amortized over the next three years as follows: $304 (2015), $163 (2016), and $75 (2017). The Company had goodwill of $3,023 and $3,295 in its consolidated balance sheets at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively, relating to an acquisition of a Canadian outdoors specialty retailer in 2007. The change in the carrying value of goodwill from 2013 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 category in 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 $8,526, $7,461, and $7,576 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Cabela's gift instrument liability at the end of 2014 and 2013 was $174,764 and $145,363, respectively.
	The dollar amount of related points associated with the Company's loyalty rewards programs for Cabela's CLUB issued credit cards are accrued as earned by the cardholder, principally from transactions with unrelated parties, and recorded as a reduction in Financial Services segment revenue. When these points are accrued as earned by the cardholder, the Company estimates the cost of such points with the difference between the value of the unredeemed points earned and the estimated cost of the points included in other revenue (recognized in the Corporate Overhead and Other segment). The net amount related to points in other revenue totaled $8,269, $7,139, and $7,158 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Redemption of these points was recognized as revenue in merchandise sales at fair value, along with the related cost of sales. Merchandise sales recognized from the redemption of points was $200,933, $188,634, and $164,530 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Costs incurred under our loyalty rewards programs recognized as a reduction in Financial Services segment revenue was $210,190, $198,687, and $176,882 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Financial Services revenue includes credit card interest and fees relating to late payments, payment assurance, 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 $22,345 and $14,209 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unpresented checks, net of available cash bank balances, are classified as current liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $49,294 and $94,112 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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 models which track 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 and physical counts, was $9,368 and $6,573 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. The reserves for returns of damaged goods, obsolescence, and slow-moving items, estimated based upon historical experience, inventory aging, and specific identification, were $7,641 and $5,872 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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 $2,952 and $5,445 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Advertising expense, including direct marketing costs (amortization of catalog costs and website marketing paid search fees), was $236,431, $208,184, and $201,456 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Advertising vendor reimbursements, netted in advertising expense discussed above, totaled $3,564, $2,623, and $3,049 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 statements 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 $7,788, $4,270, and $2,798 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 $165,018 and $146,081 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the Cabela's CLUB points issued never expire. The total cost incurred for all credit card rewards and loyalty programs was $210,190, $198,687, and $176,882 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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. The Company had $915 and $32,885 invested in overnight funds at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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 and other liabilities, 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 with comparable maturities. 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 with comparable maturities.
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 $283,432 and $289,903 at the end of 2014 and 2013, 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, at that time, will 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 an increase in depreciation expense of $1,309 in 2012, which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. There were no impairment losses in 2014 and 2013. At the end of 2012, the cumulative amount of impairment adjustments that were made to deferred grant income, which was recorded as a reduction of property and equipment, was $38,656. There were no other than temporary impairments in 2014 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 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	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 did not receive any land grants in 2014 or 2013. At December 28, 2013, the Company recognized a liability to repay grants related to a retail store property. The adjustments that reduced the deferred grant income of this retail store property resulted in an increase in expense of $831 and $4,931 in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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 2014 and 2013, the Company was in compliance with the requirements under these grants.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
		Depreciable Life in Years
			2014			2013
	Land and improvements	Up to 20	$	257,788		$	216,826
	Buildings and improvements	7 to 40	978,568			780,116
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	3 to 15	741,880			643,394
	Assets held under capital lease	Up to 30	13,101			15,611
	Property and equipment		1,991,337			1,655,947
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(642,123		)	(550,101		)
			1,349,214			1,105,846
	Construction in progress		258,939			181,699
			$	1,608,153		$	1,287,545

Securities_Tables

Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]
				Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses
		Amortized Cost						Fair Value
	December 27, 2014	$	66,865	$	15,209	$	—	$	82,074
	December 28, 2013	$	71,072	$	7,432	$	—	$	78,504
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2015	$	2,084	$	2,843
	2016	2,727		3,585
	2017	2,781		3,532
	2018	3,275		4,114
	2019	3,760		4,684
	2020 - 2024	25,039		30,930
	2025 and thereafter	27,199		32,386
		$	66,865	$	82,074

Accrued_Expenses_and_other_lia1

Accrued Expenses and other liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
ACCRUED EXPENSES [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]
		2014		2013
	Unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest	$	48,123	$	—
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	35,495		77,743
	Accrued property, sales, and other taxes	35,087		31,133
	Deferred revenue and accrued sales returns	31,162		28,794
	Legal judgment liability and accrued professional fees	16,510		14,954
	Accrued interest	8,727		8,718
	Other	41,170		42,731
		$	216,274	$	204,073

