Smart & Final Stores 10-K 25 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 20, 2015	Jun. 15, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Smart & Final Stores, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1563407
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	28-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-16
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		73,771,652
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$106,847	$53,699
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $787 and $766 at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively	23,666	19,453
Inventories	223,404	209,502
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,532	17,938
Deferred income taxes	22,419	20,747
Total current assets	402,868	321,339
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	11,165	10,394
Buildings and improvements	23,938	20,441
Leasehold improvements	176,114	119,306
Fixtures and equipment	203,473	148,271
Construction in progress	7,344	5,541
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	422,034	303,953
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	115,350	59,961
Property, plant, and equipment, net	306,684	243,992
Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization of $9,486 and $5,168 at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively	10,403	12,664
Other intangible assets, net	325,289	328,865
Goodwill	611,242	611,242
Deferred financing costs, net	5,894	8,272
Equity investment in joint venture	11,924	10,948
Other assets	54,988	62,219
Total assets	1,729,292	1,599,541
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	184,897	153,644
Accrued salaries and wages	28,582	22,337
Accrued expenses	72,667	69,174
Current portion of long-term debt		7,200
Total current liabilities	286,146	252,355
Long-term debt, less current portion and debt discount	588,117	698,991
Deferred income taxes	125,673	151,232
Postretirement and postemployment benefits	127,004	84,155
Other long-term liabilities	85,144	70,949
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized shares - 10,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares - none
Common stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized shares - 340,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares - 73,755,388 and 57,171,190 at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively	74	57
Additional paid-in capital	489,550	311,935
Retained earnings (deficit)	32,001	-1,117
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-4,417	30,984
Total stockholders' equity	517,208	341,859
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,729,292	$1,599,541

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$787	$766
Capitalized software, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$9,486	$5,168
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, authorized shares	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized shares	340,000,000	340,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	73,755,388	57,171,190
Common stock, outstanding shares	73,755,388	57,171,190

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	10 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 14, 2012
Predecessor
Net sales	$2,664,162
Cost of sales, buying and occupancy	2,265,154
Gross margin	399,008
Operating and administrative expenses	355,681
(Income) loss on property sales	8,818
Income (loss) from operations	34,509
Interest expense, net	-20,761
Equity in earnings of joint venture	820
Income (loss) before income taxes	14,568
Income tax (provision) benefit	-244
Net income (loss)	14,324
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$1.07
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$1.03
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	13,363,635
Diluted (in shares)	13,927,566
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	14,324
Minimum pension, SERP and postretirement benefit plan obligation adjustment, net of tax of $(21,744), $15,066, $4,029 and $421, respectively	-628
Derivative instruments:
Foreign currency translation	1,819
Other comprehensive (loss) income	1,191
Comprehensive (loss) income	($15,515)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	10 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 14, 2012
Predecessor
Minimum pension, SERP and postretirement benefit plan obligation adjustment, tax	($421)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Predecessor	Predecessor	Predecessor	Predecessor	Predecessor	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at Jan. 01, 2012	$134	$351,708	($55,399)	($47,864)	$248,579
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2012	13,362,665
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Share-based compensation		7,171			7,171
Tax benefits for exercise of stock options		15,801			15,801
Stock option excercise		10			10
Stock option exercise (in shares)	1,880
Net income (loss)			14,324		14,324
Other comprehensive income (loss)				1,191	1,191
Balance at Nov. 14, 2012	134	374,690	-41,075	-46,673	287,076
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 14, 2012	13,364,545
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock, other						57	299,144			299,201
Issuance of common stock, other (in shares)						56,848,190
Successor options awarded in exchange for Predecessor options							11,091			11,091
Net income (loss)								-9,288		-9,288
Other comprehensive income (loss)									6,019	6,019
Balance at Dec. 30, 2012						57	310,235	-9,288	6,019	307,023
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2012						56,848,190
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock, other							1,700			1,700
Issuance of common stock, other (in shares)						323,000
Net income (loss)								8,171		8,171
Other comprehensive income (loss)									24,965	24,965
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013						57	311,935	-1,117	30,984	341,859
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2013						57,171,190
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock in IPO, net of issuance costs of $5,368						15	167,697			167,712
Issuance of common stock in IPO, net of issuance costs of $5,368 (in shares)						15,467,500
Issuance of common stock, other							79			79
Issuance of common stock, other (in shares)						9,500
Issuance of restricted stock awards						1	-1
Issuance of restricted stock awards (in shares)						681,028
Share-based compensation							11,329			11,329
Tax benefits for exercise of stock options							728			728
Stock option excercise						1	-2,217			-2,216
Stock option exercise (in shares)						426,170
Net income (loss)								33,118		33,118
Other comprehensive income (loss)									-35,401	-35,401
Balance at Dec. 28, 2014						$74	$489,550	$32,001	($4,417)	$517,208
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2014						73,755,388

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	($9,288)	$33,118	$8,171
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	4,043	35,565	33,414
Amortization	11,910	28,629	27,345
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount	518	3,275	4,465
Share-based compensation		11,329
Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments		-728
Deferred income taxes	-5,246	-3,826	-1,258
Equity in earnings of joint venture		-1,037	-1,649
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment	-1	-30	75
Asset impairment	23	988	1,105
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		2,224	24,487
Dividend from joint venture			577
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	397	-2,931	-1,755
Inventories, net	11,412	-13,902	-14,099
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-807	-8,074	6,218
Accounts payable	11,401	-31,253	-20,067
Accrued salaries and wages	-2,325	-6,245	3,112
Other accrued liabilities	13,657	-3,239	-3,466
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-9,772	125,337	107,517
Investing activities
Acquisition of SFHC, net of cash acquired	-631,773
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	-3,302	-114,933	-52,884
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment	1,383	95	85
Investment in capitalized software	-124	-2,466	-2,209
Purchase of intangible asset		-100
Other	98	34	-311
Net cash used in investing activities	-633,718	-117,370	-55,319
Financing activities
Borrowings on bank line of credit	10,000		5,000
Issuance of bank debt, net of issuance costs	702,508		188,985
Issuance of common stock in IPO		173,080
Issuance of common stock, other	299,201	79	1,700
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		450
Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock option exercise		-2,667
Fees paid in conjunction with debt financing	-17,179	-315	-1,073
Payments on bank line of credit	-8,000		-7,000
Payments on bank debt	-307,053	-120,880	-199,213
Payments of deferred IPO issuance costs		-5,046
Excess tax benefits related to share- based payments		728
Contingent consideration related to acquisition of SFHC		-248	-22,885
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	679,477	45,181	-34,486
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	35,987	53,148	17,712
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		53,699	35,987
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	35,987	106,847	53,699
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	994	41,290	45,547
Income taxes		25,372	12,718
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Software development costs incurred but not paid	49	419	49
Construction in progress costs incurred but not paid	1,107	8,101	3,366
Issuance costs incurred but not paid		222
Successor options awarded in exchange for Predecessor options	11,091
Other consideration payable for acquisition of SFHC	25,522	2,359	2,607
Predecessor
Operating activities
Net income (loss)				14,324
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation				21,381
Amortization				22,664
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount				1,997
Share-based compensation				7,481
Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments				-21,402
Deferred income taxes				-10,508
Equity in earnings of joint venture				-820
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment				8,773
Asset impairment				544
Dividend from joint venture				11,624
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net				-884
Inventories, net				-16,539
Prepaid expenses and other assets				-20,512
Accounts payable				-12,301
Accrued salaries and wages				6,985
Other accrued liabilities				6,827
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities				16,612
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment				-44,201
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment				27,209
Investment in capitalized software				-2,578
Change in restricted cash				4,951
Other				-2,870
Net cash used in investing activities				-17,489
Financing activities
Borrowings on bank line of credit				12,000
Fees paid in conjunction with debt financing				-311
Payments on bank line of credit				-12,000
Excess tax benefits related to share- based payments				21,402
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities				21,091
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents				20,214
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				72,462
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period				92,676
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest				18,144
Income taxes				54,655
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Software development costs incurred but not paid				10
Construction in progress costs incurred but not paid				$1,987

Description_of_Business_and_Ba

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
	1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Business
	Smart & Final Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SFSI" or the "Successor" and, collectively with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the "Company"), is engaged primarily in the business of selling fresh perishables and everyday grocery items, together with foodservice, packaging and janitorial products. The Company operates non-membership, warehouse-style stores offering products in a range of product sizes.
	Smart & Final Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation ("SFHC" or the "Predecessor" and, collectively with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the "Predecessor Company"), together with its wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries, was formed in connection with the acquisition of the "Smart & Final" and "Cash & Carry" businesses through the purchase of the publicly traded stock of Smart & Final Inc. ("SFI") and the concurrent acquisition of SFI's majority stockholder Casino USA, Inc. ("Casino USA") on May 31, 2007. The principal acquiring entity in both the SFI acquisition and the Casino USA acquisition was an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P. ("Apollo"). Together, the two acquisitions are referred to as the "Apollo Acquisition."
	Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. was formed in connection with the acquisition of the "Smart & Final" and "Cash & Carry" businesses through the purchase of all of the outstanding common stock of the Predecessor on November 15, 2012. The principal acquiring entities were affiliates of Ares Management, L.P. ("Ares"), and the acquisition is referred to as the "Ares Acquisition." The Successor changed its name to Smart & Final Stores, Inc. on June 16, 2014.
	The Company operates non-membership warehouse-style grocery stores under the "Smart & Final" banner in California, Arizona, and Nevada. These stores are operated through the Company's principal subsidiary, Smart & Final Stores LLC, a California limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of SFSI ("Smart & Final Stores"), and other related entities. Beginning in 2008, the Company began opening an expanded Smart & Final store format named "Smart & Final Extra!" ("Extra!"). At December 28, 2014, the Company operated 201 stores, including 98 Extra! format stores, under the "Smart & Final" banner.
	The Company also operates non-membership warehouse-style grocery stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Nevada under the "Cash & Carry" banner. At December 28, 2014, the Company operated 53 "Cash & Carry" stores.
	The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Smart & Final de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("SF Mexico"), is a Mexican holding company that owns 50% of a joint venture. The other 50% of the joint venture is owned by Grupo Calimax S.A. de C.V., an entity comprising the investment interests of a family group which is also the owner of the Calimax grocery store chain in Mexico. At December 28, 2014, this joint venture operated 14 "Smart & Final" format stores in Northwestern Mexico, similar in concept to the Company's U.S. "Smart & Final" stores. This joint venture operates the Mexico stores as a Mexican domestic corporation under the name Smart & Final del Noroeste, S.A. de C.V. ("SFDN").
	The Company's 50% joint venture interest is accounted for by the equity method of accounting. The investment in SFDN at each reporting fiscal year-end is reported in the consolidated balance sheets under "Equity investment in joint venture." The carrying value of the investment as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 represents undistributed earnings of the joint venture and an $8.0 million fair value purchase accounting adjustment recorded as a result of the Ares Acquisition. The "Retained earnings/deficit" on SFHI's consolidated balance sheets included earnings of SFDN of $1.0 million and $1.6 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. As of December 30, 2012, SFDN has declared dividends of $15.4 million, representing earnings through 2011. Of the $15.4 million declared dividends, SFDN paid $0.6 million during the year ended December 29, 2013 and $11.6 million during the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012. At the end of fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company revalued the dividend receivable due to exchange rate fluctuations and recorded exchange losses of $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The 2014, 2013 and 2012 undistributed earnings are considered retained indefinitely for reinvestment and, accordingly, no provision is made for U.S. federal and state income taxes and foreign income taxes. See Note 10, Income Taxes.
	Initial Public Offering
	On September 29, 2014, SFSI completed its initial public offering (the "IPO"), pursuant to which it sold an aggregate of 15,467,500 shares (after giving effect to the underwriters' exercise in full of their option to purchase additional shares) of common stock, par value $0.001 per share ("Common Stock"), at a price of $12.00 per share. The Company received aggregate net proceeds of $167.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. See Note 17, Stockholders' Equity.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements present the financial position, and results of operations and cash flows of SFSI as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012. The consolidated financial statements present results of operations and cash flows of the Predecessor Company for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012. The consolidated financial statements for all predecessor periods have been prepared using the historical basis of accounting for the Predecessor Company. As a result of the Ares Acquisition and the associated purchase accounting, the consolidated financial statements of the Successor are not comparable to periods preceding the Ares Acquisition.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Predecessor Company in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	On September 19, 2014, SFSI's board of directors and stockholders approved a 190-for-one stock split of Common Stock. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, represent the Successor. The consolidated financial statements for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, represent the Predecessor.
	Fiscal Years
	The Company's fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 ended on December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively. Each fiscal year consists of twelve-week periods in the first, second and fourth quarters and a sixteen-week period in the third quarter.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. All credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions that process in less than seven days are classified as cash equivalents. The amounts due from banks for these transactions classified as cash equivalents totaled $17.2 million and $15.4 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. The carrying amount of cash equivalents is approximately the same as their respective fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
	Accounts Receivable, Net
	Accounts receivable generally represent billings to customers, billings to vendors for earned rebates and allowances, receivables from SFDN, and other items. The receivable from SFDN primarily relates to billings for the shipment of inventory product to SFDN. The following table sets forth the major components of accounts receivable for each fiscal year-end (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013
	Trade	$	3,476	$	3,608
	Vendor		11,651		7,941
	SFDN		1,582		1,907
	Other		6,957		5,997
	Total	$	23,666	$	19,453
	The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable and determines the appropriate reserve for doubtful accounts based on analysis of historical trends of write-offs and recoveries on various levels of aged receivables. When the Company becomes aware of the deteriorated collectability of a specific account, additional reserves are made to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collectible or zero. When the specific account is determined to be uncollectible, the net recognized receivable is written off in its entirety against such reserves.
	The Company is exposed to credit risk on trade accounts receivable. The Company provides credit to certain trade customers in the ordinary course of business and performs ongoing credit evaluations. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. The Company currently believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover customer credit risks.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of merchandise purchased for resale which is stated at the weighted-average cost (which approximates FIFO) or market. The Company provides for estimated inventory losses between physical inventory counts at its stores based upon historical inventory losses as a percentage of sales. The provision is adjusted periodically to reflect updated trends of actual physical inventory count results. The Company had reserves for inventory losses and slow-moving inventory totaling $6.2 million and $5.8 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets include primarily prepaid rent, insurance, property taxes, income taxes receivable and other current assets. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, prepaid expenses and other current assets included $10.7 million and $5.0 million of income taxes receivable, respectively.
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value based on purchase accounting and depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method. Leased property meeting certain criteria is capitalized and the amortization is based on the straight-line method over the term of the lease.
	The estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	20 - 25 years
	Fixtures and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or useful life of improvement
	Costs of normal maintenance and repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred. Major replacements, remodeling or betterments of properties are capitalized. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the costs and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
	Included in property, plant, and equipment are costs associated with the selection and procurement of real estate sites of $2.6 million and $2.0 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. These costs are amortized over the remaining lease term of the successful sites with which they are associated.
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC 360"), the Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and assets under capital leases for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company groups and evaluates long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. The Company regularly reviews its stores' operating performance for indicators of impairment. Factors it considers important that could trigger an impairment review include a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent the sum of the estimated discounted future cash flows from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. The Company measured the fair value of its long-lived assets on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements. As a result of such reviews, the Successor and the Predecessor, as applicable, recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively. No impairment loss was recorded for the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012. The impairment losses were reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Successor's and the Predecessor's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
	Capitalized Software
	Capitalized software costs are comprised of third-party purchased software costs, capitalized costs associated with internally developed software including internal direct labor costs, and installation costs. Such capitalized costs are amortized over the period that the benefits of the software are fully realizable and enhance the operations of the business, ranging from three to seven years, using the straight-line method.
	Capitalized software costs, like other long-lived assets as required by ASC 360, are subject to review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the capitalized software may not be recoverable, whether it is in use or under development. Impairment is recognized to the extent the sum of the estimated discounted future cash flows from the use of the capitalized software is less than the carrying value. As a result of such reviews, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.3 million for both of the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, which was reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company did not report any impairment loss during the periods in 2012.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	In connection with the Ares Acquisition, the intangible assets were adjusted and recorded at fair market value in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). The following table summarizes the components of other intangible assets, net at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Fair Value		Accumulated			Net
		at		Amortization			Book Value
		Acquisition
	December 28, 2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names	$	265,000	$	—		$	265,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Signature brands		67,100		(7,105	)		59,995
	Non-compete agreement		1,000		(706	)		294
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		68,100		(7,811	)		60,289
	Total intangible assets	$	333,100	$	(7,811	)	$	325,289
		Fair Value		Accumulated			Net
		at		Amortization			Book Value
		Acquisition
	December 29, 2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names	$	265,000	$	—		$	265,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Signature brands		67,000		(3,761	)		63,239
	Non-compete agreement		1,000		(374	)		626
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		68,000		(4,135	)		63,865
	Total intangible assets	$	333,000	$	(4,135	)	$	328,865
	The recorded fair market value for each of the trade names was determined by estimating the amount of royalty income that could be generated from the trade name if it was licensed to a third-party owner and discounting the resulting cash flows using the weighted-average cost of capital for each respective trade name.
	The finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful benefit period and have the following weighted-average amortization periods:
	Signature brands	20 years
	Non-compete agreement	3 years
	During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, the Company acquired the Sun Harvest trademark. A fee incurred to acquire the trademark of $0.1 million was capitalized as Signature brands and is amortized over a term of 5 years.
Signature brands, leasehold interests and the non-compete agreement are amortized on a straight-line basis. Amortization expense reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was $3.2 million, $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
Amortization of the finite-lived intangible assets over the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
2015	$	3,717
2016		3,358
2017		3,358
2018		3,358
2019		3,353
Thereafter		43,145
	$	60,289
In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated on an annual basis for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The annual evaluation of impairment for fiscal 2014 was performed as of November 30, 2014. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including the associated goodwill. The Company has designated its reporting units to be its Smart & Final stores and Cash & Carry stores. The Company determines the fair value of the reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets, including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's net assets, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and the Company would recognize an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill. For the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the Company did not recognize any goodwill impairment loss as a result of such value evaluation.
The Company evaluates its indefinite-lived intangible assets associated with trade names by comparing the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of the indefinite-lived trade names using a "relief from royalty payments" methodology. This methodology involves estimating reasonable royalty rates for each trade name and applying these royalty rates to a revenue stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. For the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the Company did not recognize any indefinite-lived trade name impairment loss as a result of such evaluation.
Finite-lived intangible assets, like other long-lived assets as required by ASC 360, are subject to review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the finite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized to the extent the sum of the discounted estimated future cash flows from the use of the finite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value. The Company did not report any impairment loss as a result of such reviews during any of the periods presented.
Purchase Accounting
Under ASC 805, the Company's assets and liabilities have been accounted for at their estimated fair values as of the date of the Ares Acquisition. The aggregate purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon an assessment of their relative fair value as of the closing date of the Ares Acquisition. These estimates of fair values, the allocation of the purchase price and other factors related to the accounting for the Ares Acquisition are subject to significant judgments and the use of estimates. The inputs used in the fair value analysis fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value.
For the Ares Acquisition, the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the amounts assigned to the tangible and intangible net assets acquired of $611.2 million was recorded as goodwill.
The intangible assets recorded related to the Ares Acquisition are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes as the acquisition of the Predecessor was a stock purchase.
Other Assets
Other assets primarily consist of assets held in trusts for certain retirement plans (see Note 9, Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations), liquor licenses and other miscellaneous assets. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, other assets included a dividend receivable from SFDN to SF Mexico of $2.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
Accounts Payable
The Company's banking arrangements provide for the daily replenishment and limited monthly advanced payments of vendor payable accounts as checks are presented or payments are demanded. The checks and the advanced payments outstanding in these bank accounts were $38.5 million and $34.6 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, and are included in "Accounts payable" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities include primarily general liabilities, workers' compensation liabilities, liabilities for deferred compensation plan, leasehold interests and other miscellaneous long-term liabilities. As a result of the Ares Acquisition, leasehold interests were adjusted and recorded at fair market value in accordance with ASC 805. At November 15, 2012, the fair value of the lease obligations was $9.8 million. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, leasehold interests of $8.2 million and $8.7 million, net of accumulated amortization of $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, are included in other long-term liabilities. These leasehold interests are amortized over their estimated useful benefit periods. The weighted-average amortization period is 14 years.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The Company presents data in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income ("ASC 220"). ASC 220 establishes rules for the reporting of comprehensive income (loss) and its components. See Note 14, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Lease Accounting
Certain of the Company's operating leases provide for minimum annual payments that increase over the life of the lease. The aggregate minimum annual payments are charged to expense on a straight-line basis beginning when the Company takes possession of the property and extending over the term of the related lease. The amount by which straight-line rent expense exceeds actual lease payment requirements in the early years of the leases is accrued as deferred minimum rent and reduced in later years when the actual cash payment requirements exceed the straight-line expense. ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations ("ASC 410"), requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Due to the nature of the Company's business, its asset retirement obligation with respect to owned or leased properties is not significant.
Store Opening and Closing Costs
New store opening costs consisting primarily of rent, store payroll and general operating costs are charged to expense as incurred prior to the store opening.
In the event a leased store is closed before the expiration of the associated lease, the discounted remaining lease obligation less estimated sublease rental income, asset impairment charges related to improvements and fixtures, inventory write-downs and other miscellaneous closing costs associated with the disposal activity are recognized when the store closes.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to be recognized in the statements of operations and comprehensive income as compensation expense based on the fair value of an award over its requisite service period, taking into consideration estimated forfeiture rates.
Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, the Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes share-based compensation cost as an expense over the award's vesting period. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income of the Company is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company's forfeiture rate assumption used in determining its share-based compensation expense is estimated primarily based upon historical data. The actual forfeiture rate could differ from these estimates.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value for each stock option grant. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model requires extensive use of subjective assumptions. Application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of the fair value of share-based compensation and, consequently, the related amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company recognizes compensation cost for graded vesting awards as if they were granted in multiple awards. Management believes the use of this "multiple award" method is preferable because a stock option grant with graded vesting is effectively a series of individual grants that vest over various periods and management believes that this method provides for better matching of compensation costs with the associated services rendered throughout the applicable vesting periods.
With certain exceptions, stock options granted after the Ares Acquisition and prior to the closing of the IPO gave the Company repurchase rights. As a result of the Company's ability to exercise such repurchase rights and the underlying provisions of such repurchase rights, the Company did not record any share-based compensation expense related to these grants prior to the closing of the IPO. See Note 13, Share-based Compensation.
Significant Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions could affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the sale of products are recognized at the point of sale. Discounts provided to customers at the time of sale are recognized as a reduction in sales as the products are sold. Returns are also recognized as a reduction in sales and are immaterial in relation to total sales. The Company collects sales tax on taxable products purchased by its customers and remits such collections to the appropriate taxing authority in accordance with local laws. Sales tax collections are presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income on a net basis and, accordingly, are excluded from reported revenues.
Proceeds from the sale of the Company's Smart & Final gift cards are recorded as a liability at the time of sale, and recognized as sales when they are redeemed by the customer. The Smart & Final gift cards do not have an expiration date. The Company has not recorded any unredeemed gift card revenue or breakage related to its gift card program.
Cost of Sales, Buying and Occupancy
The major categories of costs included in cost of sales, buying and occupancy are cost of goods, distribution costs, costs of the Company's buying department and store occupancy costs, net of earned vendor rebates and other allowances. Distribution costs consist of all warehouse receiving and inspection costs, warehousing costs, all transportation costs associated with shipping goods from the Company's warehouses to its stores, and other costs of its distribution network. The Company does not exclude any portion of these costs from cost of sales.
Vendor Rebates and Other Allowances
As a component of the Company's consolidated procurement program, the Company frequently enters into contracts with vendors that provide for payments of rebates or other allowances. As prescribed by ASC 605, Revenue Recognition ("ASC 605"), these vendor payments are reflected in the carrying value of the inventory when earned or as progress is made toward earning the rebate or allowance and as a component of cost of sales as the inventory is sold. Certain of these vendor contracts provide for rebates and other allowances that are contingent upon the Company meeting specified performance measures such as a cumulative level of purchases over a specified period of time. Such contingent rebates and other allowances are given accounting recognition at the point at which achievement of the specified performance measures are deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable.
Operating and Administrative Expenses
The major categories of operating and administrative expenses include store direct expenses associated with displaying and selling at the store level, primarily labor and related fringe benefit costs, advertising and marketing costs, overhead costs and corporate office costs.
The Company charges to expense the costs of advertising as incurred. Total advertising expense reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was $32.0 million, $28.6 million, $3.6 million and $23.7 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the liability method, which requires an adjustment to the deferred tax asset or liability to reflect income tax rates currently in effect. When income tax rates increase or decrease, a corresponding adjustment to income tax expense is recorded by applying the rate change to the cumulative temporary differences. ASC 740 prescribes the recognition threshold and measurement principles for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. ASC 740 requires the Company to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recognized. Additionally, ASC 740 provides guidance on recognition measurement, derecognition, classification, related interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Foreign Currency Translations
The Company's joint venture in Mexico uses the Mexican Peso as its functional currency. The joint venture's assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates during the year. Foreign exchange translation adjustments are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income," which is reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity, in the consolidated balance sheets.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates. The contracts are accounted for in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). ASC 815 requires every derivative instrument to be recorded in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The Company designates its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and formally documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Accordingly, changes in estimated fair value related to the interest rate swaps are recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income" in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income when the hedged items affect earnings. See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments.
Debt Discount and Deferred Financing Costs
Costs incurred in connection with the placement of long-term debt paid directly to the Company's lenders are treated as a debt discount. Costs incurred in connection with the placement of long-term debt paid to third parties are capitalized to deferred financing costs. Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
Debt issuance costs and fees paid to the lenders related to the Apollo Acquisition were recorded as a reduction to debt and were amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. Effective November 14, 2012, the remaining unamortized debt discount of $3.0 million was written off in accordance ASC 805 in connection with the Ares Acquisition. On November 15, 2012, debt issuance costs and fees paid to the lenders related to the Ares Acquisition, totaling $17.5 million, were recorded as a reduction to debt and are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. At December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the debt discount was $6.8 million and $9.6 million, respectively (net of accumulated amortization of $3.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively). See Note 5, Debt.
Debt issuance costs and fees paid to parties other than the lenders related to the Apollo Acquisition had been capitalized and were amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. Effective November 14, 2012, the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of $2.5 million were written off in accordance with ASC 805 in connection with the Ares Acquisition. On November 15, 2012, debt issuance costs and fees paid to parties other than the lenders related to the Ares Acquisition, totaling $17.2 million, have been capitalized and are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. At December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, these deferred financing costs were $5.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively (net of accumulated amortization of $4.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively). These balances are included in "Deferred financing costs, net" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Self-Insurance
The Company purchases third-party insurance for workers' compensation and general liability costs that exceed certain limits for each respective insurance program. The Company is responsible for the payment of claims in amounts less than these insured excess limits and establishes estimated accruals for its insurance programs based on available claims data, historical trends and experience, and projected ultimate costs of the claims. These accruals are based on estimates prepared with the assistance of outside actuaries and consultants, and the ultimate cost of these claims may vary from initial estimates and established accruals. The actuaries periodically update their estimates and the Company records such adjustments in the period in which such determination is made.
The accrued obligation for these self-insurance programs was approximately $33.7 million and $31.4 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. These balances are included in "Accrued expenses" and "Other long-term liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company's financial instruments recorded in the consolidated balance sheets include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, derivatives, investments in affiliates, accounts payable, accrued expenses and long-term variable rate debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, derivatives, equity investment in joint venture, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value.
The Company's debt securities are not listed or traded on an established market. For the purpose of determining the fair value of the Company's first lien term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"), the administrative agent has provided to the debt holders valuations indicating the Term Loan Facility's carrying value approximates fair value.
The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect its investment in Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts") through the Company's supplemental deferred compensation plan. The investment is presented at fair market value.
Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans
The Company accounts for its retirement benefit plans and postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations in accordance with ASC 715, Compensation—Retirement Benefits ("ASC 715"). ASC 715 requires the Company to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit plan, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the plan's benefit obligation, as an asset or liability in its consolidated balance sheets and to recognize changes to that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 9, Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations. ASC 715 also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the Company's consolidated balance sheet dates.
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period.
Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, plus, where applicable, shares that would have been outstanding related to dilutive stock options.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 requires a reporting entity that either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity, to release any cumulative translation adjustment into net income. ASU 2013-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 in fiscal year 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. ASU 2013-11 further states that to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability in the entity's financial statements and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 in fiscal year 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. They also address sources of confusion and inconsistent application related to financial reporting of discontinued operations guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the first quarter of 2015 for public entities with calendar year ends. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2014-08 will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The new revenue model is designed to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues and requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, under either full or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 provides guidance that a performance target that affects vesting of a share-based payment and that could be achieved after the requisite service condition is a performance condition. As a result, the target is not reflected in the estimation of the award's grant date fair value. Share-based compensation cost for such award would be recognized over the required service period, if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied on a prospective basis to awards that are granted or modified on or after the effective date of the standard. Companies also have the option to apply the guidance on a modified retrospective basis for awards with performance targets outstanding on or after the beginning of the first annual period presented after the effective date of the standard. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity's financial statements (or within one year after the date on which the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable). Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern." ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ("ASU 2015-01"). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. Under this new guidance, reporting entities will no longer be required to separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-01 will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Apollo_Acquisition_Restructuri

Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
	3. Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
	Upon consummation of the Apollo Acquisition, new management of the Predecessor initiated various strategic initiative plans, including (a) a review of the Predecessor's portfolio of operating stores and stores in development (the "Store Program"), (b) a corporate cost reduction program (the "Corporate Program"), and (c) a restructuring of the Predecessor's retirement benefit plans. A liability in the amount of $13.2 million was recorded for estimated costs to be incurred in connection with the Predecessor's exit from certain operating stores or store properties in development related to the Store Program and a liability in the amount of $1.0 million was recorded for estimated costs associated with the involuntary termination of designated employees, excluding the Predecessor's former chief executive officer, related to the Corporate Program. These costs were included in the acquisition cost allocation of the Apollo Acquisition. For the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the reserves related to the Store Program were increased by $0.3 million, $1.2 million, $53,000 and $0.3 million, respectively, which are included in "Operating and administrative expenses" in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. As of December 28, 2014, there was no remaining reserve balance related to the Corporate Program.
	The following table summarizes the activity for the Store Program through each period-end (in thousands):
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	2,033
	Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period		261
	Lease termination costs paid		(383	)
	Balance as of November 14, 2012		1,911
	Adjustments to reserve included in net loss for the period		53
	Lease termination costs paid		(78	)
	Balance as of December 30, 2012		1,886
	Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period		1,177
	Lease termination costs paid		(462	)
	Balance as of December 29, 2013		2,601
	Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period		265
	Lease termination costs paid		(598	)
	Balance as of December 28, 2014	$	2,268

Ares_Acquisition

Ares Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Ares Acquisition
Ares Acquisition
	4. Ares Acquisition
	On November 15, 2012, pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement") dated as of October 9, 2012, among the stockholders of the Predecessor (the "Sellers") and affiliates of Ares (the "Buyers"), the Ares Acquisition was consummated. Upon completion of the Ares Acquisition, each share of common stock of the Predecessor was cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $669.5 million. In addition, payments in satisfaction of Predecessor stock options aggregated $54.2 million.
	The Ares Acquisition was financed by:
	•	Borrowings consisting of (i) a $525.0 million, 7-year Term Loan Facility; (ii) a $195.0 million, 8-year second lien term loan credit facility (the "Second Lien Term Loan Facility"); (iii) a $150.0 million, 5-year asset-based revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), which was drawn for $10.0 million at closing of the Ares Acquisition, (see Note 5, Debt); and
	•	Equity investment of $290.0 million from affiliates of Ares, $9.2 million from certain management employees of the Predecessor and $10.9 million from the management equity rollover.
		The aggregate consideration for the Ares Acquisition was as follows (in thousands):
	Purchase of Predecessor common shares		$	669,456
	Payment on Predecessor stock options (inclusive of employer payroll taxes)			54,993
	Less cash acquired			(92,676	)
	Cash consideration			631,773
	Working capital adjustment			6,231
	Tax consideration			19,291
	Value of management equity rollover			11,091
	Total fair value of net assets acquired		$	668,386
	In contemplation of the sale of the Predecessor, the Predecessor Company engaged financial, legal and other advisors to assist in the review of the Predecessor Company's strategic alternatives. The costs associated with the assessment of strategic alternatives and transaction costs incurred in conjunction with the Ares Acquisition included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income were $23.9 million for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012.
	The cash consideration paid at the closing of the Ares Acquisition was based in part on an estimated closing working capital as of the closing date of November 15, 2012 (the "Closing Date"). The Acquisition Agreement provided for a purchase price adjustment based upon a final closing working capital statement to be prepared after the Closing Date, which would be subject to the review and agreement of both the Sellers and the Buyers. As of December 29, 2013, the Sellers and Buyers reached agreement on the final calculation of the closing working capital statement resulting in a working capital adjustment to purchase price of $6.4 million, or $2.5 million greater than the estimated working capital adjustment. As such, the purchase price was increased by $2.5 million. Accordingly, the Company's prior year consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows have been restated to reflect the change in the purchase price. During the year ended December 29, 2013, the Company made additional payments of $6.2 million to the Sellers and increased the value of management equity rollover by $0.2 million. The allocation of the purchase price is final.
	The Acquisition Agreement further provided that any income tax refunds or credits actually received by the Company relating to the Predecessor Company tax periods or any benefit of any overpayment of income taxes relating to the Predecessor Company tax periods that is applied to a Successor taxable period would inure to the benefit of the Sellers. The Company estimated an income tax refund receivable in the amount of $17.3 million related to the Predecessor tax periods, which was reflected on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2012. The Company recorded a corresponding payable of $17.3 million to the Sellers. The estimated income tax refund receivable increased by $2.0 million in 2013 and the Company recorded a corresponding additional payable of $2.0 million to the Sellers. During the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company paid a total of $0.2 million and $16.7 million, respectively, to the Sellers related to the Predecessor tax periods.
	Allocation of Purchase Price
	The Ares Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 whereby the purchase price paid to effect the acquisition was assigned to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The determination of fair value included the consideration of various factors including quoted market prices, expected future cash flows, current replacement costs, market rate assumptions, and appropriate discount and growth rates.
	The following table below sets forth the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
			Ares
			Acquisition
	Current assets, less cash acquired		$	279,624
	Property, plant, and equipment			248,944
	Capitalized software			15,766
	Finite-lived/amortizable intangible assets			68,000
	Indefinite-lived trade names			265,000
	Goodwill			611,242
	Investment in SFDN			9,400
	Other assets			46,277
	Current liabilities			(251,661	)
	Debt			(304,074	)
	Deferred taxes			(135,865	)
	Other liabilities			(184,267	)
			$	668,386

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt
Debt
	5. Debt
	Long-term debt at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Term Loan Facility, at 4.75% and 4.75%	$	594,907		$	715,788
	Less:
	Discount on debt issuance		(6,790	)		(9,597	)
	Current portion of long-term debt		—			(7,200	)
	Total long-term debt, less current portion	$	588,117		$	698,991
	In conjunction with the Ares Acquisition, Smart & Final Stores LLC entered into three financing arrangements effective November 15, 2012, including two term loan agreements: the first lien term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and a second lien term loan facility (the "Second Lien Term Loan Facility") and an asset-based lending facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the "Credit Facilities").
	The Term Loan Facility has a term of seven years and originally provided financing of up to a maximum of $525.0 million in term loans. At November 15, 2012, the Term Loan Facility was drawn to provide $525.0 million in gross proceeds as a part of the funding for the Ares Acquisition.
	All obligations under the Term Loan Facility are secured by (1) a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the property and assets of, as well as the equity interests owned by, Smart & Final Stores and SF CC Intermediate Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of SFSI ("Intermediate Holdings"), and the other guarantors, with certain exceptions, and (2) a second-priority security interest in the Revolving Credit Facility collateral.
	Initially, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bore interest at an applicable margin of 3.50% plus, at Smart & Final Stores' option, a fluctuating rate equal to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (2) a rate of interest published by The Wall Street Journal as the "Prime Rate," and (3) a LIBOR loan rate based on LIBOR plus 1.00% (the "ABR Borrowings"). Eurocurrency Borrowings (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility) bore interest at the adjusted LIBOR rate, which is the greater of (a) the LIBOR rate in effect for the applicable interest period divided by one, minus the Statutory Reserves (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility) applicable to such Eurocurrency Borrowing, if any, and (b) 1.25% plus the applicable Eurocurrency (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility) loan rate margin of 4.50%. At both December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the weighted-average interest rate on the amount outstanding under the Term Loan Facility was 4.75%.
	The Term Loan Facility contains a provision for quarterly amortization of principal in the amount of 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the term loans outstanding under the Term Loan Facility beginning March 31, 2013. The Term Loan Facility may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time but Smart & Final Stores must pay a prepayment premium of 1.00% of the principal amount of the term loans so prepaid if the prepayment occurs as a result of a repricing transaction and is effective prior to the first anniversary of the facility. Mandatory prepayments are required (i) in the amount of the net proceeds of a sale of assets, subject to the priority of the Revolving Credit Facility collateral, and (ii) in the amount of certain excess cash flows, adjusted by any voluntary prepayments. The Term Loan Facility has no financial covenant requirements. The Term Loan Facility contains covenants that would restrict our ability to pay cash dividends.
	The Second Lien Term Loan Facility had a term of eight years and provided $195.0 million in gross proceeds at November 15, 2012.
	All obligations under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility were secured by (1) a second-priority security interest on all Term Loan Facility collateral and (2) a third-party security interest on the Revolving Credit Facility collateral.
	Borrowings under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility bore interest at an applicable margin of 8.25% plus, at Smart & Final Stores' option, a fluctuating rate equal to the highest of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (2) a rate of interest published by The Wall Street Journal as the "Prime Rate," or (3) a LIBOR loan rate based on LIBOR plus 1.00%.
	The Second Lien Term Loan Facility could be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time subject to a prepayment premium of 2.00% of the principal amount of the term loans so prepaid through the first anniversary of the facility and 1.00% of the principal amount of the term loans so prepaid from the first anniversary through the second anniversary of the facility. The Second Lien Term Loan Facility had no financial covenant requirements.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company amended the Term Loan Facility, reducing the ABR Borrowings applicable margin from 3.50% to 2.50%, reducing the Eurocurrency Borrowings applicable margin from 4.50% to 3.50% and reducing the Adjusted LIBOR floor rate from 1.25% to 1.00%. Additionally, the Company increased the size of the Term Loan Facility by $55.0 million through an incremental facility. The proceeds of this additional borrowing were used to reduce the amounts outstanding under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility by $55.0 million, reducing the outstanding balance to $140.0 million. Consequently, during the second quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $7.1 million related to fees and the write-off of unamortized debt discount and deferred financing costs. The Company incurred $7.5 million of fees in connection with the amendment of the Term Loan Facility. Approximately $4.9 million of these fees were recorded as debt discount and are amortized over the term of the loan. Quarterly amortization of the principal amount increased to $1.5 million.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company amended the Term Loan Facility, increasing the ABR Borrowings applicable margin from 2.50% to 2.75%, increasing the Eurocurrency Borrowings applicable margin from 3.50% to 3.75%, and reducing the size of the incremental borrowing facilities that may be incurred without regard to leverage-based limitations from $125.0 million to $75.0 million (the "Second Amendment"). Under the Second Amendment, the Term Loan Facility may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time subject to a prepayment premium of 1.00% of the principal amount of the term loans so prepaid if the prepayment occurs as a result of a repricing transaction and is effective within six months of the Second Amendment. Additionally, the Company increased the size of the Term Loan Facility by $140.0 million through an incremental facility. The proceeds of this borrowing were used to repay all amounts outstanding under the Second Lien Term Loan Facility, which was then terminated. Consequently, during the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $17.3 million related to fees and the write-off of unamortized debt discount and deferred financing costs. The Company incurred $4.8 million of fees in connection with the Second Amendment. Approximately $1.1 million of these fees were recorded as debt discount and approximately $0.7 million of these fees were recorded as deferred financing costs. They are both amortized over the term of the Term Loan Facility. Quarterly amortization of the principal amount increased to $1.8 million.
	On September 29, 2014, the Company used the net proceeds from the IPO to repay borrowings of approximately $115.5 million under the Term Loan Facility. Consequently, the Company recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $2.2 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt discount and deferred financing costs during the year ended December 28, 2014. Quarterly amortization of the principal amount is no longer required.
	During the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company made principal amortization payments of $5.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
	The Revolving Credit Facility provides financing of up to $150 million (including up to $50.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit) subject to a borrowing base, for a term of five years. The borrowing base is a formula based on certain eligible inventory and receivables, minus certain reserves.
	All obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by (1) a first-priority security interest in the accounts receivable, inventory, cash and cash equivalents, and related assets of Smart & Final Stores and Intermediate Holdings and the other guarantors under the facility, and (2) a second-priority security interest in substantially all of the other property and assets of, as well as the equity interests owned by, Smart & Final Stores and Intermediate Holdings and the other guarantors under the facility.
	Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at an applicable margin plus, at Smart & Final Stores' option, a fluctuating rate equal to either (1) adjusted LIBOR (defined as a rate equal to the LIBOR rate in effect for the applicable interest period, as adjusted for statutory reserves) or (2) the alternate base rate (defined as a fluctuating rate equal to the highest of (x) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, (y) the interest rate announced by the administrative agent as its "Prime Rate" and (z) the adjusted LIBOR rate for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%). The applicable margin is determined by a pricing grid based on the facility availability. At December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the alternate base rate was 3.25% and the applicable margin for alternate base rate loans was 0.25%, for a total rate of 3.50%. The calculated borrowing base of the Revolving Credit Facility was $156.3 million and $147.8 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, there was no balance outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
	The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for a $50.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit, of which the Company had $26.6 million outstanding as of both December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the amount available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility was $123.4 million and $121.2 million, respectively. The Revolving Credit Facility does not include financial covenant requirements unless a defined covenant trigger event has occurred and is continuing. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 no trigger event had occurred.
	Aggregate future principal payments of the Company's debt are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	—
	2017		—
	2017		—
	2018		—
	2019		594,907
	Total	$	594,907

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
	6. Derivative Financial Instruments
	On April 15, 2013, the Company entered into a five-year interest rate swap agreement (the "Swap") to fix the LIBOR component of interest under the Term Loan Facility at 1.7325% on a variable notional amount starting at $422.7 million and declining to $359.7 million for the period from September 30, 2014 through March 29, 2018. The Swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge against LIBOR interest rate movements and formally assessed, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, as to whether it was effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. The portion of the change in fair value attributable to hedge ineffectiveness was recorded in "Interest expense, net" in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The portion of the change in fair value attributable to hedge effectiveness, net of income tax effects, was recorded to "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income" in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.
	On May 30, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to the Swap to change the fixed LIBOR component to 1.5995% and the floor rate to 1.00%.
	As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the fair value carrying amount of the Company's interest rate swaps are recorded as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Other assets	$	3,082		$	5,460
	Accrued expenses		(2,426	)		(629	)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	656		$	4,831
	The following tables summarize the loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and the amount of gain reclassified from AOCI into earnings for the year ended December 28, 2014 (in thousands):
		Amount of Loss			Amount of Gain
		Recognized			Recognized
		in AOCI on			in Earnings on
		Derivative,			Derivative,
		Net of Tax			Net of Tax
		(Effective Portion)			(Ineffective Portion)
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,495	)	$	9

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
	7. Fair Value Measurements
	The Company applies the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), for its financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:
	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets
	Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable
	The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following table by the type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurement at December 28, 2014
	Description	Total as of			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		December 28,			in Active			Other			Unobservable
		2014			Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Financial assets
	Other assets—cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan	$	739		$	739		$	—		$	—
	Other assets—assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan		2,633			2,633			—			—
	Other assets—deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts		5,893			5,893			—			—
	Derivatives		657			—			657			—
	Financial liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities—deferred compensation plan		(14,105	)		(5,893	)		(8,212	)		—
	Total	$	(4,183	)	$	3,372		$	(7,555	)	$	—
	Level 1 Investments include money market funds of $0.7 million and market index funds of $2.6 million. The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.
	Level 1 Prior to October 21, 2014 investments also included deferred compensation plan investments in an investment vehicle invested in Sprouts. The valuation of the investment vehicle was based on the underlying asset of the entity that traded in observable markets and was classified as Level 2. On October 21, 2014, all of the shares in this investment vehicle were distributed to its members. As of December 28, 2014 the fair value of the investment is based on quoted market prices in an active market and deferred compensation plan investments in Sprouts was reclassified from the Level 2 category to the Level 1 category. As of December 28, 2014, deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts was $5.9 million with the corresponding deferred compensation liabilities of $5.9 million.
	Level 2 Assets and liabilities include $8.2 million of deferred compensation liabilities, of which the fair value is based on quoted prices of similar assets traded in active markets, and $0.7 million of derivatives, which are interest rate hedges. The fair values of the derivatives are primarily determined based on third-party pricing services with observable inputs, including interest rates and yield curves.
		Fair Value Measurement at December 29, 2013
	Description	Total as of			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		December 29,			in Active			Other			Unobservable
		2013			Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Financial assets
	Other assets—cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan	$	739		$	739		$	—		$	—
	Other assets—assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan		2,490			2,490			—			—
	Other assets—deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts		11,919			—			11,919			—
	Derivatives		4,831			—			4,831			—
	Financial liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities—deferred compensation plan		(18,831	)		—			(18,831	)		—
	Total	$	1,148		$	3,229		$	(2,081	)	$	—
	Level 1 Investments include money market funds of $0.7 million and market index funds of $2.5 million. The fair values of these funds are based on quoted market prices in an active market.
	Level 2 Assets and liabilities include $18.8 million of deferred compensation liabilities, of which the fair value is based on quoted prices of similar assets traded in active markets, and $4.8 million of derivatives, which are interest rate hedges. The fair values of the derivatives are primarily determined based on third-party pricing services with observable inputs, including interest rates and yield curves.
	Level 2 Investments also include $11.9 million of deferred compensation plan investments in an investment vehicle invested in Sprouts. During the year ended December 29, 2013, the Company adjusted the fair market value of the investment vehicle to reflect the fair market value increase of $10.7 million. The valuation of the investment vehicle is based on the underlying asset of the entity that trades in observable markets. During the year ended December 29, 2013 the investment was reclassified from the Level 3 category as the underlying asset was a nonpublic entity prior to 2013 and as such, the valuation in prior periods was based on unobservable inputs.
	Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means the assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but, rather, are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Property, Plant and Equipment, Capitalized Software and Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The fair value measurements were determined using available market capitalization rates and public comparable store sales data at the measurement dates. The Company classifies the measurements as Level 3.

Lease_Obligations

Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Lease Obligations
Lease Obligations
	8. Lease Obligations
	The principal real and personal properties leased by the Company include store, office and warehouse buildings and delivery and computer equipment. As of December 28, 2014, of the Company's operating stores, 239 store properties are leased directly from third-party lessors and eight stores were on real property that is ground leased from third-party lessors. These leases had an average remaining lease term of approximately 8.3 years as of December 28, 2014. These leases generally contain renewal options, at the Company's election, and require the Company to pay costs such as real estate taxes and common area maintenance. Certain leases include rent escalation clauses or provide for rental payments in excess of the minimum based upon the store's sales levels.
	Lease expense for operating leases reported within "Cost of sales, buying and occupancy" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was $85.7 million, $78.2 million, $9.6 million and $60.5 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively. All lease expenses were paid to third-party lessors.
	Aggregate minimum future lease payments for real property, including sale leaseback store properties, as well as equipment and other property at December 28, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Operating
		Leases
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	92,499
	2016		90,560
	2017		84,123
	2018		77,387
	2019		68,911
	Thereafter		521,501
	Future minimum lease payments	$	934,981
	During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Predecessor Company sold 39 store properties and one warehouse distribution facility to three different buyers. Concurrent with the sales, the Predecessor Company entered into 20-year operating leases with two options to extend the term for a period of 10 years each for three store properties sold, 20-year operating leases with six options to extend the term for a period of five years each for 36 store properties sold, and a 10-year operating lease with four options to extend the term for a period of five years each for one warehouse distribution facility sold. The Predecessor Company received proceeds of $230.3 million in connection with the sales. The carrying value of the properties sold was $195.2 million. The transactions were accounted for as sale and leaseback resulting in an immediate recognition of a $2.0 million loss on the transactions and the deferral of a $32.0 million gain, which was being amortized to rent expense over various non-cancelable lease terms. During the second quarter of 2012, three additional store properties were sold. Concurrent with the sales, the Predecessor Company entered into 25-year operating leases with five options to extend the term for a period of five years. The transactions were also accounted for as sale and leaseback resulting in the deferral of a $5.6 million gain, which was being amortized to rent expense over the lease terms. These leases require the Company to pay costs such as real estate taxes and repair and maintenance. Certain leases include rent escalation clauses.
	The deferred gain amortized and reported within "Cost of sales, buying and occupancy" on the Predecessor's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was $1.7 million for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012. The remaining unamortized deferred gain of $35.9 million was written off in accordance with ASC 805 in connection with the Ares Acquisition.
	The future minimum lease payments under the terms of the related lease agreements at December 28, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Operating
		Leases
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	17,255
	2016		17,348
	2017		17,441
	2018		17,477
	2019		17,611
	Thereafter		195,666
	Future minimum lease payments	$	282,798

