Jack in the Box (JACK) 10-K 21 Nov 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Apr. 11, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'JACK IN THE BOX INC /NEW/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000807882	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	28-Sep-14	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-28	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	38,634,942	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2.20
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$10,578	$9,644
Accounts and other receivables, net	50,014	41,749
Inventories	7,481	7,181
Prepaid expenses	36,314	19,970
Deferred income taxes	36,810	26,685
Assets held for sale	3,477	11,574
Assets Held For Sale Including Assets Held for Sale And LeaseBack	4,766	11,875
Other current assets	597	108
Total current assets	146,560	117,212
Property and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Land	113,622	112,673
Buildings	1,090,360	1,068,405
Restaurant and other equipment	291,443	305,769
Construction in progress	24,522	30,066
Property and equipment, at cost	1,519,947	1,516,913
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-797,818	-746,054
Property and equipment, net	722,129	770,859
Intangible assets, net	15,604	16,390
Goodwill	149,074	148,988
Other assets, net	237,298	265,760
Total assets	1,270,665	1,319,209
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,871	20,889
Accounts payable	31,810	36,899
Accrued liabilities	163,626	153,886
Total current liabilities	206,307	211,674
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	497,012	349,393
Other long-term liabilities	309,435	286,124
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock $0.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 80,127,387 and 78,515,171 issued, respectively	801	785
Capital in excess of par value	356,727	296,764
Retained earnings	1,244,897	1,171,823
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-90,132	-62,662
Treasury stock, at cost, 41,571,752 and 35,926,269 shares, respectively	-1,254,382	-934,692
Total stockholders' equity	257,911	472,018
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,270,665	$1,319,209

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	80,127,387	78,515,171
Treasury stock at cost, shares	41,571,752	35,926,269

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.40	$0	$0
Revenues:	'	'	'
Company restaurant sales	$1,120,912	$1,143,780	$1,183,483
Franchise revenues	363,219	346,087	325,812
Total revenue	1,484,131	1,489,867	1,509,295
Company restaurant costs:	'	'	'
Food and packaging	357,338	372,685	389,235
Payroll and employee benefits	308,494	320,384	338,210
Occupancy and other	247,861	255,586	266,440
Total company restaurant costs	913,693	948,655	993,885
Franchise costs	182,886	173,567	166,078
Selling, general and administrative expenses	206,788	220,641	224,852
Impairment and other charges, net	14,908	13,439	32,809
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	3,548	-4,640	-29,145
Total operating costs and expenses	1,321,823	1,351,662	1,388,479
Earnings from operations	162,308	138,205	120,816
Interest expense, net	15,678	15,251	18,874
Earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes	146,630	122,954	101,942
Income taxes	51,786	40,346	33,838
Earnings from continuing operations	94,844	82,608	68,104
Losses from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit	-5,894	-31,456	-10,453
Net earnings	-88,950	-51,152	-57,651
Net earnings per share - basic:	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$2.33	$1.91	$1.55
Losses from discontinued operations (usd per share)	($0.14)	($0.73)	($0.24)
Net earnings per share (usd per share)	$2.18	$1.18	$1.31
Net earnings per share - diluted:	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$2.26	$1.84	$1.52
Losses from discontinued operations (usd per share)	($0.14)	($0.70)	($0.23)
Net earnings per share (usd per share)	$2.12	$1.14	$1.28
Weighted-average shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	40,781	43,351	43,999
Diluted (in shares)	41,973	44,899	44,948
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Company restaurant costs:	'	'	'
Net earnings	($88,950)	($51,152)	($57,651)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net earnings	$88,950	$51,152	$57,651
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	-1,890	-110	-1,055
Net change in fair value of derivatives	1,291	1,353	1,304
Cash flow hedges, Net change in fair value of derivatives	-599	1,243	249
Tax effect	229	-476	-97
Cash flow hedges	-370	767	152
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	-49,173	98,764	-78,619
Actuarial losses and prior service cost reclassified to earnings	5,245	18,895	13,532
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs before tax	43,928	-117,659	65,087
Tax effect	16,821	-45,079	24,862
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs	-27,107	72,580	-40,225
Foreign currency translation adjustments	10	8	0
Tax effect	-3	-4	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	7	4	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-27,470	73,351	-40,073
Comprehensive income	$61,480	$124,503	$17,578

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'	'
Net earnings	$88,950		$51,152	$57,651
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	91,384		96,219	97,958
Deferred finance cost amortization	2,175		2,277	2,695
Deferred income taxes	4,152		-18,604	-6,615
Share-based compensation expense	10,358		11,392	6,883
Pension and postretirement expense	13,760		31,147	33,526
(Gains) losses on cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance	6,049		8,998	12,137
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	3,548		-4,640	-29,145
Losses on the disposition of property and equipment	2,889		3,344	6,281
Impairment charges and other	9,225		28,230	9,403
Loss on early retirement of debt	789		939	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:	'		'	'
Accounts and other receivables	19,589		33,994	3,497
Inventories	-300		27,415	4,334
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-16,831		13,117	-12,849
Accounts payable	-627		-26,945	-3,264
Accrued liabilities	20,358		-10,560	247
Pension and postretirement contributions	-25,349		-23,886	-20,318
Other	-16,999		-6,721	-1,417
Cash flows provided by operating activities	201,022		198,872	136,730
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-60,525		-84,690	-80,200
Purchases of assets intended for sale and leaseback	-2,801		-26,058	-35,927
Proceeds From Assets Held For Sale and Leaseback	5,698		47,431	27,844
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants	10,536	[1]	30,619	47,115
Collections on notes receivable	2,974		6,448	12,230
Disbursements for loans to franchisees	0		0	-3,977
Acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants	-1,750		-12,064	-48,945
Other	2,889		4,375	344
Cash flows used in investing activities	-42,979		-33,939	-81,516
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'	'
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	652,000		646,000	576,380
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities	-521,000		-721,000	-602,540
Proceeds from issuance of debt	200,000		200,000	0
Principal repayments on debt	-193,399		-175,946	-21,110
Debt issuance costs	-3,607		-4,392	-741
Payments of Dividends	-15,808		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,748		61,993	10,167
Repurchases of common stock	-323,866		-132,833	-30,013
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	17,664		2,094	1,115
Change in book overdraft	-848		-39,678	8,573
Cash flows used in financing activities	-157,116		-163,762	-58,169
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	7		4	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	934		1,175	-2,955
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,644		8,469	'
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$10,578		$9,644	$8,469
[1]	Amounts in 2014, 2013 and 2012 include additional proceeds of $2.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sto

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Oct. 02, 2011	$405,956	$750	$202,684	$1,063,020	($95,940)	($764,558)
Balance, shares at Oct. 02, 2011	'	74,992,487	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under stock plans, including tax benefit	11,541	8	11,533	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with director retirements	'	835,407	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	6,883	'	6,883	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-30,013	'	'	'	'	-30,013
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	57,651	'	'	57,651	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	152	'	'	'	152	'
Effect of actuarial losses and prior service cost, net	-40,225	'	'	'	-40,225	'
Total comprehensive income	17,578	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	411,945	758	221,100	1,120,671	-136,013	-794,571
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	75,827,894	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under stock plans, including tax benefit	64,299	27	64,272	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with director retirements	'	2,687,277	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	11,392	'	11,392	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-140,121	'	'	'	'	-140,121
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	51,152	'	'	51,152	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	4	'	'	'	4	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	767	'	'	'	767	'
Effect of actuarial losses and prior service cost, net	72,580	'	'	'	72,580	'
Total comprehensive income	124,503	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Sep. 29, 2013	472,018	785	296,764	1,171,823	-62,662	-934,692
Balance, shares at Sep. 29, 2013	'	78,515,171	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under stock plans, including tax benefit	49,621	16	49,605	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with director retirements	'	1,612,216	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	10,358	'	10,358	'	'	'
Dividends	-15,876	'	'	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-319,690	'	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	88,950	'	'	88,950	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	7	'	'	'	7	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	-370	'	'	'	-370	'
Effect of actuarial losses and prior service cost, net	-27,107	'	'	'	-27,107	'
Total comprehensive income	61,480	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Sep. 28, 2014	$257,911	$801	$356,727	$1,244,897	($90,132)	($1,254,382)
Balance, shares at Sep. 28, 2014	'	80,127,387	'	'	'	'

Nature_Of_Operations_And_Summa

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of operations — Founded in 1951, Jack in the Box Inc. (the “Company”) operates and franchises Jack in the Box® quick-service restaurants and Qdoba Mexican Grill® (“Qdoba”) fast-casual restaurants. The following summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each fiscal year:
		2014		2013	2012
	Jack in the Box:
	Company-operated	431		465	547
	Franchise	1,819		1,786	1,703
	Total system	2,250		2,251	2,250
	Qdoba:
	Company-operated	310		296	316
	Franchise	328		319	311
	Total system	638		615	627
	References to the Company throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements are made using the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our.”
	Basis of presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to outsource our Jack in the Box distribution business. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we closed 62 Qdoba restaurants (the “2013 Qdoba Closures”) as part of a comprehensive Qdoba market performance review. The results of operations for our distribution business and for the 62 Qdoba restaurants are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for additional information. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to our continuing operations.
	Reclassifications and adjustments — Certain prior year amounts in these notes to the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to conform to the fiscal 2014 presentation.
	Principles of consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the accounts of any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where we are deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on consolidation requires the primary beneficiary of a VIE to consolidate that entity. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is an enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. Controlling financial interest exists when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	The primary entities in which we possess a variable interest are franchise entities, which operate our franchise restaurants. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities. We have reviewed these franchise entities and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the entities and therefore, these entities have not been consolidated. We hold and consolidate a variable interest in a subsidiary formed for the purpose of operating a franchisee lending program. For information related to this VIE, refer to Note 15, Variable Interest Entities.
	Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 include 52 weeks.
	Use of estimates — In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. In making these assumptions and estimates, management may from time to time seek advice and consider information provided by actuaries and other experts in a particular area. Actual amounts could differ materially from these estimates.
	Cash and cash equivalents — We invest cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are considered cash equivalents.
	Accounts and other receivables, net is primarily comprised of receivables from franchisees, tenants and credit card processors. Franchisee receivables primarily include rents, royalties, and marketing fees associated with the franchise agreements. Tenant receivables relate to subleased properties where we are on the master lease agreement. We charge interest on past due accounts receivable and accrue interest on notes receivable based on the contractual terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience and a review of existing receivables. Changes in accounts and other receivables are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Inventories consist principally of food, packaging and supplies, and are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Changes in inventories are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Assets held for sale typically represent the costs for new sites and existing sites that we plan to sell and lease back within the next year. Gains or losses realized on sale-leaseback transactions are deferred and amortized to income over the lease terms. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of assets held for sale. Assets held for sale also periodically includes the net book value of property and/or equipment we plan to sell within the next year. Assets held for sale consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Assets held for sale and leaseback	$	3,477		$	11,574
	Other property and equipment held for sale	1,289			301
	Assets held for sale	$	4,766		$	11,875
	Property and equipment, net — Expenditures for new facilities and equipment, and those that substantially increase the useful lives of the property, are capitalized. Facilities leased under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term, not to exceed fair value. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and gains or losses on the dispositions are reflected in results of operations.
	Buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements are generally depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, over the initial lease term for certain assets acquired in conjunction with the lease commencement for leased properties, or the remaining lease term for certain assets acquired after the commencement of the lease for leased properties. In certain situations, one or more option periods may be used in determining the depreciable life of assets related to leased properties if we deem that an economic penalty would be incurred otherwise. In either circumstance, our policy requires lease term consistency when calculating the depreciation period, in classifying the lease and in computing straight-line rent expense. Building, leasehold improvement assets and equipment are assigned lives that range from 2 to 35 years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $90.7 million, $92.0 million and $92.6 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Impairment of long-lived assets — We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever indicators of impairment are present. This review generally includes a restaurant-level analysis, except when we are actively selling a group of restaurants in which case we perform our impairment evaluations at the group level. Impairment evaluations for individual restaurants take into consideration a restaurant’s operating cash flows, the period of time since a restaurant has been opened or remodeled, refranchising expectations, and the maturity of the related market. Impairment evaluations for a group of restaurants take into consideration the group’s expected future cash flows and sales proceeds from bids received, if any, or fair market value based on, among other considerations, the specific sales and cash flows of those restaurants. If the assets of a restaurant or group of restaurants subject to our impairment evaluation are not recoverable based upon the forecasted, undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss by the amount which the carrying value of the assets exceeds fair value. Long-lived assets that meet the held for sale criteria, which excludes assets intended to be sold and leased back, are held for sale and reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value, less estimated costs to sell.
	Goodwill and intangible assets — Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired, if any. We generally record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Likewise, upon the sale of restaurants to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. The amount of goodwill written-off is determined as the fair value of the reporting unit disposed of as a percentage of the fair value of the reporting unit retained. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform a two-step impairment test of goodwill. In the first step, we estimate the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the amount of the impairment loss is the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value.
	Intangible assets, net is comprised primarily of acquired franchise contract costs, our Qdoba trademark, lease acquisition costs and reacquired franchise rights. Acquired franchise contract costs and our Qdoba trademark were recorded in connection with our acquisition of Qdoba Restaurant Corporation in fiscal 2003. Acquired franchise contract costs represent the acquired value of franchise contracts, which are amortized over the term of the franchise agreements plus options based on the projected royalty revenue stream. Our Qdoba trademark asset has an indefinite life and is not amortized. Lease acquisition costs primarily represent the fair values of acquired lease contracts having contractual rents lower than fair market rents and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining initial lease term. Reacquired franchise rights are recorded in connection with our acquisition of franchised restaurants and are amortized over the remaining contractual period of the franchise contract in which the right was granted.
	Our non-amortizing intangible asset is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, we compare the fair value of the non-amortizing intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess.
	Company-owned life insurance — We have purchased company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies to support our non-qualified benefit plans. The cash surrender values of these policies were $100.7 million and $94.5 million as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively, and are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in cash surrender values are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. These policies reside in an umbrella trust for use only to pay plan benefits to participants or to pay creditors if the Company becomes insolvent. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, the trust also included cash of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
	Book overdraft — Accounts payable in our consolidated balance sheets includes a book overdraft totaling $0.8 million at September 29, 2013. As of September 28, 2014 there is no balance in accounts payable related to book overdrafts. Changes in such amounts are classified as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Leases — We review all leases for capital or operating classification at their inception under the FASB authoritative guidance for leases. Our operations are primarily conducted under operating leases. Within the provisions of certain leases, there are rent holidays and escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods. The effects of the holidays and escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Differences between amounts paid and amounts expensed are recorded as deferred rent. The lease term commences on the date when we have the right to control the use of the leased property. Certain leases also include contingent rent provisions based on sales levels, which are accrued at the point in time we determine that it is probable such sales levels will be achieved.
	Revenue recognition — Revenue from company restaurant sales is recognized when the food and beverage products are sold and are presented net of sales taxes.
	Our franchise arrangements generally provide for franchise fees and continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales (“royalties”). In order to renew a franchise agreement upon expiration, a franchisee must obtain the Company’s approval and pay then current fees. Franchise development and license fees are recorded as deferred revenue until we have substantially performed all of our contractual obligations and the restaurant has opened for business. Franchise royalties are recorded in revenues on an accrual basis. Among other things, a franchisee may be provided the use of land and building, generally for a period of 20 years, and is required to pay negotiated rent, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Certain franchise rents, which are contingent upon sales levels, are recognized in the period in which the contingency is met.
	Gift cards — We sell gift cards to our customers in our restaurants and through selected third parties. The gift cards sold to our customers have no stated expiration dates and are subject to actual and/or potential escheatment rights in several of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We recognize income from gift cards when redeemed by the customer.
	While we will continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain card balances due to, among other things, long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, to the extent we determine there is no requirement for remitting balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, card balances may be recognized as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
	Income recognized on unredeemed gift card balances was $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Pre-opening costs associated with the opening of a new restaurant consist primarily of employee training costs and are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
	Restaurant closure costs — All costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized when they are incurred. Restaurant closure costs, which are included in impairment and other charges, net and gains/losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings, consist of future lease commitments, net of anticipated sublease rentals, and expected ancillary costs.
	Self-insurance — We are self-insured for a portion of our workers’ compensation, general liability, employee medical and dental, and automotive claims. We utilize a paid-loss plan for our workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive programs, which have predetermined loss limits per occurrence and in the aggregate. We establish our insurance liability (undiscounted) and reserves using independent actuarial estimates of expected losses for determining reported claims and as the basis for estimating claims incurred but not reported. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, our estimated liability for general liability and workers’ compensation claims exceeded our self-insurance retention limits by $24.6 million and $22.9 million, respectively, which we expect our insurance providers to pay on our behalf in accordance with the contractual terms of our insurance policies.
	Advertising costs — We administer marketing funds which include contractual contributions. In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 the marketing funds were approximately 5% and 1% of sales at all franchise and company-operated Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively. We record contributions from franchisees as a liability included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until such funds are expended. The contributions to the marketing funds are designated for advertising and we act as an agent for the franchisees with regard to these contributions.  Therefore, we do not reflect franchisee contributions to the funds in our consolidated statements of earnings or cash flows.
	Production costs of commercials, programming and other marketing activities are charged to the marketing funds when the advertising is first used for its intended purpose, and the costs of advertising are charged to operations as incurred. Total contributions and other marketing expenses, are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. The following table provides a summary of advertising costs related to company-operated restaurants in each year (in thousands):
		2014			2013		2012
	Jack in the Box	$	42,349		$	46,739	$	49,757
	Qdoba	18,215			16,123		13,135
	Total	$	60,564		$	62,862	$	62,892
	Share-based compensation — We account for our share-based compensation as required by the FASB authoritative guidance on stock compensation, which generally requires, among other things, that all employee share-based compensation be measured using a fair value method and that the resulting compensation cost be recognized in the financial statements. Compensation expense for our share-based compensation awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the vesting period or the period from the date of grant to the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.
	Income taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as tax loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize interest and, when applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of our income tax provision.
	Authoritative guidance issued by the FASB prescribes a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Refer to Note 10, Income Taxes, for additional information.
	Derivative instruments — From time to time, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate exposure. We do not speculate using derivative instruments. We purchase derivative instruments only for the purpose of risk management.
	All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive income, based on whether or not the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedge transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings at that time. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the current period. Refer to Note 5, Fair Value Measurements, and Note 6, Derivative Instruments, for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.
	Contingencies — We recognize liabilities for contingencies when we have an exposure that indicates it is probable that an asset has been impaired or that a liability has been incurred and the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. We record legal settlement costs when those costs are probable and reasonably estimable.
	Segment reporting — An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by our chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources. Similar operating segments can be aggregated into a single operating segment if the businesses are similar. We operate our business in two operating segments, Jack in the Box and Qdoba Restaurant Operations. Refer to Note 17, Segment Reporting, for additional discussion regarding our segments.
	Effect of new accounting pronouncements — In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“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, which modifies the definition of discontinued operations to include only disposals of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. This ASU also expands the disclosure requirements for disposals which meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. The standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. This pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive for the transfer of promised goods or services to its customers. The standard also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The ASU is to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that this pronouncement will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	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, which requires a reporting entity to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. This standard is to be applied prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. This pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Distribution business — During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement with a third party distribution service provider pursuant to a plan approved by our board of directors to sell our Jack in the Box distribution business. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we completed the transition of our distribution centers. The operations and cash flows of the business have been eliminated and in accordance with the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, the results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	The following is a summary of our distribution business results, which are included in discontinued operations for each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenue	$	—		$	37,743		$	616,982
	Loss before income tax benefit	$	(1,276	)	$	(6,446	)	$	(8,777	)
	The loss in fiscal 2014 includes $0.9 million related to insurance settlements and $0.3 million for lease adjustments. The losses in fiscal 2013 and 2012 include costs incurred to exit the distribution business consisting of $1.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for accelerated depreciation of a long-lived asset disposed of upon completion of the transaction, $1.6 million (net of reversals for deferred rent of $0.4 million) and $0.7 million, respectively, for future lease commitments, $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, primarily related to costs incurred to terminate certain vendor contracts, and in fiscal 2013, $1.3 million related to distribution center specific workers’ compensation claims. The loss on the sale of the distribution business was not material to our results of operations. Our liability for lease commitments related to our distribution centers is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and changed as follows during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,318		$	697
	Additions	—			1,846
	Adjustments	285			119
	Cash payments	(1,055		)	(1,344		)
	Balance at end of year	$	548		$	1,318
	Adjustments in 2014 relate to the termination of a lease agreement and the execution of a sublease agreement. Adjustments in 2013 primarily represent revisions to certain sublease and cost assumptions due to changes in market conditions. The balance at September 28, 2014 relates to one distribution center subleased at a loss. The future minimum lease payments and receipts for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are included in the amounts disclosed in Note 8, Leases.
	2013 Qdoba Closures — During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we closed 62 Qdoba restaurants. The decision to close these restaurants was based on a comprehensive analysis that took into consideration levels of return on investment and other key operating performance metrics.
	Since the closed restaurants were not predominantly located near those remaining in operation, we did not expect the majority of cash flows and sales lost from these closures to be recovered. In addition, we did not anticipate any ongoing involvement or significant direct cash flows from the closed stores. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, the results of operations for these restaurants are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	The following is a summary of the results related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures for each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Company restaurant sales	$	—		$	28,036		$	35,731
	Asset impairments	$	(2,170	)	$	(22,239	)	$	—
	Future lease commitments (1)	(4,536		)	(10,301		)	—
	Brokers commissions	(652		)	—			—
	Other exit costs	(889		)	(3,075		)	—
	Operating losses	—			(8,961		)	(8,327		)
	Loss before income tax benefit	$	(8,247	)	$	(44,576	)	$	(8,327	)
	___________________________________________
	(1) Future lease commitments in 2013 are shown net of reversals for deferred rent and tenant improvement allowances of $4.3 million.
	We do not expect the remaining costs to be incurred related to the closures to be material however, the estimates we make related to our future lease obligations, primarily sublease income, are subject to a high degree of judgment and may differ from actual sublease income due to changes in economic conditions, desirability of the sites and other factors.
	Our liability for lease commitments related to the 2013 Qdoba closures is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and has changed as follows during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	10,712		$	—
	Additions	—			14,072
	Adjustments	4,536			530
	Cash payments	(9,511		)	(3,890		)
	Balance at end of year	$	5,737		$	10,712
	In 2014, adjustments primarily relate to revisions to certain sublease and cost assumptions due to changes in market conditions as well as charges to terminate 19 lease agreements. These amounts were partially offset by favorable adjustments for locations that we have subleased. The balance at September 28,2014 relates to five locations subleased at a loss and 26 locations we are marketing for sublease. The future minimum lease payments and receipts for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are included in the amounts disclosed in Note 8, Leases.