Time_Deposits_Tables

Time Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014			2013
	2014	$	—		$	297,645
	2015	273,081			273,385
	2016	215,691			216,619
	2017	26,056			26,110
	2018	20,930			20,911
	2019	37,186			—
	Thereafter	233,112			234,692
		806,056			1,069,362
	Less current maturities	(273,081		)	(297,645		)
	Deposits classified as non-current liabilities	$	532,975		$	771,717
	Time deposits include brokered institutional certificates of deposit, net of fees, totaling $802,076 and $1,062,312 at the end of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas1

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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
	2015	$	1,000		$	8,143
	2016	1,000			223,143
	2017	1,000			68,143
	2018	1,000			8,142
	2019	1,000			180,000
	Thereafter	16,500			—
		21,500			487,571
	Capital lease amount representing interest	(9,356		)
	Present value of net scheduled lease payments	$	12,144		12,144
	Total long-term debt and capital leases				$	499,715
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:
		2014			2013
	Unsecured revolving credit facility	$	180,000		$	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 2015-2018 with interest at 7.20%	32,571			40,714
	Capital lease obligations payable through 2036	12,144			12,419
	Total debt	499,715			331,065
	Less current portion of debt	(8,434		)	(8,418		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	491,281		$	322,647

Impairment_and_Restructuring_C1

Impairment and Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014		2013		2012
	Impairment losses relating to:
	Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income	$	—	$	4,931	$	1,309
	Property, equipment, and other assets	—		937		1,321
	Other property	—		—		17,694
		—		5,868		20,324
	Restructuring charges for severance and related benefits	641		—		—
	Total	$	641	$	5,868	$	20,324

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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:
		2014				2013				2012
	Federal	$	276,041			$	244,878			$	164,433
	Foreign	42,436				98,650				97,281
		$	318,477			$	343,528			$	261,714
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended:
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	114,420			$	105,241			$	79,997
	State	7,032				7,714				7,397
	Foreign	6,872				14,414				16,279
		128,324				127,369				103,673
	Deferred:
	Federal	(14,024		)		(8,497		)		(16,145		)
	State	2,477				(49		)		121
	Foreign	(15		)		315				552
		(11,562		)		(8,231		)		(15,472		)
		$	116,762			$	119,138			$	88,201
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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2			1.5			1.9
	Other nondeductible items	0.4			0.2			0.7
	Tax exempt interest income	(0.7	)		(0.4	)		(0.5	)
	Rate differential on foreign income	0.4			(4.3	)		(3.8	)
	Change in unrecognized tax benefits	(1.4	)		2.9			0.4
	Deferred income tax rate change	0.5			0.1			0.4
	Other, net	0.5			(0.3	)		(0.4	)
	Effective income tax rate	36.7	%		34.7	%		33.7	%
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	The reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits was as follows for the years ended:
		2014				2013				2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$	64,800			$	39,252			$	37,608
	Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	(4,686		)		(3,428		)		(2,369		)
	Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	29,281				15,759				49
	Gross increases related to current period tax positions	12,501				13,217				4,964
	Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	(17		)		—				(1,000		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$	101,879			$	64,800			$	39,252

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 27, 2014:
	For the fiscal years ending:
	2015	$	23,045
	2016	23,143
	2017	22,708
	2018	29,260
	2019	21,911
	Thereafter	283,667
		$	403,734

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans1

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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	1,915,476	$	20.07	$	8.83	$	60,594	2.29
	Non-vested	1,463,240	25.3		39.63		43,496		6.9
	Total outstanding	3,378,716	22.34		22.17		$	104,090	4.29
	Expected to vest after December 27, 2014	3,248,759	22.57				$	99,482	4.22

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide1

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
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 by the Company to stockholders are contained within the covenants under its revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela’s. In 2014, WFB paid $60,000 in dividends to Cabela's. At December 27, 2014, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $226,699 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. 27, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
		2014	2013	2012
	Common shares – basic	70,987,168	70,461,450	69,856,258
	Effect of incremental dilutive securities:
	Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans	890,688	1,317,093	1,853,615
	Common shares – diluted	71,877,856	71,778,543	71,709,873
	Stock options outstanding considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation	389,080	30,000	—