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations	9. Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
	Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
	The Company has a funded noncontributory qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the "Single-Employer Plan") that, prior to June 1, 2008, covered substantially all full-time employees following a vesting period of five years of service (the "Pension Participants") and provided defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary. The Predecessor froze the accruing of future benefits for the Pension Participants (the "Frozen Pension Participants") effective June 1, 2008, with the exception of approximately 450 hourly paid employees in the Company's distribution and transportation operations who remain eligible for pension benefits under the prior terms (the "Active Pension Participants"). No new employees are eligible for participation in the Single Employer Plan after June 1, 2008, with the exception of new hires in the Company's eligible distribution and transportation operations. Frozen Pension Participants will continue to accrue service for vesting purposes only and future payments from the Single-Employer Plan will be in accordance with the Single-Employer Plan's retirement payment provisions. The Company funds the Single-Employer Plan with annual contributions as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for the Single-Employer Plan. Recently, the Society of Actuaries released revised mortality tables, which update life expectancy assumptions. In consideration of these tables, the Company modified the mortality assumptions used in determining its defined benefit retirement plan obligation as of December 28, 2014. The impact of these new mortality assumptions has resulted in an increase to the Company's defined benefit retirement plan obligation and an increase in future related expense.
	As of December 28, 2014, the funded status of the accumulated benefit obligation was 63.6%. The Company expects to fund a minimum required contribution of $7.3 million during fiscal year 2015.
	The following tables set forth the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets of this plan for the periods below (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
			2014			2013
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	(165,796	)	$	(183,874	)
	Service cost			(1,099	)		(1,311	)
	Interest cost			(8,480	)		(7,973	)
	Actuarial (loss) gain			(43,059	)		23,615
	Benefits paid			4,218			3,747
	Benefit obligation, end of period		$	(214,216	)	$	(165,796	)
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
			2014			2013
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period		$	123,039		$	101,660
	Actual return of plan assets, net of expenses			4,302			17,423
	Employer contribution			10,760			7,703
	Benefits paid			(4,218	)		(3,747	)
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period			133,883			123,039
	Funded status			(80,333	)		(42,757	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(80,333	)	$	(42,757	)
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Postretirement and postemployment benefits		$	(80,333	)	$	(42,757	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(80,333	)	$	(42,757	)
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	(5,654	)	$	42,909
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(5,654	)	$	42,909
	During 2015, no accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
	The following table shows the projected benefit obligation, the accumulated benefit obligation and the plan assets, in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation, respectively, as of each fiscal year-end (dollar amounts in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	214,216		$	165,796
	Accumulated benefit obligation			210,556			162,940
	Fair value of plan assets			133,883			123,039
	Fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the projected benefit obligation			62.5	%		74.2	%
	Fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the accumulated benefit obligation			63.6			75.5
	The components included in the net periodic benefit cost and the increase in minimum liability included in other comprehensive (loss) income for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
									December 30,			November 14,
									2012			2012
			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Service cost component		$	1,099		$	1,311		$	175		$	864
	Interest cost component			8,480			7,973			989			6,842
	Expected return on plan assets			(9,105	)		(7,523	)		(919	)		(5,947	)
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss			(699	)		—			—			1,106
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	(225	)	$	1,761		$	245		$	2,865
	As a result of the Predecessor Company freezing plan benefits for substantially all of the Pension Participants effective June 1, 2008, the amortization of the unrecognized net actuarial loss (in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets) has been amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average future lifetime of inactive participants expected to benefit under the plan.
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for this plan at fiscal year-end were as follows:
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Discount rate			4.25	%		5.15	%
	Rate of compensation increase			2.50			2.50
	The Company determines the discount rate assumption based on the internal rate of return for a portfolio of high quality bonds, with a minimum rating of Moody's AA Corporate and with maturities that are consistent with the projected future cash flow obligations.
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods indicated were as follows:
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
						December 30,			November 14,
						2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
Discount rate			5.15	%		4.30	%		4.10	%		5.25	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets			7.25			7.30			7.50			7.50
Rate of compensation increase			2.50			2.50			2.50			2.50
The Company determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets based on an allocation approach that considers diversification and rebalancing for a portfolio of assets invested over a long-term time horizon. The approach relies on the historical returns of the plan's portfolio and relationships between equities and fixed income investments, consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that a diversified portfolio with a larger allocation to equity investments can generate a greater return over the long run.
Plan assets are managed by outside investment managers and rebalanced among managers periodically at the Company's direction to realign assets to the target allocation. The managers allocate assets to individual investments within guidelines specified by the Company. The Company's strategy with respect to the plan asset investments has been to allocate a larger proportion to equities to achieve returns that sufficiently grow assets to cover the benefit obligations within acceptable risk parameters.
The plan asset allocation at the end of 2014 and 2013, and target allocation for 2015, in percentages, by asset category are as follows:
		Target			December 28,			December 29,
		Allocation			2014			2013
		2015
Equity securities			60	%		60	%		64	%
Debt securities			37			26			31
Cash and cash equivalents			3			14			5
Total			100	%		100	%		100	%
The following table summarizes plan assets measured at fair value on December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
December 28, 2014		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
					in Active			Observable			Unobservable
					Markets for			Inputs			Inputs
					Identical			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
					Assets
					(Level 1)
Asset category
Equity securities(1)		$	79,995		$	61,929		$	18,066		$	—
Debt securities(2)			35,467			17,527			17,495			445
Cash and cash equivalents(3)			18,421			18,271			150			—
Total		$	133,883		$	97,727		$	35,711		$	445
December 29, 2013		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
					in Active			Observable			Unobservable
					Markets for			Inputs			Inputs
					Identical			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
					Assets
					(Level 1)
Asset category
Equity securities(1)		$	78,773		$	57,423		$	21,350		$	—
Debt securities(2)			37,786			22,233			15,060			493
Cash and cash equivalents(3)			6,480			6,480			—			—
Total		$	123,039		$	86,136		$	36,410		$	493
-1	Equity securities include U.S. and foreign exchange traded common and preferred stocks and mutual funds. Common and preferred shares issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporations are traded actively on exchanges and price quotes for these shares are readily available. Holdings of corporate stock are categorized as Level 1 investments. The securities categorized as Level 2 investments are American Depository Receipts. While these securities are traded in an active market, the trustee uses several observable market based inputs, such as exchange rates, to obtain the pricing of the securities.
-2	Debt securities include the debt of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. and foreign corporate issuers. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds are actively traded and price quotes for these securities are readily available. Holdings of U.S. Treasury notes and bonds are categorized as Level 1 investments. Corporate bond securities of U.S. and foreign corporate issuers are valued by independent pricing sources using a variety of market sources and observed market movements. Holdings of U.S. and foreign corporate issuers debt securities are categorized as Level 2 investments. Infrequently traded corporate bonds and asset-backed securities, requiring valuation using observable as well as unobservable inputs, such as the estimation of the market manager for the security, are categorized as Level 3 investments.
-3	Cash and cash equivalents include short-term U.S. government investment notes, short-term money market mutual funds, accrued income, cash held on account and a certificate of deposit. Cash held on account and short-term U.S. government investment notes (including accrued income thereon) for which there is an active market and daily pricing for the security are categorized as Level 1 investments. The certificate of deposit, which is not traded in the secondary market, is categorized as Level 2 investment.
		Fair Value
		Measurements
		Using
		Significant
		Unobservable
		Inputs (Level 3)
Ending balance at December 30, 2013		$	493
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held at end of year			(16	)
Assets sold during the year			—
Purchases, sales and settlements			(32	)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			—
Ending balance at December 28, 2014		$	445
		Fair Value
		Measurements
		Using
		Significant
		Unobservable
		Inputs (Level 3)
Ending balance at December 30, 2012		$	517
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held at end of year			(12	)
Assets sold during the year			—
Purchases, sales and settlements			(12	)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			—
Ending balance at December 29, 2013		$	493
The Company seeks to maximize medium- to long-term returns of overall pension plan assets with reasonable levels of investment risk. One element of controlling overall investment risk is through diversification of asset allocation, among domestic and international equity and debt instruments. The plan's equity investments include foreign and domestic exchange traded equities across a range of industries and countries, but primarily in the domestic markets. The plan's debt securities are primarily invested in government and corporate issuers primarily in the domestic market.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
2015		$	5,373
2016			5,750
2017			6,076
2018			6,431
2019			6,948
2020 - 2024			41,621
Multi-employer Pension Plan
The Company participates in and contributes to a multi-employer pension plan on behalf of union employees in its Cash & Carry operations. At December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, there were approximately 172 and 165 union employees covered under this plan, respectively. The Company's employer contributions and corresponding pension expense for this plan were $1.3 million, $1.2 million, $0.2 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012 and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
The multi-employer plan is the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan (the "Teamsters Plan"), which was established pursuant to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 26, 1955 ("Trust Agreement"). The Teamsters Plan (EIN 91-6145047; Plan Number 001) provides and maintains retirement, death and termination benefits for employees in collective bargaining units represented by local unions affiliated with the Western Conference of Teamsters. The Teamsters Plan is subject to the provisions of ERISA, as amended.
The Trust Agreement provides that the trustees of the Teamsters Plan shall establish and adjust the levels of prospective plan benefits so that employer contributions received by the Teamsters Plan will always meet the minimum funding standards of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The trustees have established a funding policy that specifies funding targets that may result in more rapid funding than prescribed by the minimum funding standards and that provides for benefit adjustments based on specified funding targets. The Teamsters Plan's actuary has advised the Company that the minimum funding requirements of ERISA are being met as of January 1, 2014 (based on the most recent information available).
As of January 1, 2014, the Teamsters Plan actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits was $39,116.0 million and the actuarial value of assets for funding the standard account was $35,478.6 million, resulting in a funded percentage of 90.7%. The Teamsters Plan covered approximately 546,000 participants as of December 31, 2013. Approximately 1,520 employers participate in the Teamsters Plan and total employer contributions for the plan year ended December 31, 2013, aggregated $1,431.1 million.
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company offers all qualified employees the opportunity to participate in a defined contribution plan, which is qualified under the requirements of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Smart & Final 401(k) Savings Plan (the "S&F Savings Plan") covers all of the Company's employees who have completed at least three months of service. The Company automatically enrolls newly eligible employees into the S&F Savings Plan at 3% of their eligible compensation unless they choose to opt out of such enrollment. The S&F Savings Plan allowed participants to contribute up to 100% of their eligible compensation, not exceeding $17,500 and $17,000 for participants under the age of 50 or $23,000 and $22,500 for employees at the age of 50 or over for 2014 and 2013, respectively. For Frozen Pension Participants, the Company matched 50% of each dollar contributed up to 6% of the participant's eligible compensation during 2014 and 2013. For Active Pension Participants, the Company matched 33% of each dollar contributed up to 6% of the participant's eligible compensation during 2014 and 2013. Contributions made to the S&F Savings Plan were $4.4 million, $3.9 million, $0.4 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company maintains a contributory, nonqualified deferred compensation plan which, for each year, permits key employees and members of our board of directors to elect to defer up to 100% of their compensation for such year until retirement. The retirement benefit to be provided under the plan is a function of the participant's deferred compensation and earnings thereupon. The plan is designed to primarily fund the retirement benefit liability through maintenance of certain investments, including participant cash deferrals. The liability to the deferred compensation plan participants was $21.4 million and $22.4 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, and is included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company has certain investments, including corporate-owned life insurance policies, which had a market value that offset the participant liabilities at each of these measurement dates.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Company maintains a noncontributory, nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (the "SERP"), which provides supplemental income payments for certain current and former corporate officers in retirement. The SERP contains provisions that provide for an acceleration of vesting in the event of a change in control. As a result of the Apollo Acquisition, all SERP participants employed by the Predecessor Company, except for one participant, became fully vested in their respective retirement benefits as of May 31, 2007. No new participants were added after this date, and service and compensation accruals were frozen effective June 1, 2008. Accordingly, the retirement benefit for plan participants who remained employed by the Company was frozen, and future service or compensation increases will not adjust the SERP benefit amount. Recently, the Society of Actuaries released revised mortality tables, which update life expectancy assumptions. In consideration of these tables, the Company modified the mortality assumptions used in determining its SERP obligation as of December 28, 2014. The impact of these new mortality assumptions has resulted in an increase to the Company's SERP obligation and an increase in future related expense.
The liability to SERP participants was $33.1 million and $29.9 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, and is included in "Post-retirement and post-employment benefits" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for the SERP. To provide partial funding for the SERP, the Company invests in corporate-owned life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of these policies was $19.7 million and $19.3 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, and is included in "Other assets" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
The following tables set forth the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets for each of the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	(29,943	)	$	(33,201	)
Interest cost			(1,200	)		(992	)
Actuarial (loss) gain			(3,906	)		2,346
Benefits paid			1,904			1,904
Benefit obligation, end of period			(33,145	)		(29,943	)
Employer contribution			1,904			1,904
Benefits paid			(1,904	)		(1,904	)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period			—			—
Funded status			(33,145	)		(29,943	)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)			1,075			(2,831	)
Accrued benefit cost		$	(32,070	)	$	(32,774	)
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
Other accrued liabilities		$	(1,905	)	$	(1,905	)
Postretirement and postemployment benefits			(31,240	)		(28,038	)
Net amount recognized		$	(33,145	)	$	(29,943	)
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	(1,075	)	$	2,831
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(1,075	)	$	2,831
During 2015, no accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
The projected benefit obligation for this plan was $33.1million and $29.9 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.
The components included in the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
Interest cost component		$	1,200		$	992		$	121		$	1,001
Amortization of actuarial losses			—			—			—			409
Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,200		$	992		$	121		$	1,410
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at the fiscal year ends indicated are as follows:
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
Discount rate			3.42	%		4.14	%
Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods indicated are as follows:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
Discount rate			4.14	%		3.17	%		3.02	%		3.85	%
Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
Fiscal Year:
2015		$	1,904
2016			1,920
2017			1,920
2018			1,993
2019			1,993
2020 - 2024			12,392
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
The Company provides health care benefits for certain retired employees. Prior to June 1, 2008, substantially all full-time employees could become eligible for those benefits if they reached retirement age while still working for the Company. The Company froze the accruing of benefits for eligible participants effective June 1, 2008. Participants who were eligible for a retiree medical benefit and retired prior to June 1, 2009 continued to be eligible for retiree medical coverage. The Company retains the right to make further amendments to the benefit formula and eligibility requirements. This postretirement health care plan is contributory with participants' contributions adjusted annually. The plan limits benefits to the lesser of the actual cost for the medical coverage selected or a defined dollar benefit based on years of service, applicable to current retirees. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for this health care plan. Recently, the Society of Actuaries released revised mortality tables, which update life expectancy assumptions. In consideration of these tables, the Company modified the mortality assumptions used in determining its postretirement health care plan obligation as of December 28, 2014. The impact of these new mortality assumptions has resulted in an increase to the Company's postretirement health care plan obligation and an increase in future related expense.
The reconciliation of benefit obligation and plan assets for 2014 and 2013 are aggregated as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	(13,854	)	$	(15,397	)
Service cost			(314	)		(334	)
Interest cost			(652	)		(597	)
Plan participants' contributions			(419	)		(377	)
Actuarial (loss) gain			(1,690	)		1,710
Benefits paid			1,105			1,141
Benefit obligation, end of period			(15,824	)		(13,854	)
Change in Plan Assets
Employer contribution			686			764
Plan participants' contributions			419			377
Benefits paid			(1,105	)		(1,141	)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period			—			—
Funded status			(15,824	)		(13,854	)
Net amount recognized		$	(15,824	)	$	(13,854	)
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
Other accrued liabilities		$	(823	)	$	(905	)
Postretirement and postemployment benefits			(15,001	)		(12,949	)
Net amount recognized		$	(15,824	)	$	(13,854	)
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consist of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
Net actuarial gain		$	123		$	1,878
Accumulated other comprehensive income		$	123		$	1,878
During 2015, no accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
The components included in the postretirement benefit cost for each of the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
Service cost component		$	314		$	334		$	44		$	229
Interest cost component			652			597			77			587
Prior service credit			—			—			—			(36	)
Amortization of net actuarial gain			(65	)		—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost		$	901		$	931		$	121		$	780
The weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligations for this plan was 4.10% and 4.80% for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.
The weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 4.80%, 4.00%, 3.90% and 5.05% for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
For measurement purposes, the Company used the following assumptions in regard to health care cost trends:
		2014			2013			2012
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year			8.00	%		8.50	%		9.00	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)			5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate			2020			2020			2020
The annual rate of health care cost of covered claims is assumed to decrease by 0.5% per year until an ultimate trend rate of 5.00% is reached in 2020 and to remain at that level thereafter.
The Company offers a defined dollar benefit plan providing a maximum fixed dollar amount of coverage that does not increase with medical inflation. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):
		1-Percentage			1-Percentage
		Point			Point
		Increase			Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components of net periodic expense		$	5		$	(7	)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$	79		$	(107	)
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
Fiscal Year:
2015		$	784
2016			802
2017			832
2018			876
2019			917
2020 - 2024			4,893

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
	10. Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Employee benefits, including postretirement reserves	$	36,008		$	11,600
	Net operating and capital loss carryforwards		8,782			11,183
	Operating reserves and accruals		25,410			16,661
	Inventories		3,130			3,025
	Other		1,910			2,167
	Total gross deferred tax assets		75,240			44,636
	Valuation allowance		(1,014	)		(1,014	)
	Total deferred tax assets		74,226			43,622
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization		(42,716	)		(37,317	)
	Intangible assets		(134,764	)		(136,790	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(177,480	)		(174,107	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(103,254	)	$	(130,485	)
	The effective tax rate was 33.7% for the year ended December 28, 2014, 39.9% for the year ended December 29, 2013, 34.1% for the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012 and 1.7% for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012. Reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the effective tax rate for each year is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Income tax at federal statutory rate	$	17,490		$	4,760		$	(4,932	)	$	5,099
	Equity earnings not subject to U.S. tax		(363	)		(577	)		—			(287	)
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		1,570			296			(539	)		139
	Federal tax credits		(692	)		(484	)		—			—
	Foreign taxes, net of credits		134			3,158			10			(2,840	)
	Foreign dividend received		—			—			—			4,138
	State EZ credits		(302	)		(549	)		—			(5,071	)
	Insurance cash surrender value		(296	)		(767	)		(66	)		(612	)
	Transaction costs		—			—			722			—
	Other items, net		(687	)		(408	)		1			(322	)
	Income taxes provision (benefit)	$	16,854		$	5,429		$	(4,804	)	$	244
	The significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Current:
	Federal	$	17,350		$	6,222		$	328		$	12,566
	State		3,126			280			104			(1,927	)
	Foreign		204			185			10			113
			20,680			6,687			442			10,752
	Deferred:
	Federal		(2,650	)		(588	)		(4,313	)		(4,846	)
	State		(1,176	)		(538	)		(933	)		(5,082	)
	Valuation allowance		—			(132	)		—			(580	)
			(3,826	)		(1,258	)		(5,246	)		(10,508	)
	Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	16,854		$	5,429		$	(4,804	)	$	244
	At December 28, 2014, the Company had no federal net operating loss carryforwards, and approximately $57.0 million (gross) of net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes, which begin to expire in 2017. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 (the "Act") limits the use of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in certain situations where changes occur in the stock ownership. The Successor completed its acquisition of the Predecessor on November 15, 2012, which resulted in a stock ownership change as defined by the Act. This transaction resulted in limitations on the annual utilization of state net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes that such limitation will have no impact on its deferred tax assets available under the Act. The income tax provision for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012 and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, reflects the usage of $32.0 million, $21.5 million, $2.7 million and $0 of net operating loss carryforwards (gross) for state income tax purposes.
	The total tax credits available were $6.6 million at December 28, 2014. These tax credits primarily include California state tax incentive programs designed to encourage employers hiring from targeted groups and foreign tax credits. The California state tax credits will begin to expire from 2023 onward. Certain of the foreign tax credits will begin to expire from 2016 onward.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets included in the consolidated balance sheets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In accordance with this policy and the requirements of ASC 740, a valuation allowance of $1.0 million is retained against certain California tax credits and certain California and Florida net operating loss carryforwards.
	The Company has not recorded U.S. income tax expense for the undistributed earnings pertaining to the 2012 to 2014 Mexico operations. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the undistributed earnings were $3.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The Company intends to leave the 2012 to 2014 undistributed income permanently reinvested offshore. The amount of earnings designated as indefinitely reinvested offshore is based upon the actual deployment of such earnings in offshore assets and expectations of the future cash needs of the U.S. and foreign entities.
	In July 2006, the FASB issued further guidance to clarify the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition and applies to all tax positions related to income taxes. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of fiscal year	$	1,350		$	1,350
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		—			—
	Accrued interest and penalty		325			—
	Reductions due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations		—			—
Balance at end of fiscal year	$	1,675		$	1,350
As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits were $1.7 million and $1.4 million respectively. Almost the entire liability, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.
While timing of the resolution and/or finalization of tax audits is uncertain, the Company believes that its unrecognized tax benefits, as disclosed above, will be settled in the next 12 months.
The Company's policy is to accrue any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax expense. For the year ended December 28, 2014, $325,000 was recorded. There were no interest and penalties for the year ended December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012 and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012.
The California Franchise Tax Board examined the tax return of Casino USA, Inc. for the tax year ended December 31, 2004. The Company, together with Casino USA, was included in the 2004 California Combined Franchise Tax Board return. The Company is not aware of any proposed adjustments, and does not expect that any proposed adjustments would result in a material change to its consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The Company's 2005 through 2007 tax returns are currently under audit by the California Franchise Tax Board. The Company is not aware of any proposed adjustments at this time.
Currently, the Company's federal tax returns for the periods ended January 1, 2012 and November 14, 2012 are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"). The IRS issued a Notice of Proposed Adjustment dated May 13, 2014 ("NOPA 1") and a Notice of Proposed Adjustment dated September 15, 2014 ("NOPA 2") related to the tax treatment of certain transaction costs associated with the Ares Acquisition. On February 10, 2015, the Company received notice from the IRS that NOPA 1and NOPA 2 were rescinded. The IRS examination for the aforementioned periods remains in progress. The Company is entitled to indemnification from the selling security holders in the Ares Acquisition for certain losses arising from tax obligations relating to pre-closing periods. However, any such indemnification is limited by its terms and any such indemnification, as a practical matter, is limited to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying parties. The Company has not recorded any tax reserve with respect to the IRS examination as of December 28, 2014.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions and Mexico. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.
The tax years which remain subject to examination or are being examined by major tax jurisdictions as of December 28, 2014 include fiscal years 2005 through 2014 for state purposes and 2007 through 2014 for federal purposes.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions
	11. Related Party Transactions
	In conjunction with the Apollo Acquisition and effective as of May 31, 2007, the Predecessor entered into a Management Services Agreement with an Apollo affiliate, Apollo Management VI, L.P. (the "Manager"), whereby the Manager provided certain investment banking, management, consulting and financial planning services to the Predecessor. The Management Services Agreement was for a ten-year term and the Predecessor was obligated to pay the Manager an annual fee of $1.5 million, payable on a quarterly basis. The Predecessor paid the Manager $1.4 million related to the annual fee for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012. Upon consummation of the Ares Acquisition, the Company paid a transaction fee of $4.0 million to the Manager. Effective November 15, 2012, the Management Services Agreement was terminated and the Company paid the Manager a termination fee of $5.5 million.
	In addition, pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, the Predecessor paid a transaction fee including reimbursement of expenses of $9.0 million in the aggregate to the Manager for financial advisory services in connection with the Apollo Acquisition and the October 2007 acquisition of organic and natural food oriented supermarkets operated in California and Texas under the banners "Henry's Farmers Markets" and "Sun Harvest Markets" (the "Henry's Acquisition"). Of this fee, 50%, or $4.5 million, was included as part of the purchase price and the remaining 50%, or $4.5 million, had been included in deferred financing costs and was amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related debt through 2016. These services included assisting the Predecessor in the structuring and negotiation of the credit facilities and other services in connection with the Apollo Acquisition and Henry's Acquisition. No such fees were paid in conjunction with the sale of Henry's in the year ended January 1, 2012. The Company wrote off the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs in connection with the Ares Acquisition.
	Funds affiliated with Ares hold approximately 10% of the outstanding loans under the Term Loan Facility and receive payments in respect of such loans representing their pro rata portion of such loans. During the year ended December 28, 2014, fees and other expenses paid to Ares were $0.1 million.

Employment_Agreements

Employment Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Employment Agreements
Employment Agreements
	12. Employment Agreements
	The Predecessor entered into an employment agreement with David G. Hirz effective April 7, 2010, to serve as the Predecessor's President (the "2010 Hirz Agreement"). The 2010 Hirz Agreement provided for the following, among other provisions: a) executive to serve as President of the Predecessor for a three-year term, b) executive to be compensated through base salary, bonus, benefits, and expense reimbursement, and c) executive to be granted a stock option grant on the effective date of the employment agreement. The 2010 Hirz Agreement was amended on December 23, 2011, and provided for a) the executive to serve as the Predecessor's President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2012, b) adjustment to executive's base salary and bonus, and c) a stock option grant to the executive as of January 1, 2012.
	Effective with the Ares Acquisition on November 15, 2012, SFSI entered into an employment agreement with David G. Hirz (the "2012 Hirz Agreement"). The 2012 Hirz Agreement provided, among other provisions, for Mr. Hirz to: (a) serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a three-year term with automatic one-year renewals, (b) be nominated to serve as a director on SFSI's board of directors for so long as he remains employed by the Company, (c) be compensated through base salary, bonus, benefits, and expense reimbursement, and (d) be granted stock options as soon as practical following the Ares Acquisition. On February 1, 2013, a grant of stock options was made to Mr. Hirz pursuant to the 2012 Hirz Agreement.
	On November 15, 2012, David G. Hirz also entered into a Fair Competition Agreement with SFSI wherein the executive agreed to various non-competition and non-solicitation covenants.
	In connection with the IPO, SFSI entered into a new employment agreement with David G. Hirz (the "2014 Hirz Agreement"). The 2014 Hirz Agreement provided, among other provisions, for Mr. Hirz to: (a) serve as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company for a three-year term with automatic one-year renewals, (b) be nominated to serve as a director on SFSI's board of directors for so long as he remains employed by the Company, (c) be compensated through base salary, bonus, benefits and expense reimbursement, and (d) be considered for annual grant of equity awards on terms determined by the SFSI's board of directors or the Compensation Committee of such board (the "Compensation Committee").