Summary_Of_Refranchisings_Fran

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Summary of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions	'
	SUMMARY OF REFRANCHISINGS, FRANCHISEE DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITIONS
	Refranchisings and franchisee development — The following is a summary of the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees and the related gains (losses) and fees recognized (dollars in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Restaurants sold to franchisees		37			81			97
	New restaurants opened by franchisees		33			45			50
	Initial franchise fees		$	1,886		$	4,017		$	5,535
	Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants:
	Cash (1)		$	10,536		$	30,619		$	47,115
	Notes receivable		—			—			1,200
			10,536			30,619			48,315
	Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)		(5,558		)	(15,680		)	(16,833		)
	Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants		(170		)	(629		)	(1,334		)
	Other (2)		(6,500		)	(9,670		)	(1,003		)
	Gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants		(1,692		)	4,640			29,145
	Loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market		(1,856		)	—			—
	Gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants		$	(3,548	)	$	4,640		$	29,145
	____________________________
	-1	Amounts in 2014, 2013 and 2012 include additional proceeds of $2.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.
	-2	Amounts in all years presented primarily represent impairment and lease commitment charges related to restaurants closed in connection with the sale of the related markets, and in 2014 and 2013, charges for operating restaurant leases with lease commitments in excess of our sublease rental income.
	In 2014, loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market relates to restaurants held for sale for which we have a signed letter of intent.
	Franchise acquisitions — We repurchased four Jack in the Box franchise restaurants in 2014 and one in 2013. In 2013 and 2012, we acquired 13 and 46 Qdoba franchise restaurants, respectively. We account for the acquisition of franchised restaurants using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The purchase price allocations were based on fair value estimates determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The goodwill recorded primarily relates to the sales growth potential of the markets acquired and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The following table provides detail of the combined acquisitions in each year (dollars in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Restaurants acquired from franchisees		4			14			46
	Property and equipment		$	1,398		$	3,030		$	12,379
	Reacquired franchise rights		96			148			604
	Goodwill		256			9,169			36,084
	Liabilities assumed		—			(283		)	(122		)
	Total consideration		$	1,750		$	12,064		$	48,945

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2014 and 2013 by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):
			Jack in the			Qdoba			Total
			Box
	Balance at September 30, 2012		$	47,847		$	92,775		$	140,622
	Acquisition of franchised restaurants		1,173			7,996			9,169
	2013 Qdoba Closures		—			(174		)	(174		)
	Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees		(629		)	—			(629		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013		48,391			100,597			148,988
	Acquisition of franchised restaurants		256			—			256
	Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees		(170		)	—			(170		)
	Balance at September 28, 2014		$	48,477		$	100,597		$	149,074
	Intangible assets, net consist of the following as of the end of each fiscal year (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Gross carrying amount		$	17,272		$	17,203
	Less accumulated amortization		(10,468		)	(9,613		)
	Net carrying amount		6,804			7,590
	Non-amortized intangible assets:
	Trademark		8,800			8,800
	Net carrying amount		$	15,604		$	16,390
	Amortized intangible assets include acquired franchise contracts recorded in connection with our acquisition of Qdoba in 2003, lease acquisition costs and reacquired Qdoba franchise rights. The weighted-average life of these amortized intangible assets is approximately 27 years. Total amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes, as of September 28, 2014, the estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	816
	2016	$	754
	2017	$	706
	2018	$	661
	2019	$	615

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Financial assets and liabilities — The following table presents the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
			Total			Quoted			Significant			Significant
						Prices			Other			Unobservable
						in Active			Observable			Inputs
						Markets for			Inputs (3)			(Level 3)
						Identical			(Level 2)
						Assets (3)
						(Level 1)
	Fair Value Measurements as of September 28, 2014:
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1)		$	(35,602	)	$	(35,602	)	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (Note 6) (2)		(1,789		)	—			(1,789		)	—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	(37,391	)	$	(35,602	)	$	(1,789	)	$	—
	Fair Value Measurements as of September 29, 2013:
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1)		$	(39,135	)	$	(39,135	)	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (Note 6) (2)		(1,190		)	—			(1,190		)	—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	(40,325	)	$	(39,135	)	$	(1,190	)	$	—
	____________________________
	-1	We maintain an unfunded defined contribution plan for key executives and other members of management excluded from participation in our qualified savings plan. The fair value of this obligation is based on the closing market prices of the participants’ elected investments.
	-2	We entered into interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to rising interest rates on our variable debt. The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves.
	-3	We did not have any transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2.
	The fair values of the Company’s debt instruments are based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using the Company’s borrowing rate. At September 28, 2014, the carrying value of all financial instruments was not materially different from fair value, as the borrowings are prepayable without penalty. The estimated fair values of our capital lease obligations approximated their carrying values as of September 28, 2014.
	Non-financial assets and liabilities — The Company’s non-financial instruments, which primarily consist of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, are reported at carrying value and are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, on a periodic basis (at least annually for goodwill and intangible assets, and semi-annually for property and equipment) or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable, non-financial instruments are assessed for impairment. If applicable, the carrying values are written down to fair value.
	The following table presents property and equipment long-lived assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during fiscal year 2014 (in thousands):
			Fair Value Measurement			Impairment Charges
	Long-lived assets held for sale		$	3,444		$	3,517
	Long-lived assets held and used		$	619		$	570
	Long-lived asset abandoned		$	—		$	6,486
	Long-lived assets held for sale were written down to fair value less costs to sell and relate to the sale of two Jack in the Box company operated markets, and the anticipated sale of one Jack in the Box company-operated market. We received a signed letter of intent related to the anticipated sale and fair value was determined based on the terms contained therein. These impairment charges are included in gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
	Impairment of long-lived assets held and used primarily relates to locations we have closed or intend to close. Impairment recorded in connection with an abandoned long-lived asset relates to a restaurant software asset we no longer plan to place in service, and for which we have determined the fair value to be zero. Both types of impairment charges are included in impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. Refer to Note 9, Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs and Restructuring, for additional information regarding these charges.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Objectives and strategies — We are exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to our variable rate debt. To reduce our exposure to rising interest rates, in August 2010, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted $100.0 million of our variable rate term loan borrowings to a fixed-rate basis from September 2011 through September 2014. Additionally, in April 2014, we entered into nine forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert $300.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed rate basis from October 2014 through October 2018. These agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges under the terms of the FASB authoritative guidance for derivatives and hedging. To the extent that they are effective in offsetting the variability of the hedged cash flows, changes in the fair values of the derivatives are not included in earnings but are included in OCI. These changes in fair value are subsequently reclassified into net earnings as a component of interest expense as the hedged interest payments are made on our term debt.
	Financial position — The following derivative instruments were outstanding as of the end of each fiscal year (in thousands):
		September 28, 2014				September 29, 2013
		Balance	Fair			Balance		Fair
		Sheet	Value			Sheet		Value
		Location				Location
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps (Note 5)	Accrued	$	(1,789	)	Accrued		$	(1,190	)
		liabilities				liabilities
	Total derivatives		$	(1,789	)			$	(1,190	)
	Financial performance — The following is a summary of the accumulated OCI activity related to our interest rate swap derivative instruments (in thousands):
		Location of	2014			2013				2012
		Loss
		in Income
	Loss recognized in OCI	N/A	$	(1,890	)	$	(110	)		$	(1,055	)
	Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into net earnings	Interest	$	(1,291	)	$	(1,353	)		$	(1,304	)
		expense, net
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense represent payments made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, our interest rate swaps had no hedge ineffectiveness.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Indebtedness	'
	INDEBTEDNESS
	The detail of our long-term debt at the end of each fiscal year is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Revolver, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 2.12% at September 28, 2014	$	306,000		$	175,000
	Term loan, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 1.91% at September 28, 2014	197,500			190,000
	Capital lease obligations, 10.20% weighted average interest rate at September 28, 2014	4,383			5,282
		507,883			370,282
	Less current portion	(10,871		)	(20,889		)
		$	497,012		$	349,393
	New credit facility — In March 2014, the Company refinanced its former credit facility and entered into an amended and restated credit agreement. The new credit facility is comprised of (i) a $600.0 million revolving credit facility and (ii) a $200.0 million term loan facility. The interest rate on the new credit facility is based on the Company’s leverage ratio and can range from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% to 2.00% with no floor. The initial interest rate was LIBOR plus 1.75%. The revolving credit facility and the term loan facility both have maturity dates of March 19, 2019. As part of the credit agreement, we may also request the issuance of up to $75.0 million in letters of credit, the outstanding amount of which reduces our net borrowing capacity under the agreement. As of September 28, 2014, our unused borrowing capacity was $271.8 million.
	Use of proceeds — The Company borrowed $200.0 million under the new term loan and approximately $220.0 million under the new revolving credit facility. The proceeds from the refinancing transaction were used to repay all borrowings under the former facility and to pay related transaction fees and expenses associated with the refinance of the facility, and will also be available for permitted share repurchases, permitted dividends, permitted acquisitions, ongoing working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. At September 28, 2014, we had borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $306.0 million, $197.5 million outstanding under the term loan and letters of credit outstanding of $22.2 million.
	Collateral — The Company’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by first priority liens and security interests in the capital stock, partnership and membership interests owned by the Company and (or) its subsidiaries, and any proceeds thereof, subject to certain restrictions set forth in the credit agreement. Additionally, there is a negative pledge on all tangible and intangible assets (including all real and personal property) with customary exceptions as reflected in the credit agreement.
	Covenants — We are subject to a number of customary covenants under our credit facility, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, loans to franchisees, capital expenditures, lease commitments, stock repurchases and dividend payments, and requirements to maintain certain financial ratios as defined in the credit agreement.
	Future cash payments — Scheduled principal payments on our long-term debt outstanding at September 28, 2014 for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	10,871
	2016	15,900
	2017	15,863
	2018	18,168
	2019	446,291
	Thereafter	790
		$	507,883
	We may make voluntary prepayments of the loans under the revolving credit facility and term loan at any time without premium or penalty. Specific events such as asset sales, certain issuances of debt, and insurance and condemnation recoveries, may trigger a mandatory prepayment.
	Capitalized interest — We capitalize interest in connection with the construction of our restaurants and other facilities. Interest capitalized in 2013 and 2012 totaled $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. In 2014, no interest was capitalized.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases Of Lessee And Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8.     LEASES
	As lessee — We lease restaurants and other facilities, which generally have renewal clauses of 5 to 20 years exercisable at our option. In some instances, our leases have provisions for contingent rentals based upon a percentage of defined revenues. Many of our leases also have rent escalation clauses and require the payment of property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. We also lease certain restaurant and office equipment, and in 2012, we leased various transportation equipment. Minimum rental obligations are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the term of the initial lease.
	The components of rent expense were as follows in each fiscal year (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Minimum rentals		$	213,082		$	210,638		$	206,604
	Contingent rentals		1,986			1,840			2,013
	Total rent expense		215,068			212,478			208,617
	Less rental expense on subleased properties		(139,976		)	(136,970		)	(130,275		)
	Net rent expense		$	75,092		$	75,508		$	78,342
	The following table presents as of September 28, 2014, future minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases including leases recorded as lease obligations relating to continuing and discontinued operations (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Capital			Operating
			Leases			Leases
	2015		$	1,260		$	229,203
	2016		1,198			233,145
	2017		1,072			197,226
	2018		793			163,644
	2019		364			152,644
	Thereafter		952			636,570
	Total minimum lease payments		5,639			$	1,612,432
	Less amount representing interest, 10.20% weighted average interest rate		(1,256		)
	Present value of obligations under capital leases		4,383
	Less current portion		(870		)
	Long-term capital lease obligations		$	3,513
	Total future minimum lease payments of $1.0 billion included in the table above are expected to be recovered under our non-cancelable operating subleases.
	Assets recorded under capital leases are included in property and equipment, and consisted of the following at each year-end (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Buildings		$	19,105		$	19,105
	Less accumulated amortization		(15,667		)	(14,808		)
			$	3,438		$	4,297
	Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
	As lessor — We lease or sublease restaurants to certain franchisees and others under agreements that generally provide for the payment of percentage rentals in excess of stipulated minimum rentals, usually for a period of 20 years. Most of our leases have rent escalation clauses and renewal clauses of 5 to 20 years. The following details rents received under these agreements in each fiscal year (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Total rental income (1)		$	222,443		$	213,009		$	200,760
	Contingent rentals		$	19,551		$	16,966		$	16,341
	________________________________________________
	-1	Includes contingent rentals.
	The minimum rents receivable expected to be received under these non-cancelable operating leases and subleases, excluding contingent rentals, as of September 28, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	206,015
	2016	221,923
	2017	202,867
	2018	183,145
	2019	197,287
	Thereafter	1,550,311
	Total minimum future rentals	$	2,561,548
	Assets held for lease and included in property and equipment consisted of the following at each year-end (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Land		$	72,143		$	79,015
	Buildings		689,056			684,288
	Equipment		4,492			3,887
			765,691			767,190
	Less accumulated depreciation		(434,526		)	(400,211		)
			$	331,165		$	366,979

