| Cover | Feb. 27, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 27, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IN |
| Entity File Number | 001-38477 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 82-3784946 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 17802 IH 10 West, |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Antonio, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 78257 |
| City Area Code | 210 |
| Local Phone Number | 344-3400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001726173 |
| Common Class A | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A common stock |
| Trading Symbol | BH.A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Class B | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class B common stock |
| Trading Symbol | BH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