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation
	13. Share-Based Compensation
	2014 Incentive Plan
	Effective September 23, 2014, and in connection with the IPO, SFSI adopted the Smart & Final Stores, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2014 Incentive Plan"), which provides for the issuance of equity-based incentive awards not to exceed 5,500,000 shares of Common Stock to eligible employees, consultants and non-employee directors in the form of stock options, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and performance-based cash awards. In addition, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock underlying stock options that were previously issued under the 2012 Incentive Plan (as defined below) and that expire, terminate or are cancelled for any reason without being exercised in full will be available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan.
	Effective September 23, 2014, SFSI's board of directors and the Compensation Committee granted 458,645 shares of restricted stock to eligible employees under the 2014 Incentive Plan. These grants were awards with time-based vesting terms, and generally vest over four years, subject to continuous employment. The grant date fair value was $12.00 per share of restricted stock based on the price of Common Stock sold in the IPO.
	Effective September 23, 2014, SFSI's board of directors and the Compensation Committee also granted stock options to purchase up to a total of 1,543,592 shares of Common Stock to certain management employees and non-employee directors under the 2014 Incentive Plan. The stock options have time-based vesting terms. These stock options collectively with the stock options to purchase up to 6,335,550 shares of Common Stock described below under "2012 Incentive Plan," are referred to herein as the "Time-Based Options." Of the Time-Based Options granted on September 23, 2014, stock options to purchase up to 638,889 shares of Common Stock vest over a five-year period from the grant date, with 10% vesting on the first and second anniversaries of the grant date, 20% vesting on the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date and 40% vesting on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, and stock options to purchase up to 524,999 shares of Common Stock vest over a five-year period from the grant date with 20% vesting at the end of each year. The remaining Time-Based Options granted (to purchase up to 379,704 shares of Common Stock) vest over a four-year period from the grant date with 25% vesting at the end of each year. All of the Time-Based Options granted have a 10-year term and are subject to continuous employment or service.
	On September 22, 2014, stock options to purchase up to 821,370 shares of Common Stock previously granted on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014 under the 2012 Incentive Plan were cancelled and new grants of stock options to purchase up to 598,987 shares of Common Stock and 222,383 shares of restricted stock were granted to the same individuals under the 2014 Incentive Plan. These grants were awards with time-based vesting terms, and vest over various years from grant date with various percentages vesting at the end of each anniversary of the original grant dates through May 30, 2019. These grants under the 2014 Incentive Plan are in addition to the aforementioned grants of 458,645 shares of restricted stock and aforementioned grants of stock options to purchase up to 1,543,592 shares of Common Stock.
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock award activity under the 2014 Incentive Plan for the year ended December 28, 2014:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 29, 2013		—			—
	Granted		681,028		$	12.00
	Forfeited		—			—
	Vested		—			—
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014		681,028		$	12.00
	Exercisable at December 28, 2014		—			—
	The Company recorded share-based compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards of approximately $0.9 million for the year ended December 28, 2014. As of December 28, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost was $5.9 million and related weighted-average period over which Time-Based Option expense was expected to be recognized was approximately 2.45 years.
	The following table summarizes the Time-Based Option activity under the 2014 Incentive Plan for the year ended December 28, 2014, dollars in thousands except weighted average exercise price:
		Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
					Average		Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining	Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at December 29, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		2,142,579			12
	Forfeited		(11,111	)		12
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014		2,131,468		$	12	9.75 years	$	7,246
	Exercisable at December 28, 2014		—			—	—		—
	Vested and expected to vest after December 28, 2014		2,029,863		$	12	9.71 years	$	6,902
	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the closing stock price of our common stock and the exercise price of outstanding, in-the-money options. Our closing stock price as reported on NYSE as of December 28, 2014 was $15.40.
	The fair value of the Time-Based Options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model based on the assumptions in the following table:
		Fiscal Year
		2014
	Dividend yield	0%
	Expected volatility	33.47%
	Risk-free interest rates	2.09%
	Expected terms	6.59 years
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$4.54
	The expected volatility for all Time-Based Options was based on utilizing comparable peer group share price volatility adjusted for the Company's debt to equity leverage, including the effect of the Ares Acquisition. The risk-free interest rate was based on the traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the grant's expected life. The term of the Time-Based Options was derived based on the "simplified method" calculation. The simplified method allows companies that do not have sufficient historical experience to provide a reasonable basis for an estimate to instead estimate the expected term of a "plain vanilla" option by averaging the time to vesting and the full term of the option. ("Plain vanilla" options are options with the following characteristics: (1) the options are granted at-the-money; (2) exercisability is conditional only upon performing service through the vesting date; (3) if an employee terminates service prior to vesting, the employee would forfeit the options; (4) if an employee terminates service after vesting, the employee would have a limited time to exercise the options; and (5) the options are nontransferable and non-hedgeable.) The Company periodically evaluates the applicability of using the simplified method with respect to the characteristics noted above with respect to its options and will continue to do so as the Company gains historical experience. The estimated forfeiture rate of 5.0% was based on projected forfeitures primarily based on the historical experience of the Company. As of December 28, 2014, a total of options to purchase up to 11,111 shares of Common Stock related to the September 23, 2014 grants have been forfeited.
	The Company recorded share-based compensation expense for Time-Based Options granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan of $1.0 million for the year ended December 28, 2014. As of December 28, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost was $7.5 million and related weighted-average period over which Time-Based Option expense was expected to be recognized was approximately 2.70 years.
	2012 Incentive Plan
	Effective November 15, 2012, SFSI adopted the SF CC Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2012 Incentive Plan"), which provides for the issuance of equity-based incentive awards not to exceed 11,400,000 shares of Common Stock. Effective upon closing of the IPO, no new awards may be granted under the 2012 Incentive Plan.
	In 2013, SFSI made grants of stock options to purchase up to a total of 5,433,620 shares of Common Stock to certain management employees and directors. During the year ended December 28, 2014, SFSI made grants of stock options to purchase up to a total of 901,930 shares of Common Stock to certain management employees.
	Of the 901,930 Time-Based Options granted in 2014 under the 2012 Incentive Plan, stock options to purchase up to 403,560 shares of Common Stock were granted with time-based vesting terms and vest over five years subject to continuous service by the participant. The remaining Time-Based Options granted under the 2012 Incentive Plan (to purchase up to 498,370 shares of Common Stock) were granted to one management employee and vest on the earliest of (a) May 30, 2017, (b) a change in control of the Company, as defined in the 2012 Incentive Plan, and (c) the earliest date on or after May 30, 2016 on which both (i) an initial public offering of SFSI has occurred and (ii) Ares no longer beneficially owns securities representing 50% or more of the total voting power of the securities of SFSI entitled to vote in the election of SFSI's board of directors, in each case, subject to continuous service by the participant through the applicable vesting date. All of the Time-Based Options granted during the year ended December 28, 2014 have a 10-year term.
	On September 22, 2014, 821,370 of the Time-Based Options granted in 2014 under the 2012 Incentive Plan were cancelled.
	The following table summarizes the Time-Based Option activity under the 2012 Incentive Plan for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, dollars in thousands except weighted average exercise price:
		Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
					Average		Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining	Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at December 30, 2012		—		$	—
	Granted		5,433,620			6.58
	Forfeited		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 29, 2013		5,433,620			6.58	9.11 years
	Granted		901,930			8.87
	Forfeited		(159,980	)		8.24
	Exercised		—			—
	Cancelled		(821,370	)		8.78
Expired		—			—
Outstanding at December 28, 2014		5,354,200		$	6.58	8.11 years	$	47,224
Exercisable at December 28, 2014		2,141,680		$	6.58	8.11 years	$	18,890
Vested and expected to vest after December 28, 2014		5,184,141		$	6.58	8.11 Years	$	45,724
Total fair value for Time-Based Options vested was $5.8 million during the year ended December 28, 2014. No options were exercised during the year ended December 28, 2014.
The fair value of the Time-Based Options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model based on the assumptions in the following table:
	Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
	2014		2013
Dividend yield	0%		0%
Expected volatility	48.59%		50.00%
Risk-free interest rates	1.35%		2.03%
Expected terms	5.86 years		10.00 years
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$2.79		$3.05
The expected volatility for all Time-Based Options was based on utilizing comparable peer group share price volatility adjusted for the Company's debt to equity leverage, including the effect of the Ares Acquisition. The risk-free interest rate was based on the traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the grant's expected life. The term of the Time-Based Options was derived based on the "simplified method" calculation. The simplified method allows companies that do not have sufficient historical experience to provide a reasonable basis for an estimate to instead estimate the expected term of a "plain vanilla" option by averaging the time to vesting and the full term of the option. The Company periodically evaluates the applicability of using the simplified method with respect to the characteristics noted above with respect to its options and will continue to do so as the Company gains historical experience. The estimated forfeiture rate of 5.0% was based on projected forfeitures primarily based on the historical experience of the Company. As of December 28, 2014, options to purchase up to a total of 16,720 shares of Common Stock related to the February 1, 2013 grant, options to purchase up to a total of 62,700 shares of Common Stock related to the May 8, 2013 grant and options to purchase up to a total of 80,560 shares of Common Stock related to January 31, 2014 grant have been forfeited.
Under the 2012 Incentive Plan and the Company's standard form of stock option award agreement for the 2012 Incentive Plan, the Company had a right to repurchase from the participant all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option prior to the IPO. For Common Stock issued upon exercise of such stock options granted pursuant to such standard form of stock option award agreement, if a participant's employment was terminated for cause or due to a voluntary termination for any reason, or upon the discovery that the participant engaged in detrimental activity (as defined), the repurchase price of such shares of Common Stock was the lesser of the exercise price paid by the participant to exercise the stock option and the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the date of termination or the date on which such detrimental activity occurred, as applicable. If the Company elected to exercise its repurchase rights, it was required do so within the one-year period commencing on the later of (i) the date of termination and (ii) the date on which the applicable stock option was exercised. Prior to the IPO, Time-Based Options to purchase up to 3,586,820 shares of Common Stock (out of the total Time-Based Options to purchase up to 6,335,550 shares of Common Stock) were subject to such repurchase rights. If the Company exercised such repurchase right at the lesser of the exercise price paid by the participant to exercise the stock option and the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the date of termination, the participant would receive no monetary benefit from such exercise of his or her stock option. Accordingly, as it was not assured nor probable that participants would realize any monetary benefit from the exercise of such stock options, the Company (i) did not record any share-based compensation expense for these stock options prior to the IPO and (ii) was unable to determine the time period over which share-based compensation expense would be recognized. As a result of the IPO and the related termination of various restrictions on the transfer of Common Stock, it was determined that the Company's repurchase right is no longer in effect. Accordingly, as of the consummation of the IPO, it was considered probable that the participants could realize monetary benefit from the exercise of such stock options, and the Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $5.0 million related to these option grants during the year ended December 28, 2014 (including a one-time catch-up of share-based compensation expense of $4.5 million from grant date up through the date of the IPO). As of December 28, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost was $1.9 million and related weighted-average period over which expense for Time-Based Options granted under the 2012 Incentive Plan was expected to be recognized was approximately 1.88 years.
The grants of Time-Based Options made pursuant to the 2012 Incentive Plan on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014 to purchase up to 821,370 shares of Common Stock were made to four management employees. Of these grants, stock options to purchase up to 323,000 shares were made to three management employees which were subject to the Company's repurchase right. Accordingly, the Company did not recognize share-based compensation expense related to these grants. The remaining stock options to purchase up to 498,370 shares of Common Stock were made to one management employee. The Company had a right to repurchase from such participant all or a portion of the Common Stock issued upon the exercise of such stock options in the manner described above; provided that if the participant's termination of employment was voluntary for any reason and the participant had not engaged in detrimental activity, the repurchase price was the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of termination. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million through September 22, 2014 related to these grants. On September 22, 2014, these options were cancelled.
On May 30, 2014, the Company modified its repurchase rights related to grants of Time-Based Options under the 2012 Incentive Plan to two management employee participants to purchase up to 2,250,360 shares of Common Stock originally awarded on February 1, 2013. Pursuant to the terms of the modified award agreements, prior to the IPO, the Company had a right to repurchase from such participant all or a portion of the Common Stock issued upon the exercise of such stock options in the manner described above; provided that if the participant's termination of employment was voluntary for any reason and the participant has not engaged in detrimental activity, the repurchase price was the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of termination. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $4.3 million for the year ended December 28, 2014 related to these grants. As of December 28, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost was $4.0 million and related weighted-average period over which Time-Based Option expense was expected to be recognized was approximately 1.88 years.
In connection with the Ares Acquisition on November 15, 2012, certain stock options to purchase shares of common stock of the Predecessor were converted into 3,625,580 stock options to purchase Common Stock (the "Rollover Options"). For Common Stock issued upon exercise of a Rollover Option, prior to the IPO, the repurchase price was the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of termination. In the event of a participant's termination of employment for cause or upon discovery that the participant engaged in detrimental activity, if the Company elected to exercise its repurchase right, it was required to do so within a 180-day period commencing on the later of (i) the date of termination and (ii) the date on which such Rollover Option was exercised. In the event of a participant's termination of employment for any other reason, the repurchase right was required to be exercised by the Company during the 90-day period following the date of termination. On May 30, 2014, one management employee participant net settled a Rollover Option to purchase 924,730 shares of Common Stock to satisfy a portion of the required exercise price of the issued shares and to cover the minimum amount of required employee withholding taxes, resulting in the issuance of 426,170 shares of Common Stock. The Company received $0.5 million in cash proceeds from the exercise of options. The weighted-average exercise price of the Rollover Options exercised was $2.08 and the aggregate intrinsic value was $5.8 million. As of December 28, 2014, all Rollover Options were fully vested. The weighted-average exercise price of the Rollover Options was $2.26. The weighted-average remaining contractual term was 3.07 years. The aggregate intrinsic value was $35.5 million.
Predecessor Share-Based Compensation
Effective May 31, 2007, the Predecessor established the Smart & Final Holdings Corp. Stock Incentive Plan (the "Predecessor Incentive Plan"), which provided for the issuance of share grants not to exceed 1,600,000 shares.
Effective May 31, 2007, and in conjunction with the Apollo Acquisition, certain management employees of SFI elected to convert certain SFI options to new stock options of the Predecessor in lieu of receiving a cash payment for the excess of $22.00 over the underlying option exercise price for each respective option. The value of these respective SFI options was approximately $3.9 million and they were converted into 194,250 fully vested option shares issued under the Predecessor Incentive Plan.
Effective May 31, 2007, certain management employees of the Predecessor elected to convert certain SFI restricted stock rights to new share rights of the Predecessor (the "Predecessor Share Rights") in lieu of receiving a cash payment of $22.00 per share held. The value of these respective SFI restricted stock rights was approximately $4.0 million and they were converted into 197,659 Predecessor Share Rights.
Effective May 31, 2007, the Predecessor granted 888,140 option shares pursuant to the Predecessor Incentive Plan. Effective November 19, 2007, the Predecessor granted an additional 122,621 option shares pursuant to the Predecessor Incentive Plan. In 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Predecessor granted an aggregate of 71,854, 238,417, 234,192, 157,867, and 86,058 option shares, respectively. Half of these grants were awards with time-based vesting terms and the other half of these grants were awards with performance-based vesting terms.
Time-Based Vesting Stock Options
During the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the Predecessor granted a total of 35,927 option shares of time-based vesting stock options to employees, which vest over four years, subject to continuous employment or the realization of a liquidity event such as the sale of the Predecessor, and have a seven-year term (the "Time-Based Vesting Options"). During the year ended January 1, 2012, the Predecessor extended the termination date of all grants issued prior to March 11, 2009 to May 31, 2016. On November 7, 2012, and as a result of a change in control provision in the Predecessor Incentive Plan, the Predecessor's board of directors accelerated the vesting of its Time-Based Vesting Options. The accelerated vesting was effective immediately prior to the closing of the Ares Acquisition. Effective November 14, 2012, all Time-Based Vesting Options were fully vested and became immediately exercisable.
The following table summarizes the Time-Based Vesting Options activity under the plan for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012:
	Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-
				Average		Average
				Exercise		Remaining
				Price		Contractual
						Term
Outstanding at January 2, 2012		632,546			20.32	4.98 years
Granted		35,927			24.10
Forfeitures		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Expired		—			—
Outstanding at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
Exercisable and vested at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
The fair value of the Time-Based Vesting Options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model based on the assumptions in the following table for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012:
	January 2
	Through
	November 14,
	2012
	(Predecessor)
Dividend yield	0%
Expected volatility	50%
Risk-free interest rates	0.40%
Expected terms	4.75 years
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$10.03
The expected volatility for options granted effective May 31, 2007, was based on the historical share price volatility of SFI adjusted for the change in the Predecessor's debt to equity leverage as a result of the Apollo Acquisition. The expected volatility for all subsequently granted options was based on utilizing comparable peer group share price volatility adjusted for the Predecessor's debt to equity leverage including the effects of the Apollo Acquisition, the Henry's Acquisition, the sale of Henry's, and certain sale and leaseback transactions. The risk-free interest rate was based on the traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the grant's expected life. The expected term was based on the midpoint of the vesting date and contractual term of the granted options. The Predecessor had elected to use this "simplified" method to establish the expected term due to the limited history of option exercise subsequent to the Predecessor becoming a privately held corporation. The estimated forfeiture rate of 5.0% was based on projected forfeitures primarily based on the historical experience of the Company. As of January 1, 2012, a total of 135,975 option shares related to the May 31, 2007, grant, a total of 25,819 option shares related to the November 19, 2007, grant, a total of 18,932 option shares related to the March 11, 2008, grant, a total of 24,097 option shares related to the July 18, 2008, grant, a total of 18,934 option shares related to the March 6, 2009, grant and a total of 1,721 option shares related to the September 3, 2010, grant have been forfeited. The Predecessor had adjusted the estimated forfeiture rates to 14.5%, 21.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 15.0% and 100.0% for these particular grants, respectively. All other stock awards granted by the Predecessor were consistent with the underlying assumption of a 5.0% forfeiture rate. On November 14, 2012, the Predecessor adjusted the estimated forfeiture rate to 14.41% for the March 6, 2009, grant, 20.71% for the November 19, 2007, grant, 14.10% for the May 31, 2007 grant and 0% on all other option grants in connection with the Ares Acquisition.
The Predecessor recognized the related compensation expense (the estimated fair value of the stock options) over the vesting period using the accelerated recognition method. During the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, a total of $0.7 million was recognized as compensation expense related to the Time-Based Vesting Option awards. As a result of the accelerated vesting effective immediately prior to the closing of the Ares Acquisition, the Predecessor expensed the unamortized compensation expense of $1.2 million.
Performance-Based Vesting Stock Options
During the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the Predecessor granted a total of 35,927 option shares of performance-based vesting stock options to employees, which have a seven-year term (the "Performance-Based Vesting Options"). The Performance-Based Vesting Options vested: (a) in two equal annual installments commencing one year after meeting certain performance goals as outlined in the stock option agreements, subject to immediate vesting of any unvested installment in the event a change in control takes place after the performance goals have been met and the two-year vesting has commenced or (b) upon the realization of a liquidity event such as a sale of the Predecessor or an initial public offering wherein the performance goals as outlined in the stock option agreements were met.
The following table below summarizes the Performance-Based Vesting Options activity under the plan for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012:
	Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-
				Average		Average
				Exercise		Remaining
				Price		Contractual
						Term
Outstanding at January 2, 2012		632,546			20.32	4.98 years
Granted		35,927			24.10
Forfeitures		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Expired		—			—
Outstanding at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
Exercisable and vested at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
During the year ended January 1, 2012, as a result of improved performance, the Predecessor had determined that it was probable that the related performance conditions would be met and all Performance-Based Vesting Options, except for the January 1, 2012 grant, would vest in two equal annual installments subsequent to the performance condition measurement date. The Predecessor had also determined that it was probable that certain performance conditions would be met for the January 1, 2012 grant; therefore, half of the grant would vest on December 30, 2012. On November 7, 2012 and as a result of a change in control provision in the Predecessor Incentive Plan, the Predecessor's board of directors accelerated the vesting of its Performance-Based Vesting Options. The accelerated vesting was effective immediately prior to the closing of the Ares Acquisition. Effective November 14, 2012, all performance-based options were fully vested.
The fair value of the Performance-Based Vesting Options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model based on the assumptions in the following table for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012:
	January 2
	Through
	November 14,
	2012
	(Predecessor)
Dividend yield	0%
Expected volatility	50%
Risk-free interest rates	0.40%
Expected terms	3.92 Years
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$9.26
The expected volatility for all granted options was based on utilizing comparable peer group share price volatility adjusted for the Predecessor's debt to equity leverage including the effects of the Apollo Acquisition, the Henry's Acquisition, the sale of Henry's, and certain sale and elected to use this "simplified" method to establish the expected term due to the leaseback transactions. The risk-free interest rate was based on the traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the grant's expected life. The expected term was based on the midpoint of the vesting date and contractual term of the granted options. The Predecessor had limited history of options exercised subsequent to the Predecessor becoming a privately held corporation. During the year ended January 1, 2012, the estimated forfeiture rate for all Performance-Based Vesting Options, except for the January 1, 2012, grant, was 2% based on projected forfeitures primarily based on the historical experience of the Predecessor. The forfeiture rate for the January 1, 2012, grant was 0%. Effective November 14, 2012, the Predecessor adjusted the estimated forfeiture rate to 0% for all Performance-Based Vesting Options in connection with the Ares Acquisition.
The Predecessor recognized the related compensation expense (equal to the estimated fair value of awards for which vesting with respect to performance conditions is considered probable) using the accelerated recognition methods. During the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, a total of $1.8 million was recognized as compensation expense.
As a result of the accelerated vesting effective immediately prior to the closing of the Ares Acquisition, the Predecessor expensed the unamortized compensation expense of $3.4 million.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	The following table represents the changes in AOCI by each component for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, net of tax:
	(in thousands)	Defined Benefit			Cash Flow Hedging			Foreign Currency			Total
		Retirement Plan			Activity			Translation
	Balance at December 30, 2012	$	6,019		$	—		$	—		$	6,019
	OCI before reclassification		22,505			2,898			(420	)		24,983
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		—			(18	)		—			(18	)
	Net fiscal year 2013 OCI		22,505			2,880			(420	)		24,965
	Balance at December 29, 2013	$	28,524		$	2,880		$	(420	)	$	30,984
	OCI before reclassification		(32,480	)		(2,504	)		(426	)		(35,410	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		—			9			—			9
	Net fiscal year 2014 OCI		(32,480	)	$	(2,495	)	$	(426	)	$	(35,401	)
	Balance at December 28, 2014	$	(3,956	)	$	385		$	(846	)	$	(4,417	)
	The following table represents the items reclassified out of each component of AOCI and the related tax effects for the year ended December 28, 2014:
	Details about AOCI	Amount			Location within
	Components	Reclassified			Statement of Operations and
		from			Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		AOCI
	(in thousands)
	Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
	Interest rate swaps	$	15		Interest income (expense)
			15		Total before income tax
			(6	)	Income tax (provision) benefit
		$	9		Reclassification of adjustments, net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the year	$	9		Total reclassifications, net of tax
	The following table represents the items reclassified out of each component of AOCI and the related tax effects for the year ended December 29, 2013:
	Details about AOCI	Amount			Location within
	Components	Reclassified			Statement of Operations and
		from			Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		AOCI
	(in thousands)
	Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
	Interest rate swaps	$	(30	)	Interest income (expense)
			(30	)	Total before income tax
			12		Income tax (provision) benefit
		$	(18	)	Reclassification of adjustments, net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the year	$	(18	)	Total reclassifications, net of tax

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Segment Information
Segment Information
	15. Segment Information
	The Company is a value-oriented retailer serving a diverse demographic of household and business customers through two complementary store banners. The "Smart & Final" business focuses on both household and business customers, and the "Cash & Carry" business focuses primarily on restaurants, caterers and a wide range of other foodservice businesses. The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") regularly reviews the operating performance of each of the store banners including measures of performance based on income (loss) from operations. The Company considers each of the store banners to be an operating segment and has further concluded that presenting disaggregated information of these two operating segments provides meaningful information as certain economic characteristics are dissimilar as well as the characteristics of the customer base served.
	The "Corporate/Other" category is comprised primarily of corporate overhead support expenses and administrative expenses incidental to the activities of the reportable segments, interest expense and other costs associated with the Company's debt obligations, equity earnings in its joint venture, and income taxes.
	For the year ended December 28, 2014, the operating information and total assets for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash & Carry			Corporate/			Consolidated
							Other
	Net sales	$	2,668,933	$	865,311		$	—		$	3,534,244
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		2,252,698		746,102			8,155			3,006,955
	Operating and administrative expenses		319,864		57,963			60,701			438,528
	Income (loss) from operations	$	96,371	$	61,246		$	(68,856	)	$	88,761
	As of December 28, 2014
	Total assets	$	1,581,414	$	262,660		$	(114,782	)	$	1,729,292
	Intercompany receivable (payable)	$	256,743	$	(69,539	)	$	(187,204	)	$	—
	Investment in joint venture	$	—	$	—		$	11,924		$	11,924
	Goodwill	$	406,662	$	204,580		$	—		$	611,242
	Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Total capital expenditures	$	106,528	$	5,229		$	5,642		$	117,399
	Depreciation and amortization	$	50,405	$	3,659		$	10,130		$	64,194
	For the year ended December 29, 2013, the operating information and total assets for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash & Carry			Corporate/			Consolidated
							Other
	Net sales	$	2,425,346	$	784,947		$	—		$	3,210,293
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		2,050,197		678,760			7,400			2,736,357
	Operating and administrative expenses		284,025		53,240			49,868			387,133
	Income (loss) from operations	$	91,124	$	52,947		$	(57,268	)	$	86,803
	As of December 29, 2013
	Total assets	$	1,636,952	$	220,420		$	(257,831	)	$	1,599,541
	Intercompany receivable (payable)	$	432,105	$	(108,010	)	$	(324,095	)	$	—
	Investment in joint venture	$	—	$	—		$	10,948		$	10,948
	Goodwill	$	406,662	$	204,580		$	—		$	611,242
	Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Total capital expenditures	$	48,053	$	2,198		$	4,842		$	55,093
	Depreciation and amortization	$	47,987	$	3,713		$	9,059		$	60,759
	For the Successor period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, the operating information for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash &			Corporate/			Consolidated
				Carry			Other
	Net sales	$	291,126	$	87,424		$	—		$	378,550
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		255,034		77,841			912			333,787
	Operating and administrative expenses		33,391		6,418			11,913			51,722
	Income (loss) from operations	$	2,701	$	3,165		$	(12,825	)	$	(6,959	)
	Successor period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,784	$	336		$	306		$	3,426
	Depreciation and amortization	$	12,667	$	2,148		$	1,138		$	15,953
	For the Predecessor period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the operating information for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash &			Corporate/			Consolidated
				Carry			Other
	Net sales	$	2,011,617	$	652,545		$	—		$	2,664,162
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		1,692,963		567,142			5,049			2,265,154
	Operating and administrative expenses		235,546		43,672			85,281			364,499
	Income (loss) from operations	$	83,108	$	41,731		$	(90,330	)	$	34,509
	Predecessor period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012
	Total capital expenditures	$	42,009	$	869		$	3,901		$	46,779
	Depreciation and amortization	$	31,398	$	2,892		$	9,755		$	44,045

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
	16. Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Actions
	On December 11, 2012, a purported class action was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court entitled Matthew Thompson vs. Smart & Final Inc. by a former hourly store employee on behalf of a purported class of all California hourly store employees alleging various violations of California wage and hour laws including, among others, failure to pay for all hours worked, meal and rest break violations, failure to pay wages properly at termination and non-compliant wage statements. The plaintiff has also asserted claims under PAGA. The Company has denied liability for these allegations.
	On June 19, 2013, a purported class action was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court entitled Raquel Manzo vs. Smart & Final by a former hourly store employee on behalf of a purported class of all California hourly store employees alleging various violations of California wage and hour laws including, among others, improper calculation of certain overtime rates. The Company has denied liability for these allegations.
	The Thompson and Manzo cases were ordered to be combined for mediation. Following a mediation held in November 2013, the various parties to these actions accepted a mediator's proposal to settle these matters. The proposed settlements require court approval, which approval was preliminarily granted on April 22, 2014. Final court approval was granted November 18, 2014. The Company recorded a loss accrual estimate of $3.0 million in its 2013 consolidated financial statements related to these matters. The final settlement and release agreements were fully executed and all settlement payments have been paid as of January 2015.
	The Company is engaged in various legal actions, claims and proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including claims related to employment related matters, breach of contracts, products liabilities and intellectual property matters resulting from its business activities. It does not believe that the ultimate determination of these actions, claims and proceedings will either individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity
	17. Stockholders' Equity
	On September 19, 2014, SFSI's board of directors and stockholders approved a 190-for-one stock split of SFSI's outstanding Common Stock and increased the total number of shares that SFSI was authorized to issue to up to 340,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The accompanying financial statements and notes to the financial statements give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented.
	On September 29, 2014, the Company completed its IPO, pursuant to which it sold an aggregate of 15,467,500 shares of Common Stock after giving effect to the underwriters' exercise in full of their option to purchase additional shares at a price of $12.00 per share. The Company received gross proceeds from the IPO of approximately $185.6 million, or $167.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $12.5 million and other offering expenses of approximately $5.4 million. The Company used $115.5 million of the net proceeds from the IPO to make a partial repayment of the Term Loan Facility. See Note 5, Debt.
	As of December 28, 2014, 73,755,388 shares of Common Stock have been issued by the Company, 74.7% of which is held by two affiliates of Ares Management, L.P.. Other shareholders include public shareholders and various members of Company management who own the remaining 25.3% of SFSI's outstanding stock.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
	18. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share represents net income (loss) for the period shares of Common Stock were outstanding, divided by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the applicable period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share represents net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the applicable period, inclusive of the effect of dilutive securities such as outstanding stock options.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Successor		Successor		Successor			Predecessor
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Period From			Period From
		2014		2013		November 15,			January 2,
						2012 Through			2012 Through
						December 30,			November 14,
						2012			2012
	Net income (loss)	$	33,118	$	8,171	$	(9,288	)	$	14,324
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS		61,455,584		57,030,099		56,848,190			13,363,635
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Assumed exercise of Time-Based Options		2,385,534		2,357,388		—			382,971
	Assumed exercise of Performance-Based Options		—		—		—			180,960
	Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding for diluted EPS		63,841,118		59,387,487		56,848,190			13,927,566
	Basic earnings (loss) per share:	$	0.54	$	0.14	$	(0.16	)	$	1.07
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	$	0.52	$	0.14	$	(0.16	)	$	1.03
	Potentially dilutive securities representing 1,596,950 shares of Common Stock for the year ended December 28, 2014 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. There were no securities potentially dilutive to our common stock for fiscal year 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012.

Equity_Method_Investment

Equity Method Investment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Equity Method Investment
Equity Method Investment
	19. Equity Method Investment
	SFSI's wholly owned subsidiary, SF Mexico, is a Mexican holding company that owns 50 percent of SFDN. The other 50 percent of the joint venture is owned by Grupo Calimax S.A. de C.V., an entity comprising the investment interests of a family group who are also the owners of the Calimax grocery store chain in Mexico. At December 28, 2014, this joint venture operated 14 "Smart & Final" format stores in northwestern Mexico, similar in concept to the Company's U.S. stores. This joint venture operates the Mexico stores as a Mexican domestic corporation under the name Smart & Final del Noroeste, S.A. de C.V.. The Company's equity method investment in SFDN is approximately $11.9 million and $10.9 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, which is included in "Equity investment in joint venture" in the consolidated balance sheets. Summarized financial information for SFDN is as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	19,923	$	17,528
	Noncurrent assets		4,540		3,802
	Current liabilities		14,066		13,976
	Noncurrent liabilities		2,493		2,517
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
	Sales	$	80,667	$	77,167	$	72,945
	Gross profit		14,574		13,675		13,119
	Income from continuing operations		2,074		3,298		1,640
	Net income		2,074		3,298		1,640
	Undistributed earnings of SFDN included in the Company's retained earnings were $3.5 million and $2.5 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
	20. Quarterly information (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
	Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
			Fiscal Year 2014
			Twelve Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended			Sixteen Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended
			March 23, 2014			June 15, 2014			October 5, 2014			December 28, 2014
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	Net sales		$	735,016		$	828,071		$	1,131,821		$	839,336
	Cost of sales, buying and occupancy			630,427			699,886			962,317			714,325
	Gross margin			104,589			128,185			169,504			125,011
	Operating and administrative expenses			92,358			101,491			140,678			104,001
	Income from operations			12,231			26,694			28,826			21,010
	Interest expense, net			8,836			8,922			11,725			8,119
	(Loss) on early extinguishment of debt			—			—			(2,224	)		—
	Equity in earnings of joint venture			452			262			318			5
	Income (loss) before income taxes			3,847			18,034			15,195			12,896
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(1,340	)		(6,919	)		(4,972	)		(3,623	)
	Net income (loss)		$	2,507		$	11,115		$	10,223		$	9,273
	Basic earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.04		$	0.19		$	0.17		$	0.13
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.04		$	0.19		$	0.17		$	0.12
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic			57,171,190			57,259,361			59,101,972			73,074,360
	Diluted			59,495,270			59,312,773			61,232,212			76,193,944
			Fiscal Year 2013
			Twelve Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended			Sixteen Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended
			March 24, 2013			June 16, 2013			October 6, 2013			December 29, 2013
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	Net sales		$	690,158		$	755,943		$	1,021,392		$	742,800
	Cost of sales, buying and occupancy			590,250			642,528			868,580			634,999
	Gross margin			99,908			113,415			152,812			107,801
	Operating and administrative expenses			85,576			88,463			121,417			91,677
	Income from operations			14,332			24,952			31,395			16,124
	Interest expense, net			12,962			12,467			14,386			10,550
	(Loss) on early extinguishment of debt			—			(7,139	)		—			(17,348	)
	Equity in earnings of joint venture			349			172			887			241
	Income (loss) before income taxes			1,719			5,518			17,896			(11,533	)
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(190	)		(1,920	)		(7,863	)		4,544
	Net income (loss)		$	1,529		$	3,598		$	10,033		$	(6,989	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.03		$	0.06		$	0.18		$	(0.12	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.03		$	0.06		$	0.17		$	(0.12	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic			56,848,190			56,887,321			57,171,190			57,171,190
	Diluted			59,023,120			59,187,952			59,522,595			57,171,190
	(a)	Per share amounts for the quarters and full fiscal years have been calculated separately. Accordingly, weighted quarterly amounts may not add to the fiscal year amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events
	21. Subsequent Events
	The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through March 25, 2015, which is the date the audited consolidated financial statements of SFSI were available to be issued. No subsequent events were identified impacting the audited consolidated financial statements as presented.