Impairment_Disposition_Of_Prop

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs And Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing And Restructuring Costs [Abstract]	'
Impairment Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs and Restructuring	'
	IMPAIRMENT, DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, RESTAURANT CLOSING COSTS AND RESTRUCTURING
	Impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Impairment charges	$	570		$	3,874		$	3,112
	Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net	2,876			3,645			5,904
	Costs of closed restaurants (primarily lease obligations) and other	2,841			2,469			8,332
	Restructuring costs	8,621			3,451			15,461
		$	14,908		$	13,439		$	32,809
	Impairment charges — When events and circumstances indicate that our long-lived assets might be impaired and their carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted cash flows we expect to generate from such assets, we recognize an impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets. Impairment charges in 2014 primarily reflect costs incurred in connection with closed restaurant properties. In 2013 and 2012 impairment costs primarily represent charges to write down the carrying value of underperforming Jack in the Box restaurants and Jack in the Box restaurants we intend to or have closed.
	Disposition of property and equipment — We also recognize accelerated depreciation and other costs on the disposition of property and equipment. When we decide to dispose of a long-lived asset, depreciable lives are adjusted based on the estimated disposal date and accelerated depreciation is recorded. Other disposal costs primarily relate to gains or losses recognized upon the sale of closed restaurant properties, and charges from our ongoing restaurant upgrade programs, remodels and rebuilds, and other corporate roll-out initiatives. In 2013, losses on the disposition of property and equipment includes income of $2.8 million from the resolution of four eminent domain matters involving Jack in the Box restaurants.
	Restaurant closing costs consist of future lease commitments, net of anticipated sublease rentals and expected ancillary costs, and are included in impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. Total accrued restaurant closing costs, included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, changed as follows during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	16,321		$	20,677
	Adjustments	2,024			1,752
	Cash payments	(5,172		)	(6,108		)
	Balance at end of year	$	13,173		$	16,321
	In each fiscal year, adjustments primarily relate to revisions to certain sublease costs and assumptions due to changes in market conditions.
	The future minimum lease payments and receipts for the next five fiscal years and thereafter are included in the amounts disclosed in Note 8, Leases. Our obligations under the leases included in the above table expire at various dates between fiscal 2015 and 2030.
	Restructuring costs — Since the beginning of 2012, we have been engaged in a comprehensive review of our organization structure, including evaluating opportunities for outsourcing, restructuring of certain functions and workforce reductions. The following is a summary of the costs incurred in connection with these activities during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Enhanced pension benefits	$	—		$	—		$	6,167
	Severance costs	2,141			2,821			6,987
	Other	6,480			630			2,307
		$	8,621		$	3,451		$	15,461
	In 2014, other relates to the impairment of a restaurant software asset we no longer plan to place in service as a result of our efforts to integrate certain systems across both of our brands and lower costs. In fiscal 2012, as part of these cost saving initiatives, we offered a voluntary early retirement program (“VERP”) to eligible employees which are noted as enhanced pension benefits in the table above. Refer to Note 11, Retirement Plans, for additional information regarding the costs associated with enhanced pension benefits in fiscal 2012.
	Total accrued severance costs related to our restructuring activities are included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and changed as follows in each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	253		$	1,758
	Additions	2,141			2,821
	Cash payments	(1,857		)	(4,326		)
	Balance at end of the year	$	537		$	253
	We expect to incur additional charges related to our restructuring activities; however, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the additional costs at this time. Our continuing efforts to lower our cost structure include identifying opportunities to reduce general and administrative costs as well as improve restaurant profitability across both brands.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Income taxes consist of the following in each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	43,864			$	51,367			$	35,205
	State	3,770				7,583				5,248
		47,634				58,950				40,453
	Deferred:
	Federal	3,700				(16,897		)		(5,553		)
	State	452				(1,707		)		(1,062		)
		4,152				(18,604		)		(6,615		)
	Income tax expense from continuing operations	$	51,786			$	40,346			$	33,838
	Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	$	(3,629	)		$	(19,566	)		$	(6,651	)
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for continuing operations is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed at federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.3			3.4			3.3
	Benefit of jobs tax credits, net of valuation allowance	(1.2	)		(1.9	)		(1.0	)
	Benefit related to COLIs	(1.6	)		(2.9	)		(4.6	)
	Other, net	(0.2	)		(0.8	)		0.5
		35.3	%		32.8	%		33.2	%
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at each year-end are presented below (in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	$	77,170			$	66,698
	Accrued insurance	12,874				13,115
	Accrued vacation pay expense	2,132				3,259
	Deferred income	1,436				1,441
	Impairment	25,391				27,944
	Lease commitments related to closed or refranchised locations	12,686				11,361
	Other reserves and allowances	1,303				3,964
	Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards	10,705				4,619
	Leasing transactions	7,201				7,471
	Share-based compensation	9,416				13,128
	Other, net	4,508				4,280
	Total gross deferred tax assets	164,822				157,280
	Valuation allowance	(8,624		)		(4,619		)
	Total net deferred tax assets	156,198				152,661
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	(38,362		)		(9,753		)
	Intangible assets	(28,149		)		(27,350		)
	Other	(2,069		)		(40		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(68,580		)		(37,143		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	87,618			$	115,518
	Deferred tax assets at September 28, 2014 include state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $75.4 million expiring at various times between 2017 and 2034. At September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we recorded a valuation allowance related to losses and state tax credits of $8.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The current year change in the valuation allowance of $4.0 million relates primarily to increases in valuation allowance on state net operating losses and state tax credits. We believe that it is more likely than not that these loss and credit carryforwards will not be realized and that the remaining deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable income or alternative tax strategies.
	During the third quarter of 2014, we completed a fixed asset cost segregation study which was included in our tax return filings related to fiscal year ended September 29, 2013.  This study along with other return to provision adjustments related to fiscal year ended September 29, 2013 resulted in a $1.4 million increase in current deferred tax assets, a $42.1 million decrease in non-current deferred tax assets, a $12.9 million decrease in income taxes payable, and a $27.5 million increase in income tax refunds receivable of which $20.5 million was received in the quarter ended September 28, 2014.  The income tax expense impact of the other return to provision adjustments was $0.3 million.
	Our gross unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions decreased during fiscal 2014 and 2013 based on a preliminary assessment of a state income tax audit. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits follows (in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Balance beginning of year	$	769			$	905
	Change related to tax positions	(395		)		(136		)
	Balance at end of year	$	374			$	769
	From time to time, we may take positions for filing our tax returns which may differ from the treatment of the same item for financial reporting purposes. The ultimate outcome of these items will not be known until the IRS or state has completed its examination or until the statute of limitations has expired.
	It is reasonably possible that changes of approximately $0.4 million to the gross unrecognized tax benefits will be required within the next twelve months. These changes relate to the possible settlement of state tax audits.
	The major jurisdictions in which the Company files income tax returns include the United States and states in which we operate that impose an income tax. The federal statutes of limitations have not expired for fiscal years 2011 and forward. The Company’s federal statute of limitations for fiscal year 2009 was extended and remains open. The statutes of limitations for California and Texas, which constitute the Company’s major state tax jurisdictions, have not expired for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively, and forward. However, the Company has pending appeals for California (related to fiscal years 2001 to 2007) and Texas (related to fiscal year 2007) for specific claims.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	RETIREMENT PLANS
	We sponsor programs that provide retirement benefits to most of our employees. These programs include defined contribution plans, defined benefit pension plans and postretirement healthcare plans.
	Defined contribution plans — We maintain a qualified savings plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows administrative and clerical employees who have satisfied the service requirements and reached age 21 to defer a percentage of their pay on a pre-tax basis. We match 50% of the first 4% of compensation deferred by the participant. Our contributions under this plan were $1.0 million in 2014 and 2013, and $1.2 million in 2012. We also maintain an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan for key executives and other members of management who are excluded from participation in the qualified savings plan. This plan allows participants to defer up to 50% of their salary and 85% of their bonus, on a pre-tax basis. We match 100% of the first 3% contributed by the participant. To compensate executives no longer eligible to participate in our supplemental defined benefit pension plan, we also contribute a supplemental amount equal to 4% of an eligible employee’s salary and bonus for a period of ten years in such eligible position. Our contributions under the non-qualified deferred compensation plan were $1.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012. In all plans, a participant’s right to Company contributions vests at a rate of 25% per year of service.
	Defined benefit pension plans — We sponsor two defined benefit pension plans, a “Qualified Plan” covering substantially all full-time employees hired prior to January 1, 2011, and an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) which provides certain employees additional pension benefits and was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2007. In fiscal 2011, the Board of Directors approved changes to our Qualified Plan whereby participants will no longer accrue benefits effective December 31, 2015. This change was accounted for as a plan “curtailment” in accordance with the authoritative guidance issued by the FASB. Benefits under both plans are based on the employees’ years of service and compensation over defined periods of employment.
	In April 2012, we announced a voluntary early retirement program (“VERP”) to eligible employees. The offering period for participation in the VERP ended during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. In connection with the VERP, we were required to re-measure the liability for our Qualified Plan as of June 30, 2012. As a result, we incurred a charge and an increase to our pension benefit obligation (“PBO”) in fiscal 2012 of $6.2 million for enhanced retirement benefits under our Qualified Plan.
	Postretirement healthcare plans — We also sponsor two healthcare plans, closed to new participants, that provide postretirement medical benefits to certain employees who have met minimum age and service requirements.  The plans are contributory; with retiree contributions adjusted annually, and contain other cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance.
	Obligations and funded status — The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of our retirement plans as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 (in thousands):
			Qualified Plan								SERP								Postretirement Health Plans
			2014				2013				2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Obligation at beginning of year		$	382,068			$	466,097			$	64,717			$	63,156			$	33,243		$	37,307
	Service cost		7,633				10,210				490				543				—			—
	Interest cost		20,196				19,964				3,049				2,664				1,639			1,586
	Participant contributions		—				—				—				—				123			131
	Actuarial (gain) loss		59,661				(85,578		)		5,652				1,773				(6,082		)	(4,612		)
	Benefits paid		(34,662		)		(28,625		)		(4,175		)		(3,419		)		(1,456		)	(1,331		)
	Other		—				—				—				—				159			162
	Obligation at end of year		$	434,896			$	382,068			$	69,733			$	64,717			$	27,626		$	33,243
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year		$	336,425			$	311,988			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		34,549				33,062				—				—				—			—
	Participant contributions		—				—				—				—				123			131
	Employer contributions		20,000				20,000				4,175				3,419				1,174			1,038
	Benefits paid and other		(34,662		)		(28,625		)		(4,175		)		(3,419		)		(1,297		)	(1,169		)
	Fair value at end of year		$	356,312			$	336,425			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(78,584	)		$	(45,643	)		$	(69,733	)		$	(64,717	)		$	(27,626	)	$	(33,243	)
	Amounts recognized on the balance sheet:
	Current liabilities		$	—			$	—			$	(4,479	)		$	(4,392	)		$	(1,269	)	$	(1,438	)
	Noncurrent liabilities		(78,584		)		(45,643		)		(65,254		)		(60,325		)		(26,357		)	(31,805		)
	Total liability recognized		$	(78,584	)		$	(45,643	)		$	(69,733	)		$	(64,717	)		$	(27,626	)	$	(33,243	)
	Amounts in AOCI not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost:
	Unamortized actuarial loss, net		$	114,482			$	68,454			$	26,425			$	21,632			$	2,400		$	9,024
	Unamortized prior service cost		—				—				1,080				1,349				—			—
	Total		$	114,482			$	68,454			$	27,505			$	22,981			$	2,400		$	9,024
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss		$	49,603			$	(95,925	)		$	5,652			$	1,773			$	(6,082	)	$	(4,612	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		(3,575		)		(15,665		)		(859		)		(2,170		)		(542		)	(791		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(269		)		(269		)		—			—
	Total recognized in OCI		46,028				(111,590		)		4,524				(666		)		(6,624		)	(5,403		)
	Net periodic benefit cost and other losses		6,912				23,124				4,667				5,646				2,181			2,377
	Total recognized in comprehensive income		$	52,940			$	(88,466	)		$	9,191			$	4,980			$	(4,443	)	$	(3,026	)
	Amounts in AOCI expected to be amortized in fiscal 2015 net periodic benefit cost:
	Net actuarial loss		$	8,278							$	1,134							$	181
	Prior service cost		—								269								—
	Total		$	8,278							$	1,403							$	181
	Additional year-end pension plan information — The PBO is the actuarial present value of benefits attributable to employee service rendered to date, including the effects of estimated future pay increases. The accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) also reflects the actuarial present value of benefits attributable to employee service rendered to date but does not include the effects of estimated future pay increases. Therefore, the ABO as compared to plan assets is an indication of the assets currently available to fund vested and nonvested benefits accrued through the end of the fiscal year. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of a plan’s assets and its PBO.
	As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, the Qualified Plan’s ABO exceeded the fair value of its plan assets. The SERP is an unfunded plan and, as such, had no plan assets as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013. The following sets forth the PBO, ABO and fair value of plan assets of our pension plans as of the measurement date in each year (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Qualified Plan:
	Projected benefit obligation		$	434,896			$	382,068
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	433,010			$	377,800
	Fair value of plan assets		$	356,312			$	336,425
	SERP:
	Projected benefit obligation		$	69,733			$	64,717
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	68,914			$	64,385
	Fair value of plan assets		$	—			$	—
	Net periodic benefit cost — The components of the fiscal year net periodic benefit cost were as follows (in thousands):
			2014				2013				2012
	Qualified Plan:
	Service cost		$	7,633			$	10,210			$	9,068
	Interest cost		20,196				19,964				19,891
	Expected return on plan assets		(24,492		)		(22,715		)		(20,332		)
	Actuarial loss		3,575				15,665				11,871
Cost of VERP		—				—				6,167
Net periodic benefit cost		$	6,912			$	23,124			$	26,665
SERP:
Service cost		$	490			$	543			$	466
Interest cost		3,049				2,664				3,056
Actuarial loss		859				2,170				1,140
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		269				269				432
Net periodic benefit cost		$	4,667			$	5,646			$	5,094
Postretirement health plans:
Service cost		$	—			$	—			$	61
Interest cost		1,639				1,586				1,617
Actuarial loss		542				791				89
Net periodic benefit cost		$	2,181			$	2,377			$	1,767
Prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis from date of participation to full eligibility.  Unrecognized gains or losses are amortized using the “corridor approach.” Under the corridor approach, the net gain or loss in excess of 10% of the greater of the PBO or the market-related value of the assets, if applicable, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period of plan participants expected to receive benefits.
Assumptions — We determine our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis. In determining the present values of our benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs as of and for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, we used the following weighted-average assumptions:
		2014			2013			2012
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations (1):
Qualified Plan:
Discount rate		4.6	%		5.37	%		4.34	%
Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
SERP:
Discount rate		4.36	%		4.88	%		4.34	%
Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
Postretirement health plans:
Discount rate		4.43	%		5.04	%		4.34	%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Qualified Plan (2):
Discount rate		5.37	%		4.34	%		4.78	%
Long-term rate of return on assets		7.25	%		7.25	%		7.25	%
Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
SERP (3):
Discount rate		4.88	%		4.34	%		5.6	%
Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
Postretirement health plans (3):
Discount rate		5.04	%		4.34	%		5.6	%
____________________________
-1	Determined as of end of year.
-2	During fiscal year 2012, the discount rate and long-term rate of return on plan assets used to determine net period benefit costs were updated as of June 30, 2012, in connection with the VERP re-measurement from the rates determined at the beginning of the year of 5.60% and 7.75%, respectively.
-3	Determined as of beginning of year.
The assumed discount rates were determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed of a population of high-quality bonds with a Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s rating of “AA” or better whose cash flow from coupons and maturities match the year-by-year projected benefit payments from the plans. Since benefit payments typically extend beyond the date of the longest maturing bond, cash flows beyond 30 years were discounted back to the 30th year and then matched like any other payment.
The assumed expected long-term rate of return on assets is the weighted average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the pension obligations. The long-term rate of return on assets was determined taking into consideration our projected asset allocation and economic forecasts prepared with the assistance of our actuarial consultants.
The assumed discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on assets have a significant effect on amounts reported for our pension and postretirement plans. A quarter percentage point decrease in the discount rate and long-term rate of return used would have decreased fiscal 2014 earnings before income taxes by $2.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
The assumed average rate of compensation increase is the average annual compensation increase expected over the remaining employment periods for the participating employees.
For measurement purposes, the weighted-average assumed health care cost trend rates for our postretirement health plans were as follows for each fiscal year:
		2014			2013			2012
Healthcare cost trend rate for next year:
Participants under age 65		8.25	%		8.5	%		8.5	%
Participants age 65 or older		7.75	%		8	%		8	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline:
Participants under age 65 (1)		4.5	%		4.80% / 4.90%			4.5	%
Participants age 65 or older (1)		4.5	%		4.80% / 4.90%			4.5	%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate:
Participants under age 65 (1)		2030			2038 / 2045			2029
Participants age 65 or older (1)		2028			2037 / 2045			2027
____________________________
-1	In fiscal 2013, rates and years are stated for the two post retirement health plans sponsored by the Company. In fiscal 2014 and 2012, rates and years were the same for both plans.
The assumed healthcare cost trend rate represents our estimate of the annual rates of change in the costs of the healthcare benefits currently provided by our postretirement plans. The healthcare cost trend rate implicitly considers estimates of healthcare inflation, changes in healthcare utilization and delivery patterns, technological advances and changes in the health status of the plan participants. The healthcare cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a 1.0% change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effect on the 2014 net periodic benefit cost and end of year PBO (in thousands):
		1% Point				1% Point
		Increase				Decrease
Total interest and service cost		$	206			$	(176	)
Postretirement benefit obligation		$	3,231			$	(2,765	)
Plan assets — Our investment philosophy is to (1) protect the corpus of the fund; (2) establish investment objectives that will allow the market value to exceed the present value of the vested and unvested liabilities over time; while (3) obtaining adequate investment returns to protect benefits promised to the participants and their beneficiaries. Our asset allocation strategy utilizes multiple investment managers in order to maximize the plan’s return while minimizing risk. We regularly monitor our asset allocation, and senior financial management and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors review performance results at least semi-annually. We continually review our target asset allocation for our Qualified Plan and when changes are made, we reallocate our plan assets over a period of time, as deemed appropriate by senior financial management, to achieve our target asset allocation. Our plan asset allocation at the end of fiscal 2014 and target allocations were as follows:
		2014			Target			Minimum			Maximum
Domestic equity		21	%		23	%		12	%		32	%
International equity		21			22			12			32
Core fixed funds		34			32			27			37
Real return bonds		3			4			—			10
Alternative investments		4			4			—			10
Real estate		9			7			—			10
High yield		4			4			—			10
Commodities		4			4			—			10
		100	%		100	%
The fair values of the Qualified Plan’s assets at September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 by asset category are as follows (in thousands):
					Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
									in Active				Other				Unobservable
									Markets for				Observable				Inputs
									Identical				Inputs				(Level 3)
									(Level 1)				(Level 2)
Items Measured at Fair Value at September 28, 2014:
Asset Category:
Cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		$	900			$	900			$	—			$	—
Equity:
U.S		(2	)		17,063				17,063				—				—
Commingled		(3	)		147,221				147,221				—				—
Fixed income:
Corporate bonds		(4	)		13,122				13,122				—				—
Government and mortgage securities		(5	)		11,631				11,631				—				—
Other		(6	)		121,666				—				121,666				—
Diversified funds		(7	)		12,116				12,116				—				—
Real estate		(8	)		32,593				—				—				32,593
					$	356,312			$	202,053			$	121,666			$	32,593
Items Measured at Fair Value at September 29, 2013:
Asset Category:
Cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		$	4,344			$	4,344			$	—			$	—
Equity:
U.S.		(2	)		26,317				26,317				—				—
Commingled		(3	)		159,612				159,612				—				—
Fixed income:
Corporate bonds		(4	)		4,017				—				4,017				—
Government and mortgage securities		(5	)		9,121				9,121				—				—
Other		(6	)		98,654				16,553				82,101				—
Diversified funds		(7	)		5,008				5,008				—				—
Real estate		(8	)		29,352				—				—				29,352
					$	336,425			$	220,955			$	86,118			$	29,352
_________________________
-1	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of commercial paper, short-term bills and notes, and short-term investment funds, which are valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
-2	U.S. equity securities are comprised of investments in common stock of U.S. companies for total return purposes. These investments are valued by the trustee at closing prices from national exchanges on the valuation date.
-3	Commingled equity securities are comprised of investments in mutual funds, the fair value of which is determined by reference to the fund’s underlying assets, which are primarily marketable equity securities that are traded on national exchanges and valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
-4	Corporate bonds are comprised of mutual funds traded on national securities exchanges, valued at unadjusted quoted market prices, as well as securities traded in markets that are not considered active, which are valued based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
-5	Government and mortgage securities are comprised of government and municipal bonds, including treasury bills, notes and index linked bonds which are valued using an unadjusted quoted price in an active market or observable, market-based inputs.
-6	Other fixed income securities are comprised of other commingled funds invested in registered securities which are valued at the unadjusted quoted price in an active market or exchange and long-duration US government/credit funds which are valued based on observable inputs, which include quoted market prices in active markets for similar securities, valuations based on commonly quoted benchmark interest rates, maturities, ratings and/or securities indices.
-7	Diversified funds are comprised of exchange-traded commodities futures and treasury bills, which are valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
-8	Real estate is investments in a real estate investment trust for purposes of total return. These investments are valued at unit values provided by the investment managers and their consultants.
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 investments for the Qualified Plan during 2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
				Real Estate
Balance at September 30, 2012				$	25,785
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date				3,831
Relating to assets sold during the period				(6		)
Purchases, sales and settlements				(258		)
Balance at September 29, 2013				$	29,352
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date				$	3,520
Relating to assets sold during the period				18
Purchases, sales and settlements				(297		)
Balance at September 28, 2014				$	32,593
Future cash flows — Our policy is to fund our plans at or above the minimum required by law. As of the date of our last actuarial funding valuation, there was no minimum requirement. Contributions expected to be paid in the next fiscal year and the projected benefit payments for each of the next five fiscal years and the total aggregate amount for the subsequent five fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):
		Pension Plans				Postretirement
						Health Plans
Estimated net contributions during fiscal 2015		$	24,479			$	1,269
Estimated future year benefit payments during fiscal years:
2015		$	15,217			$	1,269
2016		$	15,520			$	1,336
2017		$	15,874			$	1,419
2018		$	16,468			$	1,537
2019		$	17,272			$	1,700
2020-2024		$	103,929			$	9,123
We will continue to evaluate contributions to our Qualified Plan based on changes in pension assets as a result of asset performance in the current market and economic environment. Expected benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure our benefit obligations at September 28, 2014 and include estimated future employee service.

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati

Share-Based Employee Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Employee Compensation	'
	SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION
	Stock incentive plans — We offer share-based compensation plans to attract, retain and motivate key officers, employees and non-employee directors to work toward the financial success of the Company.
	Our stock incentive plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and have been approved by the stockholders of the Company. The terms and conditions of our share-based awards are determined by the Compensation Committee for each award date and may include provisions for the exercise price, expirations, vesting, restriction on sales and forfeitures, as applicable. We issue new shares to satisfy stock issuances under our stock incentive plans.
	Our Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 11,600,000 common shares in connection with the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock purchase rights, restricted stock bonuses, restricted stock units or performance units to key employees, directors, and other designated employees. As of September 28, 2014, 2,930,660 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under this plan.
	There is one other plan under which we can no longer issue awards, although awards outstanding under this plan may still vest and be exercised: the Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.
	We also maintain a deferred compensation plan for non-management directors under which those who are eligible to receive fees or retainers may choose to defer receipt of their compensation. The deferred amounts are converted to stock equivalents. The plan requires settlement in shares of our common stock based on the number of stock equivalents and dividend equivalents at the time of a participant’s separation from the Board of Directors. This plan provides for the issuance of up to 350,000 shares of common stock in connection with the crediting of stock equivalents. As of September 28, 2014, 143,122 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under this plan.
	We maintain an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) for all eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at 95% of the fair market value on the date of purchase. Employees may authorize us to withhold up to 15% of their base compensation during any offering period, subject to certain limitations. A maximum of 200,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the plan. As of September 28, 2014, 107,646 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under this plan.
	Compensation expense — The components of share-based compensation expense recognized in each year are as follows (in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
	Stock options	$	2,660			$	5,075			$	3,549
	Performance share awards	3,923				2,311				897
	Nonvested stock awards	310				430				408
	Nonvested stock units	3,247				3,356				1,874
	Deferred compensation for directors	218				220				155
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	10,358			$	11,392			$	6,883
	Stock options — Prior to fiscal 2007, options granted had contractual terms of 10 or 11 years and employee options generally vested over a 4-year period. Beginning fiscal 2007, option grants have contractual terms of 7 years and employee options vest over a 3-year period. Options may vest sooner for employees meeting certain age and years of service thresholds. Prior to 2009, we granted options to non-management directors that vested 6 months from the date of grant. All option grants provide for an option exercise price equal to the closing market value of the common stock on the date of grant.
	The following is a summary of stock option activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
					Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining		Value
					Price		Contractual		(in thousands)
							Term (Years)
	Options outstanding at September 29, 2013	2,404,856			$22.59
	Granted	215,248			$47.29
	Exercised	(1,397,603	)		$22.70
	Forfeited	(30,059	)		$30.88
	Expired	(2,872	)		$12.82
	Options outstanding at September 28, 2014	1,189,570			$26.74		4.26		$	46,379
	Options exercisable at September 28, 2014	775,174			$21.95		3.62		$	33,935
	Options exercisable and expected to vest at September 28, 2014	1,189,570			$26.74		4.26		$	46,379
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is the amount by which the current market price of our stock on September 28, 2014 exceeds the exercise price.
	We use a valuation model to determine the fair value of options granted which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the stock price. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used for stock option grants in each year, along with the related weighted-average grant date fair value:
		2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate	2.05		%		1.09		%		1.98		%
	Expected dividends yield	—		%		—		%		—		%
	Expected stock price volatility	39.18		%		42.24		%		39.84		%
	Expected life of options (in years)	6.5				6.5				6.64
	Weighted-average grant date fair value	$	20.04			$	11.84			$	7.37
	The risk-free interest rate was determined by a yield curve of risk-free rates based on published U.S. Treasury spot rates in effect at the time of grant and has a term equal to the expected life of the related options. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectations of dividend payouts at the grant date. We declared our first dividend on May 9, 2014. The expected stock price volatility in all years represents an average of the implied volatility and the Company’s historical volatility. The expected life of the options represents the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical trends.
	As of September 28, 2014, there was approximately $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options grants which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $42.4 million, $25.9 million and $6.0 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Performance share awards — Performance share awards, granted in the form of stock units, represent a right to receive a certain number of shares of common stock based on the achievement of corporate performance goals and continued employment during the vesting period. Performance share awards issued to executives vest at the end of a 3-year period and vested amounts may range from 0% to as high as 150% of targeted amounts depending on the achievement of performance measures at the end of a 3-year period. Prior to 2012, we issued performance share awards to other members of management that vest at the end of a 3-year period with vested amounts ranging from 0% to 100% depending on the achievement of performance measures at the end of the first year of the three-year period. The expected cost of the shares is based on the fair value of our stock on the date of grant and is reflected over the vesting period with a reduction for estimated forfeitures. These awards may be settled in cash or shares of common stock at the election of the Company on the date of grant. It is our intent to settle these awards with shares of common stock.
	The following is a summary of performance share award activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average Grant
					Date Fair
					Value
	Performance share awards outstanding at September 29, 2013	325,225			$21.73
	Granted	55,668			$47.29
	Issued	(50,945	)		$21.31
	Forfeited	(22,839	)		$24.38
	Performance adjustments	23,094			$18.67
	Performance share awards outstanding at September 28, 2014	330,203			$25.69
	Vested and subject to release at September 28, 2014	186,184			$19.33
	As of September 28, 2014, there was approximately $5.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-vested stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of awards granted was $47.29, $27.49 and $19.62 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total fair value of awards that vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3.6 million, $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
	Nonvested stock awards — We previously issued nonvested stock awards (“RSAs”) to certain executives under our share ownership guidelines. Effective fiscal 2009, we no longer issue RSA awards and have replaced them with grants of nonvested restricted stock units. The RSAs vest, subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors in certain circumstances, upon retirement or termination based upon years of service. These awards are amortized to compensation expense over the estimated vesting period based upon the fair value of our common stock on the award date.
	The following is a summary of RSA activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average Grant
					Date Fair
					Value
	Nonvested stock awards outstanding at September 29, 2013	315,815			$14.87
	Released	(220,000	)		$12.39
	Nonvested stock awards outstanding at September 28, 2014	95,815			$20.56
Vested	38,133			$19.79
As of September 28, 2014, there was approximately $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSAs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the total fair value of RSAs that vested in each year was $0.8 million, $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Nonvested stock units — Nonvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are generally issued to executives, non-management directors and certain other members of management and employees. Prior to fiscal 2011, RSUs were granted to certain Executive and Senior Vice Presidents pursuant to our share ownership guidelines. These awards vest upon retirement or termination based on years of service. As of September 28, 2014, 60,272 such RSUs were outstanding.
Beginning fiscal 2011, we replaced the ownership share grants with time-vested RSUs for certain Vice Presidents and Officers that vest ratably over 5 years and have a 50% or 100% holding requirement on settled shares, which must be held until termination. As of September 28, 2014, 76,999 such RSUs were outstanding. RSUs issued to non-management directors vest 12 months from the date of grant, or upon termination of board service if the directors elected to defer receipt and totaled 38,699 units as of September 28, 2014. RSUs issued to certain other employees either cliff vest or vest ratably over 3 years and totaled 154,901 units as of September 28, 2014. These awards are amortized to compensation expense over the estimated vesting period based upon the fair value of our common stock on the award date.
The following is a summary of RSU activity for fiscal 2014:
	Shares			Weighted-
				Average Grant
				Date Fair
				Value
Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 29, 2013	383,621			$24.17
Granted	125,728			$49.79
Released	(148,997	)		$23.34
Canceled	(29,481	)		$30.39
Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 28, 2014	330,871			$33.73
As of September 28, 2014, there was approximately $5.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of awards granted was $49.79, $28.95 and $22.26 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the total fair value of RSUs that vested and were released was $3.5 million, $0.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Non-management directors’ deferred compensation — All awards outstanding under our directors’ deferred compensation plan are accounted for as equity-based awards and deferred amounts are converted into stock equivalents at the then-current market price of our common stock. During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, 10,616, 44,714 and 44,713 shares of common stock were issued in connection with director retirements having a fair value of $0.6 million, $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
The following is a summary of the stock equivalent activity for fiscal 2014:
	Stock			Weighted-
	Equivalents			Average Grant
				Date Fair
				Value
Stock equivalents outstanding at September 29, 2013	81,712			$20.34
Deferred directors’ compensation	3,861			$56.33
Dividend equivalents	509			$59.01
Stock distribution	(10,616	)		$13.24
Stock equivalents outstanding at September 28, 2014	75,466			$23.44
Employee stock purchase plan — The following is a summary of shares issued pursuant to our ESPP in each year:
	2014				2013				2012
Common stock issued	4,055				7,144				11,087
Fair value of common stock issued	$	49.25			$	29.71			$	21.65