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. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Investments in Overnight Funds	$915	$32,885
Deferred Grant Income [Abstract]
Deferred Grant Income	283,432	289,903
Deferred Grant Income Reduction	0	0	1,309
Cumulative Deferred Grant Income Reduction			38,656
Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income	831	4,931	5,030
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities	0	0	5,030
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	0	0	17,694
Credit Card Origination Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Costs, Credit Card Origination Costs, Amount	165,018	146,081
Deferred Costs, Credit Card Origination Costs, Amortization	210,190	198,687	176,882
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Due from Banks	22,345	14,209
Cash and Cash Equivalent at Subsidiary	49,294	94,112
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]
Deferred Advertising Costs	2,952	5,445
Advertising Expense	236,431	208,184	201,456
Reimbursement Revenue	3,564	2,623	3,049
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period	7,788	4,270	2,798
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	3,565	4,164
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	2,523	2,468
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	542
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	304
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	163
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	75
Goodwill	3,023	3,295
Other [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net	17,900	15,109
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax	0	0
Gift Card Liability, Current	174,764	145,363
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards, Breakage	8,526	7,461	7,576
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Received	0	0	2,287
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Financial Incentives	0	4,931	1,309
Revenue from Points Redemptions	200,933	188,634	164,530
Other revenue, difference between the value and the cost of the points	8,269	7,139	7,158
Reserve for Inventory Shrinkage [Member]
Inventory Reserves [Abstract]
Inventory Valuation Reserves	9,368	6,573
Inventory Obsolescence Reserve [Member]
Inventory Reserves [Abstract]
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$7,641	$5,872

Cabelas_Master_Credit_Card_Tru1

Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated assets:
Restricted credit card loans, net of allowance of $56,280 and $52,820	$4,384,240	$3,903,410
Restricted cash	334,812	23,191
Total	4,719,052	3,926,601
Consolidated liabilities:
Secured variable funding obligations	480,000	50,000
Secured long-term obligations	3,047,250	2,452,250
Interest due to third party investors	2,256	1,904
Total	$3,529,506	$2,504,154

Cabelas_Master_Credit_Card_Tru2

Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust Parentheticals (Details) (Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust [Member], USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Restricted credit card loans of the Trust, allowance	$56,280	$52,820

Credit_Card_Loans_and_Allowanc1

Credit Card Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Deferred Costs, Credit Card Origination Costs, Amount	$8,745	$8,195
Restricted credit card loans of the Trust (restricted for repayment of secured obligations of the Trust)	4,440,520	3,956,230
Unrestricted credit card loans	31,614	29,619
Total credit card loans	4,472,134	3,985,849
Allowance for loan losses	-56,572	-53,110	-65,600
Credit card loans, net	4,421,185	3,938,630
Balance, beginning of year	-53,110	-65,600	-73,350
Provision for loan losses	-61,922	-43,223	-42,760
Net charge-offs	0	0	0
Balance, end of year	-56,572	-53,110	-65,600
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	61,922	43,223	42,760
Credit Card Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Deferred Costs, Credit Card Origination Costs, Amount	5,623	5,891
Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses	-7,740	-8,450
Balance, beginning of year	-8,450	-23,000
Provision for loan losses	-9,787	-4,586
Charge-offs	-14,718	-14,223
Recoveries	4,221	4,259
Net charge-offs	-10,497	-9,964
Balance, end of year	-7,740	-8,450
Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses	-56,572	-53,110
Balance, beginning of year	-53,110	-65,600
Provision for loan losses	-61,922	-43,223
Charge-offs	-76,868	-72,959
Recoveries	18,408	17,246
Net charge-offs	-58,460	-55,713
Balance, end of year	-56,572	-53,110
Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Allowance for loan losses	-48,832	-44,660
Balance, beginning of year	-44,660	-42,600
Provision for loan losses	-52,135	-47,809
Charge-offs	-62,150	-58,736
Recoveries	14,187	12,987
Net charge-offs	-47,963	-45,749
Balance, end of year	-48,832	-44,660
Restructured Credit Card Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Total credit card loans	$35,696	$42,967

Credit_Card_Loans_and_Allowanc2

Credit Card Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Schedule of Credit Card Balances by FICO Score (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	$4,472,134	$3,985,849
Loans and Leases Receivable, Consumer, Allowance	7,740	8,450
Current
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	4,382,393	3,909,052
1 to 29 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	61,523	51,038
30 to 59 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	11,435	10,179
60 or more days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	16,783	15,580
Total past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	89,741	76,797
90 days or more past due and still accruing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	8,694	8,071
Non-accrual
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	5,118	5,381
691 and Below
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	665,224	567,362
691 and Below | Current
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	618,961	527,202
691 and Below | 1 to 29 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	24,712	20,702
691 and Below | 30 to 59 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	7,722	7,013
691 and Below | 60 or more days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	13,829	12,445
691 and Below | Total past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	46,263	40,160
691 and Below | 90 days or more past due and still accruing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	7,561	6,637
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	1,475,229	1,314,816
692-758 | Current
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	1,455,292	1,299,982
692-758 | 1 to 29 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	18,121	13,421
692-758 | 30 to 59 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	1,453	1,229
692-758 | 60 or more days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	363	184
692-758 | Total past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	19,937	14,834
692-758 | 90 days or more past due and still accruing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	44	36
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	2,295,985	2,060,704
759 and Above | Current
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	2,279,309	2,047,424
759 and Above | 1 to 29 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	15,853	12,953
759 and Above | 30 to 59 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	775	296
759 and Above | 60 or more days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	48	31
759 and Above | Total past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	16,676	13,280
759 and Above | 90 days or more past due and still accruing
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	13	17
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	35,696	42,967
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | Current
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	28,831	34,444
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 1 to 29 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	2,837	3,962
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 30 to 59 days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	1,485	1,641
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | 60 or more days past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	2,543	2,920
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | Total past due
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	6,865	8,523
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	1,076	1,381
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1) | Non-accrual
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Credit Card Receivables	$5,118	$5,381