SCHEDULE_ICONDENSED_FINANCIAL_

SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT	SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	50		$	50
	Intercompany receivable		187,921			5,510
	Total current assets		187,971			5,560
	Other intangible assets, net		294			626
	Investment in subsidiaries		347,454			340,113
	Total assets	$	535,719		$	346,299
	Liabilities and stockholders' equity
	Current liabilities:
	Accrued expenses	$	371		$	26
	Intercompany payable		18,140			4,414
	Total current liabilities		18,511			4,440
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders' equity:
	Issued and outstanding shares—73,755,388 at December 28, 2014 and 57,171,190 at December 29, 2013		74			57
	Additional paid-in capital		489,550			311,935
	Retained earnings (deficit)		32,001			(1,117	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(4,417	)		30,984
	Total stockholders' equity		517,208			341,859
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	535,719		$	346,299
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Period From
		2014			2013			November 15,
								2012
								Through
								December 30,
								2012
	Operating and administrative expenses	$	15,892		$	1,714		$	42
	Loss before income taxes		(15,892	)		(1,714	)		(42	)
	Income tax benefit		6,268			651			—
	Loss before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries		(9,624	)		(1,063	)		(42	)
	Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries, net of tax		42,742			9,234			(9,246	)
	Net income (loss)		33,118			8,171			(9,288	)
	Derivative instruments:
	Minimum pension obligation adjustment, net of tax of $(21,744), $15,066 and $4,029, respectively		(32,480	)		22,505			6,019
	(Loss) gain, net of tax of $(1,670) and $1,932, respectively		(2,504	)		2,898			—
	Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $6 and $(12), respectively		9			(18	)		—
	Foreign currency translation		(426	)		(420	)		—
	Other comprehensive (loss) income		(35,401	)		24,965			6,019
	Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(2,283	)	$	33,136		$	(3,269	)
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(Amounts in thousands)
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013
	Operating activities
	Net cash used in operating activities	$	(963	)	$	(1,360	)
	Investing activities
	Investment in capitalized software		(132	)		—
	Investment in subsidiaries		(165,529	)		(2,794	)
	Net cash used in investing activities		(165,661	)		(2,794	)
	Financing activities
	Issuance of common stock in IPO		173,080			—
	Issuance of common stock, other		79			1,700
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		450			—
	Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock option exercise		(2,667	)		—
	Payments of deferred IPO costs		(5,046	)		—
	Excess tax benefits related to share-based payments		728			—
Change in intercompany financing activities		—			1,359
Net cash provided by financing activities		166,624			3,059
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		—			(1,095	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		50			1,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	50		$	50
SCHEDULE I—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Note 1: Basis of presentation
Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (the "Parent Company") is a holding company with no material operations of its own and conducts substantially all of its activities through its direct wholly owned subsidiary, SF CC Intermediate Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliate. The Parent Company was incorporated in October 2012 and became the ultimate parent company of our business in November 2012, pursuant to the acquisition by Ares Management LLC ("Ares Management") on November 15, 2012 (the "Ares Acquisition").
The accompanying condensed financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and, on an equity basis, its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliate. Accordingly, these condensed financial statements have been presented on a "parent-only" basis. Under a parent-only presentation, the Parent Company's investment in subsidiaries is presented under the equity method of accounting.
The accompanying condensed financial statements are presented only for periods following the Ares Acquisition (the "Successor periods"). We have not presented parent-only condensed financial statements for periods prior to the Ares Acquisition (the "Predecessor periods"), as we believe the information will not be meaningful to investors due to differences in the legal entity structure and capitalization, and application of purchase accounting as of the closing date of the acquisition by Ares Management.
These parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Smart & Final Stores, Inc. and Subsidiaries and its Predecessor, Smart & Final Holdings Corp. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") included elsewhere herein.
Note 2: Guarantees and restrictions
Smart & Final Stores LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, has $594.9 million of principal amount of long-term debt outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility as of December 28, 2014. Under the terms of the First Lien Term Loan Credit Agreement dated November 15, 2012 (the "Agreement"), SF CC Intermediate Holdings, Inc. guaranteed the payment of all principal and interest. The debt matures on November 15, 2019 and includes restrictions on the ability of Smart & Final Stores LLC and its subsidiaries to incur additional liens and indebtedness, make investments, loans and advances, pay dividends and enter into sale and lease back transactions, among other restrictions. Under the Agreement, provided no event of default has occurred and is continuing, Smart & Final Stores LLC is permitted to pay dividends to Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $50 million, at December 28, 2014, and pursuant to certain other limited exceptions. The restricted net assets of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries is approximately $493.2 million as of December 28, 2014.

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In thousands)
		Balance as of		Charged to			Deductions			Other			Balance as of
		Beginning of		Costs and						Changes			End of
		Period		Expenses									Period
	Successor—Year ended December 28, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	766	$	29		$	(10	)	$	2		$	787
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		1,014		—			—			—			1,014
		$	1,780	$	29		$	(10	)	$	2		$	1,801
		Balance as of		Charged to			Deductions			Other			Balance as of
		Beginning of		Costs and						Changes			End of
		Period		Expenses									Period
	Successor—Year ended December 29, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	741	$	89		$	(62	)	$	(2	)	$	766
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		1,146		—			—			(132	)		1,014
		$	1,887	$	89		$	(62	)	$	(134	)	$	1,780
		Balance as of		Charged to			Deductions			Other			Balance as of
		Beginning of		Costs and						Changes			End of
		Period		Expenses									Period
	Successor—Period from November 15, 2012 Through December 30, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	724	$	18		$	(1	)	$	—		$	741
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		1,146		—			—			—			1,146
		$	1,870	$	18		$	(1	)	$	—		$	1,887
		Balance as of		Charged to			Deductions			Other			Balance as of
		Beginning of		Costs and						Changes			End of
		Period		Expenses									Period
	Predecessor—Period from January 2, 2012 Through November 14, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	861	$	(93	)	$	(43	)	$	(1	)	$	724
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		1,725		—			(579	)		—			1,146
		$	2,586	$	(93	)	$	(622	)	$	(1	)	$	1,870

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, represent the Successor. The consolidated financial statements for the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, represent the Predecessor.
Fiscal Years
	Fiscal Years
	The Company's fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 ended on December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively. Each fiscal year consists of twelve-week periods in the first, second and fourth quarters and a sixteen-week period in the third quarter.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. All credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions that process in less than seven days are classified as cash equivalents. The amounts due from banks for these transactions classified as cash equivalents totaled $17.2 million and $15.4 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. The carrying amount of cash equivalents is approximately the same as their respective fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Accounts Receivable, Net
	Accounts Receivable, Net
	Accounts receivable generally represent billings to customers, billings to vendors for earned rebates and allowances, receivables from SFDN, and other items. The receivable from SFDN primarily relates to billings for the shipment of inventory product to SFDN. The following table sets forth the major components of accounts receivable for each fiscal year-end (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013
	Trade	$	3,476	$	3,608
	Vendor		11,651		7,941
	SFDN		1,582		1,907
	Other		6,957		5,997
	Total	$	23,666	$	19,453
	The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable and determines the appropriate reserve for doubtful accounts based on analysis of historical trends of write-offs and recoveries on various levels of aged receivables. When the Company becomes aware of the deteriorated collectability of a specific account, additional reserves are made to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collectible or zero. When the specific account is determined to be uncollectible, the net recognized receivable is written off in its entirety against such reserves.
	The Company is exposed to credit risk on trade accounts receivable. The Company provides credit to certain trade customers in the ordinary course of business and performs ongoing credit evaluations. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the number of customers comprising the Company's customer base. The Company currently believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover customer credit risks.
Inventories
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of merchandise purchased for resale which is stated at the weighted-average cost (which approximates FIFO) or market. The Company provides for estimated inventory losses between physical inventory counts at its stores based upon historical inventory losses as a percentage of sales. The provision is adjusted periodically to reflect updated trends of actual physical inventory count results. The Company had reserves for inventory losses and slow-moving inventory totaling $6.2 million and $5.8 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets include primarily prepaid rent, insurance, property taxes, income taxes receivable and other current assets. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, prepaid expenses and other current assets included $10.7 million and $5.0 million of income taxes receivable, respectively.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value based on purchase accounting and depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method. Leased property meeting certain criteria is capitalized and the amortization is based on the straight-line method over the term of the lease.
	The estimated useful lives are as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	20 - 25 years
	Fixtures and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or useful life of improvement
	Costs of normal maintenance and repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred. Major replacements, remodeling or betterments of properties are capitalized. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the costs and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
	Included in property, plant, and equipment are costs associated with the selection and procurement of real estate sites of $2.6 million and $2.0 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. These costs are amortized over the remaining lease term of the successful sites with which they are associated.
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC 360"), the Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and assets under capital leases for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company groups and evaluates long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. The Company regularly reviews its stores' operating performance for indicators of impairment. Factors it considers important that could trigger an impairment review include a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant negative industry or economic trend. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent the sum of the estimated discounted future cash flows from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. The Company measured the fair value of its long-lived assets on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements. As a result of such reviews, the Successor and the Predecessor, as applicable, recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.6 million, $0.8 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively. No impairment loss was recorded for the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012. The impairment losses were reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Successor's and the Predecessor's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Capitalized Software
	Capitalized Software
	Capitalized software costs are comprised of third-party purchased software costs, capitalized costs associated with internally developed software including internal direct labor costs, and installation costs. Such capitalized costs are amortized over the period that the benefits of the software are fully realizable and enhance the operations of the business, ranging from three to seven years, using the straight-line method.
	Capitalized software costs, like other long-lived assets as required by ASC 360, are subject to review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the capitalized software may not be recoverable, whether it is in use or under development. Impairment is recognized to the extent the sum of the estimated discounted future cash flows from the use of the capitalized software is less than the carrying value. As a result of such reviews, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $0.3 million for both of the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, which was reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company did not report any impairment loss during the periods in 2012.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	In connection with the Ares Acquisition, the intangible assets were adjusted and recorded at fair market value in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). The following table summarizes the components of other intangible assets, net at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Fair Value		Accumulated			Net
		at		Amortization			Book Value
		Acquisition
	December 28, 2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names	$	265,000	$	—		$	265,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Signature brands		67,100		(7,105	)		59,995
	Non-compete agreement		1,000		(706	)		294
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		68,100		(7,811	)		60,289
	Total intangible assets	$	333,100	$	(7,811	)	$	325,289
		Fair Value		Accumulated			Net
		at		Amortization			Book Value
		Acquisition
	December 29, 2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names	$	265,000	$	—		$	265,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Signature brands		67,000		(3,761	)		63,239
	Non-compete agreement		1,000		(374	)		626
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		68,000		(4,135	)		63,865
	Total intangible assets	$	333,000	$	(4,135	)	$	328,865
	The recorded fair market value for each of the trade names was determined by estimating the amount of royalty income that could be generated from the trade name if it was licensed to a third-party owner and discounting the resulting cash flows using the weighted-average cost of capital for each respective trade name.
	The finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful benefit period and have the following weighted-average amortization periods:
	Signature brands	20 years
	Non-compete agreement	3 years
	During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, the Company acquired the Sun Harvest trademark. A fee incurred to acquire the trademark of $0.1 million was capitalized as Signature brands and is amortized over a term of 5 years.
	Signature brands, leasehold interests and the non-compete agreement are amortized on a straight-line basis. Amortization expense reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was $3.2 million, $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
	Amortization of the finite-lived intangible assets over the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	3,717
	2016		3,358
	2017		3,358
	2018		3,358
	2019		3,353
	Thereafter		43,145
		$	60,289
	In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated on an annual basis for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The annual evaluation of impairment for fiscal 2014 was performed as of November 30, 2014. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including the associated goodwill. The Company has designated its reporting units to be its Smart & Final stores and Cash & Carry stores. The Company determines the fair value of the reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets, including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's net assets, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and the Company would recognize an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill. For the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the Company did not recognize any goodwill impairment loss as a result of such value evaluation.
	The Company evaluates its indefinite-lived intangible assets associated with trade names by comparing the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of the indefinite-lived trade names using a "relief from royalty payments" methodology. This methodology involves estimating reasonable royalty rates for each trade name and applying these royalty rates to a revenue stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. For the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the Company did not recognize any indefinite-lived trade name impairment loss as a result of such evaluation.
	Finite-lived intangible assets, like other long-lived assets as required by ASC 360, are subject to review for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the finite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized to the extent the sum of the discounted estimated future cash flows from the use of the finite-lived intangible asset is less than the carrying value. The Company did not report any impairment loss as a result of such reviews during any of the periods presented.
Purchase Accounting
	Purchase Accounting
	Under ASC 805, the Company's assets and liabilities have been accounted for at their estimated fair values as of the date of the Ares Acquisition. The aggregate purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon an assessment of their relative fair value as of the closing date of the Ares Acquisition. These estimates of fair values, the allocation of the purchase price and other factors related to the accounting for the Ares Acquisition are subject to significant judgments and the use of estimates. The inputs used in the fair value analysis fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value.
Other Assets
	Other Assets
	Other assets primarily consist of assets held in trusts for certain retirement plans (see Note 9, Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations), liquor licenses and other miscellaneous assets. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, other assets included a dividend receivable from SFDN to SF Mexico of $2.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
Accounts Payable
	Accounts Payable
	The Company's banking arrangements provide for the daily replenishment and limited monthly advanced payments of vendor payable accounts as checks are presented or payments are demanded. The checks and the advanced payments outstanding in these bank accounts were $38.5 million and $34.6 million at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively, and are included in "Accounts payable" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Other Long-Term Liabilities
	Other Long-Term Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities include primarily general liabilities, workers' compensation liabilities, liabilities for deferred compensation plan, leasehold interests and other miscellaneous long-term liabilities. As a result of the Ares Acquisition, leasehold interests were adjusted and recorded at fair market value in accordance with ASC 805. At November 15, 2012, the fair value of the lease obligations was $9.8 million. As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, leasehold interests of $8.2 million and $8.7 million, net of accumulated amortization of $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, are included in other long-term liabilities. These leasehold interests are amortized over their estimated useful benefit periods. The weighted-average amortization period is 14 years.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	The Company presents data in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income ("ASC 220"). ASC 220 establishes rules for the reporting of comprehensive income (loss) and its components. See Note 14, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Lease Accounting
	Lease Accounting
	Certain of the Company's operating leases provide for minimum annual payments that increase over the life of the lease. The aggregate minimum annual payments are charged to expense on a straight-line basis beginning when the Company takes possession of the property and extending over the term of the related lease. The amount by which straight-line rent expense exceeds actual lease payment requirements in the early years of the leases is accrued as deferred minimum rent and reduced in later years when the actual cash payment requirements exceed the straight-line expense. ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations ("ASC 410"), requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Due to the nature of the Company's business, its asset retirement obligation with respect to owned or leased properties is not significant.
Store Opening and Closing Costs
	Store Opening and Closing Costs
	New store opening costs consisting primarily of rent, store payroll and general operating costs are charged to expense as incurred prior to the store opening.
	In the event a leased store is closed before the expiration of the associated lease, the discounted remaining lease obligation less estimated sublease rental income, asset impairment charges related to improvements and fixtures, inventory write-downs and other miscellaneous closing costs associated with the disposal activity are recognized when the store closes.
Share-Based Compensation
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"). ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to be recognized in the statements of operations and comprehensive income as compensation expense based on the fair value of an award over its requisite service period, taking into consideration estimated forfeiture rates.
	Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, the Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes share-based compensation cost as an expense over the award's vesting period. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income of the Company is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. The Company's forfeiture rate assumption used in determining its share-based compensation expense is estimated primarily based upon historical data. The actual forfeiture rate could differ from these estimates.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to determine the grant date fair value for each stock option grant. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model requires extensive use of subjective assumptions. Application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different estimates of the fair value of share-based compensation and, consequently, the related amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company recognizes compensation cost for graded vesting awards as if they were granted in multiple awards. Management believes the use of this "multiple award" method is preferable because a stock option grant with graded vesting is effectively a series of individual grants that vest over various periods and management believes that this method provides for better matching of compensation costs with the associated services rendered throughout the applicable vesting periods.
	With certain exceptions, stock options granted after the Ares Acquisition and prior to the closing of the IPO gave the Company repurchase rights. As a result of the Company's ability to exercise such repurchase rights and the underlying provisions of such repurchase rights, the Company did not record any share-based compensation expense related to these grants prior to the closing of the IPO. See Note 13, Share-based Compensation.
Significant Accounting Estimates
	Significant Accounting Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions could affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues from the sale of products are recognized at the point of sale. Discounts provided to customers at the time of sale are recognized as a reduction in sales as the products are sold. Returns are also recognized as a reduction in sales and are immaterial in relation to total sales. The Company collects sales tax on taxable products purchased by its customers and remits such collections to the appropriate taxing authority in accordance with local laws. Sales tax collections are presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income on a net basis and, accordingly, are excluded from reported revenues.
	Proceeds from the sale of the Company's Smart & Final gift cards are recorded as a liability at the time of sale, and recognized as sales when they are redeemed by the customer. The Smart & Final gift cards do not have an expiration date. The Company has not recorded any unredeemed gift card revenue or breakage related to its gift card program.
Cost of Sales, Buying and Occupancy
	Cost of Sales, Buying and Occupancy
	The major categories of costs included in cost of sales, buying and occupancy are cost of goods, distribution costs, costs of the Company's buying department and store occupancy costs, net of earned vendor rebates and other allowances. Distribution costs consist of all warehouse receiving and inspection costs, warehousing costs, all transportation costs associated with shipping goods from the Company's warehouses to its stores, and other costs of its distribution network. The Company does not exclude any portion of these costs from cost of sales.
Vendor Rebates and Other Allowances
	Vendor Rebates and Other Allowances
	As a component of the Company's consolidated procurement program, the Company frequently enters into contracts with vendors that provide for payments of rebates or other allowances. As prescribed by ASC 605, Revenue Recognition ("ASC 605"), these vendor payments are reflected in the carrying value of the inventory when earned or as progress is made toward earning the rebate or allowance and as a component of cost of sales as the inventory is sold. Certain of these vendor contracts provide for rebates and other allowances that are contingent upon the Company meeting specified performance measures such as a cumulative level of purchases over a specified period of time. Such contingent rebates and other allowances are given accounting recognition at the point at which achievement of the specified performance measures are deemed to be probable and reasonably estimable.
Operating and Administrative Expenses
	Operating and Administrative Expenses
	The major categories of operating and administrative expenses include store direct expenses associated with displaying and selling at the store level, primarily labor and related fringe benefit costs, advertising and marketing costs, overhead costs and corporate office costs.
	The Company charges to expense the costs of advertising as incurred. Total advertising expense reported within "Operating and administrative expenses" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income was $32.0 million, $28.6 million, $3.6 million and $23.7 million for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, and the period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the liability method, which requires an adjustment to the deferred tax asset or liability to reflect income tax rates currently in effect. When income tax rates increase or decrease, a corresponding adjustment to income tax expense is recorded by applying the rate change to the cumulative temporary differences. ASC 740 prescribes the recognition threshold and measurement principles for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. ASC 740 requires the Company to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recognized. Additionally, ASC 740 provides guidance on recognition measurement, derecognition, classification, related interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Foreign Currency Translations
	Foreign Currency Translations
	The Company's joint venture in Mexico uses the Mexican Peso as its functional currency. The joint venture's assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates during the year. Foreign exchange translation adjustments are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income," which is reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity, in the consolidated balance sheets.
Derivative Financial Instruments
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates. The contracts are accounted for in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). ASC 815 requires every derivative instrument to be recorded in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The Company designates its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and formally documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Accordingly, changes in estimated fair value related to the interest rate swaps are recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income" in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income when the hedged items affect earnings. See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments.
Debt Discount and Deferred Financing Costs
	Debt Discount and Deferred Financing Costs
	Costs incurred in connection with the placement of long-term debt paid directly to the Company's lenders are treated as a debt discount. Costs incurred in connection with the placement of long-term debt paid to third parties are capitalized to deferred financing costs. Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
	Debt issuance costs and fees paid to the lenders related to the Apollo Acquisition were recorded as a reduction to debt and were amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. Effective November 14, 2012, the remaining unamortized debt discount of $3.0 million was written off in accordance ASC 805 in connection with the Ares Acquisition. On November 15, 2012, debt issuance costs and fees paid to the lenders related to the Ares Acquisition, totaling $17.5 million, were recorded as a reduction to debt and are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. At December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the debt discount was $6.8 million and $9.6 million, respectively (net of accumulated amortization of $3.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively). See Note 5, Debt.
	Debt issuance costs and fees paid to parties other than the lenders related to the Apollo Acquisition had been capitalized and were amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. Effective November 14, 2012, the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of $2.5 million were written off in accordance with ASC 805 in connection with the Ares Acquisition. On November 15, 2012, debt issuance costs and fees paid to parties other than the lenders related to the Ares Acquisition, totaling $17.2 million, have been capitalized and are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the underlying debt instruments using the effective interest method. At December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, these deferred financing costs were $5.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively (net of accumulated amortization of $4.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively). These balances are included in "Deferred financing costs, net" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Self-Insurance
	Self-Insurance
	The Company purchases third-party insurance for workers' compensation and general liability costs that exceed certain limits for each respective insurance program. The Company is responsible for the payment of claims in amounts less than these insured excess limits and establishes estimated accruals for its insurance programs based on available claims data, historical trends and experience, and projected ultimate costs of the claims. These accruals are based on estimates prepared with the assistance of outside actuaries and consultants, and the ultimate cost of these claims may vary from initial estimates and established accruals. The actuaries periodically update their estimates and the Company records such adjustments in the period in which such determination is made.
	The accrued obligation for these self-insurance programs was approximately $33.7 million and $31.4 million as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. These balances are included in "Accrued expenses" and "Other long-term liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company's financial instruments recorded in the consolidated balance sheets include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, derivatives, investments in affiliates, accounts payable, accrued expenses and long-term variable rate debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, derivatives, equity investment in joint venture, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value.
	The Company's debt securities are not listed or traded on an established market. For the purpose of determining the fair value of the Company's first lien term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"), the administrative agent has provided to the debt holders valuations indicating the Term Loan Facility's carrying value approximates fair value.
	The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect its investment in Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts") through the Company's supplemental deferred compensation plan. The investment is presented at fair market value.
Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans
	Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans
	The Company accounts for its retirement benefit plans and postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations in accordance with ASC 715, Compensation—Retirement Benefits ("ASC 715"). ASC 715 requires the Company to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit plan, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the plan's benefit obligation, as an asset or liability in its consolidated balance sheets and to recognize changes to that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 9, Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations. ASC 715 also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the Company's consolidated balance sheet dates.
Earnings (Loss) per Share
	Earnings (Loss) per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period.
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, plus, where applicable, shares that would have been outstanding related to dilutive stock options.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 requires a reporting entity that either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity, to release any cumulative translation adjustment into net income. ASU 2013-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 in fiscal year 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. ASU 2013-11 further states that to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability in the entity's financial statements and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 in fiscal year 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. They also address sources of confusion and inconsistent application related to financial reporting of discontinued operations guidance in U.S. GAAP. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the first quarter of 2015 for public entities with calendar year ends. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU 2014-08 will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The new revenue model is designed to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues and requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, under either full or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 provides guidance that a performance target that affects vesting of a share-based payment and that could be achieved after the requisite service condition is a performance condition. As a result, the target is not reflected in the estimation of the award's grant date fair value. Share-based compensation cost for such award would be recognized over the required service period, if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied on a prospective basis to awards that are granted or modified on or after the effective date of the standard. Companies also have the option to apply the guidance on a modified retrospective basis for awards with performance targets outstanding on or after the beginning of the first annual period presented after the effective date of the standard. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity's financial statements (or within one year after the date on which the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable). Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern." ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ("ASU 2015-01"). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. Under this new guidance, reporting entities will no longer be required to separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-01 will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of major components of accounts receivable
	The following table sets forth the major components of accounts receivable for each fiscal year-end (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013
	Trade	$	3,476	$	3,608
	Vendor		11,651		7,941
	SFDN		1,582		1,907
	Other		6,957		5,997
	Total	$	23,666	$	19,453
Schedule of useful lives of property, plant, and equipment
	Buildings and improvements	20 - 25 years
	Fixtures and equipment	3 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or useful life of improvement
Summary of the components of other intangible assets, net
	The following table summarizes the components of other intangible assets, net at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Fair Value		Accumulated			Net
		at		Amortization			Book Value
		Acquisition
	December 28, 2014
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names	$	265,000	$	—		$	265,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Signature brands		67,100		(7,105	)		59,995
	Non-compete agreement		1,000		(706	)		294
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		68,100		(7,811	)		60,289
	Total intangible assets	$	333,100	$	(7,811	)	$	325,289
		Fair Value		Accumulated			Net
		at		Amortization			Book Value
		Acquisition
	December 29, 2013
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names	$	265,000	$	—		$	265,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Signature brands		67,000		(3,761	)		63,239
	Non-compete agreement		1,000		(374	)		626
	Total finite-lived intangible assets		68,000		(4,135	)		63,865
	Total intangible assets	$	333,000	$	(4,135	)	$	328,865
Schedule of weighted-average amortization periods of finite-lived intangible assets
	Signature brands	20 years
	Non-compete agreement	3 years
Schedule of amortization of finite-lived intangible assets over the next five fiscal years
	Amortization of the finite-lived intangible assets over the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	3,717
	2016		3,358
	2017		3,358
	2018		3,358
	2019		3,353
	Thereafter		43,145
		$	60,289

Apollo_Acquisition_Restructuri1

Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
Summary of activity for the Store Program
	The following table summarizes the activity for the Store Program through each period-end (in thousands):
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	2,033
	Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period		261
	Lease termination costs paid		(383	)
	Balance as of November 14, 2012		1,911
	Adjustments to reserve included in net loss for the period		53
	Lease termination costs paid		(78	)
	Balance as of December 30, 2012		1,886
	Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period		1,177
	Lease termination costs paid		(462	)
	Balance as of December 29, 2013		2,601
	Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period		265
	Lease termination costs paid		(598	)
	Balance as of December 28, 2014	$	2,268

Ares_Acquisition_Tables

Ares Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Ares Acquisition
Schedule of aggregate consideration for the Ares Acquisition		The aggregate consideration for the Ares Acquisition was as follows (in thousands):
	Purchase of Predecessor common shares		$	669,456
	Payment on Predecessor stock options (inclusive of employer payroll taxes)			54,993
	Less cash acquired			(92,676	)
	Cash consideration			631,773
	Working capital adjustment			6,231
	Tax consideration			19,291
	Value of management equity rollover			11,091
	Total fair value of net assets acquired		$	668,386
Schedule of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	The following table below sets forth the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
			Ares
			Acquisition
	Current assets, less cash acquired		$	279,624
	Property, plant, and equipment			248,944
	Capitalized software			15,766
	Finite-lived/amortizable intangible assets			68,000
	Indefinite-lived trade names			265,000
	Goodwill			611,242
	Investment in SFDN			9,400
	Other assets			46,277
	Current liabilities			(251,661	)
	Debt			(304,074	)
	Deferred taxes			(135,865	)
	Other liabilities			(184,267	)
			$	668,386

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt
Schedule of long-term debt
	Long-term debt at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Term Loan Facility, at 4.75% and 4.75%	$	594,907		$	715,788
	Less:
	Discount on debt issuance		(6,790	)		(9,597	)
	Current portion of long-term debt		—			(7,200	)
	Total long-term debt, less current portion	$	588,117		$	698,991
Schedule of aggregate future principal payments
	Aggregate future principal payments of the Company's debt are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	—
	2017		—
	2017		—
	2018		—
	2019		594,907
	Total	$	594,907