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Repurchases of common stock — In November 2012 and August 2013, the Board approved two programs, each of which provide repurchase authorizations for up to $100.0 million expiring November 2014 and November 2015, respectively. These authorizations were fully utilized in fiscal 2014. Additionally, in February 2014 and July 2014, the Board of Directors approved two new programs which provided repurchase authorizations for up to $200.0 million and $100.0 million, respectively, in shares of our common stock, expiring November 2015. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 5.6 million shares at an aggregate cost of $319.7 million. As of September 28, 2014, there was $117.1 million remaining under the February and July 2014 authorizations.
	Dividends — On May 9, 2014, the Board of Directors approved the initiation of a regular quarterly cash dividend. During fiscal 2014, two quarterly cash dividend payments of $0.20 per share were declared totaling $15.9 million. Future dividends are subject to approval by our Board of Directors.

Average_Shares_Outstanding

Average Shares Outstanding	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'
Average Shares Outstanding	'
	AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
	Our basic earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Our diluted earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued. Potentially dilutive common shares include stock options, nonvested stock awards and units, non-management director stock equivalents and shares issuable under our ESPP. Performance-vested stock awards are included in the average diluted shares outstanding each period if the performance criteria have been met at the end of the respective periods.
	The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
		2014	2013	2012
	Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic	40,781	43,351	43,999
	Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
	Stock options	641	957	462
	Nonvested stock awards and units	281	371	270
	Performance-vested stock awards	270	220	217
	Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted	41,973	44,899	44,948
	Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Antidilutive	153	145	2,753
	Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period	20	209	358

Commitments_Contingencies_And_

Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters	'
	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL MATTERS
	Commitments — As of September 28, 2014, we had unconditional purchase obligations during the next five fiscal years as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	733,000
	2016	491,700
	2017	430,500
	2018	214,000
	2019	190,400
	Total	$	2,059,600
	These obligations primarily represent amounts payable under purchase contracts for goods related to restaurant operations.
	Legal matters — The Company assesses contingencies, including litigation contingencies, to determine the degree of probability and range of possible loss for potential accrual in its financial statements. An estimated loss contingency is accrued in the financial statements if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. When evaluating litigation contingencies, we may be unable to provide a meaningful estimate due to a number of factors, including the procedural status of the matter in question, the availability of appellate remedies, insurance coverage related to the claim or claims in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and/or the ongoing discovery and development of information important to the matter.  In addition, damage amounts claimed in litigation against us may be unsupported, exaggerated or unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of our potential liability or financial exposure. The Company regularly reviews contingencies to determine the adequacy of the accruals and related disclosures. The ultimate amount of loss may differ from these estimates.
	Gessele v. Jack in the Box Inc. —  In August 2010, five former employees instituted litigation in federal court in Oregon alleging claims under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and Oregon wage and hour laws.  The plaintiffs alleged that the Company failed to pay non-exempt employees for certain meal breaks and improperly made payroll deductions for shoe purchases and for workers’ compensation expenses.  In April 2014, the district court granted our motion for summary judgment, and dismissed all claims without prejudice to re-filing in state court. In July 2014, the plaintiffs re-filed similar claims, and additional claims relating to timing of final pay and related wage and hour claims involving employees of a franchisee, in Oregon state court. The amended complaint seeks damages of $45.0 million but does not provide a basis for that amount. We have accrued for a single claim for which we believe a loss is both probable and estimable; this accrued loss contingency did not have a material effect on our results of operations. We have not established a loss contingency accrual for those claims as to which we believe liability is not probable or estimable, and we plan to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. Nonetheless, an unfavorable resolution of this matter in excess of our current accrued loss contingencies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
	Other legal matters — In addition to the matter described above, the Company is subject to normal and routine litigation brought by former, current or prospective employees, customers, franchisees, vendors, landlords, shareholders or others.  We intend to defend ourselves in any such matters.  Some of these matters may be covered, at least in part, by insurance. Our insurance liability (undiscounted) and reserves are established in part by using independent actuarial estimates of expected losses for reported claims and for estimating claims incurred but not reported. As of September 28, 2014, our estimated liability for general liability and workers’ compensation claims exceeded our self-insurance retention limits by $24.6 million. We expect to be fully covered for these amounts by surety bond issuers or our insurance providers. Although the Company currently believes that the ultimate determination of liability in connection with legal claims pending against it, if any, in excess of amounts already provided for these matters in the consolidated financial statements will not have a material adverse effect on our business, the Company’s annual results of operations, liquidity or financial position, it is possible that our results of operations, liquidity, or financial position could be materially affected in a particular future reporting period by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters or contingencies during such period.
	Lease guarantees — In connection with the sale of the distribution business, we have assigned the leases at three of our distribution centers to third parties. Under these agreements, which expire in 2015 and 2017, the Company remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which we were responsible under the original lease. As of September 28, 2014, the amount remaining under these lease guarantees totaled $2.4 million. We have not recorded a liability for the guarantees as the likelihood of the third party defaulting on the assignment agreements was deemed to be less than probable.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	Our principal business consists of developing, operating and franchising our Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurant concepts, each of which we consider reportable operating segments. Since the beginning of 2012, we have been engaged in restructuring activities related to our internal organization and have now instituted a shared-services model (refer also to Note 9, Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs and Restructuring). As a result, in fiscal 2014, our chief operating decision makers, which consist of a collective group of executive leadership, revised the method by which they determine performance and strategy for our segments. This change was made to reflect a shared-services model whereby each brand’s results of operations are assessed separately and do not include costs related to certain corporate functions which support both brands. This segment reporting structure reflects the Company’s current management structure, internal reporting method and financial information used in deciding how to allocate Company resources. Based upon certain quantitative thresholds, each operating segment is considered a reportable segment. This change to our segment reporting did not change our reporting units for goodwill.
	We measure and evaluate our segments based on segment revenues and earnings from operations. The reportable segments do not include an allocation of the costs related to shared service functions, such as accounting/finance, human resources, audit services, legal, tax and treasury; nor do they include unallocated costs such as pension expense and share-based compensation. These costs are reflected in the caption “Shared services and unallocated costs,” and therefore, the measure of segment profit or loss is before such items. As it was impractical to recast prior period information, 2014 segment information is reported under both the old basis and new basis of segmentation (in thousands):
		2014						2013			2012
		(New)			(Old)
	Revenues by Segment:
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	1,127,243		$	1,127,243		$	1,179,295		$	1,252,028
	Qdoba restaurant operations	356,888			356,888			310,572			257,267
	Consolidated revenues	$	1,484,131		$	1,484,131		$	1,489,867		$	1,509,295
	Earnings from Operations by Segment:
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	235,574		$	130,408		$	113,864		$	96,302
	Qdoba restaurant operations	34,287			32,016			24,470			24,717
	FFE operations (1)	—			(116		)	(129		)	(203		)
	Shared services and unallocated costs	(104,005		)	—			—			—
	Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	(3,548		)	—			—			—
	Consolidated earnings from operations	162,308			162,308			138,205			120,816
	Interest expense, net	15,678			15,678			15,251			18,874
	Consolidated earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes	$	146,630		$	146,630		$	122,954		$	101,942
	Total Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets by Segment (Including Discontinued Operations):
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	30,858		$	38,132		$	55,221		$	56,378
	Qdoba restaurant operations	17,967			22,393			29,469			23,621
	Shared services and unallocated costs	11,700			—			—			—
	Distribution operations	—			—			—			201
	Consolidated expenditures for long-lived assets	$	60,525		$	60,525		$	84,690		$	80,200
	Total Depreciation Expense by Segment:
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	66,409		$	73,663		$	76,191		$	79,287
	Qdoba restaurant operations	16,992			16,992			15,815			13,309
	Shared services and unallocated costs	7,254			—			—			—
	Consolidated depreciation expense	$	90,655		$	90,655		$	92,006		$	92,596
	Interest income and expense, income taxes and total assets are not reported for our segments, in accordance with our method of internal reporting.

Supplemental_Consolidated_Cash

Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Additional information related to cash flows is as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013		2012
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	13,754	$	12,824	$	19,471
	Income tax payments	$	29,145	$	43,365	$	35,751
	Non cash transactions:
	Stock repurchase accrual at fiscal year end	$	3,112	$	7,288	$	—
	Dividends accrued at fiscal year end	$	68	$	—	$	—
	Increase in property and equipment through accrued purchases at fiscal year end	$	10,666	$	11,852	$	11,940

Supplemental_Consolidated_Fina

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (in thousands)
		September 28,			September 29,
		2014			2013
	Accounts and other receivables, net:
	Trade	$	35,975		$	31,301
	Notes receivable	3,574			2,877
	Income tax receivable	8,306			1,330
	Other	2,955			6,914
	Allowances for doubtful accounts	(796		)	(673		)
		$	50,014		$	41,749
	Prepaid expenses
	Prepaid income taxes	$	27,956		$	13,757
	Other	8,358			6,213
		$	36,314		$	19,970
	Other assets, net:
	Company-owned life insurance policies	$	100,753		$	94,704
	Deferred rent receivable	41,872			36,732
	Deferred tax assets	50,807			88,833
	Other	43,866			45,491
		$	237,298		$	265,760
	Accrued liabilities:
	Payroll and related taxes	$	54,905		$	46,970
	Sales and property taxes	11,760			11,386
	Insurance	34,834			35,209
	Advertising	21,452			17,706
	Gift card liability	4,064			3,629
	Deferred franchise fees	1,464			1,537
	Lease commitments related to closed or refranchised locations	10,258			12,737
	Other	24,889			24,712
		$	163,626		$	153,886
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Pension plans	$	143,838		$	105,968
	Straight-line rent accrual	48,835			50,726
	Deferred franchise fees	266			1,143
	Other	116,496			128,287
		$	309,435		$	286,124
	Notes receivable consist primarily of temporary financing provided to franchisees to facilitate the closing of certain refranchising transactions.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_Of

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations	'
	UNAUDITED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data)
		16 Weeks		12 Weeks Ended
		Ended
	Fiscal Year 2014	January 19,		April 13,		July 6,			September 28,
		2014		2014		2014			2014
	Revenues	$	450,081	$	340,870	$	348,492		$	344,687
	Earnings from operations	$	57,204	$	32,879	$	43,000		$	29,225
	Net earnings	$	32,286	$	15,801	$	24,703		$	16,160
	Net earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.76	$	0.38	$	0.62		$	0.41
	Diluted	$	0.74	$	0.37	$	0.61		$	0.4
		16 Weeks		12 Weeks Ended
		Ended
	Fiscal Year 2013	January 20,		April 14,		July 7,			September 29,
		2013		2013		2013			2013
	Revenues	$	454,335	$	347,222	$	350,329		$	337,981
	Earnings from operations	$	43,175	$	27,447	$	30,884		$	36,699
	Net earnings (losses)	$	20,689	$	13,291	$	(5,656	)	$	22,828
	Net earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic	$	0.48	$	0.3	$	(0.13	)	$	0.53
	Diluted	$	0.47	$	0.29	$	(0.12	)	$	0.51
	During the quarter ended September 28, 2014, we recorded an adjustment to decrease tax expense by $2.1 million due to the impact of a change in state tax law enacted July 2013 related to California enterprise zone tax credits. During the quarter ended July 7, 2013, we recorded charges of $22.6 million, or $0.52 and $0.50 per basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively, in connection with the 2013 Qdoba Closures. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for additional information.

Nature_Of_Operations_And_Summa1

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	Basis of presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). During fiscal 2012, we entered into an agreement to outsource our Jack in the Box distribution business. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we closed 62 Qdoba restaurants (the “2013 Qdoba Closures”) as part of a comprehensive Qdoba market performance review. The results of operations for our distribution business and for the 62 Qdoba restaurants are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operations, for additional information. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to our continuing operations.
Principles of consolidation	'
	Principles of consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the accounts of any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where we are deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on consolidation requires the primary beneficiary of a VIE to consolidate that entity. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is an enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. Controlling financial interest exists when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	The primary entities in which we possess a variable interest are franchise entities, which operate our franchise restaurants. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities. We have reviewed these franchise entities and determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the entities and therefore, these entities have not been consolidated. We hold and consolidate a variable interest in a subsidiary formed for the purpose of operating a franchisee lending program.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	Effect of new accounting pronouncements — In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“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, which modifies the definition of discontinued operations to include only disposals of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. This ASU also expands the disclosure requirements for disposals which meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. The standard is effective prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. This pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive for the transfer of promised goods or services to its customers. The standard also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The ASU is to be applied retrospectively or using a cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that this pronouncement will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	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, which requires a reporting entity to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. This standard is to be applied prospectively for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. This pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
Fiscal year	'
	Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 include 52 weeks.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates — In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. In making these assumptions and estimates, management may from time to time seek advice and consider information provided by actuaries and other experts in a particular area. Actual amounts could differ materially from these estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents — We invest cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are considered cash equivalents.
Accounts and other receivables, net	'
	Accounts and other receivables, net is primarily comprised of receivables from franchisees, tenants and credit card processors. Franchisee receivables primarily include rents, royalties, and marketing fees associated with the franchise agreements. Tenant receivables relate to subleased properties where we are on the master lease agreement. We charge interest on past due accounts receivable and accrue interest on notes receivable based on the contractual terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience and a review of existing receivables. Changes in accounts and other receivables are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Inventories	'
	Inventories consist principally of food, packaging and supplies, and are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Changes in inventories are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Assets held for sale	'
	Assets held for sale typically represent the costs for new sites and existing sites that we plan to sell and lease back within the next year. Gains or losses realized on sale-leaseback transactions are deferred and amortized to income over the lease terms. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of assets held for sale. Assets held for sale also periodically includes the net book value of property and/or equipment we plan to sell within the next year. Assets held for sale consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Assets held for sale and leaseback	$	3,477	$	11,574
	Other property and equipment held for sale	1,289		301
	Assets held for sale	$	4,766	$	11,875
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]	'
	Assets held for sale typically represent the costs for new sites and existing sites that we plan to sell and lease back within the next year. Gains or losses realized on sale-leaseback transactions are deferred and amortized to income over the lease terms. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of assets held for sale. Assets held for sale also periodically includes the net book value of property and/or equipment we plan to sell within the next year. Assets held for sale consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Assets held for sale and leaseback	$	3,477	$	11,574
	Other property and equipment held for sale	1,289		301
	Assets held for sale	$	4,766	$	11,875
Property and equipment, at cost	'
	Property and equipment, net — Expenditures for new facilities and equipment, and those that substantially increase the useful lives of the property, are capitalized. Facilities leased under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term, not to exceed fair value. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and gains or losses on the dispositions are reflected in results of operations.
	Buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements are generally depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, over the initial lease term for certain assets acquired in conjunction with the lease commencement for leased properties, or the remaining lease term for certain assets acquired after the commencement of the lease for leased properties. In certain situations, one or more option periods may be used in determining the depreciable life of assets related to leased properties if we deem that an economic penalty would be incurred otherwise. In either circumstance, our policy requires lease term consistency when calculating the depreciation period, in classifying the lease and in computing straight-line rent expense. Building, leasehold improvement assets and equipment are assigned lives that range from 2 to 35 years.
Impairment of long-lived assets	'
	Impairment of long-lived assets — We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever indicators of impairment are present. This review generally includes a restaurant-level analysis, except when we are actively selling a group of restaurants in which case we perform our impairment evaluations at the group level. Impairment evaluations for individual restaurants take into consideration a restaurant’s operating cash flows, the period of time since a restaurant has been opened or remodeled, refranchising expectations, and the maturity of the related market. Impairment evaluations for a group of restaurants take into consideration the group’s expected future cash flows and sales proceeds from bids received, if any, or fair market value based on, among other considerations, the specific sales and cash flows of those restaurants. If the assets of a restaurant or group of restaurants subject to our impairment evaluation are not recoverable based upon the forecasted, undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss by the amount which the carrying value of the assets exceeds fair value. Long-lived assets that meet the held for sale criteria, which excludes assets intended to be sold and leased back, are held for sale and reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value, less estimated costs to sell.
Goodwill and intangible assets	'
	Goodwill and intangible assets — Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired, if any. We generally record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Likewise, upon the sale of restaurants to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. The amount of goodwill written-off is determined as the fair value of the reporting unit disposed of as a percentage of the fair value of the reporting unit retained. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we perform a two-step impairment test of goodwill. In the first step, we estimate the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the amount of the impairment loss is the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value.
	Intangible assets, net is comprised primarily of acquired franchise contract costs, our Qdoba trademark, lease acquisition costs and reacquired franchise rights. Acquired franchise contract costs and our Qdoba trademark were recorded in connection with our acquisition of Qdoba Restaurant Corporation in fiscal 2003. Acquired franchise contract costs represent the acquired value of franchise contracts, which are amortized over the term of the franchise agreements plus options based on the projected royalty revenue stream. Our Qdoba trademark asset has an indefinite life and is not amortized. Lease acquisition costs primarily represent the fair values of acquired lease contracts having contractual rents lower than fair market rents and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining initial lease term. Reacquired franchise rights are recorded in connection with our acquisition of franchised restaurants and are amortized over the remaining contractual period of the franchise contract in which the right was granted.
	Our non-amortizing intangible asset is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, we compare the fair value of the non-amortizing intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess.
Company-owned life insurance	'
	Company-owned life insurance — We have purchased company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies to support our non-qualified benefit plans. The cash surrender values of these policies were $100.7 million and $94.5 million as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively, and are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in cash surrender values are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. These policies reside in an umbrella trust for use only to pay plan benefits to participants or to pay creditors if the Company becomes ins
Book overdraft	'
	Book overdraft — Accounts payable in our consolidated balance sheets includes a book overdraft totaling $0.8 million at September 29, 2013. As of September 28, 2014 there is no balance in accounts payable related to book overdrafts. Changes in such amounts are classified as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Leases	'
	flows.
	Leases — We review all leases for capital or operating classification at their inception under the FASB authoritative guidance for leases. Our operations are primarily conducted under operating leases. Within the provisions of certain leases, there are rent holidays and escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods. The effects of the holidays and escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Differences between amounts paid and amounts expensed are recorded as deferred rent. The lease term commences on the date when we have the right to control the use of the leased property. Certain leases also include contingent rent provisions based on sales levels, which are accrued at the point in time we determine that it is probable such sales levels will be achieved.
Revenue recognition	'
	ieved.
	Revenue recognition — Revenue from company restaurant sales is recognized when the food and beverage products are sold and are presented net of sales taxes.
	Our franchise arrangements generally provide for franchise fees and continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales (“royalties”). In order to renew a franchise agreement upon expiration, a franchisee must obtain the Company’s approval and pay then current fees. Franchise development and license fees are recorded as deferred revenue until we have substantially performed all of our contractual obligations and the restaurant has opened for business. Franchise royalties are recorded in revenues on an accrual basis. Among other things, a franchisee may be provided the use of land and building, generally for a period of 20 years, and is required to pay negotiated rent, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Certain franchise rents, which are contingent upon sales levels, are recognized in the period in which the contingency is met.
Gift cards	'
	Gift cards — We sell gift cards to our customers in our restaurants and through selected third parties. The gift cards sold to our customers have no stated expiration dates and are subject to actual and/or potential escheatment rights in several of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We recognize income from gift cards when redeemed by the customer.
	While we will continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain card balances due to, among other things, long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, to the extent we determine there is no requirement for remitting balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, card balances may be recognized as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
Pre-opening costs	'
	ively.
	Pre-opening costs associated with the opening of a new restaurant consist primarily of employee training costs and are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of ea
Restaurant closure costs	'
	nings.
	Restaurant closure costs — All costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized when they are incurred. Restaurant closure costs, which are included in impairment and other charges, net and gains/losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings, consist of future lease commitments, net of anticipated sublease rentals, and expected ancillary costs.
Self-insurance	'
	costs.
	Self-insurance — We are self-insured for a portion of our workers’ compensation, general liability, employee medical and dental, and automotive claims. We utilize a paid-loss plan for our workers’ compensation, general liability and automotive programs, which have predetermined loss limits per occurrence and in the aggregate. We establish our insurance liability (undiscounted) and reserves using independent actuarial estimates of expected losses for determining reported claims and as the basis for estimating claims incurred but not re
Advertising costs	'
	Advertising costs — We administer marketing funds which include contractual contributions. In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 the marketing funds were approximately 5% and 1% of sales at all franchise and company-operated Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively. We record contributions from franchisees as a liability included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until such funds are expended. The contributions to the marketing funds are designated for advertising and we act as an agent for the franchisees with regard to these contributions.  Therefore, we do not reflect franchisee contributions to the funds in our consolidated statements of earnings or cash flows.
	Production costs of commercials, programming and other marketing activities are charged to the marketing funds when the advertising is first used for its intended purpose, and the costs of advertising are charged to operations as incurred. Total contributions and other marketing expenses, are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
Share-based compensation	'
	Share-based compensation — We account for our share-based compensation as required by the FASB authoritative guidance on stock compensation, which generally requires, among other things, that all employee share-based compensation be measured using a fair value method and that the resulting compensation cost be recognized in the financial statements. Compensation expense for our share-based compensation awards is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the vesting period or the period from the date of grant to the date the employee becomes eligible to retire.
Income taxes	'
	Income taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as tax loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize interest and, when applicable, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of our income tax provision.
	Authoritative guidance issued by the FASB prescribes a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Refer to Note 10, Income Taxes, for additional information.
Derivative instruments	'
	Derivative instruments — From time to time, we use interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate exposure. We do not speculate using derivative instruments. We purchase derivative instruments only for the purpose of risk management.
	All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive income, based on whether or not the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) are reclassified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedge transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings at that time. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the current period. Refer to Note 5, Fair Value Measurements, and Note 6, Derivative Instruments, for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.
Contingencies	'
	ments.
	Contingencies — We recognize liabilities for contingencies when we have an exposure that indicates it is probable that an asset has been impaired or that a liability has been incurred and the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. We record legal settlement costs when those costs are probable and reasonably est
Segment reporting	'
	mable.
	Segment reporting — An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by our chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources. Similar operating segments can be aggregated into a single operating segment if the businesses are similar. We operate our business in two operating segments, Jack in the Box and Qdoba Restaurant Operations. Refer to Note 17, Segment Reporting, for additional discussion regarding our se