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land and improvements	$257,788	$216,826
Buildings and improvements	978,568	780,116
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	741,880	643,394
Assets held under capital lease	13,101	15,611
Property and equipment	1,991,337	1,655,947
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-642,123	-550,101
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,349,214	1,105,846
Construction in progress	258,939	181,699
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross	$1,608,153	$1,287,545

Securities_Available_for_sale_

Securities Available for sale securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$2,843
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two, Fair Value	3,585
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Three, Fair Value	3,532
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Four, Fair Value	4,114
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five, Fair Value	4,684
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	30,930
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	32,386
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	82,074	78,504	85,041	86,563
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Basis	2,084
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two, Amortized Cost Basis	2,727
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Three, Amortized Cost Basis	2,781
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Four, Amortized Cost Basis	3,275
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Five, Amortized Cost Basis	3,760
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	25,039
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis	27,199
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis	66,865
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	66,865	71,072
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	15,209	7,432
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment Income, Net [Abstract]
Investment Income, Interest	$3,954	$4,103	$4,931

Securities_Parentheticals_Deta

Securities Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
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. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Financial Services segment - accrued interest and other receivables	$50,838	$48,086
Other	43,091	42,352
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	93,929	90,438
Other assets:
Other property	17,900	15,109
Long-term notes and other receivables	10,412	10,972
Financial Services segment - deferred financing costs	8,745	8,195
Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,565	4,164
Other	6,796	5,863
Other Assets	$47,418	$44,303

Accrued_Expenses_and_other_lia2

Accrued Expenses and other liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Unrecognized Tax Benefit and Accrued Interest, Current	$48,123	$0
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	35,495	77,743
Accrued property, sales, and other taxes	35,087	31,133
Deferred revenue and accrued sales returns	31,162	28,794
Accrued Professional Fees	16,510	14,954
Accrued interest	8,727	8,718
Other	41,170	42,731
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$216,274	$204,073

Other_LongTerm_Liabilities_Det

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Accrued Interest, Non-current	$67,867	$73,922
Deferred rent expense and tenant allowances	45,122	39,546
Deferred grant income	11,776	12,586
Other long-term liabilities	1,450	1,964
Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	$126,215	$128,018

Time_Deposits_Details

Time Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value	$802,076	$1,062,312
Time Deposit Maturities, Next Twelve Months	273,081	297,645
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Two	215,691	273,385
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Three	26,056	216,619
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Four	20,930	26,110
Time Deposit Maturities, Year Five	37,186	20,911
Time Deposit Maturities, after Year Five	233,112	234,692
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More, Domestic	806,056	1,069,362
Time Deposits Maturities, after Next Twelve Months	$532,975	$771,717

Borrowings_of_Financial_Servic1

Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	$499,715	$331,065
Current maturities of long-term debt	-8,434	-8,418
Long-term debt, less current maturities	491,281	322,647
Secured Debt, Variable Funding Facility, March 23, 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	500,000	350,000
Secured Debt, Variable Funding Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,025,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	480,000
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount	29,603	26,328
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.76%	0.77%
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	1.61%	1.62%
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%	1.72%
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%	1.75%
Federal Funds Purchased [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	85,000
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount	0	228
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		0.75%
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%	1.48%
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%	1.30%
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%	1.21%
Series 2014-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Mar-17
Long-term Obligations	255,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.51%
Series 2014-ll [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	400,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Jul-19
Long-term Obligations	340,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.61%
Series 2013-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Feb-23	15-Feb-23
Long-term Obligations	327,250	327,250
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.71%	2.71%
Series 2013-II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Aug-18	15-Aug-18
Long-term Obligations	297,500	297,500
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.27%	1.27%
Note Class A [Member] | Series 2014-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Issued	255,000
Note Class A [Member] | Series 2014-ll [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Issued	340,000
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	1,449,750
Current maturities of long-term debt	-127,500
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,322,250	1,449,750
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%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2014-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	0
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.00%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2014-ll [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	0
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.00%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2013-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	327,250	327,250
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.71%	2.71%
Fixed Rate Obligation [Member] | Series 2013-II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	100,000	100,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.17%	2.17%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	1,597,500
Current maturities of long-term debt	-340,000
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,257,500	1,002,500
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	1.61%	1.62%
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	0.86%	0.87%
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	0.76%	0.77%
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	0.71%	0.72%
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	0.69%	0.70%
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	0.64%	0.65%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2014-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	255,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.51%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2014-ll [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	340,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.61%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2013-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	0	0
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Variable Rate Obligations [Member] | Series 2013-II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	197,500	197,500
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.81%	0.82%
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Series 2014-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Issued	45,000
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Series 2014-ll [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Issued	60,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Obligations	3,047,250	2,452,250
Current maturities of long-term debt	-467,500
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$2,579,750	$2,452,250
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%
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%