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments
Schedule of fair value carrying amount of the Company's interest rate swaps
	As of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the fair value carrying amount of the Company's interest rate swaps are recorded as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Other assets	$	3,082		$	5,460
	Accrued expenses		(2,426	)		(629	)
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$	656		$	4,831
Summary of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and the amount of gain reclassified from AOCI into earnings
	The following tables summarize the loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") and the amount of gain reclassified from AOCI into earnings for the year ended December 28, 2014 (in thousands):
		Amount of Loss			Amount of Gain
		Recognized			Recognized
		in AOCI on			in Earnings on
		Derivative,			Derivative,
		Net of Tax			Net of Tax
		(Effective Portion)			(Ineffective Portion)
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,495	)	$	9

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following table by the type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurement at December 28, 2014
	Description	Total as of			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		December 28,			in Active			Other			Unobservable
		2014			Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Financial assets
	Other assets—cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan	$	739		$	739		$	—		$	—
	Other assets—assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan		2,633			2,633			—			—
	Other assets—deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts		5,893			5,893			—			—
	Derivatives		657			—			657			—
	Financial liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities—deferred compensation plan		(14,105	)		(5,893	)		(8,212	)		—
	Total	$	(4,183	)	$	3,372		$	(7,555	)	$	—
		Fair Value Measurement at December 29, 2013
	Description	Total as of			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
		December 29,			in Active			Other			Unobservable
		2013			Markets for			Observable			Inputs
					Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Financial assets
	Other assets—cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan	$	739		$	739		$	—		$	—
	Other assets—assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan		2,490			2,490			—			—
	Other assets—deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts		11,919			—			11,919			—
	Derivatives		4,831			—			4,831			—
	Financial liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities—deferred compensation plan		(18,831	)		—			(18,831	)		—
	Total	$	1,148		$	3,229		$	(2,081	)	$	—

Lease_Obligations_Tables

Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Lease Obligations
Schedule of minimum future lease payments
	Aggregate minimum future lease payments for real property, including sale leaseback store properties, as well as equipment and other property at December 28, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Operating
		Leases
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	92,499
	2016		90,560
	2017		84,123
	2018		77,387
	2019		68,911
	Thereafter		521,501
	Future minimum lease payments	$	934,981
Sale leaseback transactions
Lease Obligations
Schedule of minimum future lease payments
	The future minimum lease payments under the terms of the related lease agreements at December 28, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Operating
		Leases
	Fiscal Year:
	2015	$	17,255
	2016		17,348
	2017		17,441
	2018		17,477
	2019		17,611
	Thereafter		195,666
	Future minimum lease payments	$	282,798

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P1

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Single-Employer Plan
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Schedule of changes in benefit obligation and plan assets
	The following tables set forth the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets of this plan for the periods below (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
			2014			2013
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	(165,796	)	$	(183,874	)
	Service cost			(1,099	)		(1,311	)
	Interest cost			(8,480	)		(7,973	)
	Actuarial (loss) gain			(43,059	)		23,615
	Benefits paid			4,218			3,747
	Benefit obligation, end of period		$	(214,216	)	$	(165,796	)
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
			2014			2013
	Change in Plan Assets
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period		$	123,039		$	101,660
	Actual return of plan assets, net of expenses			4,302			17,423
	Employer contribution			10,760			7,703
	Benefits paid			(4,218	)		(3,747	)
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period			133,883			123,039
	Funded status			(80,333	)		(42,757	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(80,333	)	$	(42,757	)
Schedule of amounts before income tax recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and accumulated other comprehensive income
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Postretirement and postemployment benefits		$	(80,333	)	$	(42,757	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(80,333	)	$	(42,757	)
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	(5,654	)	$	42,909
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(5,654	)	$	42,909
Schedule of projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and plan assets
	The following table shows the projected benefit obligation, the accumulated benefit obligation and the plan assets, in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation, respectively, as of each fiscal year-end (dollar amounts in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligation		$	214,216		$	165,796
	Accumulated benefit obligation			210,556			162,940
	Fair value of plan assets			133,883			123,039
	Fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the projected benefit obligation			62.5	%		74.2	%
	Fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the accumulated benefit obligation			63.6			75.5
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost
	The components included in the net periodic benefit cost and the increase in minimum liability included in other comprehensive (loss) income for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
									December 30,			November 14,
									2012			2012
			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Service cost component		$	1,099		$	1,311		$	175		$	864
	Interest cost component			8,480			7,973			989			6,842
	Expected return on plan assets			(9,105	)		(7,523	)		(919	)		(5,947	)
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss			(699	)		—			—			1,106
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	(225	)	$	1,761		$	245		$	2,865
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Discount rate			4.25	%		5.15	%
	Rate of compensation increase			2.50			2.50
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
									December 30,			November 14,
									2012			2012
			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Discount rate			5.15	%		4.30	%		4.10	%		5.25	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets			7.25			7.30			7.50			7.50
	Rate of compensation increase			2.50			2.50			2.50			2.50
Schedule of plan asset allocation, target allocation and summary of plan assets measured at fair value
			Target			December 28,			December 29,
			Allocation			2014			2013
			2015
	Equity securities			60	%		60	%		64	%
	Debt securities			37			26			31
	Cash and cash equivalents			3			14			5
	Total			100	%		100	%		100	%
	The following table summarizes plan assets measured at fair value on December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
	December 28, 2014		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
						in Active			Observable			Unobservable
						Markets for			Inputs			Inputs
						Identical			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
						Assets
						(Level 1)
	Asset category
	Equity securities(1)		$	79,995		$	61,929		$	18,066		$	—
	Debt securities(2)			35,467			17,527			17,495			445
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)			18,421			18,271			150			—
	Total		$	133,883		$	97,727		$	35,711		$	445
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	The following table summarizes plan assets measured at fair value on December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
	December 28, 2014		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
						in Active			Observable			Unobservable
						Markets for			Inputs			Inputs
						Identical			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
						Assets
						(Level 1)
	Asset category
	Equity securities(1)		$	79,995		$	61,929		$	18,066		$	—
	Debt securities(2)			35,467			17,527			17,495			445
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)			18,421			18,271			150			—
	Total		$	133,883		$	97,727		$	35,711		$	445
	December 29, 2013		Total			Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant
						in Active			Observable			Unobservable
						Markets for			Inputs			Inputs
						Identical			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
						Assets
						(Level 1)
	Asset category
	Equity securities(1)		$	78,773		$	57,423		$	21,350		$	—
	Debt securities(2)			37,786			22,233			15,060			493
	Cash and cash equivalents(3)			6,480			6,480			—			—
	Total		$	123,039		$	86,136		$	36,410		$	493
	-1	Equity securities include U.S. and foreign exchange traded common and preferred stocks and mutual funds. Common and preferred shares issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporations are traded actively on exchanges and price quotes for these shares are readily available. Holdings of corporate stock are categorized as Level 1 investments. The securities categorized as Level 2 investments are American Depository Receipts. While these securities are traded in an active market, the trustee uses several observable market based inputs, such as exchange rates, to obtain the pricing of the securities.
	-2	Debt securities include the debt of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. and foreign corporate issuers. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds are actively traded and price quotes for these securities are readily available. Holdings of U.S. Treasury notes and bonds are categorized as Level 1 investments. Corporate bond securities of U.S. and foreign corporate issuers are valued by independent pricing sources using a variety of market sources and observed market movements. Holdings of U.S. and foreign corporate issuers debt securities are categorized as Level 2 investments. Infrequently traded corporate bonds and asset-backed securities, requiring valuation using observable as well as unobservable inputs, such as the estimation of the market manager for the security, are categorized as Level 3 investments.
	-3	Cash and cash equivalents include short-term U.S. government investment notes, short-term money market mutual funds, accrued income, cash held on account and a certificate of deposit. Cash held on account and short-term U.S. government investment notes (including accrued income thereon) for which there is an active market and daily pricing for the security are categorized as Level 1 investments. The certificate of deposit, which is not traded in the secondary market, is categorized as Level 2 investment.
			Fair Value
			Measurements
			Using
			Significant
			Unobservable
			Inputs (Level 3)
	Ending balance at December 30, 2013		$	493
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Assets held at end of year			(16	)
	Assets sold during the year			—
	Purchases, sales and settlements			(32	)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			—
	Ending balance at December 28, 2014		$	445
			Fair Value
			Measurements
			Using
			Significant
			Unobservable
			Inputs (Level 3)
	Ending balance at December 30, 2012		$	517
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Assets held at end of year			(12	)
	Assets sold during the year			—
	Purchases, sales and settlements			(12	)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3			—
	Ending balance at December 29, 2013		$	493
Schedule of benefit payments expected to be paid
	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
	2015		$	5,373
	2016			5,750
	2017			6,076
	2018			6,431
	2019			6,948
	2020 - 2024			41,621
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Schedule of changes in benefit obligation and plan assets
	The following tables set forth the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets for each of the periods indicated (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
			2014			2013
	Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	(29,943	)	$	(33,201	)
	Interest cost			(1,200	)		(992	)
	Actuarial (loss) gain			(3,906	)		2,346
	Benefits paid			1,904			1,904
	Benefit obligation, end of period			(33,145	)		(29,943	)
	Employer contribution			1,904			1,904
	Benefits paid			(1,904	)		(1,904	)
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period			—			—
	Funded status			(33,145	)		(29,943	)
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)			1,075			(2,831	)
	Accrued benefit cost		$	(32,070	)	$	(32,774	)
Schedule of amounts before income tax recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and accumulated other comprehensive income	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Other accrued liabilities		$	(1,905	)	$	(1,905	)
	Postretirement and postemployment benefits			(31,240	)		(28,038	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(33,145	)	$	(29,943	)
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Net actuarial (loss) gain		$	(1,075	)	$	2,831
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		$	(1,075	)	$	2,831
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost
	The components included in the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
									December 30,			November 14,
									2012			2012
			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Interest cost component		$	1,200		$	992		$	121		$	1,001
	Amortization of actuarial losses			—			—			—			409
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	1,200		$	992		$	121		$	1,410
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Discount rate			3.42	%		4.14	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
									December 30,			November 14,
									2012			2012
			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Discount rate			4.14	%		3.17	%		3.02	%		3.85	%
	Rate of compensation increase			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
Schedule of benefit payments expected to be paid
	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year:
	2015		$	1,904
	2016			1,920
	2017			1,920
	2018			1,993
	2019			1,993
	2020 - 2024			12,392
Postretirement health care plan
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Schedule of changes in benefit obligation and plan assets
	The reconciliation of benefit obligation and plan assets for 2014 and 2013 are aggregated as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
			2014			2013
	Change in Benefit Obligation
	Benefit obligation, beginning of period		$	(13,854	)	$	(15,397	)
	Service cost			(314	)		(334	)
	Interest cost			(652	)		(597	)
	Plan participants' contributions			(419	)		(377	)
	Actuarial (loss) gain			(1,690	)		1,710
	Benefits paid			1,105			1,141
	Benefit obligation, end of period			(15,824	)		(13,854	)
	Change in Plan Assets
	Employer contribution			686			764
	Plan participants' contributions			419			377
	Benefits paid			(1,105	)		(1,141	)
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period			—			—
	Funded status			(15,824	)		(13,854	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(15,824	)	$	(13,854	)
Schedule of amounts before income tax recognized in the consolidated balance sheets and accumulated other comprehensive income
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Other accrued liabilities		$	(823	)	$	(905	)
	Postretirement and postemployment benefits			(15,001	)		(12,949	)
	Net amount recognized		$	(15,824	)	$	(13,854	)
	Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consist of the following (in thousands):
			December 28,			December 29,
			2014			2013
	Net actuarial gain		$	123		$	1,878
	Accumulated other comprehensive income		$	123		$	1,878
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost
	The components included in the postretirement benefit cost for each of the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
			2014			2013			Through			Through
									December 30,			November 14,
									2012			2012
			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Service cost component		$	314		$	334		$	44		$	229
	Interest cost component			652			597			77			587
	Prior service credit			—			—			—			(36	)
	Amortization of net actuarial gain			(65	)		—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	901		$	931		$	121		$	780
Schedule of health care cost trend assumptions
			2014			2013			2012
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year			8.00	%		8.50	%		9.00	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)			5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate			2020			2020			2020
Schedule of effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates
	A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):
			1-Percentage			1-Percentage
			Point			Point
			Increase			Decrease
	Effect on total service and interest cost components of net periodic expense		$	5		$	(7	)
	Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		$	79		$	(107	)
Schedule of benefit payments expected to be paid
	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year:
	2015		$	784
	2016			802
	2017			832
	2018			876
	2019			917
	2020 - 2024			4,893

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Taxes
Schedule of significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities
	The significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Employee benefits, including postretirement reserves	$	36,008		$	11,600
	Net operating and capital loss carryforwards		8,782			11,183
	Operating reserves and accruals		25,410			16,661
	Inventories		3,130			3,025
	Other		1,910			2,167
	Total gross deferred tax assets		75,240			44,636
	Valuation allowance		(1,014	)		(1,014	)
	Total deferred tax assets		74,226			43,622
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization		(42,716	)		(37,317	)
	Intangible assets		(134,764	)		(136,790	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(177,480	)		(174,107	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(103,254	)	$	(130,485	)
Reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate the and effective tax rate from continuing operations
	Reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the effective tax rate for each year is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Income tax at federal statutory rate	$	17,490		$	4,760		$	(4,932	)	$	5,099
	Equity earnings not subject to U.S. tax		(363	)		(577	)		—			(287	)
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		1,570			296			(539	)		139
	Federal tax credits		(692	)		(484	)		—			—
	Foreign taxes, net of credits		134			3,158			10			(2,840	)
	Foreign dividend received		—			—			—			4,138
	State EZ credits		(302	)		(549	)		—			(5,071	)
	Insurance cash surrender value		(296	)		(767	)		(66	)		(612	)
	Transaction costs		—			—			722			—
	Other items, net		(687	)		(408	)		1			(322	)
	Income taxes provision (benefit)	$	16,854		$	5,429		$	(4,804	)	$	244
Schedule of significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes
	The significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			November 15			January 2
		2014			2013			Through			Through
								December 30,			November 14,
								2012			2012
		(Successor)			(Successor)			(Successor)			(Predecessor)
	Current:
	Federal	$	17,350		$	6,222		$	328		$	12,566
	State		3,126			280			104			(1,927	)
	Foreign		204			185			10			113
			20,680			6,687			442			10,752
	Deferred:
	Federal		(2,650	)		(588	)		(4,313	)		(4,846	)
	State		(1,176	)		(538	)		(933	)		(5,082	)
	Valuation allowance		—			(132	)		—			(580	)
			(3,826	)		(1,258	)		(5,246	)		(10,508	)
	Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	16,854		$	5,429		$	(4,804	)	$	244
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest and penalties, is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of fiscal year	$	1,350		$	1,350
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		—			—
	Accrued interest and penalty		325			—
	Reductions due to lapse of the applicable statute of limitations		—			—
	Balance at end of fiscal year	$	1,675		$	1,350

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
2014 Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation
Summary of restricted stock award activity
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 29, 2013		—			—
	Granted		681,028		$	12.00
	Forfeited		—			—
	Vested		—			—
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014		681,028		$	12.00
	Exercisable at December 28, 2014		—			—
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Summary of option activity
	The following table summarizes the Time-Based Option activity under the 2014 Incentive Plan for the year ended December 28, 2014, dollars in thousands except weighted average exercise price:
		Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
					Average		Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining	Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at December 29, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		2,142,579			12
	Forfeited		(11,111	)		12
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014		2,131,468		$	12	9.75 years	$	7,246
	Exercisable at December 28, 2014		—			—	—		—
	Vested and expected to vest after December 28, 2014		2,029,863		$	12	9.71 years	$	6,902
Schedule of assumptions for estimating fair value of options
		Fiscal Year
		2014
	Dividend yield	0%
	Expected volatility	33.47%
	Risk-free interest rates	2.09%
	Expected terms	6.59 years
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$4.54
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Summary of option activity
	The following table summarizes the Time-Based Option activity under the 2012 Incentive Plan for the years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, dollars in thousands except weighted average exercise price:
		Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
					Average		Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining	Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at December 30, 2012		—		$	—
	Granted		5,433,620			6.58
	Forfeited		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 29, 2013		5,433,620			6.58	9.11 years
	Granted		901,930			8.87
	Forfeited		(159,980	)		8.24
	Exercised		—			—
	Cancelled		(821,370	)		8.78
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 28, 2014		5,354,200		$	6.58	8.11 years	$	47,224
	Exercisable at December 28, 2014		2,141,680		$	6.58	8.11 years	$	18,890
	Vested and expected to vest after December 28, 2014		5,184,141		$	6.58	8.11 Years	$	45,724
Schedule of assumptions for estimating fair value of options
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013
	Dividend yield	0%		0%
	Expected volatility	48.59%		50.00%
	Risk-free interest rates	1.35%		2.03%
	Expected terms	5.86 years		10.00 years
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$2.79		$3.05
Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Summary of option activity
		Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-
					Average		Average
					Exercise		Remaining
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at January 2, 2012		632,546			20.32	4.98 years
	Granted		35,927			24.10
	Forfeitures		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
	Exercisable and vested at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
Schedule of assumptions for estimating fair value of options
		January 2
		Through
		November 14,
		2012
		(Predecessor)
	Dividend yield	0%
	Expected volatility	50%
	Risk-free interest rates	0.40%
	Expected terms	4.75 years
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$10.03
Predecessor Incentive Plan | Performance-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Summary of option activity
		Shares			Weighted-		Weighted-
					Average		Average
					Exercise		Remaining
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding at January 2, 2012		632,546			20.32	4.98 years
	Granted		35,927			24.10
	Forfeitures		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
	Exercisable and vested at November 14, 2012		668,473		$	20.52	4.22 years
Schedule of assumptions for estimating fair value of options
		January 2
		Through
		November 14,
		2012
		(Predecessor)
	Dividend yield	0%
	Expected volatility	50%
	Risk-free interest rates	0.40%
	Expected terms	3.92 Years
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$9.26

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Schedule of changes in AOCI by each component, net of tax
	(in thousands)	Defined Benefit			Cash Flow Hedging			Foreign Currency			Total
		Retirement Plan			Activity			Translation
	Balance at December 30, 2012	$	6,019		$	—		$	—		$	6,019
	OCI before reclassification		22,505			2,898			(420	)		24,983
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		—			(18	)		—			(18	)
	Net fiscal year 2013 OCI		22,505			2,880			(420	)		24,965
	Balance at December 29, 2013	$	28,524		$	2,880		$	(420	)	$	30,984
	OCI before reclassification		(32,480	)		(2,504	)		(426	)		(35,410	)
	Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		—			9			—			9
	Net fiscal year 2014 OCI		(32,480	)	$	(2,495	)	$	(426	)	$	(35,401	)
	Balance at December 28, 2014	$	(3,956	)	$	385		$	(846	)	$	(4,417	)
Schedule of items reclassified out of each component of AOCI and the related tax effects
	Details about AOCI	Amount			Location within
	Components	Reclassified			Statement of Operations and
		from			Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		AOCI
	(in thousands)
	Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
	Interest rate swaps	$	15		Interest income (expense)
			15		Total before income tax
			(6	)	Income tax (provision) benefit
		$	9		Reclassification of adjustments, net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the year	$	9		Total reclassifications, net of tax
	Details about AOCI	Amount			Location within
	Components	Reclassified			Statement of Operations and
		from			Comprehensive (Loss) Income
		AOCI
	(in thousands)
	Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges
	Interest rate swaps	$	(30	)	Interest income (expense)
			(30	)	Total before income tax
			12		Income tax (provision) benefit
		$	(18	)	Reclassification of adjustments, net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the year	$	(18	)	Total reclassifications, net of tax

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Segment Information
Schedule of operating information and total assets for the reportable segments
	For the year ended December 28, 2014, the operating information and total assets for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash & Carry			Corporate/			Consolidated
							Other
	Net sales	$	2,668,933	$	865,311		$	—		$	3,534,244
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		2,252,698		746,102			8,155			3,006,955
	Operating and administrative expenses		319,864		57,963			60,701			438,528
	Income (loss) from operations	$	96,371	$	61,246		$	(68,856	)	$	88,761
	As of December 28, 2014
	Total assets	$	1,581,414	$	262,660		$	(114,782	)	$	1,729,292
	Intercompany receivable (payable)	$	256,743	$	(69,539	)	$	(187,204	)	$	—
	Investment in joint venture	$	—	$	—		$	11,924		$	11,924
	Goodwill	$	406,662	$	204,580		$	—		$	611,242
	Fiscal year ended December 28, 2014
	Total capital expenditures	$	106,528	$	5,229		$	5,642		$	117,399
	Depreciation and amortization	$	50,405	$	3,659		$	10,130		$	64,194
	For the year ended December 29, 2013, the operating information and total assets for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash & Carry			Corporate/			Consolidated
							Other
	Net sales	$	2,425,346	$	784,947		$	—		$	3,210,293
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		2,050,197		678,760			7,400			2,736,357
	Operating and administrative expenses		284,025		53,240			49,868			387,133
	Income (loss) from operations	$	91,124	$	52,947		$	(57,268	)	$	86,803
	As of December 29, 2013
	Total assets	$	1,636,952	$	220,420		$	(257,831	)	$	1,599,541
	Intercompany receivable (payable)	$	432,105	$	(108,010	)	$	(324,095	)	$	—
	Investment in joint venture	$	—	$	—		$	10,948		$	10,948
	Goodwill	$	406,662	$	204,580		$	—		$	611,242
	Fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
	Total capital expenditures	$	48,053	$	2,198		$	4,842		$	55,093
	Depreciation and amortization	$	47,987	$	3,713		$	9,059		$	60,759
	For the Successor period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012, the operating information for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash &			Corporate/			Consolidated
				Carry			Other
	Net sales	$	291,126	$	87,424		$	—		$	378,550
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		255,034		77,841			912			333,787
	Operating and administrative expenses		33,391		6,418			11,913			51,722
	Income (loss) from operations	$	2,701	$	3,165		$	(12,825	)	$	(6,959	)
	Successor period November 15, 2012 through December 30, 2012
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,784	$	336		$	306		$	3,426
	Depreciation and amortization	$	12,667	$	2,148		$	1,138		$	15,953
	For the Predecessor period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012, the operating information for the reportable segments are shown as follows (in thousands):
		Smart & Final		Cash &			Corporate/			Consolidated
				Carry			Other
	Net sales	$	2,011,617	$	652,545		$	—		$	2,664,162
	Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy		1,692,963		567,142			5,049			2,265,154
	Operating and administrative expenses		235,546		43,672			85,281			364,499
	Income (loss) from operations	$	83,108	$	41,731		$	(90,330	)	$	34,509
	Predecessor period January 2, 2012 through November 14, 2012
	Total capital expenditures	$	42,009	$	869		$	3,901		$	46,779
	Depreciation and amortization	$	31,398	$	2,892		$	9,755		$	44,045

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share
Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Successor		Successor		Successor			Predecessor
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Period From			Period From
		2014		2013		November 15,			January 2,
						2012 Through			2012 Through
						December 30,			November 14,
						2012			2012
	Net income (loss)	$	33,118	$	8,171	$	(9,288	)	$	14,324
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS		61,455,584		57,030,099		56,848,190			13,363,635
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Assumed exercise of Time-Based Options		2,385,534		2,357,388		—			382,971
	Assumed exercise of Performance-Based Options		—		—		—			180,960
	Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding for diluted EPS		63,841,118		59,387,487		56,848,190			13,927,566
	Basic earnings (loss) per share:	$	0.54	$	0.14	$	(0.16	)	$	1.07
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	$	0.52	$	0.14	$	(0.16	)	$	1.03

Equity_Method_Investment_Table

Equity Method Investment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Equity Method Investment
Summarized financial information for SFDN
	Summarized financial information for SFDN is as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	19,923	$	17,528
	Noncurrent assets		4,540		3,802
	Current liabilities		14,066		13,976
	Noncurrent liabilities		2,493		2,517
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
	Sales	$	80,667	$	77,167	$	72,945
	Gross profit		14,574		13,675		13,119
	Income from continuing operations		2,074		3,298		1,640
	Net income		2,074		3,298		1,640

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite1

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
Schedule of quarterly results of operations
	The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
	Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
			Fiscal Year 2014
			Twelve Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended			Sixteen Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended
			March 23, 2014			June 15, 2014			October 5, 2014			December 28, 2014
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	Net sales		$	735,016		$	828,071		$	1,131,821		$	839,336
	Cost of sales, buying and occupancy			630,427			699,886			962,317			714,325
	Gross margin			104,589			128,185			169,504			125,011
	Operating and administrative expenses			92,358			101,491			140,678			104,001
	Income from operations			12,231			26,694			28,826			21,010
	Interest expense, net			8,836			8,922			11,725			8,119
	(Loss) on early extinguishment of debt			—			—			(2,224	)		—
	Equity in earnings of joint venture			452			262			318			5
	Income (loss) before income taxes			3,847			18,034			15,195			12,896
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(1,340	)		(6,919	)		(4,972	)		(3,623	)
	Net income (loss)		$	2,507		$	11,115		$	10,223		$	9,273
	Basic earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.04		$	0.19		$	0.17		$	0.13
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.04		$	0.19		$	0.17		$	0.12
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic			57,171,190			57,259,361			59,101,972			73,074,360
	Diluted			59,495,270			59,312,773			61,232,212			76,193,944
			Fiscal Year 2013
			Twelve Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended			Sixteen Weeks Ended			Twelve Weeks Ended
			March 24, 2013			June 16, 2013			October 6, 2013			December 29, 2013
			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	Net sales		$	690,158		$	755,943		$	1,021,392		$	742,800
	Cost of sales, buying and occupancy			590,250			642,528			868,580			634,999
	Gross margin			99,908			113,415			152,812			107,801
	Operating and administrative expenses			85,576			88,463			121,417			91,677
	Income from operations			14,332			24,952			31,395			16,124
	Interest expense, net			12,962			12,467			14,386			10,550
	(Loss) on early extinguishment of debt			—			(7,139	)		—			(17,348	)
	Equity in earnings of joint venture			349			172			887			241
	Income (loss) before income taxes			1,719			5,518			17,896			(11,533	)
	Income tax (provision) benefit			(190	)		(1,920	)		(7,863	)		4,544
	Net income (loss)		$	1,529		$	3,598		$	10,033		$	(6,989	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.03		$	0.06		$	0.18		$	(0.12	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share(a)		$	0.03		$	0.06		$	0.17		$	(0.12	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic			56,848,190			56,887,321			57,171,190			57,171,190
	Diluted			59,023,120			59,187,952			59,522,595			57,171,190
	(a)	Per share amounts for the quarters and full fiscal years have been calculated separately. Accordingly, weighted quarterly amounts may not add to the fiscal year amounts because of differences in the average common shares outstanding during each period.

