| 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, websites in the United States and Canada, and regular and specialty catalog mailings. Cabela’s Incorporated operates 85 retail stores, 74 located in 36 states and 11 located in six Canadian provinces. World’s Foremost Bank (“WFB,” “Financial Services segment,” or “Cabela’s CLUB”), a Nebraska banking corporation and a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of Cabela’s Incorporated, is a limited purpose bank formed under the Competitive Equality Banking Act of 1987. The lending activities of WFB are limited to credit card lending and its deposit issuance is limited to time deposits of at least one hundred thousand dollars. Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cabela’s Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Cabela’s,” “Company,” “we,” or “our”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications were made to the previously reported 2015 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2016 presentation. 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 31, 2016 (“ 2016 ” or “ year ended 2016 ”), the 53 weeks ended January 2, 2016 (“ 2015 ” or “ year ended 2015 ”), and the 52 weeks ended December 27, 2014 (“ 2014 ” or “ year ended 2014 ”). WFB follows a calendar fiscal period so each fiscal year ends on December 31st. The effect of the extra week in 2015 on total revenue was an increase of $84 million . Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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. Segment Reporting – Effective the beginning of fiscal year 2016, the Company realigned its organizational structure and updated its reportable operating segments. The Company now accounts for its operations as two operating segments: Merchandising and Financial Services. For more information on this change in segments see Note 23 “Segment Reporting” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized for retail store sales at the time of the sale in the store and for Internet and catalog 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 and gift cards (“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 $11 million , $10 million , and $9 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Cabela’s gift instrument liability at the end of 2016 and 2015 was $195 million and $184 million , 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 Merchandising segment). The net amount related to points in other revenue totaled $7 million , $8 million , and $8 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 $233 million , $219 million , and $201 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Costs incurred under our loyalty rewards programs recognized as a reduction in Financial Services segment revenue was $233 million , $222 million , and $210 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Financial Services revenue includes credit card interest and fees relating to late payments 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. Selling, distribution, and administrative (“SD&A”) 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 $23 million and $24 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unpresented checks, net of available cash bank balances, are classified as current liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $150 million and $157 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , 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 loans 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 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. Management estimates losses from the restructured credit card loans segment based on a discounted cash flow model, which uses remaining balances and projected charge-offs, recoveries, and payments to calculate future cash flows. The allowance for loan losses is determined as the difference between the balance of the restructured credit card loans segment and the related discounted present value of the future cash flows. 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 $20 million and $11 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The reserves for returns of damaged goods, obsolescence, and slow-moving items, estimated based upon historical experience, inventory aging, and specific identification, were $12 million and $10 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , 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. Advertising and Deferred Catalog Costs – 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. Advertising expense, including direct marketing costs (website marketing paid search fees and amortization of catalog costs), was $229 million , $235 million , and $236 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Advertising vendor reimbursements, netted in advertising expense, totaled $1 million , $4 million , and $4 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Unamortized catalog costs totaled $1 million and $2 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Store Pre-opening Expenses – Non-capital costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred. Retail store pre-opening costs totaled $7 million , $23 million , and $24 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. 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 $3 million , $10 million , and $8 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Costs related to internally developed software are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Intangible Assets – The net unamortized balance of intangible assets consists primarily of goodwill and is recorded in other assets. At the end of both 2016 and 2015 , goodwill and intangible assets totaled $3 million , net of accumulated amortization of $3 million and $2 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , we completed impairment analyses of our goodwill and other intangible assets. We did not recognize any impairments on intangible assets in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . 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 $23 million and $31 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , respectively, was included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. We intend to sell our other property as soon as any such sale could be economically feasible, and we continue to monitor such property for impairment. Government Economic Assistance and Economic Development Bonds (“EDBs”) – When we construct a new retail store or retail development, we may receive economic assistance from local governments to fund a portion or all of the Company’s associated construction costs which helps to improve the return on investment of our new retail stores. This assistance typically comes in the form of cash grants, land grants, the recapture of incremental sales, property, or other taxes, and/or proceeds from the sale of EDBs funded by the local government. The Company has historically purchased the majority of the bonds associated with its developments. EDBs 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 made available to fund land, retail store construction, and/or development infrastructure costs and 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 $301 million and $306 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , 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 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 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . We have also received grant funding in exchange for commitments made by us to the state or local government providing the funding. The grant commitments contain covenants we are required to comply with regarding minimum employment levels, maintaining retail stores in certain locations, and maintaining office facilities in certain locations. For these grants we recognize grant revenue as the milestones associated with the grant are met. The commitments typically phase out over approximately five to 10 years. If we fail to maintain the commitments during the applicable period, the funds we received may have to be repaid or other adverse consequences may arise, which could affect our cash flows and profitability. No grant funding subject to contractual remedy was received in 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . For 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the Company was in compliance with the requirements under these grants. 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 EDBs 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, we 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 the fourth quarter of 2016, we identified three EDBs where the actual tax revenues associated with these properties were lower than previously projected. Therefore, we determined that the fair value of these EDBs were below their respective carrying values, with the declines in fair value deemed to be other than temporary, which resulted in a fair value adjustment totaling $6 million . Accordingly, deferred grant income was reduced by $6 million due to other than temporary impairment loss of the same amount that was recognized on the EDBs. This reduction in deferred grant income resulted in increases in depreciation expense of $2 million which was included in impairment and restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of income. There were no other than temporary fair value adjustments of EDBs and no adjustments of deferred grant income related to EDBs in 2015 and 2014 . At December 31, 2016 , and January 2, 2016 , EDBs totaled $70 million and $84 million , respectively, and are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. EDBs are related to our government economic assistance arrangements relating to the construction of new retail stores or retail development. EDBs issued by state and local municipalities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at their fair value. The payments of principal and interest on the bonds are typically tied to sales, property, or lodging taxes generated from the store and, in some cases, from businesses in the surrounding area, over periods which range between 15 and 30 years. Declines in the fair value of EDBs below cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings. The Company may agree to guarantee deficiencies in tax collections which fund the repayment of EDBs. We did not guarantee any EDBs that we owned at the end of 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . On a quarterly basis, we perform various procedures to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from its EDBs. We revalue each EDB 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 our business, fourth quarter sales are significant to projecting future cash flows under the EDBs. 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 we purchase 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 EDBs carried on our consolidated balance sheet, 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 $193 million and $181 million at the end of 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and the Cabela’s CLUB points issued never expire. 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 and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Costs associated with awards are included in compensation expense as a component of SD&A 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 $29 million and $21 million invested in overnight funds at the end of 2016 and 2015 , 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 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, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale EDBs, 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. Adoption of New Accounting Principles – In the first quarter of 2016 we adopted the guidance of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which required that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The following table summarizes the effects of this new guidance on amounts previously reported in our consolidated balance sheet for the year ended 2015 . As Reported Adjustment As Adjusted Other assets (including economic development bonds) $ 148,214 $ (9,499 ) $ 138,715 Total assets 8,472,503 (9,499 ) 8,463,004 Current maturities of secured long-term obligations of the Trust 510,000 (327 ) 509,673 Total current liabilities 2,475,903 (327 ) 2,475,576 Secured long-term obligations of the Trust, less current maturities 2,728,500 (7,241 ) 2,721,259 Long-term debt, less current maturities 637,829 (1,931 ) 635,898 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 8,472,503 (9,499 ) 8,463,004 |