Borrowings_of_Financial_Servic2

Borrowings of Financial Services Subsidiary Parentheticals (Details) (Federal Funds Purchased [Member], USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Federal Funds Purchased [Member]
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. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount that Line of Credit Facility may be Increased to	$800,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	180,000	2,932
Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount	255,499	130,729
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	1.42%	1.44%
Letter of Credit, Average Outstanding Amount	21,746	20,536
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments	226,699
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	775,000	415,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Trade Purchases	30,000	20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	75,000	100,000
CANADA
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	20,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	10,000
Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$20,064	$17,378

LongTerm_Debt_and_Capital_Leas2

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$180,000	$2,932
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%	32,571	40,714
Capital Lease Obligations	12,144	12,419
Current maturities of long-term debt	-8,434	-8,418
Long-term debt, less current maturities	491,281	322,647
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	16,500
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	21,500
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	-9,356
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	12,144
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	223,143
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	68,143
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	8,142
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	180,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	0
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	487,571
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	12,144
Long-term Debt	499,715	331,065
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			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Nov. 30, 2006
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income									$0	$4,931	$1,309
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought				1062
Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income									-831	-4,931	-5,030
Property, equipment, and other assets									0	937	1,321
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net	17,900				15,109				17,900	15,109
Other property									0	0	17,694
Asset Impairment Charges									0	5,868	20,324
Severance Costs									641	0	0
Restructuring charges for severance and related benefits	0	0	641	0	4,931	0	937	0	641	5,868	20,324
Financial Incentives Received														5,000
Financial Incentives, Accrued Liability					5,000					5,000
Settlement Value of the Property					8,625					8,625
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value										13,625
Estimated Litigation Liability	15,707				14,125				15,707	14,125
Accumulated amortization of deferred grant income									0	0	1,309
Cumulative Deferred Grant Income Reduction											38,656	38,656
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities									0	0	5,030
Corporate Segment [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Property, equipment, and other assets										820
Other Segments [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Property, equipment, and other assets										117
Colorado Property [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net											5,820	5,820
Other property												$14,946	$3,348

Interest_Expense_Income_Net_De

Interest (Expense) Income, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET [Abstract]
Interest expense	($29,648)	($26,159)	($22,969)
Capitalized interest	7,788	4,270	2,798
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	21,860	21,889	20,171
Interest income	18	35	48
Interest Income (Expense), Net	($21,842)	($21,854)	($20,123)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal	$276,041	$244,878	$164,433
Foreign	42,436	98,650	97,281
Total	318,477	343,528	261,714
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Federal	114,420	105,241	79,997
State	7,032	7,714	7,397
Foreign	6,872	14,414	16,279
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	128,324	127,369	103,673
Federal	-14,024	-8,497	-16,145
State	2,477	-49	121
Foreign	-15	315	552
Deferred income taxes	-11,562	-8,231	-15,472
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	116,762	119,138	88,201
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	2.00%	1.50%	1.90%
Other nondeductible items	0.40%	0.20%	0.70%
Tax exempt interest income	-0.70%	-0.40%	-0.50%
Rate differential on foreign income	0.40%	-4.30%	-3.80%
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	-1.40%	2.90%	0.40%
Deferred income tax rate change	0.50%	0.10%	0.40%
Other, net	0.50%	-0.30%	-0.40%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	36.70%	34.70%	33.70%
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Deferred compensation	14,016	12,504
Deferred revenue	4,755	5,137
Reserve for returns	6,148	5,988
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	12,523	27,970
Gift certificates liability	10,392	8,794
Allowance for loans losses and doubtful accounts	22,093	20,600
Loyalty rewards programs	61,146	36,597
Other	13,761	5,505
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	144,834	123,095
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	143,142	123,095
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	10,888	11,608
Property and equipment	76,917	75,988
Inventories	3,265	3,172
Credit card loan fee deferral	38,743	32,296
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings	964	0
Economic development bonds	3,681	743
Other	830	58
Deferred Tax Liabilities	135,288	123,865
Net deferred tax (asset) liability	-7,854	770
Less current deferred income taxes	-14,400	-2,348
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities	-6,546
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	64,800	39,252	37,608
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions	-4,686	-3,428	-2,369
Gross increases related to prior period tax positions	29,281	15,759	49
Gross increases related to current period tax positions	12,501	13,217	4,964
Gross decreases related to current period tax positions	17	0	-1,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	101,879	64,800	39,252
Income Taxes
Unrecognized Tax Benefit, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Credit		3,425
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	4,989		592
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	14,111	9,122
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	12,305
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	11,016
Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries	166,000
Income Tax Potential, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings	33,000
Cash and Cash Equivalent Held by Foreign Subsidiary	74,069
Operating Loss Carryforwards	8,330
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	2,199
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	-1,692	0
Income Tax Deposit on Prior Period Uncertain Tax Positions	103,418
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	6,546	3,118
Paid in prior periods [Member]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Deposit on Prior Period Uncertain Tax Positions	53,418
Paid in current period [Member]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Deposit on Prior Period Uncertain Tax Positions	50,000
Subsidiaries [Member]
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities	507
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Income Taxes
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$1,806