Nature_Of_Operations_And_Summa2

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Number Of Restaurants	'
	The following summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each fiscal year:
			2014		2013	2012
	Jack in the Box:
	Company-operated		431		465	547
	Franchise		1,819		1,786	1,703
	Total system		2,250		2,251	2,250
	Qdoba:
	Company-operated		310		296	316
	Franchise		328		319	311
	Total system		638		615	627
	The following is a summary of the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees and the related gains (losses) and fees recognized (dollars in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Restaurants sold to franchisees		37			81			97
	New restaurants opened by franchisees		33			45			50
	Initial franchise fees		$	1,886		$	4,017		$	5,535
	Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants:
	Cash (1)		$	10,536		$	30,619		$	47,115
	Notes receivable		—			—			1,200
			10,536			30,619			48,315
	Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)		(5,558		)	(15,680		)	(16,833		)
	Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants		(170		)	(629		)	(1,334		)
	Other (2)		(6,500		)	(9,670		)	(1,003		)
	Gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants		(1,692		)	4,640			29,145
	Loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market		(1,856		)	—			—
	Gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants		$	(3,548	)	$	4,640		$	29,145
	____________________________
	-1	Amounts in 2014, 2013 and 2012 include additional proceeds of $2.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.
	-2	Amounts in all years presented primarily represent impairment and lease commitment charges related to restaurants closed in connection with the sale of the related markets
Summary Of Advertising Costs	'
	The following table provides a summary of advertising costs related to company-operated restaurants in each year (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Jack in the Box		$	42,349		$	46,739		$	49,757
	Qdoba		18,215			16,123			13,135
	Total		$	60,564		$	62,862		$	62,892

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Our liability for lease commitments related to the 2013 Qdoba closures is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and has changed as follows during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	10,712		$	—
	Additions	—			14,072
	Adjustments	4,536			530
	Cash payments	(9,511		)	(3,890		)
	Balance at end of year	$	5,737		$	10,712
	Our liability for lease commitments related to our distribution centers is included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and changed as follows during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,318		$	697
	Additions	—			1,846
	Adjustments	285			119
	Cash payments	(1,055		)	(1,344		)
	Balance at end of year	$	548		$	1,318
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The following is a summary of our distribution business results, which are included in discontinued operations for each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenue	$	—		$	37,743		$	616,982
	Loss before income tax benefit	$	(1,276	)	$	(6,446	)	$	(8,777	)
	The following is a summary of the results related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures for each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Company restaurant sales	$	—		$	28,036		$	35,731
	Asset impairments	$	(2,170	)	$	(22,239	)	$	—
	Future lease commitments (1)	(4,536		)	(10,301		)	—
	Brokers commissions	(652		)	—			—
	Other exit costs	(889		)	(3,075		)	—
	Operating losses	—			(8,961		)	(8,327		)
	Loss before income tax benefit	$	(8,247	)	$	(44,576	)	$	(8,327	)
	___________________________________________
	(1) Future lease commitments in 2013 are shown net of reversals for deferred rent and tenant improvement allowances of $4.3 million.

Summary_Of_Refranchisings_Fran1

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	The following table provides detail of the combined acquisitions in each year (dollars in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Restaurants acquired from franchisees		4			14			46
	Property and equipment		$	1,398		$	3,030		$	12,379
	Reacquired franchise rights		96			148			604
	Goodwill		256			9,169			36,084
	Liabilities assumed		—			(283		)	(122		)
	Total consideration		$	1,750		$	12,064		$	48,945
Number Of Restaurants Sold And Developed By Franchisees And Related Gains And Fees Recognized	'
	The following summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each fiscal year:
			2014		2013	2012
	Jack in the Box:
	Company-operated		431		465	547
	Franchise		1,819		1,786	1,703
	Total system		2,250		2,251	2,250
	Qdoba:
	Company-operated		310		296	316
	Franchise		328		319	311
	Total system		638		615	627
	The following is a summary of the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees and the related gains (losses) and fees recognized (dollars in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Restaurants sold to franchisees		37			81			97
	New restaurants opened by franchisees		33			45			50
	Initial franchise fees		$	1,886		$	4,017		$	5,535
	Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants:
	Cash (1)		$	10,536		$	30,619		$	47,115
	Notes receivable		—			—			1,200
			10,536			30,619			48,315
	Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)		(5,558		)	(15,680		)	(16,833		)
	Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants		(170		)	(629		)	(1,334		)
	Other (2)		(6,500		)	(9,670		)	(1,003		)
	Gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants		(1,692		)	4,640			29,145
	Loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market		(1,856		)	—			—
	Gains (losses) on the sale of company-operated restaurants		$	(3,548	)	$	4,640		$	29,145
	____________________________
	-1	Amounts in 2014, 2013 and 2012 include additional proceeds of $2.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.
	-2	Amounts in all years presented primarily represent impairment and lease commitment charges related to restaurants closed in connection with the sale of the related markets

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2014 and 2013 by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):
			Jack in the			Qdoba			Total
			Box
	Balance at September 30, 2012		$	47,847		$	92,775		$	140,622
	Acquisition of franchised restaurants		1,173			7,996			9,169
	2013 Qdoba Closures		—			(174		)	(174		)
	Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees		(629		)	—			(629		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013		48,391			100,597			148,988
	Acquisition of franchised restaurants		256			—			256
	Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees		(170		)	—			(170		)
	Balance at September 28, 2014		$	48,477		$	100,597		$	149,074
Schedule Of Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets, net consist of the following as of the end of each fiscal year (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Gross carrying amount		$	17,272		$	17,203
	Less accumulated amortization		(10,468		)	(9,613		)
	Net carrying amount		6,804			7,590
	Non-amortized intangible assets:
	Trademark		8,800			8,800
	Net carrying amount		$	15,604		$	16,390
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	The following table summarizes, as of September 28, 2014, the estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	816
	2016	$	754
	2017	$	706
	2018	$	661
	2019	$	615

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
			Total			Quoted			Significant			Significant
						Prices			Other			Unobservable
						in Active			Observable			Inputs
						Markets for			Inputs (3)			(Level 3)
						Identical			(Level 2)
						Assets (3)
						(Level 1)
	Fair Value Measurements as of September 28, 2014:
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1)		$	(35,602	)	$	(35,602	)	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (Note 6) (2)		(1,789		)	—			(1,789		)	—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	(37,391	)	$	(35,602	)	$	(1,789	)	$	—
	Fair Value Measurements as of September 29, 2013:
	Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1)		$	(39,135	)	$	(39,135	)	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (Note 6) (2)		(1,190		)	—			(1,190		)	—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	(40,325	)	$	(39,135	)	$	(1,190	)	$	—
	____________________________
	-1	We maintain an unfunded defined contribution plan for key executives and other members of management excluded from participation in our qualified savings plan. The fair value of this obligation is based on the closing market prices of the participants’ elected investments.
	-2	We entered into interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to rising interest rates on our variable debt. The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves.
	-3	We did not have any transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques	'
	The following table presents property and equipment long-lived assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during fiscal year 2014 (in thousands):
			Fair Value Measurement			Impairment Charges
	Long-lived assets held for sale		$	3,444		$	3,517
	Long-lived assets held and used		$	619		$	570
	Long-lived asset abandoned		$	—		$	6,486

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments Outstanding	'
	The following derivative instruments were outstanding as of the end of each fiscal year (in thousands):
		September 28, 2014				September 29, 2013
		Balance	Fair			Balance		Fair
		Sheet	Value			Sheet		Value
		Location				Location
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps (Note 5)	Accrued	$	(1,789	)	Accrued		$	(1,190	)
		liabilities				liabilities
	Total derivatives		$	(1,789	)			$	(1,190	)
Gains Or Losses Recognized On Interest Rate Swap Derivative Instrument	'
	The following is a summary of the accumulated OCI activity related to our interest rate swap derivative instruments (in thousands):
		Location of	2014			2013				2012
		Loss
		in Income
	Loss recognized in OCI	N/A	$	(1,890	)	$	(110	)		$	(1,055	)
	Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into net earnings	Interest	$	(1,291	)	$	(1,353	)		$	(1,304	)
		expense, net

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	'
	The detail of our long-term debt at the end of each fiscal year is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Revolver, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 2.12% at September 28, 2014	$	306,000		$	175,000
	Term loan, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 1.91% at September 28, 2014	197,500			190,000
	Capital lease obligations, 10.20% weighted average interest rate at September 28, 2014	4,383			5,282
		507,883			370,282
	Less current portion	(10,871		)	(20,889		)
		$	497,012		$	349,393
Scheduled Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt	'
	cheduled principal payments on our long-term debt outstanding at September 28, 2014 for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	10,871
	2016	15,900
	2017	15,863
	2018	18,168
	2019	446,291
	Thereafter	790
		$	507,883

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Components Of Rent Expense	'
	The components of rent expense were as follows in each fiscal year (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Minimum rentals		$	213,082		$	210,638		$	206,604
	Contingent rentals		1,986			1,840			2,013
	Total rent expense		215,068			212,478			208,617
	Less rental expense on subleased properties		(139,976		)	(136,970		)	(130,275		)
	Net rent expense		$	75,092		$	75,508		$	78,342
Future Minimum Lease Payments For Capital And Operating Leases	'
	The following table presents as of September 28, 2014, future minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases including leases recorded as lease obligations relating to continuing and discontinued operations (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Capital			Operating
			Leases			Leases
	2015		$	1,260		$	229,203
	2016		1,198			233,145
	2017		1,072			197,226
	2018		793			163,644
	2019		364			152,644
	Thereafter		952			636,570
	Total minimum lease payments		5,639			$	1,612,432
	Less amount representing interest, 10.20% weighted average interest rate		(1,256		)
	Present value of obligations under capital leases		4,383
	Less current portion		(870		)
	Long-term capital lease obligations		$	3,513
Assets Recorded Under Capital Leases	'
	Assets recorded under capital leases are included in property and equipment, and consisted of the following at each year-end (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Buildings		$	19,105		$	19,105
	Less accumulated amortization		(15,667		)	(14,808		)
			$	3,438		$	4,297
Schedule of Rental Income	'
	The following details rents received under these agreements in each fiscal year (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Total rental income (1)		$	222,443		$	213,009		$	200,760
	Contingent rentals		$	19,551		$	16,966		$	16,341
Minimum Rents Receivable Expected To Be Received Under These Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	'
	The minimum rents receivable expected to be received under these non-cancelable operating leases and subleases, excluding contingent rentals, as of September 28, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	206,015
	2016	221,923
	2017	202,867
	2018	183,145
	2019	197,287
	Thereafter	1,550,311
	Total minimum future rentals	$	2,561,548
Assets Held For Lease	'
	Assets held for lease and included in property and equipment consisted of the following at each year-end (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Land		$	72,143		$	79,015
	Buildings		689,056			684,288
	Equipment		4,492			3,887
			765,691			767,190
	Less accumulated depreciation		(434,526		)	(400,211		)
			$	331,165		$	366,979

Impairment_Disposition_Of_Prop1

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs s [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of the costs incurred in connection with these activities during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Enhanced pension benefits	$	—		$	—		$	6,167
	Severance costs	2,141			2,821			6,987
	Other	6,480			630			2,307
		$	8,621		$	3,451		$	15,461
Impairment And Disposal Costs Included In Impairment And Other Charges	'
	Impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Impairment charges	$	570		$	3,874		$	3,112
	Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net	2,876			3,645			5,904
	Costs of closed restaurants (primarily lease obligations) and other	2,841			2,469			8,332
	Restructuring costs	8,621			3,451			15,461
		$	14,908		$	13,439		$	32,809
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	Total accrued severance costs related to our restructuring activities are included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and changed as follows in each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	253		$	1,758
	Additions	2,141			2,821
	Cash payments	(1,857		)	(4,326		)
	Balance at end of the year	$	537		$	253
Contract Termination [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	Total accrued restaurant closing costs, included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, changed as follows during each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of year	$	16,321		$	20,677
	Adjustments	2,024			1,752
	Cash payments	(5,172		)	(6,108		)
	Balance at end of year	$	13,173		$	16,321

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components Of Income Taxes	'
	ncome taxes consist of the following in each fiscal year (in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	43,864			$	51,367			$	35,205
	State	3,770				7,583				5,248
		47,634				58,950				40,453
	Deferred:
	Federal	3,700				(16,897		)		(5,553		)
	State	452				(1,707		)		(1,062		)
		4,152				(18,604		)		(6,615		)
	Income tax expense from continuing operations	$	51,786			$	40,346			$	33,838
	Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	$	(3,629	)		$	(19,566	)		$	(6,651	)
Reconciliation Of The Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate To Effective Tax Rate	'
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for continuing operations is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed at federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.3			3.4			3.3
	Benefit of jobs tax credits, net of valuation allowance	(1.2	)		(1.9	)		(1.0	)
	Benefit related to COLIs	(1.6	)		(2.9	)		(4.6	)
	Other, net	(0.2	)		(0.8	)		0.5
		35.3	%		32.8	%		33.2	%
Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at each year-end are presented below (in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	$	77,170			$	66,698
	Accrued insurance	12,874				13,115
	Accrued vacation pay expense	2,132				3,259
	Deferred income	1,436				1,441
	Impairment	25,391				27,944
	Lease commitments related to closed or refranchised locations	12,686				11,361
	Other reserves and allowances	1,303				3,964
	Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards	10,705				4,619
	Leasing transactions	7,201				7,471
	Share-based compensation	9,416				13,128
	Other, net	4,508				4,280
	Total gross deferred tax assets	164,822				157,280
	Valuation allowance	(8,624		)		(4,619		)
	Total net deferred tax assets	156,198				152,661
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	(38,362		)		(9,753		)
	Intangible assets	(28,149		)		(27,350		)
	Other	(2,069		)		(40		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(68,580		)		(37,143		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	87,618			$	115,518
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits follows (in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Balance beginning of year	$	769			$	905
	Change related to tax positions	(395		)		(136		)
	Balance at end of year	$	374			$	769