Description_of_Business_and_Ba1

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	0 Months Ended
	31-May-07	Dec. 28, 2014
	item	store
Apollo Acquisition
Business
Number of business acquired	2
Smart & Final
Business
Number of stores operated		201
Smart & Final | Extra
Business
Number of stores operated		98
Cash & Carry
Business
Number of stores operated		53

Description_of_Business_and_Ba2

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012	Dec. 30, 2012
Business
Retained earnings (deficit)	$32,001,000	($1,117,000)
Dividend from joint venture		577,000
Exchange loss	426,000	420,000
Predecessor
Business
Dividend from joint venture			11,624,000
Exchange loss			-1,819,000
SFDN
Business
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Fair value purchase accounting adjustment in carrying value of investment	8,000,000
Retained earnings (deficit)	1,000,000	1,600,000
Declared dividends				15,400,000
Dividend from joint venture		600,000
Exchange loss	400,000	100,000
Tax provision on undistributed earnings considered retained indefinitely for reinvestment	0
SFDN | Predecessor
Business
Dividend from joint venture			$11,600,000
Grupo Calimax
Business
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Grupo Calimax | SFDN
Business
Ownership percentage	50.00%
SFDN
Business
Number of stores operated	14

Description_of_Business_and_Ba3

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details 3) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 19, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Initial Public Offering and Basis of Presentation
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		0.001		$0.00
Common Stock
Initial Public Offering and Basis of Presentation
Aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in IPO		15,467,500
Stock split ratio	190
Common Stock | IPO
Initial Public Offering and Basis of Presentation
Aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in IPO			15,467,500
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$0.00
Share price (in dollars per share)			$12
Aggregate net proceeds received after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses			$167.70

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Jun. 16, 2013

Mar. 24, 2013

Dec. 30, 2012

Jun. 17, 2012

Mar. 25, 2012

Oct. 06, 2013

Oct. 07, 2012

Dec. 28, 2014

Fiscal Years

Fiscal periods

84 days

112 days

84 days

84 days

84 days

84 days

84 days

84 days

84 days

84 days

112 days

112 days

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Maximum processing period for credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions to be classified as cash and cash equivalents

7 days

Due from banks for credit card, debit card and electronic benefit transfer transactions classified as cash equivalents

$17.20

$15.40

$17.20

Minimum

Fiscal Years

Fiscal years

364 days

Maximum

Fiscal Years

Fiscal years

371 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable	$23,666,000	$19,453,000
Inventories
Reserves for inventory losses and slow-moving inventory	6,200,000	5,800,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Income taxes receivable included in prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,700,000	5,000,000
Trade
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable	3,476,000	3,608,000
Vendor
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable	11,651,000	7,941,000
SFDN
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable	1,582,000	1,907,000
Other
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable	$6,957,000	$5,997,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Capitalized costs for selection and procurement of real estate sites		$2.60	$2
Pre-tax impairment loss on long-lived assets	0	0.6	0.8
Predecessor
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Pre-tax impairment loss on long-lived assets				0.5
Capitalized Software
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Pre-tax impairment loss on capitalized software		$0.30	$0.30
Capitalized Software | Minimum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Capitalized Software | Maximum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Estimated useful lives		7 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Estimated useful lives		20 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Estimated useful lives		25 years
Fixtures and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Fixtures and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Estimated useful lives		10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Finite - lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Fair Value at Acquisition		$68,100,000	$68,000,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization		-7,811,000	-4,135,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Book Value		60,289,000	63,865,000
Total intangible assets, Fair Value at Acquisition		333,100,000	333,000,000
Total intangible assets, Net Book Value		325,289,000	328,865,000
Fees incurred to acquire trademark		100,000
Amortization expense	300,000	3,200,000	2,700,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015		3,717,000
2016		3,358,000
2017		3,358,000
2018		3,358,000
2019		3,353,000
Thereafter		43,145,000
Total finite-lived intangible assets		60,289,000	63,865,000
Predecessor
Finite - lived intangible assets
Amortization expense				2,300,000
Signature brands
Finite - lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Fair Value at Acquisition		67,100,000	67,000,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization		-7,105,000	-3,761,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Book Value		59,995,000	63,239,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Total finite-lived intangible assets		59,995,000	63,239,000
Signature brands | Weighted-average
Finite - lived intangible assets
Amortization period		20 years
Signature brands | Sun Harvest
Finite - lived intangible assets
Fees incurred to acquire trademark		100,000
Amortization period		5 years
Non-compete agreement
Finite - lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, Fair Value at Acquisition		1,000,000	1,000,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization		-706,000	-374,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Book Value		294,000	626,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Total finite-lived intangible assets		294,000	626,000
Non-compete agreement | Weighted-average
Finite - lived intangible assets
Amortization period		3 years
Trade names
Indefinite - lived intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Fair Value at Acquisition		265,000,000	265,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Net Book Value		$265,000,000	$265,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 15, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Ares Acquisition
Goodwill	$611,242	$611,242
Ares
Ares Acquisition
Goodwill			$611,200

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	10 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012	Nov. 15, 2012
Leasehold interests					$9.80
Accumulated amortization of leasehold interests	1.6		1.1
Weighted average amortization period of leasehold interests	14 years
Operating and Administrative Expenses
Advertising expense	32	3.6	28.6
Operating and Administrative Expenses | Predecessor
Advertising expense				23.7
Other Assets | SFDN
Dividend receivable	2.8		3.2
Accounts Payable
Checks and advanced payments outstanding	38.5		34.6
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Leasehold interests	8.2		8.7
Accrued obligation for self-insurance programs	$33.70		$31.40

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 14, 2014	Nov. 14, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 15, 2014	Nov. 15, 2012
Debt Discount and Deferred Financing Costs
Unamortized debt discount written off		$3,000,000
Debt discount			6,790,000	9,597,000
Accumulated amortization of debt discount			3,100,000	1,700,000
Deferred financing costs written off	2,500,000
Deferred financing costs, net			5,894,000	8,272,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs			4,400,000	2,700,000
Ares
Debt Discount and Deferred Financing Costs
Debt discount						17,500,000
Debt issuance costs and fees capitalized as deferred financing costs					$17,200,000

Apollo_Acquisition_Restructuri2

Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Nov. 14, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	31-May-07
					item
Store Program
Summary of activity for the Store Program
Balance at the beginning of the period	$1,911,000	$2,033,000	$2,601,000	$1,886,000
Adjustments to reserve included in net income for the period	53,000	261,000	265,000	1,177,000
Lease termination costs paid	-78,000	-383,000	-598,000	-462,000
Balance at the end of the period	1,886,000	1,911,000	2,268,000	2,601,000
Corporate Program
Summary of activity for the Store Program
Balance at the end of the period				0
Apollo Acquisition
Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
Number of business acquired					2
Predecessor | Store Program
Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
Liability recorded for estimated costs to be incurred					13,200,000
Predecessor | Corporate Program
Apollo Acquisition Restructuring Reserves
Liability recorded for estimated costs to be incurred					1,000,000

Ares_Acquisition_Details

Ares Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 15, 2012	Oct. 09, 2012	Nov. 14, 2012
Ares Acquisition
Equity investment received	$299,201,000	$79,000	$1,700,000
Aggregate consideration
Cash consideration	631,773,000
Additional payments made		248,000	22,885,000
Allocation of Purchase Price
Goodwill		611,242,000	611,242,000
Affiliates of Ares Management
Ares Acquisition
Equity investment received				290,000,000
Certain management employees of the Predecessor
Ares Acquisition
Equity investment received				9,200,000
Term Loan Facility
Ares Acquisition
Credit facility used to finance the acquisition				525,000,000
Term of credit facility				7 years
Amount drawn				525,000,000
Second Lien Term Loan Facility
Ares Acquisition
Credit facility used to finance the acquisition				195,000,000
Term of credit facility				8 years
Amount drawn				195,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Ares Acquisition
Credit facility used to finance the acquisition		150,000,000		150,000,000
Term of credit facility				5 years
Amount drawn				10,000,000
Ares Acquisition
Ares Acquisition
Payments in satisfaction of Predecessor stock options				54,200,000
Aggregate consideration
Purchase of Predecessor common shares				669,456,000
Payment on Predecessor stock options (inclusive of employer payroll taxes)				54,993,000
Less cash acquired				-92,676,000
Cash consideration				631,773,000
Value of management equity rollover				11,091,000
Total fair value of net assets acquired				668,386,000
Allocation of Purchase Price
Current assets, less cash acquired					279,624,000
Property, plant and equipment					248,944,000
Capitalized software					15,766,000
Finite-lived intangible assets					68,000,000
Indefinite-lived trade names					265,000,000
Goodwill					611,242,000
Investment in SFDN					9,400,000
Other assets					46,277,000
Current liabilities					-251,661,000
Debt					-304,074,000
Deferred taxes					-135,865,000
Other liabilities					-184,267,000
Total					668,386,000
Ares Acquisition | Working capital adjustment
Aggregate consideration
Contingent consideration				6,231,000
Total fair value of net assets acquired				6,400,000
Additional payments made			6,200,000
Ares Acquisition | Tax consideration
Aggregate consideration
Contingent consideration				19,291,000
Income tax refund receivable	17,300,000
Corresponding payable	17,300,000
Increase in estimated income tax refund receivable			2,000,000
Additional payable			2,000,000
Additional payments made		200,000	16,700,000
Ares Acquisition | Predecessor
Aggregate consideration
Costs associated with assessment of strategic alternatives and transaction costs incurred						23,900,000
Ares Acquisition | Original estimate
Aggregate consideration
Value of management equity rollover				10,900,000
Ares Acquisition | Purchase price adjustment | Working capital adjustment
Aggregate consideration
Value of management equity rollover				200,000
Total fair value of net assets acquired				$2,500,000

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 15, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
	item
Debt
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding		$594,907
Discount on debt issuance		-6,790	-9,597
Current portion of long-term debt			-7,200
Total long-term debt, less current portion		588,117	698,991
Number of new financing arrangements	3
Term Loan Facility
Debt
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding		$594,907	$715,788
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)		4.75%	4.75%

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		4 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2014	Nov. 15, 2012	Oct. 06, 2013
Debt
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding				$594,907,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	17,348,000	7,139,000	2,224,000	2,224,000	24,487,000
Term Loan Facility
Debt
Term of debt							7 years
Maximum borrowing capacity							525,000,000
Gross proceeds							525,000,000
Percentage of quarterly amortization of the principal amount				0.25%
Prepayment premium through the first anniversary of the facility (as a percent)							1.00%
Increase in borrowing capacity through an incremental facility	140,000,000	55,000,000
Reduction to outstanding balance						115,500,000
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding	715,788,000			594,907,000	715,788,000
Incremental borrowing facilities that can be incurred without regard to leverage-based limitations	75,000,000							125,000,000
Prepayment premium if prepayment occurs as a result of a repricing transaction (as a percent)	1.00%
Period for potential prepayment premium	6 months
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				2,200,000
Fees incurred	4,800,000	7,500,000
Fees recorded as debt discount	1,100,000	4,900,000
Fees recorded as deferred financing costs	700,000
Quarterly amortization of principal amount	1,800,000	1,500,000
Principal amortization payments				5,400,000	4,200,000
Term Loan Facility | ABR Borrowings
Debt
Applicable margin (as a percent)	2.75%	2.50%					3.50%
Term Loan Facility | ABR Borrowings | Federal funds rate
Debt
Margin added to rate basis (as a percent)							0.50%
Term Loan Facility | ABR Borrowings | LIBOR
Debt
Margin added to rate basis (as a percent)							1.00%
Term Loan Facility | Eurocurrency Borrowings
Debt
Applicable margin (as a percent)	3.75%	3.50%					4.50%
Term Loan Facility | Eurocurrency Borrowings | Adjusted LIBOR
Debt
Floor rate (as a percent)		1.00%					1.25%
Second Lien Term Loan Facility
Debt
Term of debt							8 years
Maximum borrowing capacity							195,000,000
Gross proceeds							195,000,000
Applicable margin (as a percent)							8.25%
Prepayment premium through the first anniversary of the facility (as a percent)							2.00%
Prepayment premium from the first anniversary through the second anniversary of the facility (as a percent)							1.00%
Reduction to outstanding balance		55,000,000
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding		140,000,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	17,300,000	7,100,000
Second Lien Term Loan Facility | Federal funds rate
Debt
Margin added to rate basis (as a percent)							0.50%
Second Lien Term Loan Facility | LIBOR
Debt
Margin added to rate basis (as a percent)							1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt
Term of debt							5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity				150,000,000			150,000,000
Gross proceeds							10,000,000
Calculated borrowing base	147,800,000			156,300,000	147,800,000
Amounts outstanding under the facility	0			0	0
Amount available for borrowing under the facility	121,200,000			123,400,000	121,200,000
Number of trigger event that had occurred	0			0	0
Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate base rate loans
Debt
Applicable margin (as a percent)				0.25%	0.25%
Effective base rate (as a percent)	3.25%			3.25%	3.25%
Variable interest rate (as a percent)	3.50%			3.50%	3.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate base rate loans | Federal funds rate
Debt
Margin added to rate basis (as a percent)				0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate base rate loans | Adjusted LIBOR
Debt
Margin added to rate basis (as a percent)				1.00%
Interest period of base rate				1 month
Revolving Credit Facility | Letters of credit
Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity				50,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding	$26,600,000			$26,600,000	$26,600,000

Debt_Details_3

Debt (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Aggregate future principal payments
2019	$594,907
Total	$594,907

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (Swap, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 15, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments
Term of derivative instrument	5 years
Notional amount	$422,700,000	$359,700,000
Designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		656,000	4,831,000
Designated as hedging instruments | Cash flow hedge
Derivative Financial Instruments
Amount of Gain Recognized in Earnings on Derivative, Net of Tax (Ineffective Portion)		9,000
Designated as hedging instruments | Cash flow hedge | Interest expense, net
Derivative Financial Instruments
Amount of Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivative, Net of Tax (Effective Portion)		-2,495,000
Designated as hedging instruments | Other assets
Derivative Financial Instruments
Fair value of derivative assets		3,082,000	5,460,000
Designated as hedging instruments | Accrued expenses
Derivative Financial Instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities		($2,426,000)	($629,000)
LIBOR
Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate (as a percent)	1.73%	1.60%
Floor rate (as a percent)		1.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets
Derivatives	$657	$4,831
Financial liabilities
Total	-4,183	1,148
Deferred compensation plan
Financial liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	-14,105	-18,831
Deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts
Financial assets
Other assets	5,893	11,919
Cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan
Financial assets
Other assets	739	739
Assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan
Financial assets
Other assets	2,633	2,490
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Financial liabilities
Total	3,372	3,229
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Deferred compensation plan
Financial liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	-5,893
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts
Financial assets
Other assets	5,893
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan
Financial assets
Other assets	739	739
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan
Financial assets
Other assets	2,633	2,490
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets
Derivatives	657	4,831
Financial liabilities
Total	-7,555	-2,081
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Deferred compensation plan
Financial liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	-8,212	-18,831
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts
Financial assets
Other assets		$11,919

Lease_Obligations_Details

Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012	Nov. 15, 2012	Jun. 17, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
		store				store	Counterparty
							store
							warehouse
Lease Obligations
Number of store properties leased directly from third-party lessors		239
Number of stores on real property ground leased from third-party lessors		8
Average remaining lease term		8 years 3 months 18 days
Lease expense for operating leases	$9,600,000	$85,700,000	$78,200,000
Minimum future lease payments
2015		92,499,000
2016		90,560,000
2017		84,123,000
2018		77,387,000
2019		68,911,000
Thereafter		521,501,000
Future minimum lease payments		934,981,000
Sale and leaseback transactions
Immediate loss recognized	5,000
Predecessor
Lease Obligations
Lease expense for operating leases				60,500,000
Sale and leaseback transactions
Immediate loss recognized				-8,818,000
Sale leaseback transactions
Minimum future lease payments
2015		17,255,000
2016		17,348,000
2017		17,441,000
2018		17,477,000
2019		17,611,000
Thereafter		195,666,000
Future minimum lease payments		282,798,000
Sale and leaseback transactions
Remaining unamortized deferred gain written off					35,900,000
Sale leaseback transactions | Predecessor
Sale and leaseback transactions
Number of store properties						3	39
Number of warehouse distribution facilities							1
Number of buyers							3
Proceeds from sales							230,300,000
Carrying value of properties sold							195,200,000
Immediate loss recognized							2,000,000
Gain deferred						5,600,000	32,000,000
Amortization of deferred gain				$1,700,000
Sale leaseback transactions | Predecessor | Three store properties sold in 2011
Sale and leaseback transactions
Lease term							20 years
Number of options to extend the term							2
Term of each renewal option							10 years
Number of store properties							3
Sale leaseback transactions | Predecessor | Thirty-six store properties sold in 2011
Sale and leaseback transactions
Lease term							20 years
Number of options to extend the term							6
Term of each renewal option							5 years
Number of store properties							36
Sale leaseback transactions | Predecessor | Warehouse distribution facility sold in 2011
Sale and leaseback transactions
Lease term							10 years
Number of options to extend the term							4
Term of each renewal option							5 years
Number of warehouse distribution facilities							1
Sale leaseback transactions | Predecessor | Three store properties sold in 2012
Sale and leaseback transactions
Lease term						25 years
Number of options to extend the term						5
Term of each renewal option						5 years

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P2

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details) (Single-Employer Plan, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
		employee
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Vesting period for plan participation		5 years
Number of employees that remain eligible for pension benefits under prior terms		450
Minimum required contribution expected to be funded in 2015		$7,300,000
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		-165,796,000			-183,874,000
Service cost	-175,000	-1,099,000	-1,311,000
Interest cost	-989,000	-8,480,000	-7,973,000
Actuarial (loss) gain		-43,059,000	23,615,000
Benefits paid		4,218,000	3,747,000
Benefit obligation, end of period		-214,216,000	-165,796,000		-183,874,000
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period		123,039,000			101,660,000
Actual return of plan assets, net of expenses		4,302,000	17,423,000
Employer contribution		10,760,000	7,703,000
Benefits paid		-4,218,000	-3,747,000
Fair value of plan assets, end of period		133,883,000	123,039,000		101,660,000
Funded status		-80,333,000	-42,757,000
Net amount recognized		-80,333,000	-42,757,000
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Postretirement and postemployment benefits		-80,333,000	-42,757,000
Net amount recognized		-80,333,000	-42,757,000
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (loss) gain		-5,654,000	42,909,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		-5,654,000	42,909,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost during 2015		0
Projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and plan assets
Projected benefit obligation		214,216,000	165,796,000
Accumulated benefit obligation		210,556,000	162,940,000
Fair value of plan assets		133,883,000	123,039,000
Fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the projected benefit obligation		62.50%	74.20%
Fair value of plan assets as a percentage of the accumulated benefit obligation		63.60%	75.50%
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost component	175,000	1,099,000	1,311,000
Interest cost component	989,000	8,480,000	7,973,000
Expected return on plan assets	-919,000	-9,105,000	-7,523,000
Amortization of net actuarial gain		-699,000
Net periodic benefit cost	245,000	-225,000	1,761,000
Threshold percentage of projected benefit obligation or fair value of plan assets, for straight-line amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		10.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate		4.25%	5.15%
Rate of compensation increase		2.50%	2.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	4.10%	5.15%	4.30%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.50%	7.25%	7.30%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Predecessor
Change in Benefit Obligation
Service cost				-864,000
Interest cost				-6,842,000
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost component				864,000
Interest cost component				6,842,000
Expected return on plan assets				-5,947,000
Amortization of net actuarial gain				1,106,000
Net periodic benefit cost				$2,865,000
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate				5.25%
Expected long-term return on plan assets				7.50%
Rate of compensation increase				2.50%

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P3

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 2) (Single-Employer Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jan. 01, 2012
Plan assets
Target Allocation	100.00%
Plan asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$133,883	$123,039	$101,660
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	97,727	86,136
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	35,711	36,410
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	445	493	517
Equity Securities
Plan assets
Target Allocation	60.00%
Plan asset allocation	60.00%	64.00%
Fair value of plan assets	79,995	78,773
Equity Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	61,929	57,423
Equity Securities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	18,066	21,350
Debt Securities
Plan assets
Target Allocation	37.00%
Plan asset allocation	26.00%	31.00%
Fair value of plan assets	35,467	37,786
Debt Securities | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	17,527	22,233
Debt Securities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	17,495	15,060
Debt Securities | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	445	493
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Plan assets
Target Allocation	3.00%
Plan asset allocation	14.00%	5.00%
Fair value of plan assets	18,421	6,480
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	18,271	6,480
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	$150

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P4

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 3) (Single-Employer Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jan. 01, 2012
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period			$101,660
Actual return on plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	133,883	123,039	101,660
Expected future benefit payments
2015	5,373
2016	5,750
2017	6,076
2018	6,431
2019	6,948
2020-2024	41,621
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	493		517
Actual return on plan assets
Assets held at end of year	-16	-12
Purchase, sales and settlements	-32	-12
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$445	$493	$517

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P5

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 4) (Multi-employer pension plan, Teamsters Plan, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			10 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012	Jan. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			employee	employee			employee
							item
Multi-employer Pension Plan
Number of union employees covered			172	165
Employer contributions and corresponding pension expense	$0.20		$1.30	$1.20
Accumulated plan benefits						39,116
Assets for funding the standard account						35,478.60
Funded status percentage						90.70%
Total number of participants covered by the plan							546,000
Number of employers participating							1,520
Total employer contributions		1,431.10
Predecessor
Multi-employer Pension Plan
Employer contributions and corresponding pension expense					$1

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P6

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 5) (S&F Savings Plan, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Defined Contribution Plan
Automatic employee contribution of eligible compensation unless opted out (as a percent)		3.00%
Maximum eligible compensation employees may contribute (as a percent)		100.00%
Contributions made to the plan (in dollars)	$400,000	$4,400,000	$3,900,000
Predecessor
Defined Contribution Plan
Contributions made to the plan (in dollars)				3,200,000
Under the age of 50
Defined Contribution Plan
Maximum annual employee contribution amount (in dollars)		17,500	17,000
At the age of 50 or over
Defined Contribution Plan
Maximum annual employee contribution amount (in dollars)		$23,000	$22,500
Frozen Pension Participants
Defined Contribution Plan
Percentage of matching contribution		50.00%	50.00%
Maximum eligible compensation matched by the Company (as a percent)		6.00%	6.00%
Active Pension Participants
Defined Contribution Plan
Percentage of matching contribution		33.00%	33.00%
Maximum eligible compensation matched by the Company (as a percent)		6.00%	6.00%

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P7

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 6) (Deferred Compensation Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Deferred Compensation Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of compensation that may be deferred	100.00%
Liability to plan participants	$21.40	$22.40

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P8

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 7) (Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	10 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	31-May-07	Nov. 14, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
				employee
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Cash surrender value of insurance		$19,700,000	$19,300,000
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		-29,943,000				-33,201,000
Interest cost	-121,000	-1,200,000	-992,000
Actuarial (loss) gain		-3,906,000	2,346,000
Benefits paid		1,904,000	1,904,000
Benefit obligation, end of period		-33,145,000	-29,943,000			-33,201,000
Change in plan assets
Employer contribution		1,904,000	1,904,000
Benefits paid		-1,904,000	-1,904,000
Funded status		-33,145,000	-29,943,000
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)		1,075,000	-2,831,000
Accrued benefit cost		-32,070,000	-32,774,000
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Other accrued liabilities		-1,905,000	-1,905,000
Postretirement and postemployment benefits		-31,240,000	-28,038,000
Net amount recognized		-33,145,000	-29,943,000
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (loss) gain		-1,075,000	2,831,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		-1,075,000	2,831,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost during 2015		0
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost component	121,000	1,200,000	992,000
Net periodic benefit cost	121,000	1,200,000	992,000
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate		3.42%	4.14%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	3.02%	4.14%	3.17%
Expected future benefit payments
2015		1,904,000
2016		1,920,000
2017		1,920,000
2018		1,993,000
2019		1,993,000
2020-2024		12,392,000
Predecessor
Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations
Number of plan participants not fully vested as a result of accelerated vesting				1
Change in Benefit Obligation
Interest cost					-1,001,000
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost component					1,001,000
Amortization of net actuarial gain					409,000
Net periodic benefit cost					$1,410,000
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate					3.85%

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_and_P9

Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations (Details 8) (Postretirement health care plan, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			10 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jan. 01, 2012	Nov. 14, 2012
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of period		($13,854)	($15,397)
Service cost	-44	-314	-334
Interest cost	-77	-652	-597
Plan participants' contributions		-419	-377
Actuarial (loss) gain		-1,690	1,710
Benefits paid		1,105	1,141
Benefit obligation, end of period	-15,397	-15,824	-13,854
Change in plan assets
Employer contribution		686	764
Plan participants' contributions		419	377
Benefits paid		-1,105	-1,141
Funded status		-15,824	-13,854
Net amount recognized		-15,824	-13,854
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Other accrued liabilities		-823	-905
Postretirement and postemployment benefits		-15,001	-12,949
Net amount recognized		-15,824	-13,854
Amounts before income tax effect recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
Net actuarial (loss) gain		123	1,878
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		123	1,878
Accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost during 2015		0
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost component	44	314	334
Interest cost component	77	652	597
Amortization of net actuarial gain		-65
Net periodic benefit cost	121	901	931
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate		4.10%	4.80%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	3.90%	4.80%	4.00%
Components of health care cost trends
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year		8.00%	8.50%	9.00%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)		5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2020	2020	2020
Assumed annual decrease in rate of health care costs (as a percent)		0.50%
Components of one-percentage-point change
Effect on total service and interest cost components of net periodic expense, 1-Percentage Point Increase		5
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1-Percentage Point Increase		79
Effect on total service and interest cost components of net periodic expense, 1-Percentage Point Decrease		-7
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, 1-Percentage Point Decrease		-107
Expected future benefit payments
2015		784
2016		802
2017		832
2018		876
2019		917
2020-2024		4,893
Predecessor
Change in Benefit Obligation
Service cost					-229
Interest cost					-587
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost component					229
Interest cost component					587
Prior service credit					-36
Net periodic benefit cost					$780
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate					5.05%

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 15, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Mar. 24, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Oct. 06, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Deferred tax assets
Employee benefits, including postretirement reserves		$36,008			$11,600					$36,008	$11,600
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards		8,782			11,183					8,782	11,183
Operating reserves and accruals		25,410			16,661					25,410	16,661
Inventories		3,130			3,025					3,130	3,025
Other		1,910			2,167					1,910	2,167
Total gross deferred tax assets		75,240			44,636					75,240	44,636
Valuation allowance		-1,014			-1,014					-1,014	-1,014
Total deferred tax assets		74,226			43,622					74,226	43,622
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation and amortization		-42,716			-37,317					-42,716	-37,317
Intangible assets		-134,764			-136,790					-134,764	-136,790
Total deferred tax liabilities		-177,480			-174,107					-177,480	-174,107
Net deferred tax liabilities		-103,254			-130,485					-103,254	-130,485
Reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate from continuing operations
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	34.10%									33.70%	39.90%
Federal statutory income tax rate										35.00%
Income tax at federal statutory rate	-4,932									17,490	4,760
Equity earnings not subject to U.S. tax										-363	-577
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	-539									1,570	296
Federal tax credits										-692	-484
Foreign taxes, net of credits	10									134	3,158
State EZ credits										-302	-549
Insurance cash surrender value	-66									-296	-767
Transaction costs	722
Other items, net	1									-687	-408
Total income tax provision (benefit)	-4,804	3,623	6,919	1,340	-4,544	1,920	190	4,972	7,863	16,854	5,429
Current:
Federal	328									17,350	6,222
State	104									3,126	280
Foreign	10									204	185
Total current income tax provision	442									20,680	6,687
Deferred:
Federal	-4,313									-2,650	-588
State	-933									-1,176	-538
Valuation allowance											-132
Total deferred income tax benefit	-5,246									-3,826	-1,258
Total income tax provision (benefit)	-4,804	3,623	6,919	1,340	-4,544	1,920	190	4,972	7,863	16,854	5,429
Predecessor
Reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate from continuing operations
Effective tax rate (as a percent)												1.70%
Income tax at federal statutory rate												5,099
Equity earnings not subject to U.S. tax												-287
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit												139
Foreign taxes, net of credits												-2,840
Foreign dividend received												4,138
State EZ credits												-5,071
Insurance cash surrender value												-612
Other items, net												-322
Total income tax provision (benefit)												244
Current:
Federal												12,566
State												-1,927
Foreign												113
Total current income tax provision												10,752
Deferred:
Federal												-4,846
State												-5,082
Valuation allowance												-580
Total deferred income tax benefit												-10,508
Total income tax provision (benefit)												$244

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Federal
Net operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards		$0
State
Net operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards		57
Usage of net operating loss carryforwards	2.7	32	21.5
State | Predecessor
Net operating loss carryforwards
Usage of net operating loss carryforwards				$0