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	$23,045,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	23,143,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	22,708,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	29,260,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	21,911,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	283,667,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	403,734,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	19,716,000	14,319,000	13,605,000
Tenant Allowance
Payments for (Proceeds from) Tenant Allowance	3,750,000	4,969,000
Other Commitments [Abstract]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	523,500,000
Committments to Extend Credit	30,491,000,000	25,255,000,000
Grant Funding Subject to Contractual Remedies	44,112,000	43,536,000
Grant Funding Received	0
Grant Funding Subject to Contractual Remedies, Liability Recorded	22,887,000	22,536,000
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		4,687,000
Self Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Disability, Accident and Health	4,713,000	4,839,000
Workers' Compensation Liability, Current	3,698,000	5,513,000
Payment Guarantee [Member]
Other Commitments [Abstract]
Letters of Credit, Outstanding Amount	43,105,000	48,409,000
Credit Card Intermediary [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current			$12,500,000

Regulatory_Capital_Requirement1

Regulatory Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
Capital	$527,873	$511,617
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	11.30%	12.50%
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	372,851	327,218
Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Risk Weighted Assets	8.00%	8.00%
Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	466,064	409,022
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	471,301	460,465
Tier One Risk Based Capital to Risk Weighted Assets	10.10%	11.30%
Tier One Risk Based Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	186,425	163,609
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	279,638	245,413
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	471,301	460,465
Tier One Leverage Capital to Average Assets	10.30%	11.10%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy	183,481	165,341
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Average Assets	4.00%	4.00%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	$229,351	$206,677
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
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	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	1.52%	0.76%	0.84%
Share-based Compensation	$17,498	$14,969	$13,733
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	26,656
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	46.00%	47.00%	48.00%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	5 years 10 months 24 days	5 years 10 months 24 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$27.83	$22.60	$15.72
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Fair Value of Shares Issued				1,167
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	117	233
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,378,716	3,461,364
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	40,717	54,755	53,198
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	15,933	12,899	10,721
Closing Stock Price of one share of Cabela's Stock	$51.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,885,476
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	3,337,974	3,949,030
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.09
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	31,013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	-104,920
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-101,557
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$41.59
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	74,054
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	8,247	10,920	9,709
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	1,463,240	1,472,073
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, Vested in Period	-549,345
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$29
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	194,905
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$66.32
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	$48.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	642,069
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	642,069
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-286,770
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Period Increase (Decrease)	-642,069
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	-333,027
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	$66.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	724,367
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	291,705
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	662,026
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	3,337,974
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	2,716,690
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	2,571,299
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	1,896,131
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, Outstanding, Number	3,378,716
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,915,476
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,463,240
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$25.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$39.63
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	$43,496,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Fair Value	$8.83
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	60,594
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Fair Value	$22.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	104,090
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 3 months 14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	3,248,759
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$99,482
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 19 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] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$61.23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	409
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	40,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$61.53
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	$66.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	83,050
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	51,050
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	$76.27

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans3

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Share Based Payment Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 27, 2008
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$0	$117	$233
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.09
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	31,013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	104,920
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	549,345
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	101,557
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,885,476
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,463,240	1,472,073
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, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,378,716	3,461,364
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, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$41.59
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	3,337,974	3,949,030
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$27.83	$22.60	$15.72
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.52%	0.76%	0.84%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				111,324
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$10.48
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,896,131
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	333,027
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	642,069
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	642,069
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$48.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Period Increase (Decrease)	642,069
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	286,770
All Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,915,476
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Fair Value	$8.83
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	60,594
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 3 months 14 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 19 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,463,240
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$39.63
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value	$43,496,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,378,716
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$25.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	104,090
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 3 months 14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Fair Value	$22.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	3,248,759
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$99,482
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	194,905
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$66.32
Director [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	409
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$61.23
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	64,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$76.27