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Of The Changes In Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets And Funded Status Of Retirement Plans	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of our retirement plans as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 (in thousands):
			Qualified Plan								SERP								Postretirement Health Plans
			2014				2013				2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Obligation at beginning of year		$	382,068			$	466,097			$	64,717			$	63,156			$	33,243		$	37,307
	Service cost		7,633				10,210				490				543				—			—
	Interest cost		20,196				19,964				3,049				2,664				1,639			1,586
	Participant contributions		—				—				—				—				123			131
	Actuarial (gain) loss		59,661				(85,578		)		5,652				1,773				(6,082		)	(4,612		)
	Benefits paid		(34,662		)		(28,625		)		(4,175		)		(3,419		)		(1,456		)	(1,331		)
	Other		—				—				—				—				159			162
	Obligation at end of year		$	434,896			$	382,068			$	69,733			$	64,717			$	27,626		$	33,243
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value at beginning of year		$	336,425			$	311,988			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets		34,549				33,062				—				—				—			—
	Participant contributions		—				—				—				—				123			131
	Employer contributions		20,000				20,000				4,175				3,419				1,174			1,038
	Benefits paid and other		(34,662		)		(28,625		)		(4,175		)		(3,419		)		(1,297		)	(1,169		)
	Fair value at end of year		$	356,312			$	336,425			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	Funded status at end of year		$	(78,584	)		$	(45,643	)		$	(69,733	)		$	(64,717	)		$	(27,626	)	$	(33,243	)
	Amounts recognized on the balance sheet:
	Current liabilities		$	—			$	—			$	(4,479	)		$	(4,392	)		$	(1,269	)	$	(1,438	)
	Noncurrent liabilities		(78,584		)		(45,643		)		(65,254		)		(60,325		)		(26,357		)	(31,805		)
	Total liability recognized		$	(78,584	)		$	(45,643	)		$	(69,733	)		$	(64,717	)		$	(27,626	)	$	(33,243	)
	Amounts in AOCI not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost:
	Unamortized actuarial loss, net		$	114,482			$	68,454			$	26,425			$	21,632			$	2,400		$	9,024
	Unamortized prior service cost		—				—				1,080				1,349				—			—
	Total		$	114,482			$	68,454			$	27,505			$	22,981			$	2,400		$	9,024
	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss		$	49,603			$	(95,925	)		$	5,652			$	1,773			$	(6,082	)	$	(4,612	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		(3,575		)		(15,665		)		(859		)		(2,170		)		(542		)	(791		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(269		)		(269		)		—			—
	Total recognized in OCI		46,028				(111,590		)		4,524				(666		)		(6,624		)	(5,403		)
	Net periodic benefit cost and other losses		6,912				23,124				4,667				5,646				2,181			2,377
	Total recognized in comprehensive income		$	52,940			$	(88,466	)		$	9,191			$	4,980			$	(4,443	)	$	(3,026	)
	Amounts in AOCI expected to be amortized in fiscal 2015 net periodic benefit cost:
	Net actuarial loss		$	8,278							$	1,134							$	181
	Prior service cost		—								269								—
	Total		$	8,278							$	1,403							$	181
Fair Value Of Plan Assets Of Pension Plans	'
	The following sets forth the PBO, ABO and fair value of plan assets of our pension plans as of the measurement date in each year (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Qualified Plan:
	Projected benefit obligation		$	434,896			$	382,068
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	433,010			$	377,800
	Fair value of plan assets		$	356,312			$	336,425
	SERP:
	Projected benefit obligation		$	69,733			$	64,717
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	68,914			$	64,385
	Fair value of plan assets		$	—			$	—
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The components of the fiscal year net periodic benefit cost were as follows (in thousands):
			2014				2013				2012
	Qualified Plan:
	Service cost		$	7,633			$	10,210			$	9,068
	Interest cost		20,196				19,964				19,891
	Expected return on plan assets		(24,492		)		(22,715		)		(20,332		)
	Actuarial loss		3,575				15,665				11,871
	Cost of VERP		—				—				6,167
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	6,912			$	23,124			$	26,665
	SERP:
	Service cost		$	490			$	543			$	466
	Interest cost		3,049				2,664				3,056
	Actuarial loss		859				2,170				1,140
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		269				269				432
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	4,667			$	5,646			$	5,094
	Postretirement health plans:
	Service cost		$	—			$	—			$	61
	Interest cost		1,639				1,586				1,617
	Actuarial loss		542				791				89
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	2,181			$	2,377			$	1,767
Determining The Present Values Of Benefit Obligations And Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	In determining the present values of our benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs as of and for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, we used the following weighted-average assumptions:
			2014			2013			2012
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations (1):
	Qualified Plan:
	Discount rate		4.6	%		5.37	%		4.34	%
	Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
	SERP:
	Discount rate		4.36	%		4.88	%		4.34	%
	Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
	Postretirement health plans:
	Discount rate		4.43	%		5.04	%		4.34	%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
	Qualified Plan (2):
	Discount rate		5.37	%		4.34	%		4.78	%
	Long-term rate of return on assets		7.25	%		7.25	%		7.25	%
	Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
	SERP (3):
	Discount rate		4.88	%		4.34	%		5.6	%
	Rate of future pay increases		3.5	%		3.5	%		3.5	%
	Postretirement health plans (3):
	Discount rate		5.04	%		4.34	%		5.6	%
	____________________________
	-1	Determined as of end of year.
	-2	During fiscal year 2012, the discount rate and long-term rate of return on plan assets used to determine net period benefit costs were updated as of June 30, 2012, in connection with the VERP re-measurement from the rates determined at the beginning of the year of 5.60% and 7.75%, respectively.
	-3	Determined as of beginning of year.
Health Care Cost Trend Rates For Postretirement Health Plans	'
	For measurement purposes, the weighted-average assumed health care cost trend rates for our postretirement health plans were as follows for each fiscal year:
			2014			2013			2012
	Healthcare cost trend rate for next year:
	Participants under age 65		8.25	%		8.5	%		8.5	%
	Participants age 65 or older		7.75	%		8	%		8	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline:
	Participants under age 65 (1)		4.5	%		4.80% / 4.90%			4.5	%
	Participants age 65 or older (1)		4.5	%		4.80% / 4.90%			4.5	%
	Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate:
	Participants under age 65 (1)		2030			2038 / 2045			2029
	Participants age 65 or older (1)		2028			2037 / 2045			2027
Effect Of Change In The Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'
	For example, a 1.0% change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effect on the 2014 net periodic benefit cost and end of year PBO (in thousands):
			1% Point				1% Point
			Increase				Decrease
	Total interest and service cost		$	206			$	(176	)
	Postretirement benefit obligation		$	3,231			$	(2,765	)
Fair Values Of The Qualified Plan's Assets	'
	Our plan asset allocation at the end of fiscal 2014 and target allocations were as follows:
			2014			Target			Minimum			Maximum
	Domestic equity		21	%		23	%		12	%		32	%
	International equity		21			22			12			32
	Core fixed funds		34			32			27			37
	Real return bonds		3			4			—			10
	Alternative investments		4			4			—			10
	Real estate		9			7			—			10
	High yield		4			4			—			10
	Commodities		4			4			—			10
			100	%		100	%
	The fair values of the Qualified Plan’s assets at September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 by asset category are as follows (in thousands):
						Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
										in Active				Other				Unobservable
										Markets for				Observable				Inputs
										Identical				Inputs				(Level 3)
										(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Items Measured at Fair Value at September 28, 2014:
	Asset Category:
	Cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		$	900			$	900			$	—			$	—
	Equity:
	U.S		(2	)		17,063				17,063				—				—
	Commingled		(3	)		147,221				147,221				—				—
	Fixed income:
	Corporate bonds		(4	)		13,122				13,122				—				—
	Government and mortgage securities		(5	)		11,631				11,631				—				—
	Other		(6	)		121,666				—				121,666				—
	Diversified funds		(7	)		12,116				12,116				—				—
	Real estate		(8	)		32,593				—				—				32,593
						$	356,312			$	202,053			$	121,666			$	32,593
	Items Measured at Fair Value at September 29, 2013:
	Asset Category:
	Cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		$	4,344			$	4,344			$	—			$	—
	Equity:
	U.S.		(2	)		26,317				26,317				—				—
	Commingled		(3	)		159,612				159,612				—				—
	Fixed income:
	Corporate bonds		(4	)		4,017				—				4,017				—
	Government and mortgage securities		(5	)		9,121				9,121				—				—
	Other		(6	)		98,654				16,553				82,101				—
	Diversified funds		(7	)		5,008				5,008				—				—
	Real estate		(8	)		29,352				—				—				29,352
						$	336,425			$	220,955			$	86,118			$	29,352
	_________________________
	-1	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of commercial paper, short-term bills and notes, and short-term investment funds, which are valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
	-2	U.S. equity securities are comprised of investments in common stock of U.S. companies for total return purposes. These investments are valued by the trustee at closing prices from national exchanges on the valuation date.
	-3	Commingled equity securities are comprised of investments in mutual funds, the fair value of which is determined by reference to the fund’s underlying assets, which are primarily marketable equity securities that are traded on national exchanges and valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
	-4	Corporate bonds are comprised of mutual funds traded on national securities exchanges, valued at unadjusted quoted market prices, as well as securities traded in markets that are not considered active, which are valued based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
	-5	Government and mortgage securities are comprised of government and municipal bonds, including treasury bills, notes and index linked bonds which are valued using an unadjusted quoted price in an active market or observable, market-based inputs.
	-6	Other fixed income securities are comprised of other commingled funds invested in registered securities which are valued at the unadjusted quoted price in an active market or exchange and long-duration US government/credit funds which are valued based on observable inputs, which include quoted market prices in active markets for similar securities, valuations based on commonly quoted benchmark interest rates, maturities, ratings and/or securities indices.
	-7	Diversified funds are comprised of exchange-traded commodities futures and treasury bills, which are valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
	-8	Real estate is investments in a real estate investment trust for purposes of total return. These investments are valued at unit values provided by the investment managers and their consultants.
Changes In Level 3 Investments For The Qualified Plan	'
	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 investments for the Qualified Plan during 2013 and 2014 (in thousands):
					Real Estate
	Balance at September 30, 2012				$	25,785
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date				3,831
	Relating to assets sold during the period				(6		)
	Purchases, sales and settlements				(258		)
	Balance at September 29, 2013				$	29,352
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date				$	3,520
	Relating to assets sold during the period				18
	Purchases, sales and settlements				(297		)
	Balance at September 28, 2014				$	32,593
Contributions Expected To Be Paid In The Next Fiscal Year And The Projected Benefit Payments	'
	Contributions expected to be paid in the next fiscal year and the projected benefit payments for each of the next five fiscal years and the total aggregate amount for the subsequent five fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):
			Pension Plans				Postretirement
							Health Plans
	Estimated net contributions during fiscal 2015		$	24,479			$	1,269
	Estimated future year benefit payments during fiscal years:
	2015		$	15,217			$	1,269
	2016		$	15,520			$	1,336
	2017		$	15,874			$	1,419
	2018		$	16,468			$	1,537
	2019		$	17,272			$	1,700
	2020-2024		$	103,929			$	9,123

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati1

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Components Of Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The components of share-based compensation expense recognized in each year are as follows (in thousands):
		2014				2013				2012
	Stock options	$	2,660			$	5,075			$	3,549
	Performance share awards	3,923				2,311				897
	Nonvested stock awards	310				430				408
	Nonvested stock units	3,247				3,356				1,874
	Deferred compensation for directors	218				220				155
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	10,358			$	11,392			$	6,883
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following is a summary of stock option activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
					Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining		Value
					Price		Contractual		(in thousands)
							Term (Years)
	Options outstanding at September 29, 2013	2,404,856			$22.59
	Granted	215,248			$47.29
	Exercised	(1,397,603	)		$22.70
	Forfeited	(30,059	)		$30.88
	Expired	(2,872	)		$12.82
	Options outstanding at September 28, 2014	1,189,570			$26.74		4.26		$	46,379
	Options exercisable at September 28, 2014	775,174			$21.95		3.62		$	33,935
	Options exercisable and expected to vest at September 28, 2014	1,189,570			$26.74		4.26		$	46,379
Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions	'
	The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used for stock option grants in each year, along with the related weighted-average grant date fair value:
		2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate	2.05		%		1.09		%		1.98		%
	Expected dividends yield	—		%		—		%		—		%
	Expected stock price volatility	39.18		%		42.24		%		39.84		%
	Expected life of options (in years)	6.5				6.5				6.64
	Weighted-average grant date fair value	$	20.04			$	11.84			$	7.37
Summary Of PSU Activity	'
	The following is a summary of performance share award activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average Grant
					Date Fair
					Value
	Performance share awards outstanding at September 29, 2013	325,225			$21.73
	Granted	55,668			$47.29
	Issued	(50,945	)		$21.31
	Forfeited	(22,839	)		$24.38
	Performance adjustments	23,094			$18.67
	Performance share awards outstanding at September 28, 2014	330,203			$25.69
	Vested and subject to release at September 28, 2014	186,184			$19.33
Summary Of RSA Activity	'
	The following is a summary of RSA activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average Grant
					Date Fair
					Value
	Nonvested stock awards outstanding at September 29, 2013	315,815			$14.87
	Released	(220,000	)		$12.39
	Nonvested stock awards outstanding at September 28, 2014	95,815			$20.56
	Vested	38,133			$19.79
Summary Of RSU Activity	'
	The following is a summary of RSU activity for fiscal 2014:
		Shares			Weighted-
					Average Grant
					Date Fair
					Value
	Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 29, 2013	383,621			$24.17
	Granted	125,728			$49.79
	Released	(148,997	)		$23.34
	Canceled	(29,481	)		$30.39
	Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 28, 2014	330,871			$33.73
Summary Of Stock Equivalent Activity	'
	The following is a summary of the stock equivalent activity for fiscal 2014:
		Stock			Weighted-
		Equivalents			Average Grant
					Date Fair
					Value
	Stock equivalents outstanding at September 29, 2013	81,712			$20.34
	Deferred directors’ compensation	3,861			$56.33
	Dividend equivalents	509			$59.01
	Stock distribution	(10,616	)		$13.24
	Stock equivalents outstanding at September 28, 2014	75,466			$23.44
Summary of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity	'
	The following is a summary of shares issued pursuant to our ESPP in each year:
		2014				2013				2012
	Common stock issued	4,055				7,144				11,087
	Fair value of common stock issued	$	49.25			$	29.71			$	21.65

Average_Shares_Outstanding_Tab

Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Of Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding To Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding	'
	The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
		2014	2013	2012
	Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic	40,781	43,351	43,999
	Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
	Stock options	641	957	462
	Nonvested stock awards and units	281	371	270
	Performance-vested stock awards	270	220	217
	Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted	41,973	44,899	44,948
	Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Antidilutive	153	145	2,753
	Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period	20	209	358

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	In January 2011, we formed Jack in the Box Franchise Finance, LLC (“FFE”) for the purpose of operating a franchisee lending program to assist Jack in the Box franchisees in re-imaging their restaurants. We are the sole equity investor in FFE. The lending program was comprised of a $20.0 million commitment from the Company in the form of a capital note and an $80.0 million Senior Secured Revolving Securitization Facility (“FFE Facility”) entered into with a third party. The lending period and the revolving period expired in June 2012. At September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we had no borrowings under the FFE Facility and do not plan to make any further contributions.
	We determined that FFE is a VIE and that the Company is its primary beneficiary. We considered a variety of factors in identifying the primary beneficiary of FFE including, but not limited to, who holds the power to direct matters that most significantly impact FFE’s economic performance (such as determining the underwriting standards and credit management policies), as well as what party has the obligation to absorb the losses of FFE. Based on these considerations, we determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary and the entity is reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	FFE’s assets consolidated by the Company represent assets that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE. Likewise, FFE’s liabilities consolidated by the Company do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather they represent claims against the specific assets of FFE. The impact of FFE’s results were not material to the Company’s consolidated statement of earnings or cash flows. The FFE’s balance sheet consisted of the following at September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Cash	$	—	$	250
	Other current assets (1)	2,494		2,368
	Other assets, net (1)	5,776		8,367
	Total assets	$	8,270	$	10,985
	Current liabilities (2)	$	2,833	$	3,010
	Other long-term liabilities (2)	5,367		8,076
	Retained earnings	70		(101		)
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	8,270	$	10,985
	____________________________
	(1)Consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees.
	(2)Consists primarily of the capital note contribution from Jack in the Box which is eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is equal to its outstanding contributions as of September 28, 2014. This amount represents estimated losses that would be incurred should all franchisees default on their loans without any consideration of recovery. To offset the credit risk associated with the Company’s variable interest in FFE, the Company holds a security interest in the assets of FFE subordinate and junior to all other obligations of FFE.
	The FFE’s balance sheet consisted of the following at September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Cash	$	—	$	250
	Other current assets (1)	2,494		2,368
	Other assets, net (1)	5,776		8,367
	Total assets	$	8,270	$	10,985
	Current liabilities (2)	$	2,833	$	3,010
	Other long-term liabilities (2)	5,367		8,076
	Retained earnings	70		(101		)
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	8,270	$	10,985
	____________________________
	(1)Consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees.
	(2)Consists primarily of the capital note contribution from Jack in the Box which is eliminated in consolidation.

Commitments_Contingencies_And_1

Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure	'
	As of September 28, 2014, we had unconditional purchase obligations during the next five fiscal years as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year
	2015	$	733,000
	2016	491,700
	2017	430,500
	2018	214,000
	2019	190,400
	Total	$	2,059,600

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments	'
		2014						2013			2012
		(New)			(Old)
	Revenues by Segment:
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	1,127,243		$	1,127,243		$	1,179,295		$	1,252,028
	Qdoba restaurant operations	356,888			356,888			310,572			257,267
	Consolidated revenues	$	1,484,131		$	1,484,131		$	1,489,867		$	1,509,295
	Earnings from Operations by Segment:
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	235,574		$	130,408		$	113,864		$	96,302
	Qdoba restaurant operations	34,287			32,016			24,470			24,717
	FFE operations (1)	—			(116		)	(129		)	(203		)
	Shared services and unallocated costs	(104,005		)	—			—			—
	Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	(3,548		)	—			—			—
	Consolidated earnings from operations	162,308			162,308			138,205			120,816
	Interest expense, net	15,678			15,678			15,251			18,874
	Consolidated earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes	$	146,630		$	146,630		$	122,954		$	101,942
	Total Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets by Segment (Including Discontinued Operations):
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	30,858		$	38,132		$	55,221		$	56,378
	Qdoba restaurant operations	17,967			22,393			29,469			23,621
	Shared services and unallocated costs	11,700			—			—			—
	Distribution operations	—			—			—			201
	Consolidated expenditures for long-lived assets	$	60,525		$	60,525		$	84,690		$	80,200
	Total Depreciation Expense by Segment:
	Jack in the Box restaurant operations	$	66,409		$	73,663		$	76,191		$	79,287
	Qdoba restaurant operations	16,992			16,992			15,815			13,309
	Shared services and unallocated costs	7,254			—			—			—
	Consolidated depreciation expense	$	90,655		$	90,655		$	92,006		$	92,596

Supplemental_Consolidated_Cash1

Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Additional Information Related To Cash Flows	'
	Additional information related to cash flows is as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013		2012
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	13,754	$	12,824	$	19,471
	Income tax payments	$	29,145	$	43,365	$	35,751
	Non cash transactions:
	Stock repurchase accrual at fiscal year end	$	3,112	$	7,288	$	—
	Dividends accrued at fiscal year end	$	68	$	—	$	—
	Increase in property and equipment through accrued purchases at fiscal year end	$	10,666	$	11,852	$	11,940

Supplemental_Consolidated_Fina1

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	'
		September 28,			September 29,
		2014			2013
	Accounts and other receivables, net:
	Trade	$	35,975		$	31,301
	Notes receivable	3,574			2,877
	Income tax receivable	8,306			1,330
	Other	2,955			6,914
	Allowances for doubtful accounts	(796		)	(673		)
		$	50,014		$	41,749
	Prepaid expenses
	Prepaid income taxes	$	27,956		$	13,757
	Other	8,358			6,213
		$	36,314		$	19,970
	Other assets, net:
	Company-owned life insurance policies	$	100,753		$	94,704
	Deferred rent receivable	41,872			36,732
	Deferred tax assets	50,807			88,833
	Other	43,866			45,491
		$	237,298		$	265,760
	Accrued liabilities:
	Payroll and related taxes	$	54,905		$	46,970
	Sales and property taxes	11,760			11,386
	Insurance	34,834			35,209
	Advertising	21,452			17,706
	Gift card liability	4,064			3,629
	Deferred franchise fees	1,464			1,537
	Lease commitments related to closed or refranchised locations	10,258			12,737
	Other	24,889			24,712
		$	163,626		$	153,886
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Pension plans	$	143,838		$	105,968
	Straight-line rent accrual	48,835			50,726
	Deferred franchise fees	266			1,143
	Other	116,496			128,287
		$	309,435		$	286,124

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_Of1

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Results Of Operations	'
		16 Weeks		12 Weeks Ended
		Ended
	Fiscal Year 2014	January 19,		April 13,		July 6,			September 28,
		2014		2014		2014			2014
	Revenues	$	450,081	$	340,870	$	348,492		$	344,687
	Earnings from operations	$	57,204	$	32,879	$	43,000		$	29,225
	Net earnings	$	32,286	$	15,801	$	24,703		$	16,160
	Net earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.76	$	0.38	$	0.62		$	0.41
	Diluted	$	0.74	$	0.37	$	0.61		$	0.4
		16 Weeks		12 Weeks Ended
		Ended
	Fiscal Year 2013	January 20,		April 14,		July 7,			September 29,
		2013		2013		2013			2013
	Revenues	$	454,335	$	347,222	$	350,329		$	337,981
	Earnings from operations	$	43,175	$	27,447	$	30,884		$	36,699
	Net earnings (losses)	$	20,689	$	13,291	$	(5,656	)	$	22,828
	Net earnings (losses) per share:
	Basic	$	0.48	$	0.3	$	(0.13	)	$	0.53
	Diluted	$	0.47	$	0.29	$	(0.12	)	$	0.51

Nature_Of_Operations_And_Summa3

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Jul. 07, 2013

Jack In The Box [Member]

Jack In The Box [Member]

Jack In The Box [Member]

Qdoba [Member]

Qdoba [Member]

Qdoba [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Continuing Operations [Member]

Continuing Operations [Member]

Continuing Operations [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

2013 Qdoba Closures [Member]

restaurant

restaurant

restaurant

restaurant

restaurant

restaurant

restaurant

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Restaurants

'

'

'

2,250

2,251

2,250

638

615

627

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62

General liability and workers' comp estimated claims to be paid by insurance providers

$24,600,000

$22,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets Held For Sale And LeaseBack

3,477,000

11,574,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fiscal year

'P52W

'P52W

'P52W

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment assigned lives, minimum (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 0 months 0 days

'35 years 0 months 0 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash surrender value of policy

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,700,000

94,500,000

'

Cash included in trust

100,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Book overdrafts

0

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of franchise agreement (in years)

'20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue recognized on unredeemed gift cards

800,000

700,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Marketing funds including contractual contributions

'

'

'

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

1.00%

1.00%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Assets Held-for-sale, Current

1,289,000

301,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets Held For Sale Including Assets Held for Sale And LeaseBack

4,766,000

11,875,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

$91,384,000

$96,219,000

$97,958,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$90,700,000

$92,000,000

$92,600,000

'

'

'

Nature_Of_Operations_And_Summa4

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Number Of Restaurants) (Details)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	restaurant	restaurant	restaurant
Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of restaurants	2,250	2,251	2,250
Qdoba [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of restaurants	638	615	627
Company-Operated [Member] | Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of restaurants	431	465	547
Company-Operated [Member] | Qdoba [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of restaurants	310	296	316
Franchise [Member] | Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of restaurants	1,819	1,786	1,703
Franchise [Member] | Qdoba [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of restaurants	328	319	311