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	10 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Nov. 14, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013
Total tax credits available		$6,600,000
Undistributed earnings		3,500,000		2,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefit
Balance at beginning of fiscal year		1,350,000
Accrued interest and penalty	0	325,000
Balance at end of fiscal year	1,350,000	1,675,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate		1,700,000		1,400,000
Expected settlement period		12 months
Predecessor
Unrecognized tax benefit
Accrued interest and penalty			$0

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 15, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	31-May-07	Nov. 14, 2012	Oct. 31, 2007
Manager | Management Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Termination fee	$5.50
Manager | Management Services Agreement | Ares
Related Party Transactions
Transaction fee	4
Funds affiliated with Ares | Term Loan Facility
Related Party Transactions
Percentage of outstanding loans held by related party		10.00%
Ares
Related Party Transactions
Fees and expenses		0.1
Predecessor | Manager | Management Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Term of agreement			10 years
Annual fee obligation			1.5
Fees and expenses				1.4
Predecessor | Manager | Management Services Agreement | Apollo Acquisition and Henry's Acquisition
Related Party Transactions
Transaction fee					9
Transaction fee included in purchase price of acquisitions (as a percent)					50.00%
Transaction fee included in purchase price of acquisitions					4.5
Transaction fee included in deferred financing costs (as a percent)					50.00%
Transaction fee included in deferred financing costs					$4.50

Employment_Agreements_Details

Employment Agreements (Details) (David G. Hirz)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2014	Nov. 15, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Apr. 07, 2010
Employment Agreements
Term of employment agreement	3 years	3 years
Term of automatic renewals			1 year
Predecessor
Employment Agreements
Term of employment agreement				3 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Sep. 23, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)		$15.40
2014 Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation
Maximum issuance of equity-based incentive awards (in shares)		5,500,000
2014 Incentive Plan | Restricted stock
Shares
Granted (in shares)	458,645	681,028
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		681,028
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$12	$12
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$12
Additional disclosures
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)		$900,000
Unrecognized compensation cost		5,900,000
Weighted-average period over which expense is expected to be recognized		2 years 5 months 12 days
2014 Incentive Plan | Restricted stock | Granted September 23, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	4 years
2014 Incentive Plan | Restricted stock | Granted originally on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Granted to replace cancelled 2012 Incentive Plan awards			222,383
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Term of options	10 years
Shares
Granted (in shares)	1,543,592	2,142,579
Forfeited (in shares)		-11,111
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		2,131,468
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)		2,029,863
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Granted (in dollars per share)		$12
Forfeited (in dollars per share)		$12
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$12
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)		$12
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding		9 years 9 months
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and Expected to Vest		9 years 8 months 16 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding		7,246,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and Expected to Vest		6,902,000
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Dividend yield (as a percent)		0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)		33.47%
Risk-free interest rates (as a percent)		2.09%
Expected terms		6 years 7 months 2 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)		$4.54
Estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)		5.00%
Additional disclosures
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)		1,000,000
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense		$7,500,000
Weighted-average period over which expense is expected to be recognized		2 years 8 months 12 days
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted September 23, 2014
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Forfeited to date (in shares)		11,111
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted originally on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Granted to replace cancelled 2012 Incentive Plan awards			598,987
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, increasing percentages
Shares
Granted (in shares)	638,889
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, increasing percentages | Vesting in first year
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	1 year
Vesting rights (as a percent)	10.00%
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, increasing percentages | Vesting in second year
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	2 years
Vesting rights (as a percent)	10.00%
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, increasing percentages | Vesting in third year
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	3 years
Vesting rights (as a percent)	20.00%
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, increasing percentages | Vesting in fourth year
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	4 years
Vesting rights (as a percent)	20.00%
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, increasing percentages | Vesting in fifth year
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	5 years
Vesting rights (as a percent)	40.00%
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over five years, equal percentages
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	5 years
Annual vesting rights (as a percent)	20.00%
Shares
Granted (in shares)	524,999
2014 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Vesting over four years, equal percentages
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	4 years
Annual vesting rights (as a percent)	25.00%
Shares
Granted (in shares)	379,704

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	24 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	30-May-14	Nov. 15, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014
		employee
Additional disclosures
Cash proceeds from the exercise of options (in dollars)	$450,000
Rollover Options
Shares
Granted (in shares)			3,625,580
Exercised (in shares)		924,730
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Exercised (in dollars per share)		$2.08
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$2.26				$2.26
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	3 years 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised		5,800,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	35,500,000				35,500,000
Additional disclosures
Period of repurchase rights in event of termination for cause or discovery of detrimental activity	180 days
Period of repurchase rights in event of termination other than for cause or discovery of detrimental activity	90 days
Number of management employees net settling options		1
Shares of Common Stock issued for net settlement of options		426,170
Cash proceeds from the exercise of options (in dollars)		500,000
2012 Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation
Maximum issuance of equity-based incentive awards (in shares)			11,400,000
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Term of options	10 years
Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	5,433,620						5,433,620
Granted (in shares)	901,930			5,433,620	6,335,550
Forfeited (in shares)	-159,980
Cancelled (in shares)	-821,370
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	5,354,200			5,433,620	5,354,200
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	2,141,680				2,141,680
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	5,184,141				5,184,141
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.58						$6.58
Granted (in dollars per share)	$8.87			$6.58
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$8.24
Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$8.78
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.58			$6.58	$6.58
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.58				$6.58
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$6.58				$6.58
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	8 years 1 month 10 days			9 years 1 month 10 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	8 years 1 month 10 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and Expected to Vest	8 years 1 month 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	47,224,000				47,224,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	18,890,000				18,890,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and Expected to Vest	45,724,000				45,724,000
Fair value for options vested (in dollars)	5,800,000
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%			0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	48.59%			50.00%
Risk-free interest rates (as a percent)	1.35%			2.03%
Expected terms	5 years 10 months 10 days			10 years
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$2.79			$3.05
Estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)	5.00%
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted on February 1, 2013
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Forfeited to date (in shares)	16,720				16,720
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted on May 8, 2013
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Forfeited to date (in shares)	62,700				62,700
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted on January 31, 2014
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Forfeited to date (in shares)	80,560				80,560
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted originally on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Number of management employees receiving grant	4
Shares
Granted (in shares)	821,370
Cancelled (in shares)						821,370
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options, standard terms
Shares
Granted (in shares)	403,560				3,586,820
Additional disclosures
Period of repurchase rights, from employment termination or option exercise date	1 year
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)	5,000,000
One-time catch-up of share-based compensation expense	4,500,000
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	1,900,000				1,900,000
Weighted-average period over which expense is expected to be recognized	1 year 10 months 17 days
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options, standard terms | Granted in 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	5 years
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options, standard terms | Granted originally on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Number of management employees receiving grant	3
Shares
Granted (in shares)	323,000
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options, alternate terms
Share-Based Compensation
Threshold percentage of ownership by Ares, below which award vesting is accelerated	50.00%				50.00%
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options, alternate terms | Granted originally on May 30, 2014 and June 6, 2014
Share-Based Compensation
Number of management employees receiving grant	1
Shares
Granted (in shares)	498,370
Additional disclosures
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)							200,000
2012 Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options, modified terms | Granted on February 1, 2013
Share-Based Compensation
Number of management employees holding grants modified during the period		2
Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		2,250,360
Additional disclosures
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)	4,300,000
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$4,000,000				$4,000,000
Weighted-average period over which expense is expected to be recognized	1 year 10 months 17 days

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	10 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 14, 2012	31-May-07	Nov. 19, 2007	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010	Dec. 28, 2008	Nov. 14, 2012
Predecessor Incentive Plan | Performance-Based Options
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	50.00%
Risk-free interest rates (as a percent)	0.40%
Expected terms	3 years 11 months 1 day
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$9.26
Predecessor | Option shares | Apollo Acquisition
Share-Based Compensation
Cash payment foregone with grant of replacement awards in acquisition (in dollars per share)		$22
Value of acquiree awards replaced by new grants in acquisition (in dollars)		$3.90
Awards issued in lieu of cash payment in acquisition (in shares)		194,250
Predecessor | Restricted stock | Apollo Acquisition
Share-Based Compensation
Cash payment foregone with grant of replacement awards in acquisition (in dollars per share)		$22
Value of acquiree awards replaced by new grants in acquisition (in dollars)		4
Awards issued in lieu of cash payment in acquisition (in shares)		197,659
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan
Share-Based Compensation
Maximum issuance of share grants (in shares)		1,600,000
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Option shares
Shares
Granted (in shares)	71,854	888,140	122,621	238,417	234,192	157,867	86,058
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	4 years
Term of options	7 years
Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	632,546							668,473
Granted (in shares)	35,927
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	668,473			632,546				668,473
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	668,473							668,473
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.32							$20.52
Granted (in dollars per share)	$24.10
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.52			20.32				$20.52
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.52							$20.52
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	4 years 2 months 19 days			4 years 11 months 23 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	4 years 2 months 19 days
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	50.00%
Risk-free interest rates (as a percent)	0.40%
Expected terms	4 years 9 months
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$10.03
Original estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)	5.00%
Additional disclosures
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)	0.7
Accelerated vesting effective immediately prior to the closing of the Ares Acquisition (in dollars)								1.2
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted May 31, 2007
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				14.50%				14.10%
Forfeited to date (in shares)				135,975
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted November 19, 2007
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				21.00%				20.71%
Forfeited to date (in shares)				25,819
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted March 11, 2008
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				100.00%
Forfeited to date (in shares)				18,932
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted July 18, 2008
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				100.00%
Forfeited to date (in shares)				24,097
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted March 6, 2009
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				15.00%				14.41%
Forfeited to date (in shares)				18,934
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | Granted September 3, 2010
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				100.00%
Forfeited to date (in shares)				1,721
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Time-Based Options | All other option grants
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)								0.00%
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Performance-Based Options
Share-Based Compensation
Term of options	7 years
Number of annual installments for vesting	2
Period for commencement of annual vesting installments	1 year
Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	632,546							668,473
Granted (in shares)	35,927
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	668,473			632,546				668,473
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	688,473							688,473
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.32							$20.52
Granted (in dollars per share)	$24.10
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.52			20.32				$20.52
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$20.52							$20.52
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	4 years 2 months 19 days			4 years 11 months 23 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	4 years 2 months 19 days
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)								0.00%
Additional disclosures
Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars)	1.8
Accelerated vesting effective immediately prior to the closing of the Ares Acquisition (in dollars)								$3.40
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Performance-Based Options | Grants other than January 1, 2012
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				2.00%
Predecessor | Predecessor Incentive Plan | Performance-Based Options | Granted January 1, 2012
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of options
Revised estimated forfeiture rate (as a percent)				0.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Changes in AOCI by each component net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period		$30,984	$6,019
OCI before reclassification		-35,410	24,983
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		9	-18
Net fiscal year OCI	6,019	-35,401	24,965
Balance at the end of the period	6,019	-4,417	30,984
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
Changes in AOCI by each component net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period		28,524	6,019
OCI before reclassification		-32,480	22,505
Net fiscal year OCI		-32,480	22,505
Balance at the end of the period		-3,956	28,524
Cash Flow Hedging Activity
Changes in AOCI by each component net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period		2,880
OCI before reclassification		-2,504	2,898
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI		9	-18
Net fiscal year OCI		-2,495	2,880
Balance at the end of the period		385	2,880
Foreign Currency Translation
Changes in AOCI by each component net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period		-420
OCI before reclassification		-426	-420
Net fiscal year OCI		-426	-420
Balance at the end of the period		($846)	($420)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 15, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Mar. 24, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Oct. 06, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Items reclassified out of each component of AOCI and the related tax effects
Interest income (expense)	($7,133)	($8,119)	($8,922)	($8,836)	($10,550)	($12,467)	($12,962)	($11,725)	($14,386)	($37,602)	($50,365)
Total before income tax	-14,092	12,896	18,034	3,847	-11,533	5,518	1,719	15,195	17,896	49,972	13,600
Income tax (provision) benefit	4,804	-3,623	-6,919	-1,340	4,544	-1,920	-190	-4,972	-7,863	-16,854	-5,429
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax	-9,288	9,273	11,115	2,507	-6,989	3,598	1,529	10,223	10,033	33,118	8,171
Total reclassifications, net of tax										9	-18
Cash Flow Hedging Activity
Items reclassified out of each component of AOCI and the related tax effects
Total reclassifications, net of tax										9	-18
Cash Flow Hedging Activity | Amount Reclassified from AOCI | Swap
Items reclassified out of each component of AOCI and the related tax effects
Interest income (expense)										15	30
Total before income tax										15	-30
Income tax (provision) benefit										-6	12
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax										$9	($18)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 15, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Mar. 24, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Oct. 06, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
										item
Segment Information
Number of complementary store banners										2
Net sales	$378,550	$839,336	$828,071	$735,016	$742,800	$755,943	$690,158	$1,131,821	$1,021,392	$3,534,244	$3,210,293
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy	333,787	714,325	699,886	630,427	634,999	642,528	590,250	962,317	868,580	3,006,955	2,736,357
Operating and administrative expenses	51,722									438,528	387,133
Income (loss) from operations	-6,959	21,010	26,694	12,231	16,124	24,952	14,332	28,826	31,395	88,761	86,803
Total assets		1,729,292			1,599,541					1,729,292	1,599,541
Equity investment in joint venture		11,924			10,948					11,924	10,948
Goodwill		611,242			611,242					611,242	611,242
Capital expenditures	3,426									117,399	55,093
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	15,953									64,194	60,759
Predecessor
Segment Information
Net sales												2,664,162
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy												2,265,154
Operating and administrative expenses												364,499
Income (loss) from operations												34,509
Capital expenditures												46,779
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization												44,045
Corporate / Other
Segment Information
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy	912									8,155	7,400
Operating and administrative expenses	11,913									60,701	49,868
Income (loss) from operations	-12,825									-68,856	-57,268
Total assets		-114,782			-257,831					-114,782	-257,831
Intercompany receivable (payable)		-187,204			-324,095					-187,204	-324,095
Equity investment in joint venture		11,924			10,948					11,924	10,948
Capital expenditures	306									5,642	4,842
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,138									10,130	9,059
Corporate / Other | Predecessor
Segment Information
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy												5,049
Operating and administrative expenses												85,281
Income (loss) from operations												-90,330
Capital expenditures												3,901
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization												9,755
Smart & Final
Segment Information
Net sales	291,126									2,668,933	2,425,346
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy	255,034									2,252,698	2,050,197
Operating and administrative expenses	33,391									319,864	284,025
Income (loss) from operations	2,701									96,371	91,124
Total assets		1,581,414			1,636,952					1,581,414	1,636,952
Intercompany receivable (payable)		256,743			432,105					256,743	432,105
Goodwill		406,662			406,662					406,662	406,662
Capital expenditures	2,784									106,528	48,053
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	12,667									50,405	47,987
Smart & Final | Predecessor
Segment Information
Net sales												2,011,617
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy												1,692,963
Operating and administrative expenses												235,546
Income (loss) from operations												83,108
Capital expenditures												42,009
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization												31,398
Cash & Carry
Segment Information
Net sales	87,424									865,311	784,947
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy	77,841									746,102	678,760
Operating and administrative expenses	6,418									57,963	53,240
Income (loss) from operations	3,165									61,246	52,947
Total assets		262,660			220,420					262,660	220,420
Intercompany receivable (payable)		-69,539			-108,010					-69,539	-108,010
Goodwill		204,580			204,580					204,580	204,580
Capital expenditures	336									5,229	2,198
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	2,148									3,659	3,713
Cash & Carry | Predecessor
Segment Information
Net sales												652,545
Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy												567,142
Operating and administrative expenses												43,672
Income (loss) from operations												41,731
Capital expenditures												869
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization												$2,892

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Final court approval, Thompson and Manzo cases, USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Final court approval | Thompson and Manzo cases
Legal Actions
Loss accrual amount	$3

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2014	Sep. 19, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
	item
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, authorized shares	340,000,000			340,000,000
Preferred stock, authorized shares	10,000,000			10,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	73,755,388			57,171,190
Common stock held by public and various members of management (as a percent)	25.30%
Affiliates of Ares Management
Stockholders' Equity
Number of affiliates holding common shares	2
Common stock held by related party (as a percent)	74.70%
Term Loan Facility
Stockholders' Equity
Partial repayment of debt		$115.50
Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity
Stock split ratio			190
Aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in IPO	15,467,500
Common Stock | IPO
Stockholders' Equity
Aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in IPO		15,467,500
Share price (in dollars per share)		$12
Gross proceeds received from the IPO		185.6
Aggregate net proceeds received after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses		167.7
Underwriting discounts and commissions		12.5
Other offering expenses		$5.40

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 15, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Mar. 24, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Oct. 06, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Net income (loss)	($9,288)	$9,273	$11,115	$2,507	($6,989)	$3,598	$1,529	$10,223	$10,033	$33,118	$8,171
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS	56,848,190	73,074,360	57,259,361	57,171,190	57,171,190	56,887,321	56,848,190	59,101,972	57,171,190	61,455,584	57,030,099
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding for diluted EPS	56,848,190	76,193,944	59,312,773	59,495,270	57,171,190	59,187,952	59,023,120	61,232,212	59,522,595	63,841,118	59,387,487
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share):	($0.16)	$0.13	$0.19	$0.04	($0.12)	$0.06	$0.03	$0.17	$0.18	$0.54	$0.14
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share):	($0.16)	$0.12	$0.19	$0.04	($0.12)	$0.06	$0.03	$0.17	$0.17	$0.52	$0.14
Time-Based Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed exercise of stock options										2,385,534	2,357,388
Predecessor
Net income (loss)												$14,324
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS												13,363,635
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding for diluted EPS												13,927,566
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share):												$1.07
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share):												$1.03
Predecessor | Time-Based Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed exercise of stock options												382,971
Predecessor | Performance-Based Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed exercise of stock options												180,960

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_2

Earnings Per Share (Details 2)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Earnings per share
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	1,596,950	0
Predecessor
Earnings per share
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)				0

Equity_Method_Investment_Detai

Equity Method Investment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Equity Method Investment
Equity method investment	$11,924,000	$10,948,000
Summarized financial information for SFDN
Undistributed earnings of Mexico operations	3,500,000	2,500,000
Grupo Calimax
Equity Method Investment
Ownership percentage	50.00%
SFDN
Equity Method Investment
Number of stores operated	14
SFDN
Equity Method Investment
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Equity method investment	11,900,000	10,900,000
Summarized financial information for SFDN
Current assets	19,923,000	17,528,000
Noncurrent assets	4,540,000	3,802,000
Current liabilities	14,066,000	13,976,000
Noncurrent liabilities	2,493,000	2,517,000
Sales	80,667,000	77,167,000	72,945,000
Gross profit	14,574,000	13,675,000	13,119,000
Income from continuing operations	2,074,000	3,298,000	1,640,000
Net income	2,074,000	3,298,000	1,640,000
Undistributed earnings of Mexico operations	$3,500,000	$2,500,000
SFDN | Grupo Calimax
Equity Method Investment
Ownership percentage	50.00%

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite2

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 15, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Mar. 24, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Oct. 06, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
Net sales	$378,550	$839,336	$828,071	$735,016	$742,800	$755,943	$690,158	$1,131,821	$1,021,392	$3,534,244	$3,210,293
Cost of sales, buying and occupancy	333,787	714,325	699,886	630,427	634,999	642,528	590,250	962,317	868,580	3,006,955	2,736,357
Gross margin	44,763	125,011	128,185	104,589	107,801	113,415	99,908	169,504	152,812	527,289	473,936
Operating and administrative expenses	51,727	104,001	101,491	92,358	91,677	88,463	85,576	140,678	121,417	438,528	387,133
Income (loss) from operations	-6,959	21,010	26,694	12,231	16,124	24,952	14,332	28,826	31,395	88,761	86,803
Interest expense, net	7,133	8,119	8,922	8,836	10,550	12,467	12,962	11,725	14,386	37,602	50,365
Loss on early extinguishment of debt					-17,348	-7,139		-2,224		-2,224	-24,487
Equity in earnings of joint venture		5	262	452	241	172	349	318	887	1,037	1,649
Income (loss) before income taxes	-14,092	12,896	18,034	3,847	-11,533	5,518	1,719	15,195	17,896	49,972	13,600
Income tax (provision) benefit	4,804	-3,623	-6,919	-1,340	4,544	-1,920	-190	-4,972	-7,863	-16,854	-5,429
Net income (loss)	($9,288)	$9,273	$11,115	$2,507	($6,989)	$3,598	$1,529	$10,223	$10,033	$33,118	$8,171
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.16)	$0.13	$0.19	$0.04	($0.12)	$0.06	$0.03	$0.17	$0.18	$0.54	$0.14
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.16)	$0.12	$0.19	$0.04	($0.12)	$0.06	$0.03	$0.17	$0.17	$0.52	$0.14
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	56,848,190	73,074,360	57,259,361	57,171,190	57,171,190	56,887,321	56,848,190	59,101,972	57,171,190	61,455,584	57,030,099
Diluted (in shares)	56,848,190	76,193,944	59,312,773	59,495,270	57,171,190	59,187,952	59,023,120	61,232,212	59,522,595	63,841,118	59,387,487

SCHEDULE_ICONDENSED_FINANCIAL_1

SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$106,847	$53,699	$35,987
Total current assets	402,868	321,339
Other intangible assets, net	325,289	328,865
Total assets	1,729,292	1,599,541
Current liabilities:
Accrued expenses	72,667	69,174
Total current liabilities	286,146	252,355
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Issued and outstanding shares-73,755,388 at December 28, 2014 and 57,171,190 at December 29, 2013	74	57
Additional paid-in capital	489,550	311,935
Retained deficit	32,001	-1,117
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-4,417	30,984	6,019
Total stockholders' equity	517,208	341,859	307,023
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,729,292	1,599,541
Common stock, issued shares	73,755,388	57,171,190
Common stock, outstanding shares	73,755,388	57,171,190
Smart & Final Holdings, Inc.
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	50	50	1,145
Intercompany receivable	187,921	5,510
Total current assets	187,971	5,560
Other intangible assets, net	294	626
Investment in subsidiaries	347,454	340,113
Total assets	535,719	346,299
Current liabilities:
Accrued expenses	371	26
Intercompany payable	18,140	4,414
Total current liabilities	18,511	4,440
Stockholders' equity:
Issued and outstanding shares-73,755,388 at December 28, 2014 and 57,171,190 at December 29, 2013	74	57
Additional paid-in capital	489,550	311,935
Retained deficit	32,001	-1,117
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-4,417	30,984
Total stockholders' equity	517,208	341,859
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$535,719	$346,299
Common stock, issued shares	73,755,388	57,171,190
Common stock, outstanding shares	73,755,388	57,171,190

SCHEDULE_ICONDENSED_FINANCIAL_2

SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 15, 2014	Mar. 23, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Jun. 16, 2013	Mar. 24, 2013	Oct. 05, 2014	Oct. 06, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Operating and administrative expenses	$51,727	$104,001	$101,491	$92,358	$91,677	$88,463	$85,576	$140,678	$121,417	$438,528	$387,133
Loss before income taxes	-14,092	12,896	18,034	3,847	-11,533	5,518	1,719	15,195	17,896	49,972	13,600
Income tax benefit	4,804	-3,623	-6,919	-1,340	4,544	-1,920	-190	-4,972	-7,863	-16,854	-5,429
Net income (loss)	-9,288	9,273	11,115	2,507	-6,989	3,598	1,529	10,223	10,033	33,118	8,171
Minimum pension obligation adjustment, net of tax of $(21,744), $15,066 and $4,029, respectively	6,019									-32,480	22,505
Derivative instruments:
(Loss) gain, net of tax of $(1,670) and $1,932, respectively										-2,504	2,898
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $6 and $(12), respectively										9	-18
Foreign currency translation										-426	-420
Other comprehensive (loss) income	6,019									-35,401	24,965
Comprehensive (loss) income	3,269									2,283	-33,136
Minimum pension obligation adjustment, tax	4,029									-21,744	15,066
Derivative instrument (loss) gain, tax										-1,670	1,932
Reclassification adjustments, tax										6	-12
Smart & Final Holdings, Inc.
Operating and administrative expenses	42									15,892	1,714
Loss before income taxes	-42									-15,892	-1,714
Income tax benefit										6,268	651
Loss before equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	-42									-9,624	-1,063
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries, net of tax	-9,246									42,742	9,234
Net income (loss)	-9,288									33,118	8,171
Minimum pension obligation adjustment, net of tax of $(21,744), $15,066 and $4,029, respectively	6,019									-32,480	22,505
Derivative instruments:
(Loss) gain, net of tax of $(1,670) and $1,932, respectively										-2,504	2,898
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $6 and $(12), respectively										9	-18
Foreign currency translation										-426	-420
Other comprehensive (loss) income	6,019									-35,401	24,965
Comprehensive (loss) income	-3,269									-2,283	33,136
Minimum pension obligation adjustment, tax										-21,744	15,066
Derivative instrument (loss) gain, tax										-1,670	1,932
Reclassification adjustments, tax										$6	($12)

SCHEDULE_ICONDENSED_FINANCIAL_3

SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities	($9,772)	$125,337	$107,517
Investing activities
Investment in capitalized software	-124	-2,466	-2,209
Net cash used in investing activities	-633,718	-117,370	-55,319
Financing activities
Issuance of common stock in IPO		173,080
Issuance of common stock, other	299,201	79	1,700
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		450
Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock option exercise		-2,667
Payments of deferred IPO issuance costs		-5,046
Excess tax benefits related to share- based payments		728
Net cash provided by financing activities	679,477	45,181	-34,486
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	35,987	53,148	17,712
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		53,699	35,987
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	35,987	106,847	53,699
Smart & Final Holdings, Inc.
Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities		-963	-1,360
Investing activities
Investment in capitalized software		-132
Investment in subsidiaries		-165,529	-2,794
Net cash used in investing activities		-165,661	-2,794
Financing activities
Issuance of common stock in IPO		173,080
Issuance of common stock, other		79	1,700
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		450
Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of stock option exercise		-2,667
Payments of deferred IPO issuance costs		-5,046
Excess tax benefits related to share- based payments		728
Change in intercompany financing activities			1,359
Net cash provided by financing activities		166,624	3,059
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			-1,095
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		50	1,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$50	$50

SCHEDULE_ICONDENSED_FINANCIAL_4

SCHEDULE I-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE REGISTRANT (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Guarantees and restrictions
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding	$594,907,000
Term Loan Facility
Guarantees and restrictions
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding	594,907,000	715,788,000
Smart & Final Stores LLC | Term Loan Facility
Guarantees and restrictions
Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding	594,900,000
Maximum dividends to payable to parent per credit facility restrictions	50,000,000
Consolidated subsidiaries
Guarantees and restrictions
Restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries	$493,200,000

SCHEDULE_IIVALUATION_AND_QUALI1

SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		10 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance as of Beginning of period	$1,870	$1,780	$1,887
Charged to Costs and Expenses	18	29	89
Deductions	-1	-10	-62
Other Changes		2	-134
Balance as of end of period	1,887	1,801	1,780
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance as of Beginning of period	724	766	741
Charged to Costs and Expenses	18	29	89
Deductions	-1	-10	-62
Other Changes		2	-2
Balance as of end of period	741	787	766
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance as of Beginning of period			1,146
Other Changes			-132
Balance as of end of period		1,014	1,014	1,146
Predecessor
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance as of Beginning of period				2,586
Charged to Costs and Expenses				-93
Deductions				-622
Other Changes				-1
Balance as of end of period				1,870
Predecessor | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance as of Beginning of period				861
Charged to Costs and Expenses				-93
Deductions				-43
Other Changes				-1
Balance as of end of period				724
Predecessor | Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance as of Beginning of period				1,725
Deductions				-579
Balance as of end of period				$1,146