Stock_Based_Compensation_Plans4

Stock Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans Exercise Price Range (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
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	3,378,716	3,461,364
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, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,885,476
Exercise Price Range, $0.00 to $11.28 [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	1,097,480
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 10 months 17 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	299,466
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.80
Exercise Price Range, $6.75 to $13.48 [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	1,235,967
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 5 months 26 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,235,967
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.22
Exercise Price Range, $13.49 to $20.23 [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	402,471
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.38
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 7 months 17 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	300,744
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$30.09
Exercise Price Range, $20.24 to $26.97 [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	64,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$40.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 2 months 5 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Exercise Price Range, $26.98 to $33.71 [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	288,718
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$53.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 3 months 22 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	49,299
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.91
Exercise Price Range, $33.72 to $40.45 [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	290,080
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$68.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 6 months 14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	30,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$67.69
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	3,378,716
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 3 months 14 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,915,476
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.07

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide2

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Feb. 13, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company	$60,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		650,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000		10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01		$0.01
Retained earnings	$226,699

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide3

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	($21,227)	($6,406)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-11,706	-1,724
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated net unrealized holding gains on economic development bonds	$9,521	$4,682

Stockholders_Equity_and_Divide4

Stockholders' Equity and Dividend Restrictions Treasury Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Balance, beginning of year	0	0	492,414
Purchase of treasury stock at a cost of $10,053(1)	0	181,179
Treasury shares issued on exercise of stock options and share-based payment awards	$0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued		673,593
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		17,439

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common shares – basic	70,987,168	70,461,450	69,856,258
Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans	890,688	1,317,093	1,853,615
Common shares – diluted	71,877,856	71,778,543	71,709,873
Stock options outstanding considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation	389,080	30,000	0

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Other Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities	$0	$0	$5,030
Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income	831	4,931	5,030
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)	40,255	36,707	23,225
Contribution of land received	0	0	2,287
Other cash flow information:
Interest paid (2)	80,311	78,261	78,841
Capitalized interest	-7,788	-4,270	-2,798
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	72,523	73,991	76,043
Income taxes, net of refunds	145,196	83,118	136,959
Interest Paid by Subsidiary [Abstract]
Interest Paid By Subsidiary	$64,009	$63,363	$54,301

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue Before Intersegment Eliminations									$3,632,839
Goodwill	3,023				3,295				3,023	3,295
Cash and Cash Equivalent at Subsidiary	49,294				94,112				49,294	94,112
Merchandise sales									3,200,219	3,205,632	2,778,903
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	1,274,624	886,002	761,201	725,823	1,189,447	850,828	756,805	802,497	3,647,650	3,599,577	3,112,682
Financial Services Revenue									430,385	375,810	319,399
Other revenue									17,046	18,135	14,380
Operating Income (Loss)	128,636	93,915	71,991	40,853	138,708	76,603	66,935	79,115	335,395	361,361	275,699
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue									9.20%	10.00%	8.90%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									113,097	93,407	79,269
Assets	7,675,317				6,396,864				7,675,317	6,396,864	5,748,163
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)									435,636	347,956	230,009
Interest and fee income									400,948	343,353	301,699
Interest expense									-64,167	-63,831	-54,092
Provision for loan losses									-61,922	-43,223	-42,760
Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses									274,859	236,299	204,847
Non-interest income:
Interchange income									366,633	344,979	292,151
Other non-interest income									3,338	7,530	12,364
Total non-interest income									369,971	352,509	304,515
Less: Customer rewards costs									-214,445	-212,998	-189,963
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Intercompany License Fee Paid, Total									10,945
Intercompany License Fee Paid, Paid To The Retail Segment									6,676
Intercompany License Fee Paid, Paid To The Direct Segment									4,269
451110 Sporting Goods Stores [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Merchandise sales									2,348,481	2,232,018	1,847,960
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue									2,350,685	2,233,322	1,849,582
Financial Services Revenue									0	0	0
Other revenue									2,204	1,304	1,622
Operating Income (Loss)									417,655	428,361	345,040
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue									17.80%	19.20%	18.70%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									68,005	54,882	46,997
Assets	1,585,219				1,327,047				1,585,219	1,327,047	1,048,747
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)									307,495	288,521	181,676
454390 Other Direct Selling Establishments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Merchandise sales									851,738	973,614	930,943
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue									851,738	973,614	930,943
Financial Services Revenue									0	0	0
Other revenue									0	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)									112,717	157,227	155,237
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue									13.20%	16.10%	16.70%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									4,915	7,579	7,361
Assets	297,763				208,525				297,763	208,525	171,461
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)									161	149	1,172
551111 Offices of Bank Holding Companies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue Before Intersegment Eliminations									415,574
Intersegment Revenue Eliminated In Consolidation									14,811
Merchandise sales									0	0	0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue									430,385	375,810	319,399
Financial Services Revenue										375,810	319,399
Other revenue									0	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)									111,650	104,402	74,182
Operating Income as a Percentage of Revenue									26.90%	27.80%	23.20%
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									1,554	1,545	1,277
Assets	4,912,491				4,135,014				4,912,491	4,135,014	3,730,438
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)									1,964	1,332	3,757
All Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Merchandise sales									0	0	0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue									14,842	16,831	12,758
Financial Services Revenue									0	0	0
Other revenue									14,842	16,831	12,758
Operating Income (Loss)									-306,627	-328,629	-298,760
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization									38,623	29,401	23,634
Assets	879,844				726,278				879,844	726,278	797,517
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)									$126,016	$57,954	$43,404
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									44.30%	48.00%	45.30%
Hunting Equipment [Member] | Direct Sales [Domain]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									37.10%	41.20%	37.10%
Hunting Equipment [Member] | Retail Sales [Domain]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									47.10%	51.00%	49.50%
General Outdoor [Member]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									30.30%	27.50%	29.80%
General Outdoor [Member] | Direct Sales [Domain]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									32.00%	29.10%	32.00%
General Outdoor [Member] | Retail Sales [Domain]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									29.60%	26.80%	28.70%
Clothing and Footwear [Member]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									25.40%	24.50%	24.90%
Clothing and Footwear [Member] | Direct Sales [Domain]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									30.90%	29.70%	30.90%
Clothing and Footwear [Member] | Retail Sales [Domain]
Non-interest income:
Merchandise Revenue Percentage									23.30%	22.20%	21.80%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure		$82,074	$78,504	$85,041	$86,563
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)		0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		7,777	-3,064	5,814
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax		0	0
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities		558	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Debt		0	0	0
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities		-4,765	-3,473	-2,306
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases, Sales, Issuances, Settlements		-4,207	-3,473	-2,306
Deferred Grant Income Reduction		0	0	-1,309
Increases in Depreciation Expense Related to Reductions in Deferred Grant Income		831	4,931	5,030
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities		0	0	5,030
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax		4,839	-2,141	3,779
Asset Impairment Charges		0	5,868	20,324
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value			13,625
Estimated Litigation Liability		15,707	14,125
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought	1062
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Financial Incentives		$0	$4,931	$1,309