Nature_Of_Operations_And_Summa5

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Advertising Costs) (Details) (Company-Operated [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising costs	$60,564	$62,862	$62,892
Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising costs	42,349	46,739	49,757
Qdoba [Member]	'	'	'
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising costs	$18,215	$16,123	$13,135

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	restaurant
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charges	'	($570,000)	($3,874,000)	($3,112,000)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	-5,894,000	-31,456,000	-10,453,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	'	($0.14)	($0.73)	($0.24)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	'	($0.14)	($0.70)	($0.23)
Discontinued Operation - Distribution Business [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reversal of Tenant Improvement Allowances and Deferred Rent	'	'	400,000	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	548,000	1,318,000	697,000
Revenue	'	0	37,743,000	616,982,000
Operating loss before income tax benefit	'	-1,276,000	-6,446,000	-8,777,000
Accelerated depreciation	'	'	1,900,000	6,000,000
Accelerated future lease commitments	'	300,000	1,600,000	700,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Vendor Contract Exit Costs	'	'	1,200,000	1,100,000
Workers' Compensation Liability	'	900,000	1,300,000	'
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	'	285,000	119,000	'
Cash paid to settle restructuring reserve	'	-1,055,000	-1,344,000	'
2013 Qdoba Closures [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Terminated Lease Agreements	'	19	'	'
Asset impairment charges	'	-2,170,000	-22,239,000	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Future Lease Commitments Net of Straightline Rent and Tenant Improvement Reversals	'	-4,536,000	-10,301,000	0
Reversal of Tenant Improvement Allowances and Deferred Rent	'	'	4,300,000	'
Disposal group, Including Discontinued Operations, Brokerage Commissions	'	-652,000	0	0
Restructuring Reserve	'	5,737,000	10,712,000	0
Restructuring Reserve Addition	'	0	14,072,000	'
Revenue	'	0	28,036,000	35,731,000
Operating loss before income tax benefit	22,600,000	0	-8,961,000	-8,327,000
Number of Restaurants	62	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	'	4,536,000	530,000	'
Cash paid to settle restructuring reserve	'	-9,511,000	-3,890,000	'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	'	-8,247,000	-44,576,000	-8,327,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$0.52	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$0.50	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense	'	-889,000	-3,075,000	0
Locations Subleased at a Loss	'	5	'	'
Locations Marketed for Sublease	'	26	'	'
Contract Termination [Member] | Discontinued Operation - Distribution Business [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve Addition	'	$0	$1,846,000	'

Summary_Of_Refranchisings_Fran2

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Number Of Restaurants Sold And Developed By Franchisees And Related Gains And Fees Recognized) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
	restaurant		restaurant		restaurant
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Restaurants sold to franchisees (restaurants)	37		81		97
New restaurants opened by franchisees (restaurants)	33		45		50
Initial franchise fees received	$1,886,000		$4,017,000		$5,535,000
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants, Cash	10,536,000	[1]	30,619,000		47,115,000
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants, Notes receivable	0		0		1,200,000
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants	10,536,000		30,619,000		48,315,000
Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)	-5,558,000		-15,680,000		-16,833,000
Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants	-170,000		-629,000		-1,334,000
Other	-6,500,000	[2]	-9,670,000	[2]	-1,003,000
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	-3,548,000		4,640,000		29,145,000
Proceeds from extension of franchise and lease agreements	2,100,000		3,300,000		2,300,000
Jack In The Box [Member] | Loss on anticipated sale [Member]	'		'		'
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	-1,856,000		0		0
Total gain (loss) on the sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]	'		'		'
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	-3,548,000		4,640,000		29,145,000
Subtotal of gains (losses) on sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]	'		'		'
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	($1,692,000)		$4,640,000		$29,145,000
[1]	Amounts in 2014, 2013 and 2012 include additional proceeds of $2.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.
[2]	rimarily represent impairment and lease commitment charges related to restaurants closed in connection with the sale of the related markets

Summary_Of_Refranchisings_Fran3

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocations On Franchise Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	restaurant	restaurant	restaurant
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	($3,548)	$4,640	$29,145
Restaurants acquired from franchisees (restaurants)	4	14	46
Property and equipment	1,398	3,030	12,379
Reacquired franchise rights	96	148	604
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	256	9,169	36,084
Liabilities assumed	0	-283	-122
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	1,750	12,064	48,945
Total gain (loss) on the sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	-3,548	4,640	29,145
Subtotal of gains (losses) on sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]	'	'	'
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	($1,692)	$4,640	$29,145

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted-average life of the amortized intangible assets (in years)	'27 years	'	'
Total amortization expense	$0.90	$1	$0.90

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	$148,988	$140,622	'
Acquisition of franchised restaurants	256	9,169	36,084
Total goodwill disposals	'	-174	'
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	-170	-629	-1,334
Goodwill, ending balance	149,074	148,988	140,622
Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	48,391	47,847	'
Acquisition of franchised restaurants	256	1,173	'
Total goodwill disposals	'	0	'
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	-170	-629	'
Goodwill, ending balance	48,477	48,391	'
Qdoba [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	100,597	92,775	'
Acquisition of franchised restaurants	0	7,996	'
Total goodwill disposals	'	-174	'
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	0	0	'
Goodwill, ending balance	$100,597	$100,597	'

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$900,000	$1,000,000	$900,000
Gross carrying amount	17,272,000	17,203,000	'
Less accumulated amortization	-10,468,000	-9,613,000	'
Amortized intangible assets: Net carrying amount	6,804,000	7,590,000	'
Trademark	8,800,000	8,800,000	'
Net carrying amount	$15,604,000	$16,390,000	'

Goodwill_And_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$816
2015	754
2016	706
2017	661
2018	$615

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Interest Rate Swaps [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities at fair value

($37,391)

($40,325)

($35,602)

($39,135)

($1,789)

($1,190)

($35,602)

($39,135)

($35,602)

[1],[2]

($39,135)

[1],[2]

$0

[1],[3]

$0

[1],[3]

($1,789)

($1,190)

$0

[1],[2]

$0

[1],[2]

($1,789)

[1],[3]

($1,190)

[1],[3]

$0

$0

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[3]

$0

[3]

'

Long-lived assets held and used

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

619

Long-lived assets held for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,444

Long-lived assets held and used, impairment charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

570

Long-lived assets held for sale, impairment charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,517

Asset Abandoned Fair Value Measurement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Other Asset Impairment Charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,486

[1]

We did not have any transfers in or out of Level 1 or Level 2.

[2]

We maintain an unfunded defined contribution plan for key executives and other members of management excluded from participation in our qualified savings plan. The fair value of this obligation is based on the closing market prices of the participantsb elected investments.

[3]

We entered into interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to rising interest rates on our variable debt. The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves.

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Apr. 14, 2014	Aug. 31, 2010
					agreements
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate derivatives held (swap agreements)	'	'	'	9	'
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate derivatives held (swap agreements)	'	'	'	'	2
Derivative, Notional Amount	'	'	'	$300,000,000	$100,000,000
Interest rate swaps hedge ineffectiveness	$0	$0	$0	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments Outstanding) (Details) (Interest Rate Swaps [Member], Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value	($1,789)	($1,190)
Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value	($1,789)	($1,190)

Derivative_Instruments_Gains_O

Derivative Instruments (Gains Or Losses Recognized On Interest Rate Swap Derivative Instrument) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	($1,890)	($110)	($1,055)
Cash flow hedges, Net loss reclassified to earnings	-1,291	-1,353	-1,304
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	-1,890	-110	-1,055
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flow hedges, Net loss reclassified to earnings	($1,291)	($1,353)	($1,304)

Indebtedness_Narrative_Details

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

60 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Nov. 06, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Mar. 19, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Mar. 19, 2019

Mar. 19, 2019

Mar. 19, 2014

New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]

New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]

New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]

Revolving Credit [Member]

Revolving Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Initial Interest Rate [Member]

New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]

New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]

New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt

$200,000,000

$200,000,000

$0

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

'

'

'

220,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan maturity date

'

'

'

'

19-Mar-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Maximum Issuance Available

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount

271,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

1.25%

'

Debt Instrument, Initial Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

Revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

306,000,000

175,000,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

Term loan outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

197,500,000

190,000,000

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

22,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest capitalization

$0

$100,000

$400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

FFE interest description

'lender's cost of funds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indebtedness_Schedule_Of_LongT

Indebtedness (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$507,883	$370,282
Less current portion	-10,871	-20,889
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations noncurrent	497,012	349,393
Revolving Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Revolver, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin	306,000	175,000
Variable interest rate	2.12%	'
Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Term loan, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin	197,500	190,000
Variable interest rate	1.91%	'
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Capital lease obligations	$4,383	$5,282
Variable interest rate	10.20%	'

Indebtedness_Scheduled_Princip

Indebtedness (Scheduled Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	$10,871	$20,889
Total amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in future as of balance sheet date	507,883	370,282
New 2014 Facility [Member] [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,871	'
2014	15,900	'
2015	15,863	'
2016	18,168	'
2017	446,291	'
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling after Year Five	$790	'

Leases_Narrative_Details

Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Minimum sublease rents	$1
Lease term (in years)	'20 years 0 months 0 days
Minimum [Member]	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Lease renewal option as lessee, minimum (in years)	'5 years 0 months 0 days
Lease renewal option as lessor, minimum (in years)	'5 years 0 months 0 days
Maximum [Member]	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'
Lease renewal option as lessee, minimum (in years)	'20 years 0 months 0 days
Lease renewal option as lessor, minimum (in years)	'20 years 0 months 0 days

Leases_Components_Of_Rent_Expe

Leases (Components Of Rent Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum rentals	$213,082	$210,638	$206,604
Contingent rentals	1,986	1,840	2,013
Total rent expense	215,068	212,478	208,617
Less rental expense on subleased properties	-139,976	-136,970	-130,275
Net rent expense	$75,092	$75,508	$78,342

Leases_Future_Minimum_Lease_Pa

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments For Capital And Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Capital Leases, 2013	$1,260
Capital Leases, 2014	1,198
Capital Leases, 2015	1,072
Capital Leases, 2016	793
Capital Leases, 2017	364
Capital Leases, Thereafter	952
Capital Leases, Total minimum lease payments	5,639
Less amount representing interest, 10.00% weighted average interest rate	-1,256
Present value of obligations under capital leases	4,383
Less current portion	-870
Long-term capital lease obligations	3,513
Operating Leases, 2013	229,203
Operating Leases, 2014	233,145
Operating Leases, 2015	197,226
Operating Leases, 2016	163,644
Operating Leases, 2017	152,644
Operating Leases, Thereafter	636,570
Operating Leases, Total minimum lease payments	$1,612,432
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted average interest rate	10.20%

Leases_Assets_Recorded_Under_C

Leases (Assets Recorded Under Capital Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Buildings [Member]	Buildings [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	'	'	'	'	'5 years 0 months 0 days
Asset under capital leases, gross	'	'	$19,105	$19,105	'
Less accumulated amortization	'	'	-15,667	-14,808	'
Asset under capital leases, net	$3,438	$4,297	'	'	'

Leases_As_Lessor_Details

Leases (As Lessor) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Leases [Abstract]	'		'		'
Contingent rentals	$19,551		$16,966		$16,341
Total rent income	$222,443	[1]	$213,009	[1]	$200,760	[1]
[1]	Includes contingent rentals.

Leases_Minimum_Rents_Receivabl

Leases (Minimum Rents Receivable Expected To Be Received Under These Non-Cancelable Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'
2013	$206,015
2014	221,923
2015	202,867
2016	183,145
2017	197,287
Thereafter	1,550,311
Total minimum future rentals	$2,561,548

Leases_Assets_Held_For_Lease_D

Leases (Assets Held For Lease) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for lease, gross	$765,691	$767,190
Less accumulated depreciation	-434,526	-400,211
Assets held for lease, net	331,165	366,979
Land [Member]	'	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for lease, gross	72,143	79,015
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for lease, gross	689,056	684,288
Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'
Assets held for lease, gross	$4,492	$3,887

Impairment_Disposition_Of_Prop2

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	litigation
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	($2,889)	($3,344)	($6,281)
Number of Closed Restaurants Related to Eminent Domain Proceeds in Current Period	4	'	'
Gains from imminent domain [Member]	'	'	'
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$2,800	'	'

Impairment_Disposition_Of_Prop3

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Impairment And Disposal Costs Included In Impairment And Other Charges) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment charges	$570	$3,874	$3,112
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	-2,889	-3,344	-6,281
Costs of closed restaurants (primary lease obligations) and other	2,841	2,469	8,332
Restructuring costs	8,621	3,451	15,461
Impairment and other charges, net	14,908	13,439	32,809
Continuing Operations [Member]	'	'	'
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	($2,876)	($3,645)	($5,904)

Impairment_Disposition_Of_Prop4

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Restaurant Closing Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Additions and adjustments	$8,621	$3,451	$15,461
Facility Closing [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	16,321	20,677	'
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	2,024	1,752	'
Cash payments	5,172	6,108	'
Balance at end of year	$13,173	$16,321	'

Impairment_Disposition_Of_Prop5

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs And Restructuring Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Enhanced pension benefits	$0	$0	$6,167
Severance costs	2,141	2,821	6,987
Other restructuring costs	6,480	630	2,307
Additions	8,621	3,451	15,461
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Severance costs	2,141	2,821	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	253	1,758	'
Cash payments	1,857	4,326	'
Balance at end of year	$537	$253	'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax refunds received as a result of cost study	$20,500,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	400,000	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	75,400,000	'
Valuation allowance	-8,624,000	-4,619,000
Change in the valuation allowance	-4,000,000	'
Increases to tax positions recorded during current years	395,000	136,000
Increase in current DTA as a result of cost study	1,400,000	'
Decrease in non-current DTA as a result of cost study	42,100,000	'
Decrease in income taxes payable as a result of cost study	12,900,000	'
Increase in income tax refunds receivable as a result of cost study	27,500,000	'
Income tax expense resulting from cost study	$300,000	'

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current, Federal	$43,864	$51,367	$35,205
Current, State	3,770	7,583	5,248
Total Current	47,634	58,950	40,453
Deferred, Federal	3,700	-16,897	-5,553
Deferred, State	452	-1,707	-1,062
Total Deferred	4,152	-18,604	-6,615
Income tax expense from continuing operations	51,786	40,346	33,838
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	($3,629)	($19,566)	($6,651)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of The Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate To Effective Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Computed at federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.30%	3.40%	3.30%
Benefit of jobs tax credits	-1.20%	-1.90%	-1.00%
Expense/(benefit) related to COLIs	-1.60%	-2.90%	-4.60%
Others, net	-0.20%	-0.80%	0.50%
Effective tax rate	35.30%	32.80%	33.20%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	$77,170	$66,698
Accrued insurance	12,874	13,115
Accrued vacation pay expense	2,132	3,259
Deferred income	1,436	1,441
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Impairment Losses	25,391	27,944
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges	12,686	11,361
Other reserves and allowances	1,303	3,964
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards	10,705	4,619
Leasing transactions	7,201	7,471
Share-based compensation	9,416	13,128
Other, net	4,508	4,280
Total gross deferred tax assets	164,822	157,280
Valuation allowance	-8,624	-4,619
Total net deferred tax assets	156,198	152,661
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	-38,362	-9,753
Intangible assets	-28,149	-27,350
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	-2,069	-40
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	-68,580	-37,143
Net deferred tax assets	$87,618	$115,518

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of1

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance beginning of year	$769,000	$905,000
Increases to tax positions recorded during current years	-395,000	-136,000
Balance at end of year	'	769,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$400,000	'

Retirement_Plans_Narrative_Det

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans, General Information	'21	'	'
Period of years in executive position	'10	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	4.00%	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions	$25,349,000	$23,886,000	$20,318,000
Minimum Required Contribution For Retirement Plans	0	'	'
Vesting percentage of participant's right to company contribution	25.00%	'	'
Enhanced pension benefits	0	0	6,167,000
Decrease in earnings before income taxes due to quarter percentage point decrease in discount rate	2,100,000	'	'
Decrease in earnings before income taxes due to quarter percentage point decrease in long-term rate of return	800,000	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,200,000
Participants Under Age 65 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	'	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'2030	'	'2029
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	3.00%	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	100.00%	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions	$1,100,000	$1,100,000	$1,100,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	4.00%	'	'
Salary [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%	'	'
Bonus [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	85.00%	'	'
Participants Age 65 Or Older [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	'	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'2028	'	'2027
Comprehensive Health Plan for Retirees [Domain] | Participants Under Age 65 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'	4.80%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'	'2038	'
Comprehensive Health Plan for Retirees [Domain] | Participants Age 65 Or Older [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'	4.80%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'	'2037	'
Executive Medical Reimbursement Plan [Domain] | Participants Under Age 65 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'	4.90%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'	'2045	'
Executive Medical Reimbursement Plan [Domain] | Participants Age 65 Or Older [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	'	4.90%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	'	'2045	'

Retirement_Plans_Reconciliatio

Retirement Plans (Reconciliation Of The Changes In Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets And Funded Status Of Retirement Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Cost of VERP	$0	$0	($6,167)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	336,425	'	'
Fair value at end of year	356,312	336,425	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	49,173	-98,764	78,619
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	-43,928	117,659	-65,087
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Obligation at beginning of year	382,068	466,097	'
Service cost	7,633	10,210	9,068
Interest cost	20,196	19,964	19,891
Participant contributions	0	0	'
Actuarial loss	59,661	-85,578	'
Benefits paid	-34,662	-28,625	'
Other	0	0	'
Cost of VERP	0	0	-6,167
Obligation at end of year	434,896	382,068	466,097
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	336,425	311,988	'
Actual return on plan assets	34,549	33,062	'
Participant contributions	0	0	'
Employer contributions	20,000	20,000	'
Benefits paid and other	-34,662	-28,625	'
Fair value at end of year	356,312	336,425	311,988
Funded status at end of year	-78,584	-45,643	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	0	0	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-78,584	-45,643	'
Total liability recognized	-78,584	-45,643	'
Unamortized actuarial loss, net	114,482	68,454	'
Unamortized prior service cost	0	0	'
Total	114,482	68,454	'
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	49,603	-95,925	'
Amortization of actuarial loss	-3,575	-15,665	-11,871
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	-46,028	111,590	'
Net periodic benefit cost and other losses	6,912	23,124	26,665
Total Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income	52,940	-88,466	'
Net actuarial loss	8,278	'	'
Prior service cost	0	'	'
Total	8,278	'	'
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Obligation at beginning of year	64,717	63,156	'
Service cost	490	543	466
Interest cost	3,049	2,664	3,056
Participant contributions	0	0	'
Actuarial loss	5,652	1,773	'
Benefits paid	-4,175	-3,419	'
Other	0	0	'
Obligation at end of year	69,733	64,717	63,156
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets	0	0	'
Participant contributions	0	0	'
Employer contributions	4,175	3,419	'
Benefits paid and other	-4,175	-3,419	'
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	-69,733	-64,717	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	-4,479	-4,392	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-65,254	-60,325	'
Total liability recognized	-69,733	-64,717	'
Unamortized actuarial loss, net	26,425	21,632	'
Unamortized prior service cost	1,080	1,349	'
Total	27,505	22,981	'
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	5,652	1,773	'
Amortization of actuarial loss	-859	-2,170	-1,140
Amortization of prior service cost	-269	-269	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	-4,524	666	'
Net periodic benefit cost and other losses	4,667	5,646	5,094
Total Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income	9,191	4,980	'
Net actuarial loss	1,134	'	'
Prior service cost	269	'	'
Total	1,403	'	'
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Obligation at beginning of year	33,243	37,307	'
Service cost	0	0	61
Interest cost	1,639	1,586	1,617
Participant contributions	123	131	'
Actuarial loss	-6,082	-4,612	'
Benefits paid	-1,456	-1,331	'
Other	159	162	'
Obligation at end of year	27,626	33,243	37,307
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value at beginning of year	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets	0	0	'
Participant contributions	123	131	'
Employer contributions	1,174	1,038	'
Benefits paid and other	-1,297	-1,169	'
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	-27,626	-33,243	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	-1,269	-1,438	'
Noncurrent liabilities	-26,357	-31,805	'
Total liability recognized	-27,626	-33,243	'
Unamortized actuarial loss, net	2,400	9,024	'
Unamortized prior service cost	0	0	'
Total	2,400	9,024	'
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	-6,082	-4,612	'
Amortization of actuarial loss	-542	-791	-89
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	6,624	5,403	'
Net periodic benefit cost and other losses	2,181	2,377	1,767
Total Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income	-4,443	-3,026	'
Net actuarial loss	181	'	'
Prior service cost	0	'	'
Total	$181	'	'

Retirement_Plans_Fair_Value_Of

Retirement Plans (Fair Value Of Plan Assets Of Pension Plans) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$356,312	$336,425	'
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	434,896	382,068	466,097
Accumulated benefit obligation	433,010	377,800	'
Fair value of plan assets	356,312	336,425	311,988
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	69,733	64,717	63,156
Accumulated benefit obligation	68,914	64,385	'
Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0	$0

Retirement_Plans_Components_Of

Retirement Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost of VERP	$0	$0	($6,167)
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	7,633	10,210	9,068
Interest cost	20,196	19,964	19,891
Expected return on plan assets	-24,492	-22,715	-20,332
Actuarial loss	3,575	15,665	11,871
Cost of VERP	0	0	-6,167
Net periodic benefit cost	6,912	23,124	26,665
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	490	543	466
Interest cost	3,049	2,664	3,056
Actuarial loss	859	2,170	1,140
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	269	269	432
Net periodic benefit cost	4,667	5,646	5,094
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	61
Interest cost	1,639	1,586	1,617
Actuarial loss	542	791	89
Net periodic benefit cost	$2,181	$2,377	$1,767

Retirement_Plans_Determining_T

Retirement Plans (Determining The Present Values Of Benefit Obligations And Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Cash flow period extension	'		'30		'		'
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'		'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	'		4.60%	[1]	5.37%	[1]	4.34%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Rate of future pay increases	'		3.50%	[1]	3.50%	[1]	3.50%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	5.60%	[2]	5.37%	[3]	4.34%	[3]	4.78%	[3]
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Long-term rate of return on assets	7.75%	[3]	7.25%	[3]	7.25%	[3]	7.25%	[3]
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Rate of future pay increases	'		3.50%	[3]	3.50%	[3]	3.50%	[3]
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member]	'		'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	'		4.36%	[1]	4.88%	[1]	4.34%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Rate of future pay increases	'		3.50%	[1]	3.50%	[1]	3.50%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	'		4.88%	[2]	4.34%	[2]	5.60%	[2]
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Rate of future pay increases	'		3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]	3.50%	[2]
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]	'		'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	'		4.43%	[1]	5.04%	[1]	4.34%	[1]
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	'		5.04%	[2]	4.34%	[2]	5.60%	[2]
[1]	Determined as of end of year.
[2]	Determined as of beginning of year.
[3]	he discount rate and long-term rate of return on plan assets used to determine net period benefit costs were updated as of JuneB 30, 2012, in connection with the VERP re-measurement from the rates determined at the beginning of the year of 5.60% and 7.75%, respectively.