Fair_Value_Measurements_Estima

Fair Value Measurements Estimates of Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current	$4,421,185	$3,938,630
Loans Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure	4,421,185	3,938,630
Time Deposits	806,056	1,069,362
Deposits, Fair Value Disclosure	857,327	1,070,831
Long-term Debt	499,715	331,065
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	521,212	363,848
Secured Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	3,047,250	2,452,250
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$3,014,446	$2,405,494

Fair_Value_Measurements_Impair

Fair Value Measurements Impairment Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Carrying Value, Other Property and Other Assets	$0	$49,343	$30,669
Fair Value, Other Property and Other Assets	0	43,475	11,654
Asset Impairment Charges	0	5,868	20,324
Land Held For Sale and Other Assets [Domain]
Asset Impairment Charges	$0	$5,868	$19,015

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. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$1,274,624	$886,002	$761,201	$725,823	$1,189,447	$850,828	$756,805	$802,497	$3,647,650	$3,599,577	$3,112,682
Operating income	128,636	93,915	71,991	40,853	138,708	76,603	66,935	79,115	335,395	361,361	275,699
Net Income, by quarter	78,610	53,839	43,517	25,749	80,112	49,886	44,545	49,847	201,715	224,390	173,513
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.11	$0.76	$0.61	$0.36	$1.13	$0.71	$0.63	$0.71	$2.84	$3.18	$2.48
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.10	$0.75	$0.61	$0.36	$1.12	$0.70	$0.62	$0.70	$2.81	$3.13	$2.42
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$0	$0	$641	$0	$4,931	$0	$937	$0	$641	$5,868	$20,324

Schedule_II_Details

Schedule II (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$53,110	$65,600	$73,350
Provision for loan losses	-61,922	-43,223	-42,760
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Net	0	0	0
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Period Increase (Decrease)	-58,460	-55,713	-50,510
Balance, end of year	56,572	53,110	65,600
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	1,208	1,178	4,772
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	2,476	2,871	1,800
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	-2,715	-2,841	-5,394
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	969	1,208	1,178
Allowance for Sales Returns [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	24,617	21,971	19,507
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	233,192	193,176	174,854
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	-231,369	-190,530	-172,390
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	26,440	24,617	21,971
Allowance for Notes Receivable [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable balances	4,263	4,263	4,263
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
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	$4,263	$4,263	$4,263

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Series 2010-I [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015
Series 2010-I [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$255,000