Retirement_Plans_Health_Care_C

Retirement Plans (Health Care Cost Trend Rates For Postretirement Health Plans) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Participants Under Age 65 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate for next year	8.25%	8.50%	8.50%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline	4.50%	'	4.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2030	'	'2029
Participants Age 65 Or Older [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate for next year	7.75%	8.00%	8.00%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline	4.50%	'	4.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2028	'	'2027

Retirement_Plans_Effect_Of_Cha

Retirement Plans (Effect Of Change In The Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Total interest and service cost, 1% Point Increase	$206
Total interest and service cost, 1% Point Decrease	-176
Postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Point Increase	3,231
Postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Point Decrease	($2,765)

Retirement_Plans_Schedule_Of_P

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Plan Asset Allocation) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Domestic equity [Member]

International equity [Member]

Core fixed funds [Member]

Real return bonds [Member]

Alternative investments [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

High yield [Member]

Commodities [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Real estate [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Hedge Funds [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets

$356,312

$336,425

'

'

'

'

'

$32,593

$29,352

$12,116

$5,008

'

'

$121,666

$86,118

$0

[1]

$0

[1]

$0

$0

$32,593

[1]

$29,352

$32,593

[1]

$29,352

[1]

$25,785

$0

$0

Percentage of Plan Assets, Debt securities

100.00%

'

21.00%

21.00%

34.00%

3.00%

4.00%

9.00%

'

'

'

4.00%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset Allocation, Target, Debt securities

100.00%

'

23.00%

22.00%

32.00%

4.00%

4.00%

7.00%

'

'

'

4.00%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities

100.00%

'

23.00%

22.00%

32.00%

4.00%

4.00%

7.00%

'

'

'

4.00%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Other, Range Minimum

'

'

12.00%

12.00%

27.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Other, Range Maximum

'

'

32.00%

32.00%

37.00%

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities

'

'

12.00%

12.00%

27.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities

'

'

32.00%

32.00%

37.00%

10.00%

10.00%

10.00%

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Real estate is investments in a real estate investment trust for purposes of total return. These investments are valued at unit values provided by the investment managers and their consultants.

Retirement_Plans_Fair_Values_O

Retirement Plans (Fair Values Of The Qualified Plan's Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$356,312		$336,425		'
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	900		4,344		'
Equity, U.S. [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	17,063		26,317		'
Commingled [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	147,221		159,612		'
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	13,122		4,017		'
Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	11,631		9,121		'
Other [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	121,666		98,654		'
Real estate [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	32,593		29,352		'
Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	12,116		5,008		'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	202,053		220,955		'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	900	[1]	4,344	[1]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity, U.S. [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	17,063	[2]	26,317	[2]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commingled [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	147,221	[3]	159,612	[3]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	13,122	[4]	0	[4]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	11,631	[5]	9,121	[5]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[6]	16,553	[6]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Real estate [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[7]	0	[7]	'
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	12,116		5,008		'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	121,666		86,118		'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity, U.S. [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commingled [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]	0	[3]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[4]	4,017	[4]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[5]	0	[5]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	121,666	[6]	82,101	[6]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Real estate [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[7]	0	[7]	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0		0		'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	32,593	[7]	29,352		'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity, U.S. [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commingled [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[3]	0	[3]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[4]	0	[4]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[5]	0	[5]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	0	[6]	0	[6]	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Real estate [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	32,593	[7]	29,352	[7]	25,785
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets	$0		$0		'
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of commercial paper, short-term bills and notes, and short-term investment funds, which are valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
[2]	U.S. equity securities are comprised of investments in common stock of U.S. companies for total return purposes. These investments are valued by the trustee at closing prices from national exchanges on the valuation date.
[3]	Commingled equity securities are comprised of investments in mutual funds, the fair value of which is determined by reference to the fundbs underlying assets, which are primarily marketable equity securities that are traded on national exchanges and valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.
[4]	Corporate bonds are comprised of mutual funds traded on national securities exchanges, valued at unadjusted quoted market prices, as well as securities traded in markets that are not considered active, which are valued based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
[5]	Government and mortgage securities are comprised of government and municipal bonds, including treasury bills, notes and index linked bonds which are valued using an unadjusted quoted price in an active market or observable, market-based inputs.
[6]	Other fixed income securities are comprised of other commingled funds invested in registered securities which are valued at the unadjusted quoted price in an active market or exchange and long-duration US government/credit funds which are valued based on observable inputs, which include quoted market prices in active markets for similar securities, valuations based on commonly quoted benchmark interest rates, maturities, ratings and/or securities indices.
[7]	Real estate is investments in a real estate investment trust for purposes of total return. These investments are valued at unit values provided by the investment managers and their consultants.

Retirement_Plans_Changes_In_Le

Retirement Plans (Changes In Level 3 Investments For The Qualified Plan) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'
Fair value at end of year	$356,312		$336,425
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'
Fair value at end of year	32,593	[1]	29,352
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'
Fair value at end of year	13,122		4,017
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'
Fair value at end of year	0	[2]	0	[2]
Real estate [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'
Fair value at end of year	32,593		29,352
Real estate [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'		'
Fair value at beginning of year	29,352	[1]	25,785
Actual return on plan assets, Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	3,520		3,831
Actual return on plan assets, Relating to assets sold during the period	-18		-6
Purchases, sales, and settlements	-297		-258
Fair value at end of year	$32,593	[1]	$29,352	[1]
[1]	Real estate is investments in a real estate investment trust for purposes of total return. These investments are valued at unit values provided by the investment managers and their consultants.
[2]	Corporate bonds are comprised of mutual funds traded on national securities exchanges, valued at unadjusted quoted market prices, as well as securities traded in markets that are not considered active, which are valued based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.

Retirement_Plans_Contributions

Retirement Plans (Contributions Expected To Be Paid In The Next Fiscal Year And The Projected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Estimated net contributions during fiscal 2013	$24,479
2013	15,217
2014	15,520
2015	15,874
2016	16,468
2017	17,272
2018-2022	103,929
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Estimated net contributions during fiscal 2013	1,269
2013	1,269
2014	1,336
2015	1,419
2016	1,537
2017	1,700
2018-2022	$9,123

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati2

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2006

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]

Deferred Compensation For Directors [Member]

Deferred Compensation For Directors [Member]

Deferred Compensation For Directors [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]

Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]

Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]

Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]

Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]

Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Prior To Fiscal 2007 [Member]

Prior To Fiscal 2007 [Member]

Prior To Fiscal 2007 [Member]

Beginning Of 2007 [Member]

Beginning Of 2007 [Member]

Prior To Fiscal 2011 [Member]

Beginning Of Fiscal 2011 [Member]

Other Members [Member]

Other Members [Member]

Non-Management Directors [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'P10Y

'P11Y

'

'P7Y

'

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized

'

'

'

11,600,000

350,000

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares of common stock available for future issuance

'

'

'

2,930,660

143,122

'

'

107,646

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of base compensation authorized for withholding by employees during any offering period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 0 months 0 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'3 years 0 months 0 days

'

'

'5 years 0 months 0 days

'3 years 0 months 0 days

'3 years 0 months 0 days

'12 months

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,200,000

'

'

$5,200,000

'

'

$400,000

'

'

$5,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average period for unrecognized compensation cost, (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 4 months 25 days

'

'

'1 year 7 months 5 days

'

'

'2 years 8 months 15 days

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,400,000

25,900,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested amount percentage, minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

Vested amount percentage, maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20.04

$11.84

$7.37

'

$27.49

$19.62

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$47.29

'

'

'

'

'

$49.79

$28.95

$22.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of awards vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

1,000,000

500,000

800,000

1,200,000

300,000

3,500,000

900,000

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

RSUs outstanding

'

'

'

'

75,466

81,712

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

330,203

325,225

'

95,815

315,815

'

330,871

383,621

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,272

76,999

'

154,901

38,699

Restricted stock units vested, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued in connection with director retirements

'

'

'

'

10,616

44,714

44,713

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair value of shares issued in connection with director retirements

$49,621,000

$64,299,000

$11,541,000

'

$600,000

$1,400,000

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total shares purchased through ESPP

4,055

7,144

11,087

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average price of shares purchased through ESPP

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$49.25

$29.71

$21.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati3

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Components Of Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation expense	$10,358	$11,392	$6,883
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	17,664	2,094	1,115
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation expense	2,660	5,075	3,549
Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation expense	3,923	2,311	897
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation expense	310	430	408
Deferred Compensation For Directors [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation expense	218	220	155
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation expense	$3,247	$3,356	$1,874

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati4

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'1 year 4 months 25 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Options outstanding, shares, beginning balance	2,404,856
Shares, Granted	215,248
Shares, Exercised	-1,397,603
Shares, Forfeited	-30,059
Shares, Expired	-2,872
Options outstanding, shares, ending balance	1,189,570
Options exercisable, Shares	775,174
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Shares	1,189,570
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance (usd per share)	$22.59
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (usd per share)	$47.29
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (usd per share)	$22.70
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (usd per share)	$30.88
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired (usd per share)	$12.82
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance (usd per share)	$26.74
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$21.95
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share)	$26.74
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, years	'4 years 3 months 3 days
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, years	'3 years 7 months 14 days
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, years	'4 years 3 months 5 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$46,379
Options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	33,935
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$46,379
non management director stock option [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	'6 months 0 days

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati5

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	2.05%	1.09%	1.98%
Expected dividends yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	39.18%	42.24%	39.84%
Expected life of options (in years)	'6 years 6 months 0 days	'6 years 6 months 0 days	'6 years 7 months 19 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value (usd per share)	$20.04	$11.84	$7.37

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati6

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of PSU Activity) (Details) (Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014
Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'
Stock awards outstanding, Beginning balance, Shares	325,225
Granted, Shares	55,668
Issued, Shares	-50,945
Forfeited, Shares	22,839
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	330,203
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	($24.38)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	23,094
Vested and subject to release at Septermber 30, 2012, Shares	186,184,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance (usd per share)	$21.73
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$47.29
Issued, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$21.31
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (usd per share)	$25.69
Vested and subject to release at Septermber 30, 2012 (usd per share)	$19.33
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Canceled In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$18.67

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati7

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of RSA Activity) (Details) (Nonvested Stock Awards [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Nonvested stock awards outstanding, Shares	95,815	315,815
Released, Shares	-220,000	'
Vested, Shares	38,133	'
Non vested stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, (usd per share)	$20.56	$14.87
Released, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$12.39	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested as of Period End Date Weighted average grant date fair value	$19.79	'

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati8

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of RSU Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Beginning balance, Shares	383,621	'	'
Granted, Shares	125,728	'	'
Released, Shares	-148,997	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	330,871	383,621	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance (usd per share)	$24.17	'	'
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$49.79	$28.95	$22.26
Released, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$23.34	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (usd per share)	$33.73	$24.17	'
Cancelled, Shares	29,481	'	'
Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$30.39	'	'

ShareBased_Employee_Compensati9

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Stock Equivalent Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	$49,621	$64,299	$11,541
Deferred Compensation For Directors [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Beginning balance, Shares	81,712	'	'
Deferred Directors' Compensation in Current Period, Shares	3,861	'	'
Stock distribution, Shares	-10,616	-44,714	-44,713
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	75,466	81,712	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance (usd per share)	$20.34	'	'
Deferred directors' compensation, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$56.33	'	'
Stock distribution, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	$13.24	'	'
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (usd per share)	$23.44	$20.34	'
StockEquivalentsDuringPeriodSharesDividend	509	'	'
StockEquivalentdividendsweightedaveragepersharefairvalue	$59.01	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	$600	$1,400	$1,000

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 10, 2014

Aug. 01, 2013

Nov. 12, 2012

Sep. 28, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 18, 2015

Nov. 13, 2014

Treasury Stock [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of common stock, authorized amount

'

'

'

$100,000,000

$200,000,000

$100,000,000

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired

5.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock repurchased, aggregate cost

323,866,000

132,833,000

30,013,000

'

'

'

'

319,690,000

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount

117,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method

319,690,000

140,121,000

30,013,000

'

'

'

'

'

140,121,000

30,013,000

'

'

Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid

$0.40

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Common Stock, Cash

$15,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.20

'

Stockholders_Equity_Comprehens

Stockholders' Equity (Comprehensive Income, Net Of Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 06, 2014	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Jul. 07, 2013	Apr. 14, 2013	Jan. 19, 2014	Jan. 20, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$16,160	$24,703	$15,801	$22,828	($5,656)	$13,291	$32,286	$20,689	$88,950	$51,152	$57,651
Cash flow hedges, Net change in fair value of derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,890	-110	-1,055
Cash flow hedges, Net loss reclassified to earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,291	-1,353	-1,304
Cash flow hedges, Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-599	1,243	249
Cash flow hedges, Tax effect	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-229	476	97
Cash flow hedges, Net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-370	767	152
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs, Actuarial losses arising during the period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,173	-98,764	78,619
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs, Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,928	-117,659	65,087
Comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	61,480	124,503	17,578
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash flow hedges, Net change in fair value of derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($1,890)	($110)	($1,055)

Stockholders_Equity_Components

Stockholders' Equity (Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net Of Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Feb. 10, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Aug. 01, 2013	Nov. 12, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($90,132,000)	'	'	($62,662,000)	'	'
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs, tax benefit	'	100,000,000	200,000,000	'	100,000,000	100,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$117,100,000	'	'	'	'	'

Average_Shares_Outstanding_Rec

Average Shares Outstanding (Reconciliation Of Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding To Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	40,781	43,351	43,999
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	41,973	44,899	44,948
Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, Antidilutive	153	145	2,753
Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period	20	209	358
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	641	957	462
Nonvested Stock Awards And Units [Member]	'	'	'
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	281	371	270
Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	270	220	217

Variable_Interest_Entities_Nar

Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) (Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member], USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Commitment from parent through capital note	$20,000,000
Revolving credit facility	0
FFE Facility [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing	$80,000,000

Variable_Interest_Entities_Com

Variable Interest Entities (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Other current assets	$597		$108
Current liabilities	206,307		211,674
Other long-term liabilities	309,435		286,124
Retained earnings	1,244,897		1,171,823
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,270,665		1,319,209
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]	'		'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'		'
Cash	0		250
Other current assets	2,494	[1]	2,368	[1]
Other assets, net	5,776	[1]	8,367	[1]
Total assets	8,270		10,985
Current liabilities	2,833		3,010
Revolving credit facility	0		'
Other long-term liabilities	5,367	[2]	8,076	[2]
Retained earnings	70		-101
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$8,270		$10,985
[1]	Consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees.
[2]	Consists primarily of the capital note contribution from Jack in the Box which is eliminated in consolidation.

Commitments_Contingencies_And_2

Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought	$45,000,000	'
General liability and workers' comp estimated claims to be paid by insurance providers	24,600,000	22,900,000
number of distribution center leases assigned to third parties	3	'
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	2,400,000	'
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2013	733,000,000	'
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2014	491,700,000	'
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2015	430,500,000	'
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2016	214,000,000	'
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2017	190,400,000	'
Unconditional purchase obligations, Total	$2,059,600,000	'

Segment_Reporting_Summarized_F

Segment Reporting (Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 06, 2014	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Jul. 07, 2013	Apr. 14, 2013	Jan. 19, 2014	Jan. 20, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated revenues	$344,687	$348,492	$340,870	$337,981	$350,329	$347,222	$450,081	$454,335	$1,484,131	$1,489,867	$1,509,295
Consolidated earnings from operations	29,225	43,000	32,879	36,699	30,884	27,447	57,204	43,175	162,308	138,205	120,816
Interest Income (Expense), Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-15,678	-15,251	-18,874
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	146,630	122,954	101,942
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,548	4,640	29,145
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	60,525	84,690	80,200
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,655	92,006	92,596
Total gain (loss) on the sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,548	'	'
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,127,243	'	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	235,574	'	'
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,858	'	'
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,409	'	'
Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,127,243	1,179,295	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	130,408	113,864	96,302
Jack In The Box [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,252,028
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,132	55,221	56,378
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73,663	76,191	79,287
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	356,888	'	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	34,287	'	'
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,967	'	'
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16,992	'	'
Qdoba [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	356,888	310,572	257,267
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,016	24,470	24,717
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,393	29,469	23,621
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,815	13,309
F F E Operations New [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Discontinued Operation - Distribution Business [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	201
FFE Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-116	-129	-203
Shared services and unallocated costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-104,005	'	'
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,700	'	'
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,254	'	'
Shared services and unallocated costs old reporting [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Consolidated earnings from operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Consolidated depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Old segment reporting structure [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0

Supplemental_Consolidated_Cash2

Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information (Additional Information Related To Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$13,754	$12,824	$19,471
Income tax payments	29,145	43,365	35,751
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given	3,112	7,288	0
Dividends Payable	68	0	0
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$10,666	$11,852	$11,940

Supplemental_Consolidated_Fina2

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information (Schedule Of Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information [Abstract]	'	'
Trade	$35,975	$31,301
Notes receivable	3,574	2,877
Income Taxes Receivable	8,306	1,330
Other	2,955	6,914
Allowances for doubtful accounts	-796	-673
Accounts and other receivables, net	50,014	41,749
Prepaid Taxes	27,956	13,757
Other Prepaid Expense, Current	8,358	6,213
Prepaid Expense, Current	36,314	19,970
Company-owned life insurance policies	100,753	94,704
Deferred rent receivable	41,872	36,732
Deferred Tax Asset	50,807	88,833
Other	43,866	45,491
Other assets, net	237,298	265,760
Payroll and related taxes	54,905	46,970
Sales and property taxes	11,760	11,386
Insurance	34,834	35,209
Advertising	21,452	17,706
Gift card liability	4,064	3,629
Deferred franchise fees	1,464	1,537
Restructuring Reserve, Current	10,258	12,737
Other	24,889	24,712
Accrued liabilities	163,626	153,886
Pension plans	143,838	105,968
Straight-line rent accrual	48,835	50,726
Deferred franchise fees	266	1,143
Other	116,496	128,287
Other long-term liabilities	$309,435	$286,124

Unaudited_Quarterly_Results_Of2

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations (Quarterly Results Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 06, 2014	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Jul. 07, 2013	Apr. 14, 2013	Jan. 19, 2014	Jan. 20, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$2,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	344,687,000	348,492,000	340,870,000	337,981,000	350,329,000	347,222,000	450,081,000	454,335,000	1,484,131,000	1,489,867,000	1,509,295,000
Earnings from operations	29,225,000	43,000,000	32,879,000	36,699,000	30,884,000	27,447,000	57,204,000	43,175,000	162,308,000	138,205,000	120,816,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$16,160,000	$24,703,000	$15,801,000	$22,828,000	($5,656,000)	$13,291,000	$32,286,000	$20,689,000	$88,950,000	$51,152,000	$57,651,000
Net earnings per share, Basic (usd per share)	$0.41	$0.62	$0.38	$0.53	($0.13)	$0.30	$0.76	$0.48	$2.18	$1.18	$1.31
Net earnings per share, Diluted (usd per share)	$0.40	$0.61	$0.37	$0.51	($0.12)	$0.29	$0.74	$0.47	$2.12	$1.14	$1.28